Easy Air Fryer Garlic Bread Pizza Toast

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Air fryer garlic bread pizza toast is a great option for busy weeknights when you’re craving pizza but don’t have time to make traditional pizza. Just make garlic bread, top it with your favorite pizza toppings, and air fry away.

Looking for an easy recipe with pizza vibes but without the time and effort to make homemade pizza?

Try this easy air fryer pizza. Simply load bread with garlic butter and get it toasty in the air fryer. Next, add pizza sauce and then your favorite toppings and air fry again until the cheese melts.

The best part is that you can vary the toppings per serving – something different for the whole family. 

These easy air fryer garlic bread pizzas are the perfect way to save time when you’re in a rush on pizza night but still want to make something yourself instead of pulling from the freezer.

Made with simple ingredients, this recipe takes less than 10 minutes in the air fryer.

Ingredients

See the recipe card for exact amounts.

• bread: The sturdier your bread, the better. I used large slices of sourdough for good flavor. You can use 4 smaller slices of bread instead.
• butter + garlic: This is for the garlic butter. I use fresh garlic cloves for super garlicky flavor and was testing plant butter in the air fryer for this recipe. It worked well. Any butter or margarine should be fine.
• pizza sauce: I make my own homemade pizza sauce using tomato sauce or tomato paste and my Italian seasoning mix. Try my recipe or use your favorite recipe or store-bought sauce.
• toppings: I used pepperoni slices, but you can use whatever toppings you like – just make sure they are pre-cooked. This toast doesn’t spend a lot of cooking time in the air fryer. It’s long enough for cheese to melt.
• cheese: I used cheddar cheese here, but you can use mozzarella cheese or a mix of the two. I also garnished it with finely grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.

Substitutions

• pizza sauce: Use your favorite pizza sauce or try a jarred marinara or spaghetti sauce if you have it in your pantry. 
• toppings:  This toast doesn’t spend a lot of cooking time in the air fryer. It’s long enough for cheese to melt, so make sure whatever toppings you use are pre-cooked.
• cheese: use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar or try provolone. Use your favorite pizza cheese.

Instructions

Soften the butter in the microwave and add the minced garlic. Mix well.

Remove the bread and add the toppings.

I like to add grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes to serve.

Tips for Making Air Fryer Pizza Toast

• Toast the garlic bread and then make the pizza. This gives the toast a chance to brown and become a sturdy base for the pizza sauce and allows the garlic to cook.
• Customize this recipe with a variety of toppings. Try olive and feta cheese or ham and pineapple.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might be able to make several servings at once. I have the oven style that fits two baking trays so I can make 4 large slices or 8 small slices at once. You may need to rotate the trays for even browning.
• Place light pizza toppings underneath the cheese layer so they don’t fly around and rise to the top of the air fryer once you begin cooking. The cheese should be heavy enough to weigh it down and keep it in place while cooking.

What to serve with garlic bread pizza

For an easy meal serve your pizza toast with a simple side salad. Try a broccoli crunch salad, southwest corn salad, or Mexican-inspired chopped salad.

Love pizza that’s not pizza? Try pizza fries or a pizza grilled cheese sandwich next.

Storage

Air fryer pizza toast is best served soon after it’s made. The sauce and toppings can be prepped and stored in the fridge for a few days, making it even easier to whip up some pizza toast for a quick lunch.

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