If you love the savory crunch of an everything bagel, you’ll want this seasoning within arm’s reach. It’s salty, nutty, and full of texture, and making it in the air fryer gives it a quick, even toast that wakes up every ingredient. Sprinkle it on eggs, avocado toast, roasted veggies, salads, or even popcorn.

It takes just a few minutes, keeps well, and tastes fresher than anything you’ll find in a jar. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.

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What Makes This Special

Close-up detail: A shallow-depth-of-field macro of freshly air-fried everything bagel seasoning cool

This version uses the air fryer to lightly toast the seeds and spices, which boosts flavor and crispiness without burning. You get a deeper, bakery-style aroma and more consistent results than stovetop toasting.

Plus, you can scale the batch easily and customize the salt or garlic levels to your taste. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and honestly, a little addictive.

What You’ll Need

Sesame seeds (white or a mix of white and black)
Poppy seeds
Dried minced onion (also called onion flakes)
Dried minced garlic (garlic flakes, not powder)
Flaky or coarse salt (kosher salt or sea salt flakes work best)
Optional add-ins: black sesame seeds, nigella seeds, red pepper flakes, lemon zest (dried), or a pinch of smoked paprika

Suggested starting ratios (about 1 cup total):

3 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
2 tablespoons dried minced garlic
1 to 1½ teaspoons coarse salt (adjust to taste)

How to Make It

Cooking process: Overhead shot of an air fryer basket lined with a small sheet of foil showing a thi

Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 300°F (150°C). A lower temp helps prevent scorching, especially for garlic and onion flakes.
Mix the seeds: In a bowl, combine sesame seeds and poppy seeds.
Hold back the garlic, onion, and salt for now. They toast faster and can burn if added too early.
Toast the seeds: Spread the seed mixture in a thin, even layer on a small piece of foil or a shallow, air fryer–safe tray. Air fry for 3–5 minutes, shaking the tray halfway.
You’re looking for a light golden color and a nutty aroma.
Add the aromatics: Stir in the dried minced onion and garlic. Return to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes, watching closely. When the garlic and onion smell toasty and just begin to deepen in color, pull them out immediately.
Cool and salt: Let the mixture cool completely in a bowl.
Stir in the salt and any optional add-ins. Taste and adjust salt or garlic to your preference.
Store: Transfer to an airtight jar. Label it so you remember the date and any tweaks you made.

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 months.
Keep it away from steam and direct sunlight.
Refrigerator: For maximum freshness, store in the fridge for up to 4 months. This helps preserve the oils in the seeds.
Freezer: You can freeze it for 6 months. Let it come to room temp before opening to prevent condensation.
Moisture control: Always use a dry spoon and keep the container sealed tight to maintain crunch and aroma.

Final dish presentation: Beautifully plated avocado toast generously sprinkled with the air-fried ev

Why This is Good for You

Healthy fats: Sesame seeds and poppy seeds offer unsaturated fats and plant compounds that support heart health.
Minerals: Sesame seeds provide calcium, iron, and zinc.
A small sprinkle adds a gentle nutrient boost.
Flavor without heaviness: You get big flavor with minimal calories, which helps you season smarter and rely less on heavy sauces.
Customizable sodium: You control the salt level, making it easy to tailor to your dietary needs.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

Burning the garlic and onion: These toast quickly. Add them after the seeds and watch closely during the final minute.
Too much salt: Coarse salt packs a punch. Start with less, then taste and adjust.
Uneven toasting: Spread the mixture in a single, thin layer and shake the tray halfway through for even color.
Using powders instead of flakes: Garlic or onion powder clumps and tastes harsh here.
Use dried minced flakes for texture and balance.
Stale ingredients: Old seeds taste flat. If your sesame seeds smell musty or oily, replace them.

Recipe Variations

Low-sodium: Cut the salt by half or use a no-salt seasoning base and sprinkle flaky salt only when serving.
Smoky: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a tiny dash of liquid smoke powder for a barbecue-style finish.
Spicy: Mix in red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper for gentle heat.
Citrusy: Stir in finely grated lemon zest that’s been dried (air-dry on a paper towel for a few hours) for a bright twist.
Seed-forward: Add black sesame or nigella seeds for a deeper, earthy flavor and more visual contrast.
Garlic-lover’s blend: Increase dried minced garlic by 1 tablespoon and add just 30–60 seconds more toast time—watch like a hawk.

FAQ

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes. Use a dry skillet over medium-low heat.

Toast the sesame and poppy seeds first, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Stir in the onion and garlic for the last minute. Remove from heat, cool, then add salt.

What if I only have fine salt?

You can use it, but reduce the amount since fine salt tastes saltier by volume.

Start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste. Coarse or flaky salt gives better texture.

How can I keep the garlic from turning bitter?

Lower the air fryer temperature to 280–300°F and add the garlic later in the toast. Pull the mix as soon as you smell a nutty aroma and see light golden edges.

Cooling quickly stops carryover cooking.

Is this seasoning gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check labels to make sure there’s no cross-contamination if you’re highly sensitive.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Absolutely. Toast in batches so the layer stays thin and even.

Combine everything in a large bowl, adjust salt to taste, and store in multiple small jars to keep it fresh.

What should I put it on?

Avocado toast, eggs, cottage cheese, salads, grilled chicken or salmon, roasted veggies, hummus, buttered noodles, baked potatoes, flatbreads, and popcorn are all great. It even upgrades tomato slices and cream cheese.

Can I add sweet elements?

If you like a sweet-savory balance, mix in a tiny pinch of turbinado sugar after cooling. It’s not traditional, but it’s fun on roasted carrots or squash.

How long does it stay crunchy?

Properly stored, it stays crunchy for several weeks at room temperature and longer in the fridge.

Moisture is the enemy, so keep the container sealed and use a dry spoon.

What’s the best jar size?

A small 4–8 ounce jar works well for a home batch. Two smaller jars are better than one big one if you don’t use it quickly—the backup jar stays fresher, unopened.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Seasoning is one of those small kitchen upgrades that pays off every day. It’s quick to make, easy to tweak, and instantly boosts the flavor and texture of simple meals.

Keep a jar on your counter or in the fridge, and use it generously. With a few minutes and common pantry staples, you have a go-to topper that tastes like it came from your favorite bagel shop—only better.