Pin it
Sometimes you just want pizza in a hurry and that is exactly where this Texas Toast Pizza in the air fryer comes in. It is everything you crave from a classic slice but takes just minutes start to finish. With crunchy, garlicky toast as your base and gooey cheese and pepperoni on top, this is my go to when kids come over or we all need an easy late night snack. No dough to prep, zero fuss, maximum cheesy satisfaction.
My family absolutely devours these and they are the number one requested after school treat at our house. The air fryer makes them so perfectly crisp that even cold leftovers disappear fast.
Ingredients
- Texas Toast garlic bread slices: Give you a thick crust that is flavor packed make sure you use the frozen variety for best results
- Prepared pizza sauce: Keeps this super easy choose one with a bit of tang and richness or your personal favorite jarred kind
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Ensures even melting look for low moisture for the best stretch and browned bubbles
- Mini pepperoni slices: Give you that classic pizzeria feel and ensure every bite is loaded use turkey or spicy if you want to switch it up
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Arrange The Toast:
- Place half your Texas toast garlic bread into the air fryer basket in a single layer with plenty of space for air circulation
- Pre Toast The Bread:
- Air fry at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for three minutes so the bread is lightly golden and crisped on top this keeps the finished pizzas from getting soggy underneath
- Sauce It Up:
- After toasting each slice gets one or two spoonfuls of pizza sauce spread all the way to the edges for that gooey bite from corner to corner
- Add Cheese And Pepperoni:
- Load each bread slice with a big handful of shredded mozzarella and top with ten mini pepperoni slices pressing them in a little so they stay put
- Melt The Cheese:
- Drop the temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and air fry for another three minutes This gently melts the cheese without burning the bread
- Final Crisp:
- Bump the heat up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the last two minutes in the air fryer so the cheese bubbles and starts to brown slightly
- Serve Or Repeat:
- Remove the first batch with tongs and repeat with the remaining bread and toppings Serve while hot and enjoy every crispy cheesy bite
Pin it
My kids love building their own slices and choosing their toppings Sometimes I make a few plain cheese just for me because that stretch of mozzarella on buttery toast totally hits the spot Every single time we make these someone asks when we can have them again
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator Eat within two days for best taste Reheat in the air fryer for one to two minutes at 350 degrees so they are hot and crispy again Avoid microwaving or the toast will go soft
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in any kind of frozen garlic bread or even regular Texas toast if you prefer You can use alfredo instead of red sauce for a white version and any pizza cheese blend goes well Canadian bacon sliced olives sliced mushrooms or chopped bell pepper are all great additions if you like to mix up the toppings
Serving Suggestions
Serve these as a game day snack school night dinner or even cut into smaller pieces for party appetizers Add a simple green salad or cup of tomato soup on the side if you are making it a meal These also fit perfectly in school lunches and are just as delicious at room temperature
Cultural Context
Texas toast first became popular in diners and barbecue joints across the south and is loved for its thick chewy slices and buttery coating Turning it into pizza is a new twist that brings together American comfort food and classic Italian flavors Every bite feels like a cozy mix of nostalgia and fun innovation
Pin it
You can really taste the buttery garlic in every bite and once you try homemade pizza this way it is hard to go back to delivery Texas toast pizza is all about big flavor little effort and brings everyone in my house running to the kitchen the moment the air fryer dings
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use other bread types?
Texas toast is ideal for its thickness, but sturdy bread like French bread or ciabatta can also work well.
- → How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Pre-toasting the Texas toast in the air fryer ensures a crisp base that stands up to sauce and cheese.
- → What cheeses can I substitute for mozzarella?
Try provolone, cheddar, or a pizza blend for different flavor profiles and melt characteristics.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Omit the pepperoni or replace it with vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- → How do I keep cheese from burning?
Lower the air fryer temperature after initial cooking and watch closely during the final minute for perfect browning.