The beauty of this air fryer pizza toast lies in its simplicity and versatility. Not only is it a kid-friendly snack that can be made in minutes, but it’s also easily adaptable to any taste. Whether you prefer a classic pepperoni pizza or a veggie-loaded version, the crispy bread base paired with gooey melted cheese offers the perfect contrast of textures. The air fryer ensures that the bread stays crunchy without becoming soggy, while the toppings meld together for a satisfying, cheesy bite. It’s the ideal recipe when you’re craving pizza but don’t have time to make dough from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread (Italian, sourdough, or your favorite type)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16 slices of pepperoni (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1/4 cup black olives (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures that your pizza toast gets a crispy base when cooked.
- Prepare the Bread: Lightly brush one side of each slice of bread with olive oil. This will help give the bread a golden, crispy texture. Place the slices oil-side down on a plate or cutting board.
- Spread the Sauce: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto the un-oiled side of each slice of bread. Spread it evenly, making sure to cover most of the surface, but leave a small border around the edges.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Add your preferred toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives, or any other pizza ingredients you enjoy. You can also sprinkle some Italian seasoning and garlic powder on top for extra flavor.
- Air Fry: Place the prepared pizza toast slices in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches. Air fry the pizza toast at 375°F for 4-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, carefully remove the pizza toast from the air fryer. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and delicious.
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Tips:
- Bread Choice: Thicker slices of bread like sourdough or Italian bread work best for this recipe because they can hold up to the toppings without becoming too soggy.
- Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Extra Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Try adding cooked sausage, bell peppers, onions, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze after cooking.
Enjoy your homemade air fryer pizza toast!