Save My air fryer and I had a breakthrough moment one lazy Saturday afternoon when I was staring at a loaf of sourdough, wondering what quick lunch could feel both indulgent and effortless. I'd been toasting bread the old-fashioned way for years, but something about that hot metal basket made me think differently—why not lean into the crispiness and make it count? Fifteen minutes later, I was biting into something that tasted like a pizza parlor in my kitchen, melted cheese pooling at the edges, the bread shatteringly crisp. My partner asked for seconds before I'd even finished my first slice.
I remember bringing these to a potluck where everyone was supposed to bring something fancy, and I showed up with pizza toast in a little container, half-joking about it. By the end of the night, the container was empty and three people were asking for the recipe. There's something about food that's simultaneously casual and delicious that wins people over—it doesn't take itself too seriously, but it doesn't have to.
Ingredients
- Thick-cut bread (sourdough, Italian, or sandwich bread): Thicker slices hold up better to the sauce and toppings without turning into mush; they also develop that crucial crispy exterior while staying tender inside.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter spreads evenly without tearing the bread and carries the garlic flavor beautifully through every bite.
- Fresh garlic: Minced fine so it distributes through the butter without burning, which would turn bitter in the air fryer's dry heat.
- Marinara sauce: Use something you actually like eating straight from the jar—this isn't the place to hide mediocre sauce behind cheese.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan blend: The mozzarella melts and gets stringy, while the Parmesan adds a sharp, salty edge that keeps things interesting.
- Toppings: Pepperoni crisps up beautifully, but vegetables should be sliced thin so they cook through in the short time.
Instructions
- Get your air fryer ready:
- Preheat to 370°F for just 2 minutes—this is hot enough that the bread will toast and crisp up while the cheese melts, but cool enough that the bottom won't burn.
- Make your garlic butter:
- Mash softened butter with minced garlic, parsley if you have it, and a tiny pinch of salt in a small bowl. The warmth of your hand mixing it helps the garlic infuse into the butter evenly.
- Butter your bread:
- Spread the garlic mixture on one side of each slice, generous but not so much it pools at the edges. You want flavor in every bite without waste.
- Layer it in:
- Arrange your bread buttered-side up in a single layer in the basket—they shouldn't touch or overlap. If your air fryer is small, work in batches rather than forcing them in.
- Build your pizza:
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara onto each slice, then scatter mozzarella and Parmesan over the sauce. Don't be stingy with the cheese, but don't pile it so high that it spills.
- Add your toppings:
- Arrange pepperoni, vegetables, or whatever else you're using, then hit it with dried oregano or Italian seasoning. Toppings cook faster in dry heat, so thin slices work better than thick chunks.
- Air fry until golden:
- Cook at 370°F for 6 to 8 minutes—you'll see the cheese bubble and the bread turn golden. The exact time depends on your air fryer's personality, so check after 6 minutes the first time you make it.
- Cool and serve:
- Let it sit for 30 seconds so the cheese firms up slightly, then eat it while it's still hot and the bread is at its crispiest. This is not a dish that improves with sitting.
Save What started as a quick lunch shortcut has become my go-to move when I'm cooking for someone and want to seem thoughtful without stressing. There's something honest about pizza toast—it's not pretending to be anything other than what it is, and somehow that's exactly why people love it.
Topping Ideas That Actually Work
Pepperoni is the obvious choice and for good reason—it crisps up and gets slightly charred at the edges. But I've had equal success with sautéed mushrooms and garlic, which get tender in the heat, or even a quick scramble of cooked sausage if you want something heartier. Fresh basil scattered on right after it comes out of the air fryer adds brightness that the dried oregano can't quite match. The key is not overthinking it—if it tastes good on pizza, it tastes good here.
Why the Air Fryer Changes Everything
A regular toaster oven will melt the cheese, sure, but it doesn't get the bread as aggressively crispy on the bottom while keeping it soft inside. The air fryer's circulating heat does something different—it browns everything faster and more evenly, and the bottom of the bread gets genuinely crunchy, not just slightly toasted. Once you've had it this way, regular oven pizza toast feels half-finished.
Eating It Right and Storage Notes
These are best eaten the moment they come out of the air fryer, when the bread is at peak crispiness and the cheese is still flowing. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 350°F rather than the microwave, which will turn them soggy. You can also make the garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge, then assemble and air fry whenever hunger strikes.
- Thick-cut bread matters more than the exact type—sourdough, Italian, even good sandwich bread all work beautifully.
- Slice your toppings thin so they actually cook in the 6 to 8 minutes instead of staying raw in the middle.
- This recipe doubles easily if you're feeding more people, just work in batches rather than crowding the basket.
Save This recipe isn't reinventing anything, but it's proof that sometimes the best meals come from constraints—five ingredients, ten minutes, one small appliance. It's become a quiet staple in my weeknight rotation, the kind of thing I make without thinking because I know it'll come out right.
Recipe Q&A
- → What bread types work best for air frying this dish?
Thick-cut breads like sourdough, Italian, or sandwich bread hold toppings well and crisp nicely in the air fryer.
- → Can I use dairy-free cheese alternatives?
Yes, swapping mozzarella for dairy-free cheese works well for vegan or dairy-sensitive preferences without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Spreading garlic butter first and air frying at the right temperature ensures a crispy base. Also, avoid overloading with sauce.
- → Which toppings complement this dish best?
Classic toppings include pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, and a sprinkle of oregano or Italian seasoning.
- → Is it important to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating to 370°F (190°C) helps achieve an even, golden crisp texture on the bread before adding toppings.