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These Air Fryer Texas Toast Pizzas are my secret weapon for busy days when I want something comforting and irresistible fast From after school snack time to late night cravings this recipe promises gooey cheese and crispy garlic bread in minutes
I first tried this on a Friday night when we were all too tired to cook a full meal My kids devoured them and now they beg for Texas toast pizza every week
Ingredients
- Texas toast garlic bread: Each thick buttery slice gets super crispy in the air fryer Choose a brand with lots of garlic flavor
- Pizza sauce: Look for a brand that is rich and not too watery It sticks well to the toast without making it soggy
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty goodness is key Opt for pre shredded cheese to save time or freshly grate a good quality block for best flavor
- Mini pepperoni slices: These crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and add smoky savory bites Go for ones that curl up at the edges for a real pizzeria look
Step by Step Instructions
- Arrange the Toast:
- Lay half of the Texas toast slices flat in the air fryer basket Keep them in a single layer so nothing overlaps and the heat can circulate Use parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup but not required
- Pre Toast the Bread:
- Set the air fryer to three hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit Air fry the slices for three minutes They will get slightly crisp and ready to hold sauces and cheese
- Spread the Sauce:
- Take the lightly toasted bread and use a spoon to spread one to two spoonfuls of pizza sauce over each slice Make sure you cover almost to the edges for flavor in every bite
- Add the Cheese and Pepperoni:
- Top each slice generously with mozzarella cheese Scatter about ten mini pepperoni slices evenly over each piece Do not be shy with cheese the more the better
- Melt the Cheese:
- Lower the air fryer temperature to three hundred degrees Fahrenheit Pop the topped bread back in and cook for three minutes The cheese starts to melt and get stretchy
- Finish for Crisp and Bubbling Top:
- Raise the temperature to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit Air fry the mini pizzas for two minutes more The cheese should be bubbly with some golden spots and the edges of the bread will be perfectly crisp
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Carefully take the mini pizzas out of the basket and repeat the steps with the rest of your ingredients Serve immediately for the crispiest cheesiest snack
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My favorite part is the way the pepperoni edges get extra crispy in the air fryer Growing up my sister and I would see who got the slice with the most melty cheese and golden edges and now my kids do the same
Storage Tips
These mini pizzas hold up beautifully in the fridge for up to two days Let them cool before storing in an airtight container To reheat use the air fryer at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for a couple minutes to keep them crispy Avoid microwaving which can make the bread chewy
Ingredient Substitutions
Try swapping Texas toast with any thick sliced bread or even bagels for a fun twist You can use marinara or pesto instead of classic pizza sauce If you are out of mini pepperoni just slice up larger ones or use leftover cooked sausage olives or any veggie toppings
Serving Suggestions
Serve these mini pizzas with a simple green salad for a quick meal They also pair perfectly with celery sticks or baby carrots for a party platter Offer a little ranch or spicy honey for dipping if you like extra flavor
The Story of Texas Toast Pizza
Combining garlic bread and pizza is not new but putting it in the air fryer makes it taste just like pizzeria flatbread People from Texas love hearty garlic toast with everything and this spin brings back memories of easy family dinners and Friday pizza nights without delivery wait times
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use other toppings instead of pepperoni?
Absolutely! Try mushrooms, bell peppers, sausage, or any toppings you enjoy for a personalized twist.
- → How do I prevent soggy toast?
Lightly pre-toast the Texas toast before adding sauce and cheese to keep the base crisp and flavorful.
- → Do I need to thaw frozen garlic bread first?
No thawing is needed. Arrange frozen slices directly in the air fryer for easy preparation.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
They're best enjoyed fresh, but you can toast the bread in advance and add toppings just before air frying.
- → Is parchment paper required for the air fryer?
Parchment or foil can help with cleanup but is optional; the toast can be placed straight in the basket.
- → Which cheese melts best for this dish?
Mozzarella is a classic choice, but you can mix in cheddar or provolone for added flavor.