One afternoon last fall, my twin grandsons were over for a weekend visit, all energy and endless appetite. After playing in the leaves and helping me gather the last of the garden tomatoes, they tumbled into the kitchen, announcing they were “starving” in that dramatic way only children can.
I didn’t have fresh dough on hand, and I wasn’t about to wait on delivery. But I did have a half loaf of garlic Texas toast in the freezer, a jar of pizza sauce, and some cheese in the fridge. That’s when it clicked—Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza.
What started as a quick fix has now become one of our family’s go-to recipes for game nights, movie marathons, and spontaneous sleepovers. I still chuckle thinking about the boys’ cheesy grins and greasy fingers as they declared it better than “real pizza.” It’s amazing how the simplest things turn into the most cherished traditions.
Now, I keep Texas toast in stock just in case. This recipe is all about flavor, crunch, and comfort in just minutes.
Short Description
Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza is a quick, crispy, cheesy meal made with garlic bread, pizza sauce, and classic toppings, all cooked to bubbly perfection in your air fryer.
Key Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 8 slices Texas toast garlic bread
- ½ cup pizza sauce
Toppings Galore
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 80 mini pepperoni slices (about 10 per pizza)
Tools Needed
- Air fryer
- Spoon
- Small spatula or tongs
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Pre-toast the Garlic Bread
Place 4 slices of Texas toast in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. If your air fryer is smaller, work in batches. Air fry at 360°F for 3 minutes until the bread is golden on the edges but still slightly soft in the center. This pre-toast step prevents sogginess later.
Step 2: Add the Sauce
Remove the toast slices and spread 1 to 2 spoonfuls of pizza sauce on each. Don’t overload them, just enough to coat the surface. Too much sauce can make the toast soggy.
Step 3: Layer the Toppings
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella over the sauce, making sure it reaches the edges. Top with 10 mini pepperoni slices per toast. You can press them down slightly so they stay in place during cooking.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Reduce the air fryer temperature to 300°F. Return the topped toast slices to the air fryer and cook for 3 minutes. This gentle heat melts the cheese evenly without overcooking the bread.
Step 5: Crisp and Brown
Turn the heat up to 400°F and cook for another 2 minutes. Keep an eye on them, you’re looking for bubbly, golden cheese and lightly crisp edges.
Step 6: Serve and Repeat
Carefully remove the slices, allow them to cool slightly, and serve while hot. Repeat with remaining toast slices.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy and Cheesy: The garlic bread base adds bold flavor with a crispy texture that pairs perfectly with gooey cheese.
Quick and Easy: No dough, no oven, and no fuss. Great for last-minute meals.
Kid-Friendly: The mini size, cheesy top, and fun format make it a hit with children.
Customizable: Top it with veggies, sausage, or whatever you like.
Minimal Cleanup: Air frying makes this a low-mess kitchen win.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Soggy Bottoms: Skipping the pre-toast leads to soggy bread. Always air fry the toast before adding toppings.
Burnt Cheese: Cooking at too high a temperature from the start can scorch the cheese. Stick to 300°F first, then finish at 400°F.
Overloaded Toppings: It’s tempting to pile them on, but too many toppings can slide off or weigh down the bread. Keep it simple.
Dry Pizza: Forgetting sauce or using too little cheese results in dry bites. Use enough to create that classic gooey melt.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve as a snack, lunch, or casual dinner.
Pair with a crisp green salad, Caesar preferably.
Add a side of marinara for dipping.
Set up a build-your-own station for gatherings or sleepovers.
Enjoy with a sparkling water or a light red like Lambrusco.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To Store: Let leftovers cool completely. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Wrap each slice in foil and store in a zip-top bag. Freeze up to 1 month.
To Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crispy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular bread instead of Texas toast? Regular bread will work, but it won’t be as thick or flavorful. You may need to reduce cook time by 1 minute.
2. Is it okay to use different cheese? Absolutely! Try provolone, sharp cheddar, or a pizza blend for variety.
3. Can I make it vegetarian? Yes. Omit pepperoni and add mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
4. Do I need parchment paper? Not required, but it helps with cleanup. Make sure it’s trimmed to fit and won’t fly around in the air fryer.
5. How do I prevent toppings from blowing off? Gently press the cheese and pepperoni into the sauce before air frying. Cooking at a lower temp first also helps.
Tips & Tricks
Don’t skip pre-toasting; it makes all the difference.
Press toppings gently into the sauce so they stay put.
Use a spoon to swirl sauce right to the corners for maximum coverage.
Let pizzas cool for a minute before biting in—the cheese will set and the flavor shines.
Add crushed red pepper or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a boost.
Recipe Variations
Veggie Lovers: Swap pepperoni for sliced mushrooms, spinach, or red onion. Cook time remains the same.
BBQ Chicken: Replace pizza sauce with BBQ sauce, add shredded rotisserie chicken, red onion, and mozzarella.
White Pizza: Skip tomato sauce. Use a light layer of garlic butter, then top with ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach.
Breakfast Pizza: Use scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, and cheddar cheese. Cook as usual but reduce the first melt time by 1 minute.
Spicy Supreme: Add jalapeños, sausage, and hot sauce drizzle after baking.
Final Thoughts
Some recipes stick with you not because they’re fancy, but because they’re tied to laughter, messes, and moments worth remembering. This Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza has become one of those for me. I love that it’s not just easy to make, it’s also endlessly adaptable, and it makes people happy. It’s amazing how a box of garlic toast and a few pantry staples can turn into a fun little feast.
Whether you’re feeding kids after school or making a late-night snack for yourself, this pizza delivers every time. There’s something joyful about cooking that doesn’t require perfection, just heart. And a whole lot of melty cheese.
Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza Recipe
Print ThisIngredients
- Pizza Base
- 8 slices Texas toast garlic bread
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- Toppings Galore
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 80 mini pepperoni slices (about 10 per pizza)
Instructions
Step 1: Pre-toast the Garlic Bread
Place 4 slices of Texas toast in the air fryer at 360°F for 3 minutes. Toast until edges are golden but centers still soft.
Step 2: Add the Sauce
Spread 1–2 spoonfuls of pizza sauce on each slice—just enough to cover without soaking the bread.
Step 3: Layer the Toppings
Add mozzarella cheese generously, then top with 10 mini pepperoni slices per toast. Press lightly to keep toppings in place.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Lower temp to 300°F and air fry for 3 minutes until the cheese melts evenly.
Step 5: Crisp and Brown
Increase temp to 400°F and cook for 2 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges are crisp.
Step 6: Serve and Repeat
Remove, let cool slightly, and serve hot. Repeat with remaining slices.
