Texas Toast Pizza in the Air Fryer

Craving something cheesy, crispy, and utterly satisfying in under 15 minutes? This Texas Toast Pizza in the Air Fryer might just become your new go-to for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you're in need of a quick comfort food fix. I first made this little creation on a chilly afternoon when I was staring down a few leftover slices of garlic Texas toast and some mozzarella cheese that needed using up. What started as a quick snack turned into a family favorite in no time.

What I love most? It's incredibly easy, wildly customizable, and tastes like a mini pizzeria treat right from your air fryer. Whether you're making it for yourself, the kids, or unexpected guests, this recipe is proof that a few pantry staples can go a long way. Let’s dive into why this simple twist on pizza is so downright addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistibly Cheesy and Crispy

Every bite delivers a delicious contrast—crispy garlic-buttered toast on the outside and melty, gooey mozzarella cheese on top. The edges get perfectly golden in the air fryer, while the inside stays soft and flavorful. It’s basically your favorite garlic bread and cheesy pizza all in one bite. The cheese pull alone is worth it.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You don’t need anything fancy here—just a few pantry-friendly staples like frozen Texas toast, pizza sauce, shredded cheese, and whatever toppings you’ve got on hand. It’s a recipe that embraces the “use what you have” mindset and still delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Quick & Easy – Done in Under 15 Minutes

This recipe is the definition of fast food at home. With just 5 minutes of prep and under 10 minutes of cooking time, dinner (or snack time!) is on the table in less time than it takes to scroll through delivery options.

Fun to Customize

One of the best parts? This pizza is completely customizable. Stick with classic pepperoni, go full veggie, or let the kids add their own favorite toppings. Whether you're a pineapple-on-pizza lover (no judgment here!) or prefer spicy jalapeños, there's no wrong way to build your Texas toast pizza.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients (with role breakdown)

Here’s what you’ll need to get started—and why each item matters:

• 4 slices Texas toast (preferably garlic) – Thick, buttery, and already packed with flavor. This forms the perfect crispy, sturdy base.

• ½ cup pizza sauce – A rich tomato base that gives that classic pizza flavor. Use your favorite store-bought jar or homemade sauce.

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and creates that irresistible cheese pull we all crave.

• 12 slices pepperoni (or toppings of choice) – Add savory depth or get creative with your favorite add-ons like mushrooms, olives, or veggies.

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – A simple herb blend that enhances the overall pizza aroma and taste.

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese – For an extra salty-savory punch that crisps up nicely in the air fryer.

• Fresh basil leaves (optional) – A fragrant garnish that adds a fresh finish and a pop of color.

How to Make Texas Toast Pizza in the Air Fryer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Texas Toast Pizza in the air fryer is almost too easy—and that’s part of the charm. It’s a stress-free, no-fuss kind of recipe that’s perfect for beginners, kids, or anyone who just wants a delicious meal in under 15 minutes. Here's exactly how to do it:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
   This helps the Texas toast get nice and crispy from the get-go.

2. Arrange the Texas toast in a single layer inside your air fryer basket.
   You don’t want them overlapping—it ensures even cooking and maximum crisp.

3. Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each slice.
   Use the back of a spoon to spread it to the edges.

4. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
   Don’t be shy—the cheesier, the better.

5. Add your pepperoni (or other toppings of choice).
   This is where you can really get creative—think mushrooms, olives, pineapple, even jalapeños.

6. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan over each slice.
   This extra flavor boost really brings that pizzeria vibe home.

7. Air fry for 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
   Every air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on the first batch.

8. Carefully remove the slices using tongs or a spatula. Garnish with fresh basil if you like.

💡 Tip: Don’t overcrowd your air fryer. If you're making more than 4 slices, cook them in batches to keep that crispy texture on point.

What to Serve with This Recipe

Texas Toast Pizza is delicious all on its own, but pairing it with the right drink or side makes it even better—especially if you’re serving it up as part of a family dinner or game day snack spread.

Suggested Pairings

Drinks:

• Iced tea (sweet or unsweet)

• Cola or any soda you love

• Sparkling water with lemon

• A cold glass of milk (especially kid-approved!)

Sides:

• Warm tomato soup for dunking

• A crisp Caesar salad

• Veggie sticks with ranch dressing

Desserts:

• Classic brownies

• Vanilla ice cream with chocolate drizzle

• Chocolate chip cookies (because why not go all out?)

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Whether you're working around dietary restrictions or just in the mood for something a little different, here are some easy and tasty ways to make it your own:

Vegetarian Delight

Skip the pepperoni and pile on sautéed mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, onions, black olives, or even fresh spinach. It’s colorful, hearty, and just as satisfying.

Extra Cheesy Version

Want more of that glorious cheese pull? Add a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone. A sprinkle of shredded gouda or fontina doesn’t hurt either.

Gluten-Free Option

Swap in a gluten-free garlic toast or thick-cut gluten-free bread. Just be sure it’s sturdy enough to handle toppings without getting soggy.

Make It Spicy

Add a few shakes of crushed red pepper flakes or slice up a spicy Italian sausage. For an extra kick, drizzle with hot honey or spicy marinara.

Kid-Friendly Combos

Let the kids choose their own toppings! Some fun options:

• Mini pepperonis

• Pineapple chunks

• Sweet corn

• Diced cooked chicken

• Extra cheese (always a hit)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 This is a great recipe for letting little hands get involved. Set up a toppings station and let everyone build their own slice!

Storage Instructions

Even though this Texas Toast Pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer—hot, cheesy, and crispy—you can save leftovers for later. Here’s how to do it right:

Room Temperature

This pizza is best when it's hot and fresh. If you're not eating it immediately, try to enjoy it within 2 hours to maintain both flavor and safety.

Refrigeration Tips

Got leftovers? No problem.

• Store slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

• To reheat, pop a slice back into the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 350°F until it’s warm and crispy again.

• Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crunch!

Freezing Instructions

Want to make extra for another day? Go for it.

• Let the pizza slices cool completely, then freeze on a baking tray until solid.

• Transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag, removing excess air.

• When ready to eat, reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

🧡 Meal prep tip: Double your batch and freeze some for busy days or school lunches!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Little tweaks can make a big difference when it comes to pizza perfection. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you nail this recipe every time:

• Use garlic-flavored Texas toast for a richer, more savory base. It’s worth the extra flavor!

• Don’t overload with sauce—too much can make the toast soggy.

• Place slices in a single layer. Never stack them in the air fryer, or you’ll end up with uneven cooking.

• Always preheat your air fryer. It helps the toast get that crispy bottom from the start.

• Add fresh toppings after cooking, like basil, arugula, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra freshness.

• Let it sit for a minute before digging in. The cheese will be molten-hot right out of the fryer!

Related Recipes

If you loved this Texas Toast Pizza, you might also enjoy:

• Pizza Burger Recipe – A fun, meaty spin on pizza lovers' favorites

• Cinnamon Sugar Pizza – Sweet twist on toast-based pizza

• Air Fryer French Toast Recipe – More ways to use Texas toast in your air fryer

• Garlic Bread Steak Bites – For fans of bold garlic flavor

• Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs – Another fun, bite-sized pizza snack

FAQs

Here are some quick answers to questions you might have before diving into this easy and cheesy air fryer masterpiece:

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Absolutely. Just bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Can I use regular bread instead of Texas toast?

You can, but it won’t be quite the same. Texas toast is thicker and sturdier, making it ideal for holding all that cheesy goodness without going soggy.

What other cheeses work well?

Try provolone, cheddar, or an Italian cheese blend for a richer flavor profile. A sprinkle of smoked gouda can also add a lovely twist.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Yes! This is actually a great recipe for little hands. Let them spread the sauce, sprinkle the cheese, and choose their own toppings—it's a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen.

Conclusion

Whether you’re whipping up a quick after-school snack, a no-fuss weeknight dinner, or a weekend lunch the whole family can enjoy, this Texas Toast Pizza in the Air Fryer checks all the boxes. It’s fast, fun, and completely customizable, with that perfect combo of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful in every bite.

Give it a try—and don’t forget to share your creation! Whether you go classic with pepperoni or wild with pineapple and jalapeños, there’s no wrong way to do it.

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