Air-Fryer Pizza Toast: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Pizza toast is a quick and easy meal or snack that can be made in an air fryer in under 10 minutes. It is a convenient way to enjoy the flavours of pizza without the effort of making an entire pizza from scratch. The beauty of pizza toast is its versatility – you can use almost any type of bread and adapt the toppings to suit your taste. Whether you are cooking for one or for a group, pizza toast is a great option for a speedy and satisfying meal.

Choosing the right bread

Pizza toast is a versatile dish that can be made with almost any type of bread. The type of bread you choose will depend on your personal preference and dietary needs. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right bread for your pizza toast:

Type of Bread

You can use any type of sliced bread, such as white, wheat, sourdough, or gluten-free bread. You can also use bread rolls or a baguette sliced lengthwise. If you want a more robust base that can hold up to the toppings, opt for a hearty bread like sourdough, multigrain, ciabatta, or whole grain bread. These options will provide a chewier texture and a nuttier flavour that pairs well with the toppings.

Dietary Considerations

If you have specific dietary needs, such as gluten intolerance or veganism, choose a bread that accommodates your requirements. For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free bread specifically. For vegan options, you can use vegan bread and choose plant-based toppings.

Texture and Crispiness

Consider the texture and crispiness you want to achieve. For a crispier crust, pre-toasting the bread before adding the toppings is a secret weapon. To enhance the flavour and ensure a crispy texture, you can butter one side of the bread or brush it with olive oil before toasting. This step will create a barrier between the sauce and the bread, preventing it from becoming soggy.

Availability and Convenience

Choose a bread that is readily available to you and fits your schedule. You can use leftover sandwich bread, slices from a loaf, or fresh bread from the bakery. If you're short on time, opt for pre-sliced bread to speed up the preparation process.

Remember, the beauty of pizza toast is its versatility, so don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite combination. You can even mix and match toppings to create unique flavour profiles with each bread choice.

Layering the toppings

• Start by spreading a layer of sauce over one side of each bread slice. You can use pizza sauce, tomato sauce, marinara sauce, or even alfredo sauce.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top of the sauce. Mozzarella is a popular choice, but you can also mix in cheddar cheese, gouda, goat cheese, or parmesan cheese for added flavour.
• Add any additional toppings of your choice. If you are using pepperoni or other meat toppings, place them on the pizza now. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
• If you are using fresh herbs like basil or oregano, it is best to add them after cooking, as the last layer.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of toppings and cheeses to find your favourite pizza toast flavour!

Air fryer settings

The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can cook pizza toast from scratch in under 10 minutes. It is faster and often more energy-efficient than a conventional oven or toaster oven.

Preparation:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes. Some air fryer models may not require preheating, but it is generally recommended to ensure uniform cooking.

Assembly:

Spread a layer of pizza sauce over one side of each bread slice. You can use store-bought or homemade tomato sauce, or opt for a lighter option like marinara sauce. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Mozzarella provides the classic, stretchy, and gooey texture. You can also mix in other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or parmesan for a flavour kick.

At this stage, you can add any additional toppings of your choice. For pre-cooked meats and vegetables that release moisture, like mushrooms, to prevent sogginess, it is recommended to sauté or pre-cook them briefly before adding to your pizza toast.

Arrangement in the Air Fryer:

Place the assembled pizza toast slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Cooking:

Close the air fryer and set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). For gluten-free bread, you can also use an air fryer to make gluten-free garlic bread as the base. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly, and the edges of the bread are crispy and golden brown.

Checking for Doneness:

Open the air fryer to check if the pizza toast is cooked to your liking. If you prefer your cheese more browned, you can cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Serving:

Carefully remove the pizza toast slices from the air fryer, as they will be hot. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving.

Pro Tips:

• Use sturdy, high-quality bread like sourdough or a hearty whole grain to ensure a robust base for your toppings. Flimsy bread may become too soggy.
• Don't overdo the sauce; too much can make your toast soggy.
• Pre-cook vegetables that release a lot of moisture, like mushrooms, to prevent sogginess.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Leave enough space between each slice for hot air to circulate freely.
• For an extra crispy base, you can flip the pizza toast halfway through the cooking process, although this may be tricky with toppings.
• The exact cooking time and temperature can vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of your bread. Keep an eye on it and adjust as necessary.
• If your air fryer tends to blow lightweight items around, you can add the shredded cheese underneath the pizza sauce to prevent it from flying off.
• Use air fryer-safe parchment paper or aluminium foil for easier cleanup, ensuring it doesn't obstruct airflow.

Cooking time

The cooking time for pizza toast in an air fryer varies depending on the model of your air fryer and the type of bread used. Most recipes suggest cooking the pizza toast for around 5 minutes, but this can range from 4 to 10 minutes.

Some recipes recommend cooking the pizza toast in two stages. First, toast the bread on its own for 2-4 minutes, and then add the toppings and cook for a further 3-6 minutes. This two-stage process helps to ensure that the bread becomes crispy and that the toppings are cooked properly.

It's important to note that air fryers can vary in temperature settings, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. If your air fryer doesn't have a 360-degree option, for example, you can cook the pizza toast at 355 degrees F.

Additionally, if you are cooking multiple batches or if your air fryer is preheated, you may need to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.

To check if your pizza toast is done, look for melted cheese and slightly bubbly sauce, with the edges of the bread crispy and golden brown. If you prefer your cheese more browned, you can cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Always remember to refer to your air fryer's specific instructions and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Serving suggestions

Pizza toast is a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, a quick meal, or even as part of a larger spread. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your pizza toast experience:

As a Snack

Pizza toast is a perfect snack option, especially for kids. It can be served as an after-school snack or packed in their lunch boxes. It's a tasty and filling option that will keep them satisfied until their next meal.

Quick Meal

Pizza toast can be a quick and easy solution for a busy weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend meal. Pair it with a simple side salad, such as a house salad or a wedge salad, to make it a more substantial meal.

Customizable Option

The beauty of pizza toast is its customizability. You can offer a variety of toppings and sauces to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Set up a pizza toast bar and let everyone build their own, choosing from options like:

• Different types of bread (sourdough, multigrain, ciabatta, gluten-free, etc.)
• Sauces (tomato sauce, marinara, alfredo, pesto, BBQ sauce)
• Cheeses (mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, goat cheese, vegan cheese)
• Toppings (co: 0,1,2,3,4,5) (pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, vegetables, pineapple)

Appetizer or Starter

Pizza toast also works well as an appetizer or starter for a larger meal. Cut the pizza toasts into smaller pieces or serve them as open-faced sandwiches. You can even offer a variety of toppings and sauces to cater to different tastes.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, consider serving pizza toast with some side dishes:

• A simple side of fresh fruit and vegetables can add a healthy and refreshing element to the meal.
• For a heartier option, serve it with a bowl of soup or a side of fries.
• If you're serving it as part of an Italian-themed meal, offer some garlic bread or bruschetta on the side.

Dessert

For a sweet ending to your meal, pair your pizza toast with a dessert that complements its flavours. Some options could include:

• A light and refreshing fruit-based dessert, such as a fruit salad or sorbet.
• For a more indulgent option, serve it with a classic Italian dessert like tiramisu or cannoli.
• For a fun twist, offer mini versions of popular desserts, such as mini apple pies or cherry pies, similar to the ones mentioned in one of the sources.

Frequently asked questions