The magic of this air fryer pizza toast lies in its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and just a few minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a crunchy, cheesy slice of pizza-like goodness without the fuss of making traditional pizza dough. The air fryer’s intense heat crisps the bread while perfectly melting the cheese, offering a satisfying contrast between the crispy base and the gooey, savory toppings. It’s an excellent option for quick lunches, snacks, or even a fun dinner, especially when you’re craving pizza but don’t have the time for takeout or a homemade pie.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
- 4 tablespoons pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16 slices of pepperoni (or your favorite toppings: mushrooms, olives, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Olive oil spray (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes.
- Prepare the Bread: While the air fryer is preheating, arrange the slices of bread on a flat surface. If you prefer a crispy texture, lightly spray both sides of each slice with olive oil. This step is optional but helps achieve a crunchy texture.
- Add Pizza Sauce: Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly over each slice of bread. Be sure to cover the surface but avoid adding too much sauce, as this can make the toast soggy.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on each slice of bread. After the cheese, place your desired toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, or olives. Add a pinch of Italian seasoning on top for extra flavor.
- Air Fry the Pizza Toast: Carefully place the prepared pizza toasts in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Air fry at 375°F for 5-6 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden and crispy.
- Check and Adjust: Keep an eye on the pizza toast in the last minute to ensure it doesn’t burn. Cooking times may vary slightly based on your air fryer model. If you like your cheese more golden, you can add an extra minute or two.
- Serve: Remove the pizza toast from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow it to cool for a minute, as the cheese will be hot. Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Enjoy: Slice the pizza toast diagonally or into smaller squares if serving as a snack or appetizer
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Tips:
- Bread Choice: Opt for thicker bread like sourdough or Texas toast if you prefer a heartier base. Thin slices will cook faster and can become overly crispy.
- Make it Vegetarian: Replace pepperoni with mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or even fresh basil for a veggie-friendly version.
- Add More Flavor: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a unique twist.
