Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza

If you need a fast crowd-pleasing snack or crave a simple homemade pizza fix these air fryer Texas Toast Pizzas hit every note Cheesy crispy and impossibly easy they take just minutes to prepare and always disappear as soon as they hit the table

I first tried this when my nephew was visiting and now it is always on the menu for movie nights at our house It is my go to recipe when I want pizza but have zero energy for delivery or dough

Ingredients

• Texas toast garlic bread: thick cut and loaded with flavor The garlickier the better Look for one that browns up nicely in your air fryer
• Pizza sauce: gives that classic tomato base Choose one that is not too watery so your toast will not get soggy
• Mozzarella cheese: the melt factor Counts for both texture and stretchy cheese pulls Freshly shredded melts best and gives that gooey result
• Mini pepperoni slices: classic topping in the perfect size for each toast For the best taste pick pepperoni that has a little bit of spice and crisps up in the air fryer

Instructions

Prep Your Toast:

Place four slices of Texas toast in a single layer inside the air fryer basket Parchment paper can help keep things tidy but is optional Depending on your air fryer you may need to work in batches

Light Toasting:

Air fry at three hundred sixty degrees F for three minutes This gives you a golden crispy base but keeps it soft enough inside for the next steps

Sauce Layer:

With a spoon spread a thin but full layer of pizza sauce on each piece Too much sauce can make the bread soggy so aim for just enough to coat the surface

Add Toppings:

Sprinkle a handful of mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each toast Add about ten mini pepperoni slices per piece or more if you love extra toppings

Melt the Cheese:

Reduce air fryer heat to three hundred degrees F then air fry for three minutes This helps the cheese melt thoroughly and evenly without burning

Crisp and Bubble:

Increase the air fryer to four hundred degrees F and cook another two minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling Keep a close eye to avoid burning

Repeat:

Remove the finished slices and repeat the process with the remaining Texas toast Serve while hot for the stretchiest cheese and crispest crust

I adore the way mozzarella melts into every nook on the toast My kitchen always smells incredible while these cook and I have fond memories of making these with my niece on snow days Watching the cheese bubble never gets old

Storage Tips

Let the pizzas cool completely before storing in an airtight container They keep in the refrigerator for up to three days For longer storage wrap individually and freeze Reheat straight from the freezer in your air fryer at three hundred fifty degrees F for about five minutes

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap turkey pepperoni or try cooked crumbled sausage for a change For a vegetarian spin use sautéed mushrooms bell peppers or olives If you need dairy free try a plant based mozzarella

Serving Suggestions

Pair these with a crisp green salad or serve as party appetizers Cut into strips for easy dipping in extra pizza sauce or ranch Young chefs love assembling their own with favorite toppings

Cultural Context

Texas toast first gained fame in Southern barbecue joints turned pizza it brings together two beloved comfort foods in one bite While traditional pizza is an involved process these are pure weeknight ease

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer top with fresh tomatoes and basil after cooking In autumn try a swirl of pesto or roasted butternut squash bits around the holidays mini versions make great party bites for kids

These air fryer Texas toast pizzas satisfy every pizza craving and come together in minutes Try them once and they will become a family favorite for easy meals and fun gatherings

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use other bread besides Texas toast?

Thicker breads like sourdough or sliced French bread work, but Texas toast holds up best in the air fryer.

→ How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Pre-toasting at 360°F prevents sogginess when adding sauce and cheese, giving crisp, sturdy slices.

→ What other toppings can I add?

Try cooked sausage, sliced olives, peppers, or mushrooms. Avoid heavy toppings to keep slices easy to handle.

→ How do I get stretchy, melty cheese?

Use low-moisture mozzarella and layer it generously. Cooking at lower temperature helps it melt smoothly.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

They taste best fresh, but you can assemble and refrigerate. Air fry just before serving for ultimate crispness.