Air Fryer Garlic Toast Pizzas

Air Fryer Garlic Toast Pizzas are a delicious and quick meal or snack option. Here’s a simple recipe along with some notes to help you make them:

Ingredients:

• Slices of bread (preferably thick slices)
• Garlic butter or garlic powder mixed with butter
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, onions, olives, etc.)
• Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread:
   • If you’re using fresh garlic, mince it finely and mix it with softened butter to make garlic butter. Alternatively, you can use garlic powder mixed with butter.
   • Spread the garlic butter generously on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Assemble the Pizzas:
   • Place the bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface.
   • Spread a layer of pizza sauce over the untoasted side of the bread.
   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
   • Add your desired toppings on top of the cheese.
3. Air Fryer Cooking:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
   • Once preheated, carefully transfer the assembled pizzas into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches.
   • Cook the pizzas for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
4. Serve:
   • Carefully remove the pizzas from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
   • Sprinkle some Italian seasoning over the pizzas for extra flavor if desired.
   • Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes:

• Bread Selection: Thick slices of bread work best for this recipe as they hold up well to the toppings and don’t become soggy too quickly.
• Toppings: Feel free to customize your pizzas with your favorite toppings. Just ensure that any toppings that require cooking, such as raw meat or vegetables, are pre-cooked or sliced thinly to ensure they cook through in the air fryer.
• Temperature and Timing: Air fryer models may vary, so keep an eye on your pizzas as they cook to avoid overcooking or burning.
• Cleaning: Remember to clean your air fryer basket between batches if you’re cooking multiple batches.
• Serving Suggestions: These garlic toast pizzas are perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even as a snack for parties or game nights. Serve them with a side salad or some fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

Tips:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer helps ensure even cooking and crispiness, similar to preheating an oven.
2. Watch the Cheese: Keep an eye on the cheese while cooking. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the pizzas loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the toppings cook through.
3. Slice the Bread Evenly: If you’re using homemade or irregularly shaped bread, try to slice it evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
4. Layering Ingredients: Layer the ingredients starting with the sauce, followed by cheese, and then the toppings. This helps prevent the toppings from falling off while the pizzas cook.
5. Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to load up the pizzas with toppings, be mindful not to overload them. Too many toppings can make the bread soggy and prevent even cooking.

Variations:

1. Vegetarian Options: Create vegetarian versions by topping the pizzas with a variety of vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, spinach, or artichoke hearts.
2. Meat Lovers: For meat lovers, add toppings like pepperoni, cooked sausage crumbles, bacon bits, or shredded chicken.
3. Spicy Kick: Add a bit of heat by sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños on top of the pizzas before cooking.
4. Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, provolone, or feta for unique flavor profiles.
5. Pesto Sauce: Replace the traditional pizza sauce with pesto for a flavorful twist. Top with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a classic pesto pizza flavor.
6. BBQ Chicken: Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, and top with cooked chicken breast pieces, red onions, and cilantro for a BBQ chicken pizza flavor.
7. Breakfast Pizza: Make a breakfast version by topping the garlic toast with scrambled eggs, cooked breakfast sausage or bacon, and shredded cheese. Serve with a side of salsa or hot sauce for dipping.

Feel free to get creative and tailor these garlic toast pizzas to your taste preferences. They’re versatile, quick to make, and perfect for satisfying cravings any time of day!