Texas Toast Air Fryer Idea

This Texas Toast pizza hack transforms freezer-aisle garlic bread into crispy, cheesy mini pizzas that satisfy cravings in minutes. The air fryer creates the perfect balance of crisp exterior and soft interior while melting cheese to bubbly perfection.

I discovered this shortcut when my kids were begging for pizza during a heatwave. The air fryer kept the kitchen cool, and now they request these "pizza toasts" almost weekly instead of delivery!

Ingredients

• Texas Toast garlic bread: The thick slices provide the perfect sturdy base and built-in garlic flavor
• Pizza sauce: Use store bought for convenience or homemade for more complex flavor
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella has more moisture, so pre-shredded works better for this quick cooking method
• Mini pepperoni slices: They distribute better than regular sized and get perfectly crispy edges when air fried

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and arrange:

Place 4 slices of Texas Toast garlic bread in a single layer in your air fryer basket making sure they don't overlap for even cooking

Pre-crisp the bread:

Air fry at 182°C for exactly 3 minutes which creates a partially crisp base that prevents sogginess from the sauce

Add sauce layer:

Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons pizza sauce evenly across each slice leaving a small border around the edges to create a clean crust effect

Add toppings:

Distribute approximately 25g mozzarella over each slice then arrange 10 mini pepperoni pieces evenly for perfect coverage

First melting phase:

Reduce air fryer temperature to 149°C and cook for 3 minutes which gently melts the cheese without burning the edges of the bread

Final crisping phase:

Increase temperature to 204°C for a final 2 minutes creating those beautiful browned cheese bubbles and crispy pepperoni edges

Second batch:

Repeat the entire process with remaining ingredients to complete your meal while keeping the first batch warm

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The mini pepperoni is truly the secret star of this recipe. When my daughter had friends over for a sleepover, they couldn't believe we made these at home. Now the parents in our neighborhood text me for the recipe when their kids come home requesting "those amazing pizza things."

Perfect Cheese Selection

While the recipe calls for standard shredded mozzarella, experimenting with cheese blends can elevate these simple pizzas. Try mixing in some sharp cheddar for tanginess or pepper jack for a slight kick. The key is balancing moisture content. Too much fresh mozzarella can make the Texas Toast soggy, so stick with a ratio of at least 75% low-moisture cheese. For an extra indulgent version, finish with a light dusting of grated parmesan during the final minute of cooking.

Smart Topping Variations

These mini pizzas become a versatile family meal when you create a topping bar. Beyond pepperoni, consider cooked Italian sausage crumbles, thinly sliced bell peppers, black olives, or pineapple pieces. For adult versions, try prosciutto with arugula added after cooking, or a drizzle of hot honey over the finished pizzas. The key constraint is weight. Keep toppings light and pre-cook any vegetables that release moisture to maintain the crispy texture.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe shines as a meal prep solution. Prepare several batches and freeze them after the initial 3-minute pre-crisp but before adding toppings. Store with parchment paper between layers in an airtight container. When ready to eat, simply add sauce, cheese and toppings to the frozen base and air fry at 160°C for 5 minutes, then follow with the final high-temperature crisping step. These make perfect after-school snacks kids can safely prepare themselves.

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These crispy, cheesy Texas Toast pizzas will become a family favorite in no time, thanks to their easy prep and delicious customization options!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular Texas toast instead of garlic bread?

Yes, but garlic bread adds extra flavor. You may want to spread a little garlic butter for a similar taste.

→ What other toppings can I use?

Feel free to mix it up! Try sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, olives, or cooked sausage for variety.

→ How do I prevent the toppings from sliding off?

Lightly toast the bread first, then apply a thin layer of sauce and evenly distribute the toppings to avoid slipping.

→ Can I make these in advance?

These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble just before air frying.

→ What temperature and time should I use for frozen garlic bread?

Add 2–3 minutes to the initial crisping time to account for the freezing, then follow the recipe as written.