If you’re craving a quick, delicious, and pizza-inspired snack, Air Fryer Pizza Toast is a fantastic option. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is ready in just a few minutes. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients
- 2 slices of thick white bread or Texas toast
- Thick slices of bread or Texas toast provide a sturdy base for your pizza toppings and ensure the toast remains crispy and satisfying.
- 2 tablespoons marinara sauce
- Marinara sauce adds the classic pizza flavor and provides a base for the cheese and toppings.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and creates that gooey, cheesy texture that’s perfect for pizza toast.
- 6 slices of pepperoni (optional)
- Pepperoni adds a savory, spicy kick. Feel free to skip it or substitute with other toppings like cooked sausage, vegetables, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh basil
- Italian seasoning or fresh basil enhances the pizza flavor with a mix of herbs. Italian seasoning provides a blend of dried herbs, while fresh basil adds a burst of freshness.
- Extra virgin olive oil for brushing
- Brushing the bread with olive oil helps it crisp up in the air fryer and adds a subtle flavor.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that your pizza toast cooks evenly and gets crispy.
2. Prepare the Bread:
- Lightly brush both sides of the bread slices with extra virgin olive oil. This step helps achieve a golden, crispy texture.
3. Add Marinara Sauce:
- Spread 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce evenly over each slice of bread. Be careful not to add too much sauce, as it can make the toast soggy.
4. Add Cheese and Toppings:
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over each slice of bread. If using, place 3 slices of pepperoni on each slice of bread. Sprinkle Italian seasoning or fresh basil over the top for added flavor.
5. Air Fry the Pizza Toast:
- Place the prepared slices of pizza toast in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Carefully remove the pizza toast from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving. Slice into halves or quarters if desired. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and flavorful pizza toast!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pizza Toast
- Use Thick Bread: Thick slices of bread or Texas toast work best as they hold up well under the toppings and become nicely crispy in the air fryer.
- Don’t Overload with Sauce: Applying too much marinara sauce can make the bread soggy. A thin, even layer is sufficient.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your bread and the model of your air fryer. Keep an eye on the pizza toast as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Try adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Check for Crispiness: If the cheese is melted but you prefer a crispier texture, you can add an extra minute or two in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Pizza Toast is a quick and satisfying snack that brings the flavors of pizza into a convenient, easy-to-make dish. With its crispy bread, gooey cheese, and savory toppings, it’s perfect for a quick meal or snack. Whether you’re using it as a base for a more elaborate meal or enjoying it as a simple treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy your homemade pizza toast fresh out of the air fryer for the best flavor and texture!
