Last weekend was one of those chaotic Saturdays where everything was just… nonstop. Soccer game in the morning, grocery run in the afternoon, and a playdate that turned into a full-blown neighborhood hangout by 5 PM.
I had no time for a complicated dinner, but I still wanted something that felt fun and satisfying. That’s when I remembered this little trick I started doing a couple of months ago—Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza.
I originally came up with this after a failed attempt at making traditional pizza dough with the kids one night. Long story short, the dough didn’t rise, the kitchen was a mess, and we were hangry. I had a box of frozen garlic Texas toast in the freezer and just decided to wing it. A little sauce, some shredded mozzarella, a handful of mini pepperonis—bam! Instant smiles around the table.
This recipe is fast, it’s flexible, and it gets the kids involved (they love making their own “pizzas”). Honestly, it’s perfect for those “what on earth am I making for dinner?” kind of nights. It’s also one of the few recipes I can confidently hand off to my husband without giving him step-by-step coaching, so that’s a win in my book.
Let me walk you through exactly how we make it at home.
Short Description
Crispy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to make, this Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza is a family favorite. With garlic toast as the base and your favorite toppings on top, it’s the perfect fast dinner or snack that feels like a treat, without the fuss of homemade dough.
Key Ingredients
Pizza Base
-
8 slices frozen Texas toast garlic bread
Toppings Galore
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 80 mini pepperoni slices (about 10 per toast)
Tools Needed
- Air fryer
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
- Spoon or small spatula
- Tongs or spatula for removing hot toast
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Pre-toast the Garlic Bread
Place 4 slices of frozen Texas toast in your air fryer basket (depending on size, you might need to do this in batches). Use parchment paper if you want quicker cleanup.
Air fry at 360°F for 3 minutes. This gives the toast a head start so it doesn’t get soggy once you add the toppings.
Step 2: Add the Pizza Sauce
Spoon 1–2 spoonfuls of pizza sauce onto each pre-toasted slice. Spread evenly. Don’t overload, it’ll make the toast soggy. Aim for a light, even coating.
Step 3: Pile on the Cheese and Pepperoni
Top each slice with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and about 10 mini pepperoni slices. The more cheese, the better, in my opinion!
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Lower the air fryer temperature to 300°F and cook for 3 minutes. This lets the cheese melt slowly without burning the bread or pepperoni.
Step 5: Get It Golden
Now bump the heat up to 400°F and cook for another 2 minutes. The cheese should be bubbling and just starting to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye during this step, it goes fast!
Step 6: Repeat and Serve
Carefully remove the finished slices and repeat with the rest. Serve immediately while hot and melty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Bomb: That buttery garlic toast base takes regular pizza flavor to the next level.
Kid-Approved: It’s fun, cheesy, and customizable, kids can build their own!
Fast & Fuss-Free: No dough, no stress. Just toast, top, and air fry.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry and freezer staples you probably already have.
Perfect for Busy Nights: Dinner’s ready in under 15 minutes, start to finish.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Overloading the Sauce
What happens: The toast gets soggy underneath.
Solution: Stick to 1–2 spoonfuls per slice. A thin layer is all you need.
2. Skipping the Pre-toast
What happens: The bread stays soft and can’t hold up to the toppings.
Solution: Always toast the garlic bread first before adding sauce and cheese.
3. Overcooking the Final Step
What happens: The cheese burns and the bread dries out.
Solution: Watch closely during the last 2 minutes at 400°F. Check every 30 seconds if needed.
4. Crowding the Air Fryer Basket
What happens: Uneven cooking, melted cheese sticks together.
Solution: Cook in batches if necessary. Give each slice a little breathing room.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with: A crisp side salad, garlic butter green beans, or sliced fruit for a balanced plate.
Pair with: Sparkling lemonade, iced tea, or a cold beer if you’re treating yourself.
Style it: Great for a casual dinner, family game night, or party appetizer served on a platter.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Let leftover slices cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Air fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes or microwave for 30–45 seconds (though it’ll be less crispy).
Freezing: Not recommended, the garlic toast texture doesn’t hold up well once frozen and thawed.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular bread instead of Texas toast?
No, Texas toast is thicker and holds up better in the air fryer. Regular bread tends to get soggy fast.
2. What other toppings can I use?
Anything you like! Try chopped veggies, crumbled sausage, olives, mushrooms, or pineapple for a twist.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, but for best results, cook them fresh. Pre-cooked slices can be reheated, but the texture is best right after cooking.
4. Do I need to thaw the Texas toast first?
Nope! Use it straight from the freezer. That’s part of the magic, it goes from freezer to pizza in minutes.
5. How do I keep the cheese from flying around in the air fryer?
Melting the cheese at a lower temp (300°F) first helps it stay put. Also, pressing it lightly into the sauce helps anchor it.
Tips & Tricks
Let the kids make their own slices, it’s a fun DIY dinner night idea.
Use parchment rounds in the basket for easier cleanup and to catch stray cheese.
Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Want a crispy edge? Brush the crust with a little olive oil before air frying.
Don’t skip the step-by-step temperature changes, it’s the secret to gooey cheese and crispy toast.
Recipe Variations
1. Veggie Supreme
Swap mini pepperoni for chopped bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives.
Cook the veggies for 1–2 minutes in the microwave first so they don’t water down the toast.
2. BBQ Chicken Pizza Toast
Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, and top with shredded rotisserie chicken, red onion, and mozzarella.
Optional: Sprinkle a little chopped cilantro on top before serving.
3. Breakfast Pizza
Use scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, and cheddar cheese instead of traditional toppings.
Great for weekend brunch or breakfast-for-dinner nights.
4. Spicy Pepperoni
Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes with your pepperoni for a kick.
Goes great with a drizzle of hot honey or sriracha!
Final Thoughts
This Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza has truly become my good choice for busy weeknights and spontaneous cravings. It checks all the boxes—easy, fast, tasty, and family-approved. I love that it requires no dough-making or waiting around, and it’s just plain fun to eat.
It also reminds me that good food doesn’t have to be complicated to be satisfying. Sometimes, the simplest things, like a piece of buttery garlic toast turned into pizza, make the biggest impact. I’ve shared this one with neighbors, other moms at school pickup, and even my mom (who now swears by it for her grandkids).
Give it a try next time you’re short on time but want something that feels special. I guarantee your family will ask for seconds… and maybe even thirds. And don’t be surprised if it ends up in your regular meal rotation, too. It sure found a permanent spot in ours.
Quick Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 8 slices frozen Texas toast garlic bread
Toppings Galore
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 80 mini pepperoni slices about 10 per toast
Instructions
- Air fry 4 slices of frozen Texas toast at 360°F for 3 minutes. Use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Spread 1–2 spoonfuls of pizza sauce per slice. Keep it light to avoid sogginess.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and about 10 mini pepperoni per slice.
- Lower temp to 300°F and air fry for 3 minutes to gently melt the cheese.
- Increase to 400°F and cook 2 more minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove slices, repeat as needed, and serve hot.
