Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza

Nothing beats the crispy cheesy goodness of a Texas Toast Pizza cooked right in the air fryer This recipe turns familiar garlic bread into pizza perfection with gooey mozzarella and plenty of mini pepperoni A total weeknight hit that you can pull off in just a few minutes using ingredients you likely have at home

The first time I made these I was looking to fix a pizza craving in under fifteen minutes Now my whole family cheers when I mention Texas Toast pizza is for dinner It is that easy and always a crowd pleaser

Ingredients

• Texas toast garlic bread slices: these are buttery and seasoned and make the best pizza base Be sure each slice looks thick and not too dry for best results
• Pizza sauce: use your favorite jarred brand or make your own Look for one that's rich and not too watery for a sturdy bottom
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: go for a low moisture block and shred it yourself for super melty cheese
• Mini pepperoni slices: these crisp up perfectly in the air fryer Opt for a brand that looks bright and not greasy for the best flavor

Instructions

Layer and Preheat

Place half of your Texas toast in a single layer in the air fryer basket Do not stack If you want to make cleanup easy line with a piece of parchment paper that fits flat under the bread

Initial Toast

Set your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and toast for three minutes The goal is to get the bread golden and just a little crispy so it will hold up when topped

Sauce It Up

After the initial toast remove the toast and spread one to two spoonfuls of pizza sauce evenly on each slice Cover the surface but do not overload or it will make the bread soft

Add Cheese and Pepperoni

Pile each slice with a heaping amount of shredded mozzarella Go all the way to the edges so you get those melty cheese bubbles all over Scatter about ten mini pepperoni slices per pizza just spaced out for good coverage

Melt the Cheese

Lower the temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit Place the pizzas back in and cook for three minutes This gentler heat lets the cheese melt fully without burning or drying out

Finish for Crispiness

Raise the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook two more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown Watch closely The high heat at the end is what makes everything just a little crisp and irresistible

Repeat and Serve

Take out the first batch and repeat the steps with remaining slices Serve right away while the cheese is still stringy and the toast is piping hot

My favorite ingredient has to be the thick slices of Texas toast They soak up all the garlic butter and really make these mini pizzas shine Last weekend my niece decorated her own and grinned from ear to ear after the first bite That memory makes this dish extra special to me

Storage Tips

Texas Toast air fryer pizza is best fresh but leftovers can be wrapped in foil and stored in the fridge for up to three days To reheat pop them back in the air fryer at 360 degrees until the cheese is gooey again The bread stays much crispier than it would in the microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of mini pepperoni use sliced mushrooms cooked sausage bell pepper or just extra cheese The Texas Toast base also works with vegan butter and cheese for a plantbased spin If you like a lot of heat try crushed red pepper or sliced jalapenos on top

Serving Suggestions

These little pizzas make a fun main course with a side salad or a handful of cut raw veggies For parties set up a make your own pizza bar and let guests top their own slices The individual portions are great for lunchboxes too

Cultural Context

Texas Toast pizza is an American twist rooted in the love for garlic bread and quick satisfying meals It is all about convenience and comfort yet always feels fun and special It is popular at kid parties and Friday night family hangs across the South

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap mini pepperoni for fresh garden tomatoes in summer Try sliced roasted mushrooms and spinach for a cozy fall treat Add fresh basil or a drizzle of hot honey for a gourmet winter variation

These air fryer pizzas bring smiles around our table anytime With a crispy bite and gooey middle this easy meal wins every week

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?

Yes! Cheddar, provolone, or any melty cheese blend works well. Mix to suit your taste.

→ How do I prevent soggy bread?

Lightly toast the Texas toast before adding toppings, and spread sauce thinly to avoid sogginess.

→ What toppings can I add?

Try mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or crumbled sausage for variety. Add after the sauce and cheese.

→ Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating helps with even crisping, but isn’t essential if your air fryer runs hot.

→ Can I use regular bread instead of Texas toast?

Regular bread works but may be less sturdy. Thicker slices hold up better to sauce and cheese.