Crispy bread boats are a quick snack for picnics, game days, small gatherings, or a casual evening at home. They’re simple to make and have a cheesy pizza-like flavor.
The air fryer makes the bread crisp and keeps the filling warm and soft. This recipe makes about 6–8 servings. You can adjust the recipe if you’re serving more or fewer people.
Serve these bread boats on their own or with a dip, dressing, or ranch.
How to Make Crispy Bread Boats
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 slices sandwich bread, crusts removed
- ¼ cup capsicum, finely chopped
- ¼ cup carrot, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- ¼ cup diced onion
- ¼ cup boiled sweet corn
- 1½ tbsp fresh coriander, finely chopped
- ¼ cup cottage cheese (paneer), diced
- 1 tbsp Schezwan sauce
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, combine the capsicum, carrots, bell peppers, boiled corn, onion, fresh coriander, cottage cheese, Schezwan sauce, mayonnaise, salt, and chili flakes. Mix everything well.
2. Place a slice of bread on a flat surface and flatten it with a rolling pin. Spoon some of the veggie mixture into the center. Spread the filling slightly, leaving two opposite corners mostly uncovered.
3. Top the filling with grated cheese.
4. Bring the two opposite corners together and overlap them slightly. Secure the corners with a toothpick. Repeat with the remaining bread slices.
5. Lightly brush the tops with butter.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 385°F. Place the bread boats in the basket and cook for about 10 minutes. Check them after 5 minutes so they don’t overcook.
7. When the bread boats are golden and crisp, take them out of the air fryer. Let them cool for a minute, then remove the toothpicks and serve warm.
Serve and Enjoy!
Important Recipe Notes:
- Check early: Air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking time, so check the bread boats after 5 minutes to make sure they don’t burn.
- Secure with toothpicks: Toothpicks help keep the bread boats together while cooking. The toothpicks will be hot, so remove them carefully before serving.
- Serve hot: Serve the bread boats warm and crispy. If you’re serving them later, make the filling ahead and air-fry the bread boats just before serving.
- Use fresh, soft bread: Fresh, soft sandwich bread is easier to shape. You can leave the crusts on, but removing them makes the bread easier to shape.
- Finely chop the vegetables: Finely chop the vegetables so they mix well and are easy to spoon into the bread.
Crispy Bread Boats
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the capsicum, carrots, bell peppers, boiled corn, onion, fresh coriander, cottage cheese, Schezwan sauce, mayonnaise, salt, and chili flakes. Mix everything well.
- Place a slice of bread on a flat surface and flatten it with a rolling pin. Spoon some of the veggie mixture into the center. Spread the filling slightly, leaving two opposite corners mostly uncovered.
- Top the filling with grated cheese.
- Bring the two opposite corners together and overlap them slightly. Secure the corners with a toothpick. Repeat with the remaining bread slices.
- Lightly brush the tops with butter.
- Preheat the air fryer to 385°F. Place the bread boats in the basket and cook for about 10 minutes. Check them after 5 minutes so they don’t overcook.
- When the bread boats are golden and crisp, take them out of the air fryer. Let them cool for a minute, then remove the toothpicks and serve warm.