Crispy Pizza Toast

This air fryer pizza toast is my emergency dinner solution when cravings strike but I don't have time for delivery or homemade dough. Ready in less than 15 minutes, it delivers that perfect pizza fix with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week when my regular pizza night was in jeopardy. My children were skeptical at first but now they actually request this quicker version some nights over traditional pizza.

Ingredients

• Bread slices serves as our quick crust base and gets wonderfully crispy in the air fryer choose sturdy bread like sourdough or texas toast for best results
• Pizza sauce provides that classic tomato flavor look for brands with minimal additives or use leftover homemade sauce
• Shredded mozzarella creates that essential melty cheese pull use low moisture whole milk mozzarella for best melt
• Pepperoni adds smoky spicy flavor opt for a quality brand with less grease or try turkey pepperoni for a lighter option
• Italian seasoning gives authentic pizza parlor flavor make sure yours is fresh as older herbs lose potency
• Garlic powder enhances the savory notes without overpowering fresh ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F and allow it to fully preheat for about 3 minutes. This crucial step ensures your toast gets crispy from the moment it enters the basket rather than slowly warming up.

Prepare The Base

Take your bread slices and spread approximately 3 to 4 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each slice, leaving a small border around the edges. This border will create a crust like effect and prevent excessive dripping.

Apply The Cheese

Distribute the shredded mozzarella evenly across both slices, making sure to cover all areas with sauce. The cheese acts as a protective layer that helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy from the sauce.

Add Toppings

Arrange pepperoni slices in an overlapping pattern and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Apply seasonings evenly to ensure consistent flavor throughout every bite.

Air Fry To Perfection

Place prepared slices in your air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, checking at the 5 minute mark. The toast is done when cheese is bubbly and golden and edges have turned crisp and brown.

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My favorite version of this recipe includes a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top right before serving. My daughter discovered this addition during a sleepover with friends, and it adds just enough heat to make the flavors pop without overwhelming young palates.

Storage Tips

While best enjoyed immediately after cooking, leftover pizza toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place back in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 350°F to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as this will make the bread soggy and unappetizing.

Endless Variations

The beauty of pizza toast lies in its versatility. Try a breakfast version with scrambled eggs and bacon bits, or go gourmet with caramelized onions and goat cheese. For vegetarian options, load with bell peppers, olives, and mushrooms. My family enjoys a taco pizza version with seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips added after cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your pizza toast experience by serving with a simple side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal, pair with a cup of tomato soup for dipping. Set up a pizza toast bar for gatherings where guests can customize their own creations before you air fry them to perfection.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different bread types for pizza toast?

Absolutely! While standard white or wheat bread works great, you can experiment with sourdough, ciabatta, or even English muffins for different textures and flavors. Thicker bread slices tend to hold toppings better.

→ What other toppings work well on pizza toast?

Almost any pizza topping works! Try mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, ham, bacon, pineapple, or different cheese varieties. Just be careful not to overload the bread with too many toppings, which can make it soggy.

→ How do I prevent my pizza toast from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, don't use too much sauce, pre-toast the bread slightly before adding toppings, or use a thicker bread slice. Also, eat immediately after cooking for the best texture.

→ Can I make pizza toast without an air fryer?

Yes! You can use a regular toaster oven or conventional oven set to broil. Place the prepared toast on a baking sheet and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

→ Is pizza toast suitable for meal prep?

Pizza toast is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Pre-measure toppings and store them separately, then assemble and air fry when ready to eat for the best taste and texture.

→ Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and plant-based pepperoni substitutes. There are many excellent vegan cheese options that melt well, and you can add nutritional yeast for extra flavor.