Excellent choice! Air Fryer Garlic Toast Pizza is the ultimate quick, crispy, and incredibly satisfying snack or easy meal. It turns simple ingredients into something magical with minimal cleanup.
Here’s a foolproof recipe that delivers a crispy-golden crust, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings in under 10 minutes.
Air Fryer Garlic Toast Pizza
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 5-8 mins | Total Time: < 15 mins | Servings: 1-2
Ingredients:
· Base:
· 2 slices of thick-cut bread or a small sub/hoagie roll, split open (Texas toast, sourdough, or ciabatta work best)
· 1-2 tbsp softened butter or olive oil
· 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (or ¼ tsp garlic powder)
· 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for the garlic butter)
· Sauce & Toppings:
· 2-3 tbsp pizza sauce, marinara, or even pesto
· ½ – ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture works best)
· Your favorite toppings: pepperoni slices, diced bell peppers, sliced olives, mushrooms, cooked sausage, etc.
· A pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning
· Red pepper flakes (optional)
· Grated Parmesan cheese, for finishing
Instructions:
- Prep the Garlic “Crust”:
· In a small bowl, mix the softened butter (or oil) with the minced garlic and parsley (if using).
· Spread the garlic butter generously over one side of each bread slice (or the inside of the split roll). This is your flavor foundation!
- Assemble the Pizzas:
· Place the bread slices, garlic-butter-side-up, in the air fryer basket. Optional: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2 minutes to pre-toast the bread for extra crunch and to prevent sogginess.
· Spread 1-1.5 tbsp of sauce evenly over each pre-toasted slice.
· Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese, then add your toppings. Don’t overload, or the cheese won’t melt properly.
· Finish with a pinch of oregano and/or red pepper flakes.
- Air Fry to Perfection:
· Air fry at 370°F (190°C) for 3-6 minutes. Start checking at 3 minutes.
· You’re looking for: The cheese to be fully melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread to be deeply golden brown and crispy.
· Cooking time depends on your air fryer model and how loaded your pizza is.
- Serve Immediately:
· Carefully remove the pizzas (they’re hot!).
· Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and a fresh herb like basil if you have it.
· Let cool for 1 minute before devouring. The crunch is unbeatable!
Pro-Tips for the Best Air Fryer Toast Pizza:
· Bread Choice is Key: Thicker, sturdier bread is essential. Texas Toast is the champion here. A sturdy ciabatta roll or sourdough slice also works wonderfully. Avoid thin sandwich bread—it can burn or become too brittle.
· Pre-Toasting: The optional pre-toast step is a game-changer. It creates a barrier against the sauce and ensures an ultra-crispy final product.
· Avoid Sogginess: Don’t oversauce! Use just enough to coat the bread thinly. Also, pat wet toppings (like canned mushrooms or pineapple) dry with a paper towel.
· Spacing is Crucial: Leave a little space between the bread slices in the basket for optimal hot air circulation.
· Double the Recipe: You can cook 2-4 slices at once, depending on your air fryer size. Just arrange them in a single layer without overlapping.
· Get Creative with Sauces: Try Alfredo sauce + chicken, BBQ sauce + red onion + chicken, or simply a drizzle of olive oil with sliced tomatoes (Bruschetta-style).
Why This Method Rocks:
· Speed: From craving to eating in 10 minutes.
· Texture: Achieves a level of crispiness that a microwave can’t dream of and faster than a conventional oven.
· Portion Control: Perfect for a single-serving snack or a quick lunch.
· Kid-Friendly: Let everyone assemble their own mini pizzas.
This is the epitome of “Crispy Heaven” in the air fryer! Enjoy your delicious, personal-sized pizza creation.