Air Fryer Pizza Toast

Some nights you just need pizza… without waiting for dough to rise or a delivery guy to show up. That’s where this Air Fryer Pizza Toast comes in — fast, flavorful, and crispy in all the right ways. If you’ve got bread, cheese, and sauce, you’re already halfway there.

This recipe brings together everything we love about pizza — the gooey cheese, the savory sauce, the toppings — and puts it on crunchy, air-fried toast that’s ready in 10 minutes or less. It’s ridiculously simple and endlessly customizable. Think of it as the lazy-day, late-night, after-school, or “just because” version of pizza that still tastes amazing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

10 minutes start to finish
No dough, no mess, no stress
Customizable toppings for picky eaters or adventurous cravings
Air fryer crispiness without overheating your whole kitchen
Great for snacks, quick lunches, or even a fun dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bread – Use what you’ve got! Sourdough, multigrain, white, or gluten-free.
Pizza sauce – Store-bought or homemade (see below for a quick version).
Mozzarella cheese – Fresh or shredded works.
Toppings – Pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms — go wild.
Olive oil, basil, or chili flakes – Optional, but great for garnish.

Quick Note: Don’t Have Pizza Sauce?

No problem. Here’s a quick homemade version that works like a charm:

Instant Pizza Sauce

2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp red pepper flakes
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp sugar
2 grated garlic cloves
1 tbsp water

Mix it all in a bowl until smooth. Done.

FAQs About Air Fryer Pizza Toast

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
It’s not absolutely necessary, but preheating for 2–3 minutes helps the bread get crispier on the bottom. If you skip it, you might need an extra minute of cook time.

What kind of bread works best?
Thicker slices like sourdough or Texas toast crisp up beautifully and hold more toppings. But even regular sandwich bread works in a pinch.

How do I keep toppings from flying off?
Press your cheese and toppings gently into the sauce before air frying. The melting cheese will help “glue” everything down.

Can I make this gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes and yes. Use gluten-free bread and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Just watch your toppings for hidden gluten or dairy.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. Avoid the microwave — it makes them soggy.

How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Toast

Step 1: Prep the Toast

Lay your bread slices on a clean surface. Spread a thin but even layer of pizza sauce (or the quick version above) over each slice.

Step 2: Add the Cheese & Toppings

Sprinkle on mozzarella, then top with your favorites — think pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, or whatever you’re craving.

Step 3: Air Fry

Place slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do it in batches). Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

Top with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Topping Ideas

Classic: Pepperoni + mozzarella + black olives
Veggie: Mushrooms + onions + sweet peppers + spinach
Spicy: Jalapeños + spicy sausage + chili flakes
Gourmet: Pesto base + goat cheese + cherry tomatoes + arugula
Kid-friendly: Fun shapes with cookie cutters + simple cheese & pepperoni