Easy Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Bread: Use your favorite type! I love whole wheat for its nutty flavor, but white bread works too. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free bread or even a rice cake for a lighter version.

Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the show. For a creamier texture, opt for full-fat cottage cheese. Low-fat works well too. If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta or cream cheese are good alternatives.

Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix in Parmesan for an extra flavor kick. If you’re dairy-free, shredded vegan cheese can substitute here, but watch for melting quality.

Vegetables: Get creative! Bell peppers, olives, and cherry tomatoes are great, but you can add spinach, mushrooms, or onions too. Just chop them small for even cooking. You can also use frozen vegetables if that’s what you have on hand.

How Do I Get the Perfectly Crispy Bread in the Air Fryer?

This is a common concern when using an air fryer for recipes like pizza toast. To achieve that golden, crispy bread, here are some tips:

• Preheat the air fryer as it helps achieve better crispiness.
• Lightly brush your bread with olive oil for a crunchier texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even air circulation.
• Keep an eye on the toast as you cook. The cooking time may vary based on your air fryer, so check for a golden color.

Easy Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup sliced cherry tomatoes (red and yellow)
• 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers (green and red)
• 1 tsp olive oil (optional, for brushing)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 6-8 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, you’ll have your delicious cottage cheese pizza toast ready to enjoy in just about 20 minutes!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:

First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This will help make your toast nice and crispy.

2. Prepare the Bread:

Lightly brush each slice of bread with olive oil if you want it extra crispy. It adds a lovely flavor, but you can skip this if you prefer.

3. Spread the Cottage Cheese:

Take your cottage cheese and spread an even layer over each slice of bread. This will provide a creamy base for your toppings!

4. Add the Cheese:

Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the cottage cheese. This adds that gooey, cheesy goodness you love!

5. Top with Veggies:

Now, it’s time to layer on the fun! Arrange the sliced cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and black olives evenly on top of the cheese.

6. Season It Up:

Sprinkle Italian seasoning or dried oregano, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper, over your toppings for extra flavor.

7. Air Fry the Toast:

Carefully place the prepared toast slices in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re in a single layer for even cooking. Air fry for 6-8 minutes until the cheese melts and the edges of the bread turn golden and crispy.

8. Garnish and Serve:

Once done, carefully remove the toast from the air fryer and garnish it with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.

9. Enjoy!

Serve your delicious Easy Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast warm and dig in! Perfect for lunch, a snack, or a quick dinner.

FAQ for Easy Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast

Can I Use Different Types of Bread?

Absolutely! You can use any bread you like, such as sourdough, ciabatta, or even gluten-free options. Just keep in mind that thick cuts may require slightly longer cooking time.

What Can I Substitute for Cottage Cheese?

If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, feel free to use ricotta cheese for a creamier texture, or cream cheese for a richer flavor. Both will work well as a base for your toppings!

How Should I Store Leftover Toast?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore that crispy texture.

Can I Customize the Toppings?

Definitely! This recipe is very customizable. Add your favorite toppings like mushrooms, spinach, or pepperoni. Just make sure to chop the veggies small to ensure even cooking!