Save There's something magical about how the air fryer has quietly revolutionized my weeknight dinners, and this pizza toast is proof. I was standing in my kitchen on a Tuesday evening, hungry but uninspired, when I spotted a loaf of sourdough going slightly stale and a container of marinara in the fridge. Twenty minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a pizzeria, and I was biting into something crispy, gooey, and so ridiculously satisfying that it became my go-to when time is short and cravings run deep.
I made these for my roommate after she had a rough day at work, and the way her face lit up when she took that first bite reminded me that the simplest dishes sometimes carry the most weight. She sat at the counter, still in her work jacket, and we talked through three pieces of pizza toast before she finally smiled like herself again.
Ingredients
- Thick-cut bread (sourdough, Italian, or sandwich bread): Use bread that's sturdy enough to hold toppings without collapsing; sourdough adds a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with marinara.
- Unsalted butter and minced garlic: The garlic butter base is what transforms plain bread into something craveable—don't skip the mincing step, as it distributes the flavor more evenly than pressing.
- Fresh parsley: A small handful makes the aroma incredible while cooking, though it's optional if you don't have it on hand.
- Marinara sauce: A good quality sauce matters here; cheaper versions can taste tinny when concentrated by heat.
- Shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan: The combination of melty mozzarella with the sharpness of Parmesan creates depth—don't use pre-shredded if you can help it, as it doesn't melt as smoothly.
- Pepperoni or toppings of choice: Layer them thoughtfully so each bite has balanced toppings; too much in one spot creates uneven cooking.
- Oregano or Italian seasoning: This is your final seasoning pass and makes a noticeable difference in the overall flavor profile.
Instructions
- Get your air fryer ready:
- Preheat to 370°F for a couple of minutes while you gather your ingredients; this ensures your bread starts cooking immediately and gets properly crispy rather than soggy.
- Make the garlic butter:
- Mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt in a small bowl until it feels almost spreadable. The finer you mince the garlic, the more evenly it distributes.
- Butter each slice:
- Spread the mixture generously on one side of each bread slice, right to the edges so every bite gets that garlicky richness.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Place buttered side up in a single layer; if they don't all fit, cook in batches rather than overcrowding, which prevents even crisping.
- Add sauce and cheese:
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara onto each slice, then layer both cheeses evenly so they melt together and create a cohesive, bubbling surface.
- Layer your toppings:
- Distribute pepperoni, olives, peppers, or mushrooms evenly across all four slices, then finish with oregano or Italian seasoning for a final flavor boost.
- Air fry until golden:
- Cook at 370°F for 6 to 8 minutes—you're looking for the cheese to bubble at the edges and the bread to be crispy when you tap it. Every air fryer runs slightly different, so watch after 6 minutes.
- Rest and serve:
- Let it cool for a minute so the cheese sets slightly, then transfer to a plate and eat while everything's still hot and crunchy.
Save I learned the real gift of this recipe one Sunday morning when I made it for my partner, and we ended up having breakfast pizza toast in bed while watching a rainstorm roll across the backyard. It became our thing—no special occasion needed, just two people who found something that tastes indulgent but feels effortless to make.
Why the Air Fryer Works Best
The air fryer circulates heat around every side of the bread, crisping the bottom and edges while the cheese melts evenly instead of the uneven browning you get in a traditional oven. It's also more forgiving about timing because the compact space means less temperature swing, and you can peek without losing heat like you would opening an oven door. For pizza toast specifically, that focused heat is what creates that satisfying crunch the moment your teeth break through the surface.
Bread Choices That Matter
The bread you choose shapes the entire experience—sourdough brings tartness that brightens the marinara, Italian bread offers a sturdier, more neutral canvas, and sandwich bread works in a pinch but tends to soften more quickly. I've also had success with thick-cut brioche when I'm feeling indulgent, though it browns faster so watch the timer. Avoid thin sliced bread or anything too soft, because the toppings will weigh it down and steam the bread instead of crisping it.
Variations and Additions
Once you master the basic version, you can build on it—add caramelized onions, fresh basil after cooking, crumbled sausage mixed into the sauce, or even a fried egg on top if you're making breakfast pizza toast. The formula stays the same: buttered bread base, sauce, cheese, toppings, and 6 to 8 minutes of high heat. Some nights I use pesto instead of marinara, other times I load it with roasted vegetables and fresh ricotta dollops after it comes out of the air fryer.
- Try crumbled cooked sausage or ham for a protein boost that feels restaurant-quality.
- Add sliced fresh tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for brightness and moisture.
- Experiment with different cheeses like fontina, provolone, or even a smoked gouda for deeper flavor complexity.
Save Pizza toast has become the recipe I reach for when I want to feel like I've cooked something special but don't have the energy for complexity. It's proof that the best dishes aren't about lengthy ingredient lists or technique—they're about understanding how heat and timing and a few quality ingredients can transform something ordinary into something you'll crave.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use different types of bread?
Yes, thick-cut sourdough, Italian, or sandwich bread work well. Whole wheat or gluten-free options can be substituted to suit dietary needs.
- → What toppings can I add?
Choose from pepperoni, black olives, diced bell pepper, mushrooms, or a vegetarian alternative. Feel free to mix and match for variety.
- → How do I get the bread crispy without burning?
Air fry at 370°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes. Keep an eye towards the end to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese layer without overcooking the bread.
- → Is this suitable for a vegan diet?
To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based spread and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Also select vegan-friendly toppings.
- → Can I prepare this without an air fryer?
Yes, baking in a conventional oven at similar temperatures until cheese bubbles and bread crisps works as an alternative.