There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of garlic bread, the oozy goodness of melted mozzarella, and the zesty burst of pepperoni—especially when all of it comes together in one delightful, handheld bite. That’s what makes Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza such a knockout recipe. It’s easy, it’s fast, and most importantly—it’s incredibly delicious.
If you’ve been searching for the perfect snack or weeknight meal that’s low-effort but high-impact, this one’s for you. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, making a late-night snack, or craving a nostalgic take on pizza, this dish hits the spot every time.
Why Texas Toast Pizza Is a Game-Changer
So, what makes this pizza special? It’s the Texas toast. Thick, buttery, garlic-infused slices of bread replace traditional pizza dough. This shortcut not only saves time but creates an ultra-crispy base that doesn’t get soggy. When cooked in an air fryer, the result is beautifully crisp on the outside and soft in the center, holding up perfectly to sauce, cheese, and toppings.
It’s pizza, upgraded—with none of the kneading, rolling, or waiting for dough to rise. Just layer, air fry, and devour.
Ingredients Breakdown
Each ingredient in this recipe was chosen for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Here’s what you’ll need, measured in standard US cups:
Ingredients (Serves 4 – Makes 8 Mini Pizzas)
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8 slices Texas Toast Garlic Bread (frozen or freshly made)
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½ cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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80 slices mini pepperoni (or substitute with diced regular pepperoni or your favorite topping)
These pantry-friendly ingredients are probably already in your kitchen, making this recipe ideal for last-minute meal planning.
Prep and Cooking Time
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
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Serving Size: 1 slice
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Calories per Slice: ~250 kcal
Step-by-Step Directions
Here’s how to make this crowd-pleasing snack in a matter of minutes:
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Preheating ensures that the toast cooks evenly and starts crisping as soon as it hits the basket.
Tip: Not all air fryers require preheating, but if yours does, give it 2–3 minutes to warm up.
Step 2: Toast the Bread
Place 4 slices of Texas toast in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overlap them. Air fry at 360°F for 3 minutes to lightly crisp the surface. This helps the bread hold up better to the sauce and toppings.
Why toast first? Toasting creates a firm foundation that prevents the pizza from becoming soggy.
Step 3: Add Pizza Sauce and Toppings
Carefully remove the basket and lay it on a heat-safe surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce onto each slice and spread evenly.
Next, sprinkle each toast slice with ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella, and then top each with 10 mini pepperoni slices (or toppings of choice).
Topping Ideas:
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Sliced mushrooms
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Black olives
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Cooked sausage crumbles
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Diced onions
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Bell peppers
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Fresh basil
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Lower the air fryer temperature to 300°F (149°C) and return the slices to the basket. Cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to fully melt and marry with the toppings.
Step 5: Crisp to Perfection
Raise the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This step gives the cheese that golden, bubbly, irresistible finish and crisps the edges of the toast.
Step 6: Remove and Repeat
Use tongs to carefully remove the pizzas and set them on a plate or wire rack. Repeat the process with the remaining 4 slices, following the same toasting and topping steps.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizzas immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey. Pair with a simple side salad or some marinara for dipping if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer
Air fryers need space for air to circulate. Cook in batches if needed to ensure each slice gets perfectly crisp.
2. Line with Parchment Paper (Optional)
To prevent cheese from melting into the basket, you can use air fryer-safe parchment liners.
3. Customize Freely
This recipe is just a base—have fun with toppings. Turn it into a vegetarian pizza or go Hawaiian with ham and pineapple.
4. Make It Kid-Friendly
Kids can add their own toppings before cooking—turn this into a mini pizza night activity.
5. Use Different Cheeses
Try a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for extra richness.
How to Serve It
Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizzas are endlessly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
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Appetizer: Cut into halves or quarters and serve as a finger food for parties.
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Snack: Quick fuel between meals for both kids and adults.
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Lunch or Dinner: Pair with a Caesar salad or bowl of soup for a full meal.
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Late-night Bite: Ready in 10 minutes, no mess, no fuss.
Storage and Reheating
While these pizzas are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers.
To Store:
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Let cool completely.
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
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Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until warm and crispy.
Avoid microwaving unless you’re okay with a slightly softer texture.
Nutritional Info (Per Slice Estimate)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Note: Nutrition may vary based on brand of bread, cheese, and sauce used.
Final Thoughts
Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza is the perfect marriage between convenience and flavor. With less than 15 minutes of total cooking time and minimal cleanup, it’s an easy go-to whether you’re cooking for one, a hungry family, or hosting a last-minute game night.
Crispy, cheesy, and infinitely customizable, this recipe transforms a simple freezer staple into a dish worth craving. It’s proof that sometimes, the best meals come from thinking outside the pizza box.