Name: Texas Toast Pizza (Air Fryer)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American / Casual
Ingredients: 4 slices frozen garlic Texas toast; ½ cup pizza sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup mini pepperoni slices or cooked sausage; ¼ tsp Italian seasoning; Optional: sliced olives, mushrooms, diced bell peppers

If you’re craving a quick, satisfying meal that’s big on flavor but light on effort, this Texas Toast Pizza (Air Fryer) is your new go‑to. Imagine a crispy, garlic‑buttery slice of Texas toast serving as the perfect base for rich pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and all your favorite toppings. It’s comfort food at its finest—ready in minutes and endlessly customizable for any craving.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when my kids were starving and we were low on time (and patience!). To my surprise, it turned out to be such a hit that it quickly became a regular request in our house. Now, it’s my little secret weapon for snack time, casual dinners, or even a fun weekend cooking activity with the family.

With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you’ll have mini pizzas that are crunchy on the outside, melty in the middle, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in a solo treat, this recipe delivers the joy of pizza night—fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, crunchy base & melty cheese

Every bite starts with the satisfying crunch of golden Texas toast, infused with garlic butter that adds a depth of flavor. Then comes the creamy tang of warm pizza sauce and the stretchy, cheesy goodness of mozzarella. It’s a beautiful contrast of textures—crispy edges with a soft, slightly chewy center that holds up to all your favorite toppings without getting soggy.

Simple, easy‑to‑find ingredients

You won’t need a long shopping list or specialty items. Frozen garlic Texas toast, store‑bought pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning are all you need to create magic. Add mini pepperoni or any toppings you have on hand—this recipe welcomes improvisation and pantry shortcuts.

Super fast & foolproof

This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone short on time. Prepping takes less than 5 minutes, and the air fryer does the heavy lifting. You don’t have to worry about dough rising or complicated steps—just layer, air fry, and enjoy. Even your kids can help assemble their own mini pizzas.

Customizable for all tastes

One of the best things about these mini pizzas is how easily they adapt to any preference. Keep it classic with pepperoni and mozzarella, go veggie‑packed with mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers, or spice it up with jalapeños and hot honey drizzle. Gluten‑free? Swap in GF Texas toast. The possibilities are endless.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients

Before you fire up your air fryer, let’s gather what you’ll need. You’ll love how short (and familiar) this list is:

4 slices frozen garlic Texas toast – the perfect crispy, buttery base with built‑in flavor
½ cup pizza sauce – rich and tangy, ready to spread
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for that irresistible melty cheese pull
¼ cup mini pepperoni or cooked sausage – classic toppings for a savory punch
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning – a sprinkle of herbs to tie everything together
Optional: sliced olives, mushrooms, diced bell peppers – for extra flavor and texture

How to Make Texas Toast Pizza (Air Fryer)

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

This recipe is as easy as it gets. Follow these steps and you’ll have mini pizzas in no time:

Preheat your air fryer to 375 °F (190 °C) for 3 minutes.
- This little preheat helps crisp up the toast from the start.
Arrange the frozen Texas toast slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- No need to thaw—straight from freezer to basket works perfectly.
Air‑fry for 3–4 minutes to lightly toast the bread.
- This step ensures a sturdy base that won’t get soggy under sauce and cheese.
Remove the toast and top each slice with pizza sauce.
- Spread evenly, leaving a little edge for that crunchy crust feel.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously and add your favorite toppings.
- Pro tip: Place cheese over pepperoni or veggies so they don’t blow around in the air fryer.
Dust with Italian seasoning.
- This adds a lovely herbal aroma as it cooks.
Return the slices to the air fryer and cook for 5–6 minutes.
- Watch for melty, bubbly cheese and lightly browned edges.
Serve hot and garnish if desired.
- Fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes take it over the top.

What to Serve with This Recipe

Suggested Pairings

This mini pizza is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round it out into a full meal, here are some ideas:

Drinks: Pair with a cold soda, iced tea, or a tall glass of milk for a classic pizza‑night vibe.
Sides: Add a fresh house salad or a crunchy kale crunch salad to balance the richness.
Desserts/snacks: Treat yourself with cookie dough ice cream or crispy air fryer potato wedges for a fun combo.

For meal planning, these mini pizzas also work beautifully as party snacks or a quick lunch between Zoom calls.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Version

Swap out the pepperoni or sausage for a rainbow of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives. The garlic Texas toast still brings plenty of flavor to keep everyone happy.

Meat‑Lover’s Variant

Go big with cooked crumbled sausage, crispy bacon bits, or even a drizzle of ranch or barbecue sauce after cooking for a flavor bomb.

Gluten‑Free or Low‑Carb Twist

Substitute a gluten‑free garlic bread or even a low‑carb flatbread for the Texas toast to make it fit your dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

Storage Instructions

Keeping your Texas Toast Pizza (Air Fryer) fresh is easy, whether you’re planning for leftovers or meal prepping for the week.

Room Temperature Storage

If you’re serving these mini pizzas within a couple of hours, simply let them rest on a plate covered with foil. They’ll stay warm and crispy for about 1–2 hours—perfect for parties or snack time.

Refrigeration Tips

For longer storage, place leftover slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 300 °F for 4 minutes to bring back that golden crispness without drying them out.

Freezing Instructions

Want to make a batch ahead? Flash freeze the cooked pizzas on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap each individually in plastic wrap or foil. Store in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, unwrap and air fry at 350 °F for 6–8 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

A few simple tricks can take your air fryer pizza game to the next level:

Pre‑toast the Texas toast for a sturdier, crispier base that holds up under sauce and toppings.
Layer cheese over toppings to prevent them from blowing around in the air fryer.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches for even air circulation and perfect crispness.
Use parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup—especially if using lots of gooey cheese.
Add finishing touches like fresh basil or red pepper flakes after cooking for a gourmet vibe.

Related Recipes

If you enjoy creative pizzas, don’t miss our Cinnamon Sugar Pizza too!

FAQs

Do I need to thaw Texas toast first?

Nope! These pizzas are designed to go straight from the freezer to the air fryer. No thawing means less prep and quicker results.

What’s the best air fryer temperature for melting cheese?

For a perfect melt and lightly golden edges, aim for 375–400 °F. Some recipes recommend starting lower and finishing high for extra crispness.

Can I use regular bread instead of Texas toast?

Yes, but be aware that thinner bread toasts much faster. Keep an eye on the air fryer and reduce cooking time slightly to avoid burning.

How do I keep toppings from flying off in the air fryer?

The key is to place a layer of cheese over your toppings. It acts like a glue to hold everything in place.

Conclusion

Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner, entertaining friends, or just craving a midnight snack, this Texas Toast Pizza (Air Fryer) is the ultimate solution. It’s crispy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable—all with minimal effort.