Cowboy Butter Bagel Chips are crispy, buttery, and packed with bold flavor! They start with a plain bagel cut into thin rounds, then get tossed in melted Cowboy Butter and baked until golden and crisp. They are a fun snack or crunchy side, much like my Garlic Bagel Chips.

You can make these in the oven or the air fryer, so pick whichever works best for you! The air fryer is especially handy when you are making a smaller batch. And if you love that buttery, savory flavor, check out my Cowboy Butter recipes for even more ways to use it!

Cowboy Butter Bagel Chips laid out on a wooden table next to a bowl of cowboy butter.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Cowboy Butter: You will need 6 tablespoons of melted Cowboy Butter. You can also make it using 6 tablespoons unsalted butter mixed with 1 ½ tablespoons Cowboy Butter Seasoning. Taste the seasoned butter and add another ½ teaspoon if you want a bolder flavor. I tested the recipe both ways, and both were excellent! The seasoning option also lets you easily adjust the flavor to your liking.

Plain unsliced bagel: Use one unsliced plain bagel and cut it into thin, ⅛-inch rounds. An everything bagel, sesame, or onion bagel can also be used for a different flavor.

Bowl of Cowboy Butter Bagel Chips next to a bowl of cowboy butter.

FAQs

Can I use a flavored bagel?

Absolutely! Plain bagels let the Cowboy Butter flavor stand out, but you can use an everything, sesame, onion, or another savory bagel if you like.

How thin should I slice the bagel?

Aim for about ⅛ inch thick. Thin, even slices help the bagel chips bake up crisp. A serrated knife works well for slicing the bagel.

Can I use stale bagels?

Yes! This is a great way to use up a bagel that is a little past its prime. Just make sure it is still safe to eat and has no mold.

Why aren’t my bagel chips crispy?

They may need a little more time in the oven. Bagels can vary in moisture, so continue baking for a few minutes at a time until the chips are golden and crisp. They will also crisp up more as they cool.

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Yes! Air fryer instructions are included in the Notes section. Because air fryers can vary, keep an eye on the bagel chips as they cook so they don’t get too dark.

Hand holding one Cowboy Butter Bagel Chip.

Tips for the Best Cowboy Butter Bagel Chips

Slice evenly. Try to cut the bagel into thin, even ⅛-inch rounds so the chips cook at the same rate.
Coat every piece. Toss the bagel rounds well with the melted Cowboy Butter so each one gets plenty of flavor.
Don’t crowd the pan. Arrange the rounds in a single layer with a little space between them so they can crisp up evenly.
Keep an eye on them. Thin bagel slices can brown quickly, so check them toward the end of the baking time.
Let them cool. The bagel chips will crisp up even more as they cool, so give them a few minutes before serving.

Black bowl of Cowboy Butter Bagel Chips on a wooden table with whole bagels and cowboy butter.

How To Store Cowboy Butter Bagel Chips

Room Temperature: Let the bagel chips cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the moisture can make them lose their crisp texture. But honestly, I don’t think they will last that long; they are so addicting!

To Re-Crisp: If the bagel chips soften, place them in a 300°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes until crisp again. Let them cool before serving.

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