Ingredients
8 slices thick Italian bread, sourdough, or ciabatta
2 tablespoons olive oil or softened butter
2 medium tomatoes, sliced thin
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
8-10 fresh basil leaves
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F for 3 minutes.
Brush one side of each bread slice lightly with olive oil or butter.
Place bread slices in the air fryer basket, oil side down.
Layer each slice with tomato slices, mozzarella, and basil leaves.
Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan if using.
Air fry for 5–6 minutes until bread is crisp and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove carefully and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
Serve warm.
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Use sturdy bread so it stays crisp under toppings.
- Pat tomato slices dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Add basil after cooking for a fresher flavor if preferred.
Variations
- Pesto Melt: Spread pesto on bread before adding toppings.
- Turkey Melt: Add sliced turkey for extra protein.
- Spicy Version: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
- Low Carb: Use keto bread or portobello mushroom caps.
- Garlic Lovers: Rub toasted bread with fresh garlic before topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving320
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g