Air-Fryer Ham, Cheese & Egg Bagel
For a breakfast that seems indulgent but is actually easy, this air-fryer ham, cheese, and egg bagel is clutch. It’s fast, gratifying, and loaded with contrasting textures — from the golden crunch of toasted bagel to the creamy goo of melted cheese and soft yolk.
The trick is the air fryer, which crisps the outside but lets the inside stay warm and gooey. Just a dab of chili jam or red onion chutney adds a sweet-tart zing, nicely offsetting the saltiness of the ham and richness of the cheddar.
Whether you’re planning a power breakfast or a significant-noon snack, this next-level classic adds gourmet élan to your routine — with little effort and big flavor.
Air-Fryer Ham, Cheese & Egg Bagel — Ingredients Spotlight
Bagel
The epic base that makes this breakfast a handheld treat — crisps up like a dream in the air fryer, while wrapping up all that savory goodness.
Ham
Smoky and salty, it adds depth and richness, and plays a pleasing counter to the creamy cheese and the sweet chutney.
Cheddar Cheese
Melts into gooey goodness, imparting every morsel with bold heroism and soothing warmth.
Chili Jam or Red Onion Chutney
A sweet-and-tangy layer that slices through the richness, offering unexpected brightness in this indulgent pairing.
Golden Yolker Egg
The crown jewel — its runny golden center brings luxurious texture to the bagel, making it a fully realized meal.
Ham, Cheese & Egg Bagel in the Air Fryer
This is just the kind of thing that makes the ultimate breakfast indulgence—just a little bit crispy and a gooey on the inside, and packed with flavor and goodness—the air-fryer ham, cheese, and egg bagel. Whether you’re looking for a simple pleasure to whip up on a busy weeknight or a filling solution for a weekend brunch, this recipe gives a precise bite with every try. Below, expert tips for leveling up your results, delicious serving pairings, and answers to common questions, so you nail it every time.
Recipe Tips
Use a Thick-Cut Bagel for the Ideal Structural Foundation
A hearty bagel stays in better shape in the air fryer, and leaves less room for sogginess once the egg is in. Go for one of the bakery-style or dense bagels that can support the fillings without collapsing or going soft in the center. Thinner bagels are more likely to toast too much, or flatten out too much, under the heat and weight of the toppings.
Egg Cook Time: How to Customize Your Preferred Consistency
The egg takes center stage and you can cook it for more or less time, depending on how you like your yolk. Eight minutes is usually sufficient for a runny center. For a firmer, fully set yolk, cook 10–11 minutes. You can also test for doneness by gently pressing the top for firmness and adding cooking time as needed.
Allow the cheese to melt before adding the egg
The head start for the cheese and ham lets flavors meld and the cheese melt evenly, before introducing the egg. This ensures you don’t overcook the egg while you wait for the cheese to melt, and that each forkful gets a more multilayered, flavorful bite.
What to Serve with Air-Fryer Ham, Cheese & Egg Bagel
Fresh Fruit Salad
Balancing the bagel’s richness, any bowl of chilled fruit — strawberries, melon or citrus segments. Its natural sweetness and acidity brighten the meal and cleanse the palate between savory bites.
Crispy Hash Browns or Home Fries
For a more substantial plate, serve this bagel with crispy air-fried hash browns or skillet-fried potatoes. They add crunch alongside the gooey center of the bagel, making breakfast a full comfort meal.
A Light Greens Salad
Serve along with a little green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to brighten things up. Peppery arugula or baby spinach provides contrast to the rich bagel, and the acidity cuts through the cheese and ham nicely.
Must Read: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use another kind of cheese in this?
Absolutely! Cheddar has a sharp, melty bite, but you can use mozzarella for a milder taste or Swiss for nutty depth as a substitute.
What can I substitute for chili jam or red onion chutney?
You can also try honey mustard, tomato relish or even cream cheese for a bit more flavor. Just make sure the spread balances the salty ham and luxuriant cheese.
Can I make this in advance?
You can build the sandwich (without the egg) and refrigerate overnight. Midway through cooking, add the egg, to ensure the yolk stays fresh and gooey. Pop it into the air fryer in the morning, and voilà!
Can you make it vegetarian somehow?
Yes — forgo the ham and sauté mushrooms or spinach instead. These substitutes deliver a savory umami kick without the meat.
Air-Fryer Ham, Cheese & Egg Bagel
Ingredients
- 1 Freshlay Farms Golden Yolker Egg
- 1 bagel sliced horizontally
- 1 –2 slices of ham
- 25 g grated cheddar cheese
- ½ tablespoon chili jam or red onion chutney
Instructions
- Step 1
- The air fryer is preheated to 180°C and both sides of the bagel are arrows in the air fryer until a light crisp forms, about 2–3 minutes. Tear off the top half and, if needed, run a sharp knife around the center hole to enlarge it slightly to fit the egg.
- Spread the chili jam or red onion chutney evenly across the bottom half of the bagel. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top of the spread, then the ham. Place the bagel top over the filling, then place the assembled sandwich back in the air fryer. Let the cheese melt and flavors mingle, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Step 2
- Take the bagel out of the air fryer. Drop the yolk from a Golden Yolker Egg into the expanded hole of the top bagel half. If egg white spills over, gently lift the bagel a little higher and allow some of the egg to settle underneath.
- Return the bagel to the air fryer and cook for another 8–10 minutes depending on how firm you want the egg. The outside should be golden and crisp, and the cheese fully melted. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over before serving, if you like.
