Bread pizza is the after-school snack that turns a few slices of bread into a crispy, cheesy treat. In the air fryer it takes about 6 minutes: the base toasts from underneath while the cheese melts and bubbles on top, without the soggy middle you often get on a tawa.
| Prep | 5 min |
| Air fry | 5–6 min |
| Temperature | 180 °C (350 °F) |
| Makes | 4 slices |
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread: white, brown or multigrain (slightly stale bread works best)
- 1 tbsp softened butter
- 4 tbsp pizza sauce (or tomato ketchup mixed with a pinch of oregano and chilli flakes)
- ¾ cup grated mozzarella, or half mozzarella and half processed cheese
- ¼ cup each finely chopped capsicum, onion and tomato (seeds removed)
- 2 tbsp boiled sweet corn
- Optional: paneer cubes, olives, jalapeños, mushrooms
- Oregano and chilli flakes to finish
How to make bread pizza in the air fryer
- Butter the bottom. Lightly butter one side of each slice. This side goes down and turns crisp.
- Sauce the top. Flip and spread 1 tbsp pizza sauce on each slice, leaving a thin border.
- Add toppings. Sprinkle a little cheese first, then the vegetables, then the rest of the cheese on top. The cheese layer underneath stops the bread going soggy.
- Air fry at 180 °C (350 °F) for 5–6 minutes, in a single layer, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the base is crisp.
- Finish with oregano and chilli flakes. Cut into triangles and serve hot.
Using very soft, fresh bread? Air fry the plain buttered slices for 1–2 minutes first, then add the toppings and continue.
Variations
| Variation | What to change |
|---|---|
| Paneer tikka bread pizza | Top with leftover paneer tikka and onion |
| Corn-cheese | Just sweet corn, cheese and a little green chilli |
| Garlic bread pizza | Mix grated garlic into the butter |
| Chilli cheese toast | Skip the sauce; see our viral air fryer recipes |
Tips
- Seed the tomatoes and don’t overload watery vegetables; they make the bread soggy.
- Use day-old bread. It holds the toppings better.
- Light bread can lift. Fans in some air fryers are strong enough to flip a slice. Make sure the toppings weigh it down, or use the rack on top.
- Kids’ tiffin: bread pizza is best eaten fresh. For tiffins, use firmer brown bread and less sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does bread pizza take in the air fryer?
5–6 minutes at 180 °C (350 °F). Add 1–2 minutes of pre-toasting if the bread is very soft.
Can I make bread pizza without an oven or air fryer?
Yes, on a covered tawa or pan on low heat, but the air fryer gives a crisper base and evenly melted cheese.
Which cheese is best for bread pizza?
Mozzarella gives the stretch; adding a little processed cheese gives the creamy, salty flavour many kids love.