One of the best ways to use stale bagels is to make these crunchy, crispy, and addictive bagel chips in an air fryer. The seasoning is a simple mix of butter, olive oil, garlic, herbs and parmesan cheese.
Using a serrated knife cut bagels into thin slices.
In a bowl mix warm melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
Arrange the sliced bagel and brush the seasoning with a pastry brush or drizzle the butter mixture a little by little and rub it with your hand. (Ref note 1)
Place seasoned slices in a single layer in airfryer basket. Sprinkle finely grated parmesan. Airfry at 180 C / 350 F for about 6-7 minutes.
Take out the basket, flip or toss the slices, and air fry for another 7-8 minutes until light golden brown in colour. Keep a close eye towards the end and shake the basket once again for even browning.
It will take 2-3 batches of air frying to finish all.
Once cooled down, store it in an air tight container for upto 2 weeks.
Notes
Avoid adding butter olive oil seasoning mixture all at once to sliced bagel, as it will not get distributed evenly. Keep adding 1-2 teaspoons at a time, rub with your fingertips to then add more.