Texas Toast Pizza made in the air fryer is the ultimate quick comfort food—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with melty cheese and your favorite toppings. Using thick-cut Texas toast as the base delivers a buttery crunch that rivals traditional pizza crust, while the air fryer ensures fast cooking with minimal cleanup.
Perfect for busy weeknights, after-school snacks, or late-night cravings, this recipe comes together in under 10 minutes and requires no dough, no rolling, and no oven.
Why Make Texas Toast Pizza in the Air Fryer?
Air fryer Texas toast pizza is popular because it is:
- Extremely fast
- Crispy without drying out
- Perfect for small batches
- Energy-efficient
- Easy to customize
The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, crisping the bread while melting the cheese perfectly—without soggy centers.
What Is Texas Toast Pizza?
Texas toast pizza is a shortcut pizza made by topping thick, buttery Texas toast with pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings, then baking until golden and bubbly.
Compared to English muffin or bagel pizzas, Texas toast:
- Is thicker and sturdier
- Has a rich buttery flavor
- Holds toppings without collapsing
Best Bread for Texas Toast Pizza
Frozen garlic Texas toast works best because:
- It is pre-buttered
- Thick enough to support toppings
- Crisps beautifully in the air fryer
Plain Texas toast also works if brushed with butter or garlic butter.
Texas Toast Pizza – Air Fryer Recipe
Ingredients (2 Servings)
- 2 slices Texas toast (frozen or fresh)
- ¼ cup pizza sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
- Desired toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, cooked sausage)
- Italian seasoning or dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes
- Place Texas toast in the air fryer basket
- Air fry toast for 3 minutes to lightly crisp
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over toast
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan
- Add toppings
- Air fry for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
- Remove carefully and rest 1 minute before serving
How to Prevent Soggy Texas Toast Pizza
- Pre-toast the bread before adding sauce
- Use thick pizza sauce, not watery marinara
- Avoid overloading with toppings
- Cook at high heat
These steps ensure a crispy base every time.
Best Cheese Options
While mozzarella is classic, you can also use:
- Provolone
- Italian blend
- Mozzarella-cheddar mix
- Low-moisture mozzarella for extra crispness
Avoid fresh mozzarella—it releases too much moisture.
Popular Topping Ideas
Classic Pepperoni
Crispy edges and familiar flavor.
Meat Lovers
Pepperoni, sausage, bacon (pre-cooked).
Veggie
Bell peppers, olives, onions, mushrooms.
Hawaiian
Ham and pineapple (use sparingly).
Margherita Style
Mozzarella, tomatoes, basil (add basil after cooking).
Texas Toast Pizza for Kids
This recipe is kid-friendly because:
- Portions are manageable
- Flavors are familiar
- Kids can customize toppings
- Cooking time is short
It is ideal for quick lunches or snacks.
Frozen vs Fresh Texas Toast
Frozen Texas Toast
- Best texture
- Already seasoned
- Consistent results
Fresh Texas Toast
- Brush with butter
- Add garlic powder for flavor
Both work well in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Temperature & Timing Guide
- 375°F (190°C) is ideal
- Total cook time: 8–10 minutes
- Check at 5 minutes after topping
Different air fryer models may vary slightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the pre-toast step
- Using too much sauce
- Overcrowding the basket
- Cooking at low temperature
These issues lead to soggy or uneven results.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad
- Pair with marinara for dipping
- Add red pepper flakes or hot honey
- Finish with fresh basil or parsley
Perfect for casual meals or game nights.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Make Ahead
Assemble pizzas and refrigerate up to 12 hours before cooking.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days
- Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes
Avoid microwaving—it softens the crust.
Variations You’ll Love
Garlic Bread Pizza
Use garlic Texas toast and extra Parmesan.
BBQ Chicken Texas Toast Pizza
Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and add chicken.
White Sauce Pizza
Use Alfredo sauce with spinach and chicken.
Breakfast Texas Toast Pizza
Top with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook multiple slices at once?
Yes, as long as they do not overlap.
Can I use an oven instead?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes.
Is Texas toast pizza healthier than regular pizza?
Portion sizes are smaller, making it easier to control intake.
Final Thoughts
Texas Toast Pizza in the air fryer is the perfect example of maximum flavor with minimal effort. Crispy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable, it delivers pizza satisfaction in minutes without the hassle of dough or long bake times. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a weeknight staple.
Print
Texas Toast Pizza (Air Fryer): Crispy, Cheesy, and Ready in Minutes
Ingredients
• 2 slices thick-cut Texas toast (garlic-buttered, frozen or fresh)
• ¼ cup (60g) low-sodium marinara or pizza sauce
• ½ cup (50g) shredded mozzarella
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 10–12 slices pepperoni (or plant-based alternative)
• Optional:
– Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives
– Red pepper flakes or dried oregano
– Fresh basil after baking
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 min.
- Place Texas toast slices in the basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Spread marinara evenly over each slice, leaving a small border.
- Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, and any extras.
- Air fry 6–8 min, until cheese is bubbly, golden, and edges of toast are extra crisp.
→ Tip: For deeper melt, cover basket with foil for first 4 min, then uncover to crisp. - Garnish with fresh basil or red pepper flakes. Slice and serve hot—ideal with a simple arugula salad!
PREP TIME & NUTRITION (per slice):
Prep Time: 3 min | Cook Time: 8 min | Total Time: 11 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: 320 | Net Carbs: 32g | Fats: 16g | Protein: 14g