Air-Fried Garlic Bread Pizza: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make garlic bread pizza, offering a quick, convenient, and tasty alternative to traditional pizza. This dish is perfect for those who crave pizza but don't want the hassle of dough preparation or lengthy baking times. With an air fryer, you can have a delicious, crispy and gooey pizza ready in just 10 minutes! The key to success is using thick slices of bread, such as sourdough or Italian bread, as the base, and adding your favourite pizza toppings. So, if you're short on time but big on appetite, air fryer garlic bread pizza is the way to go!

Choosing the right bread

The bread you choose for your garlic bread pizza is crucial to its success in the air fryer. The right bread will provide a sturdy base that can withstand the weight of toppings and the air frying process without becoming soggy. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect bread for your garlic bread pizza:

Opt for Thick Slices

Go for thick slices of bread as the base for your garlic bread pizza. Thicker slices provide a sturdier foundation and are less likely to become soggy from the toppings. Sourdough or Italian bread are excellent choices, but you can also use other types of bread such as Texas Toast, baguette, ciabatta, or even a small sourdough loaf.

Bread Type

When selecting your bread, look for options with a dense crumb and a thick crust. This will help the bread hold up better during cooking and prevent it from becoming too soggy. If you want to get creative, you can even use pizza dough and roll it out to form the base for your garlic bread pizza.

Freshness

Always start with fresh bread. Stale bread will not only affect the taste but also the texture of your final dish. Fresh bread will give you a better chance of achieving that perfect combination of a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

Size

Consider the size of your air fryer when choosing your bread. You want to make sure that the bread fits comfortably in the air fryer basket or oven. If you're using a regular air fryer basket, a smaller loaf or thick slices are ideal. If you have an air fryer oven, you may have more flexibility with the size of your garlic bread.

Gluten-Free Options

If you're gluten-intolerant or prefer gluten-free options, there are plenty of choices available. Look for gluten-free bread specifically designed for garlic bread or toasts. You can also use gluten-free English muffins or sandwich thins for a delicious and crispy base.

Preparing the garlic butter

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For the garlic butter, you will need butter, garlic, and some optional herbs such as parsley, oregano, or basil. You can also add some grated parmesan cheese to the mix for an extra layer of flavour.

Next, prepare your garlic. Freshly minced or pureed garlic will give the best flavour. Avoid using garlic powder if possible, as it won't have the same impact. Finely chop your parsley, if using, and grate your parmesan cheese.

Now, it's time to mix your ingredients. Softened your butter to room temperature and add it to a mixing bowl. Add your garlic, herbs, and parmesan, if using. Mix everything together until it is fully combined and you have a delicious, fragrant garlic butter.

If you want to prepare your garlic butter in advance, you can store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it. This can be a great time-saving step if you are short on time when it comes to cooking your garlic bread pizza.

When you are ready to assemble your garlic bread pizza, spread the garlic butter generously on your chosen bread. You can use Texas Toast, sourdough, Italian bread, or a French baguette, depending on your preference and what is available to you.

Remember, if you are using vegetables as toppings for your pizza, consider sautéing them first to remove excess moisture, which will help prevent your garlic bread from becoming soggy.

Adding toppings

Once you've prepared your garlic bread base, it's time to get creative with your toppings. The beauty of making pizza is that you can tailor it to your own tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas for toppings to add to your garlic bread pizza:

Classic Toppings

If you're a fan of traditional pizza flavours, you can't go wrong with classic toppings like pepperoni, sliced olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions. These toppings will give your pizza a familiar and comforting taste.

Vegetarian Options

For a meat-free option, load up your pizza with vegetables like peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a Hawaiian twist. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, to add depth of flavour.

Gourmet Combinations

If you want to get a little more creative, try some gourmet topping combinations. For example, sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and vegan pepperoni for a plant-based option, or mix and match different types of meats and cheeses to create unique flavour profiles.

Spicy Kick

Add a little spice to your pizza by incorporating ingredients like spicy pepperoni, jalapeños, or crushed red pepper flakes. Just be mindful of your heat tolerance and the preferences of your guests!

Fresh Herbs

Don't underestimate the power of fresh herbs as a topping. Sprinkle some basil, oregano, or parsley on your pizza to add a burst of fresh flavour. These herbs can also be mixed into your garlic butter for an extra punch.

When adding toppings to your garlic bread pizza, remember to arrange them evenly across the bread to ensure every bite is flavourful and balanced. Avoid piling on too many toppings, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy crust. Lightly sautéing or pre-cooking your toppings can help remove excess moisture and create a crispier finish.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for garlic bread pizza in an air fryer can vary depending on the type of bread used and the specific air fryer model. Here's a detailed guide to help you get perfect results:

• If you're using frozen Garlic Texas Toast, place it in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (177°C) for 3 to 5 minutes until it turns golden brown. Then, add your desired toppings and air fry for an additional 3 to 4 minutes at the same temperature.
• For a crispier crust, some recipes suggest increasing the temperature to 360°F (180°C) and cooking for 5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have a 360°F setting, you can use 355°F (179°C) instead.
• When making garlic bread pizza using fresh dough, a cooking time of 10 minutes at 320°F (160°C) is recommended. This temperature ensures the garlic bread is cooked perfectly without becoming too brown.
• If you're reheating garlic bread pizza, cook it at 320°F (160°C) for 5 minutes to restore its warmth and crispiness. To prevent dryness, you can drizzle a little extra garlic-infused olive oil over the bread before reheating.
• When cooking frozen garlic bread, preheat the air fryer and cook the bread for 7-8 minutes.
• If you're making garlic toast, follow the cooking time and temperature instructions provided for air fryer pizza toast.
• For a more authentic garlic bread pizza, use a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough loaf. These breads provide a sturdy base and won't turn soggy easily.
• To avoid soggy bread, cook the garlic bread pizza in a single layer. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• To prevent the bottom of the garlic bread from crisping up too much, you can place a piece of aluminium foil or parchment paper at the base of the air fryer.
• Keep in mind that air fryers can vary in terms of cooking performance. It's a good idea to start checking your garlic bread pizza a minute or two before the recommended cooking time ends to prevent overcooking.

Reheating and storing

Garlic bread pizza can be reheated in the air fryer in just 3 minutes at 180°C/360°F. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

If you have any leftover garlic bread pizza, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze the slices for up to two months. To freeze, wrap each slice tightly in plastic storage wrap, then cover it in aluminium foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months.

To reheat garlic bread pizza from the fridge, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes. If you're reheating from frozen, it will take a little longer—around 10 to 12 minutes.

Frequently asked questions