Air Fryer Pizza Garlic Bread

Okay, hear me out—this Air Fryer Pizza Garlic Bread is giving major nostalgic vibes with a serious upgrade. Think crispy, garlicky bread layered with melty cheese and pepperoni, done in minutes and without turning your whole kitchen into a sauna. It’s perfect for when you want a snack that hits like a mini pizza party but still feels homemade and fresh. If you were a Pizza Hut kid in the 90s like me, this one’s gonna transport you right back to the red roof and red cups in the best way.

Ingredients

French Bread: We’re talkin’ that crusty-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside loaf that’s made to soak up all the buttery garlic goodness
Butter: Melted and brushed on to give every bite that rich, indulgent flavor we all crave
Garlic Powder: You already know—this is the star. Brings the bold, savory kick that makes it garlic bread and not just toast
Pizza Sauce: Adds that tangy, herby flavor that turns this into a full-on pizza moment
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Because stretchy, gooey cheese is a non-negotiable
Pepperoni Slices: Classic, spicy, and the cherry on top of this pizza bread masterpiece
Grated Parmesan and Italian Seasoning: Totally optional, but if you want that pizzeria finish, go for it

How to Make This Snack

Preheat that air fryer to 350 degrees so we can get straight to the magic. Slice your French bread into one-inch slices—thick enough to hold all the toppings but still easy to bite into. Grab your melted butter and brush each slice like you’re painting a masterpiece, then sprinkle garlic powder like you mean it. Lay your slices in the air fryer (don’t overcrowd, give ‘em space to crisp!) and bake for five minutes.

Once they’re golden and toasted, take them out and add your pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Pop ‘em back in the air fryer for another 3 to 5 minutes until that cheese is bubbling like it’s ready for a pizza commercial. Garnish with parmesan and Italian seasoning if you’re feelin’ fancy. Serve hot and watch them disappear.

Back in the day, Pizza Hut garlic bread was my everything. My parents knew not to even ask—I was ordering it whether I had room for it or not. That soft buttery middle, the crispy edges, that unmistakable garlicky punch—it was elite. Now, I can recreate that same flavor bomb but better, right in my air fryer. And the best part? I can make a whole tray just for myself. No sharing necessary.

Can I use a different kind of bread? Yup, just make sure it’s sturdy. Ciabatta or sourdough would be bomb
What if I don’t have an air fryer? No problem. Just pop it in the oven at 375 degrees for a few minutes and broil to finish
Can I make it vegetarian? For sure! Leave out the pepperoni or swap in your favorite veggie toppings

Fun Places to Serve This Recipe

This recipe shines anywhere you need finger food that people will actually fight over. Serve it at game night, your kid’s birthday party, or a casual movie night. It’s a fun twist on garlic bread that everyone recognizes, but with a pizza surprise inside. Also perfect for after-school snacks or a weekend lunch when you don’t feel like going full chef mode.

How to Store Leftovers

If by some miracle you have leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until hot and crispy. You can also freeze them and reheat straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the cook time.

Kids love this because it’s pizza, garlic bread, and finger food all in one. Let the little ones brush on the butter and sprinkle garlic powder—they’ll feel like top chefs. Older kids can help assemble toppings and pick their own combos, which is great for picky eaters. Just keep an eye on the air fryer while it’s hot!

This air fryer pizza garlic bread recipe works because it keeps things simple but punches way above its weight in flavor. The air fryer gets the bread perfectly crispy without drying it out, and the combo of butter, garlic, melty cheese, and pepperoni is timeless. It’s fast, easy, and customizable—AKA everything a busy home cook needs in their life.

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