Crispy Texas Toast Pizza (Air Fryer)
Some evenings live in that in-between space where dinner needs to happen fast, but everyone still wants something warm, familiar, and a little fun. One weekday after work, I walked into a house full of homework, extra kids waiting to be picked up, and the inevitable question of “What’s for dinner?” before I had even set my bag down.
The fridge wasn’t empty, but nothing felt exciting enough to pull everyone together. Then I opened the freezer and spotted a box of garlic Texas toast. Thick slices already layered with buttery garlic flavor felt like the perfect base for something quick and satisfying.
As the air fryer warmed up, the kitchen shifted from chaotic to curious. Someone hovered nearby to watch the cheese melt. Someone else asked if they could pick toppings for the next batch. When those first slices came out crisp around the edges with bubbling cheese on top, dinner stopped feeling rushed. It turned into one of those simple meals where everyone stayed close just a little longer.
This crispy Texas toast pizza in the air fryer has since become one of those reliable weeknight wins — easy, customizable, and always gone faster than expected.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
• Ready in Under 15 minutes
• Uses freezer and panty staples.
• Crispy garlic toast base with gooey melted cheese
• Easy to customize for picky eaters
• Perfect for quick dinners, snacks, or after-school meals
Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick easy dinner:
- 8 slices frozen garlic Texas toast
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1½ cups fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 80 mini pepperoni slices
- Optional: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or garlic powder2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (shortcut: use rotisserie chicken)
Texas Toast Pizza in the Air Fryer
This is a quick and crispy mini pizza made with frozen garlic Texas toast, pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, and pepperoni — an easy weeknight dinner everyone loves.
Fun Twist:
Swap in different types of Texas toast such as Garlic Cheesy toast.
Make tacos the night before so you can use left over taco meat for a Taco Night Texas toast Pizza!
Tools Needed
Air fryer
Spoon
Cheese grater
Tongs
Plate or tray
How to Make Texas Toast Pizza in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Pre-Toast the Texas Toast
Place 4 slices of frozen Texas toast in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each slice. Set the air fryer to 360°F and cook for 3 minutes, just until lightly crisp and the garlic butter has melted into the surface.
Step 2: Add the Sauce
Carefully remove the toast and spread 1 to 2 spoonfuls of pizza sauce over each slice. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent overflow. Adding sauce while the toast is warm helps it stay in place.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Toppings
Evenly cover each slice with shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with about 10 mini pepperoni slices per piece, gently pressing them into the cheese so they stay put while cooking. Sprinkle with optional seasonings if desired.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Lower the air fryer temperature to 300°F. Return the slices to the basket and cook for 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt fully without over-browning the toast.
Step 5: Final Crisp
Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for 2 more minutes, until the cheese is bubbly with light golden spots and the edges feel crisp to the touch. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 6: Repeat
Remove the finished slices and repeat the process with the remaining 4 pieces, keeping timing and temperatures consistent for even results.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Soggy Toast
Too much sauce can soak into the bread.
Solution: Use a thin layer and leave a border around the edges.
Burnt Edges
Starting with high heat can over-brown the toast.
Solution: Begin at a lower temperature and finish hot.
Cheese Flying Around
Loose cheese can lift during air frying.
Solution: Gently press cheese into the sauce before cooking.
Uneven Cooking
Crowding the basket blocks airflow.
Solution: Cook in batches with space between slices.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple side salad
- Pair with fruit or veggie sticks
- Cut into halves or quarters for sharing
- Works well for family-style meals or casual gatherings
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes
- Avoid microwaving to keep the toast crisp
- Add fresh toppings after reheating if needed
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded mozzarella melts more evenly and smoothly.
Can I use different toppings?
Absolutely. Keep toppings light to avoid sogginess.
Does this work with homemade garlic bread?
Yes, but freezing it first helps maintain structure during air frying.
Can I make these ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but reheat quickly in the air fryer.
What sauce works best?
A thick pizza sauce or chunky marinara gives the best texture.
Recipe Variations
Veggie Texas Toast Pizza
Top with sliced mushrooms and bell peppers. Reduce sauce slightly and cook as directed.
BBQ Chicken Texas Toast Pizza
Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and add cooked shredded chicken with mozzarella.
Extra Cheesy Version
Layer provolone under the mozzarella for extra flavor.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead Instructions:
Make-Ahead Instructions:
Assemble the enchiladas, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5–7 minutes to baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
Storing Leftovers:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Leftovers
Oven:
Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
Microwave:
Heat individual portions in 60-second bursts until hot.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Texas toast pizza in the air fryer fits naturally into busy evenings when dinner needs to happen without much planning. It keeps things simple while still giving everyone something warm and familiar to gather around.
Meals like this tend to slow the room down in the best way. The cleanup stays easy, the kitchen stays active, and no one feels rushed — which is exactly why this recipe earns its place in the weekly rotation.
Tried it?
Let me know what protein or fun toppings you added to make it your own!
Crispy Texas Toast Pizza (Air Fryer)
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 8 slices Texas Toast
- 1/c cup Pizza Sauce
- 1 1/2 Cup Fresh Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 80 Mini Pepperoni Slices
Instructions
Step 1: Pre-Toast the Texas Toast
- Place 4 slices of frozen Texas toast in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each slice. Set the air fryer to 360°F and cook for 3 minutes, just until lightly crisp and the garlic butter has melted into the surface.
Step 2: Add the Sauce
- Carefully remove the toast and spread 1 to 2 spoonfuls of pizza sauce over each slice. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent overflow. Adding sauce while the toast is warm helps it stay in place.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Toppings
- Evenly cover each slice with shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with about 10 mini pepperoni slices per piece, gently pressing them into the cheese so they stay put while cooking. Sprinkle with optional seasonings if desired.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
- Lower the air fryer temperature to 300°F. Return the slices to the basket and cook for 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt fully without over-browning the toast.
Step 5: Final Crisp
- Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for 2 more minutes, until the cheese is bubbly with light golden spots and the edges feel crisp to the touch. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 6: Repeat
- Remove the finished slices and repeat the process with the remaining 4 pieces, keeping timing and temperatures consistent for even results.
Did you make this recipe?
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