This paper describes fabrication of highly functional ceramic fiber/aluminum composites by the Interphase Forming/Bonding (IF/B) Method in the air. In the previous studies, fragile functional fibers such as optical fiber and piezoelectric ceramic fibers have been successfully embedded in an aluminum matrix without losing their functions by the IF/B method using a low-vacuum hot-pressing equipment. In order to simplify the fabrication procedure and reduce their costs, optical fiber/aluminum composites are fabricated using a compact hot-pressing equipment which enables rapid heating to reduce oxidation in the air. In this study, the effects of hot-pressing conditions such as pre-pressure, heating rate and holding time in the air on the microstructure of the composites and the bonding strjpnth of the matrix aluminum plates are examined, and appropriate conditions are successfully obtained.