Pin it
Make your frozen Texas toast into a tasty, crunchy pizza in just minutes with your air fryer. This smart hack gives you all the joy of homemade pizza without much work, featuring a crunchy garlic base loaded with gooey cheese and crisp pepperoni.
I found this idea during a midnight snack hunt and now it's how my family wants to do every pizza night. The air fryer makes an incredible texture - crunchy edges with soft middles, something my regular oven never managed to do.
Key Components with Shopping Advice
- Texas Toast Garlic Bread: Go for the thicker kind for a solid foundation. Frozen works best since it's already seasoned and stays firm.
- Pizza Sauce: Pick a dense, chunky variety so your bread won't get mushy. I like ones with noticeable herbs and rich tomato taste.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Grate it yourself for the smoothest melt, though bagged stuff works too. Whole milk type gives the creamiest results.
- Mini Pepperoni: These smaller circles spread better than big slices and get nice and crispy. Pick ones that feel soft and fresh.
Pin it
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 1: Set Up Your Base
- Warm your air fryer to exactly 360°F - this temp makes sure everything cooks evenly without burning. Put the frozen toast pieces with gaps between them so air can flow. Keep an eye on them for the first 3 minutes since air fryers can cook differently.
- Step 2: Put It All Together
- Take out the basket carefully while keeping the bread hot. Spread sauce all the way to the edges but leave a tiny rim to stop dripping. Add cheese all over but don't pile it up - clumps won't melt right. Place pepperoni in one layer to make them super crispy.
- Step 3: Temperature Tricks
- Changing the temp twice is key for amazing results. 300°F helps the cheese melt slowly without burning. The final quick cook at 400°F makes those tasty brown spots everyone loves.
I spent my childhood making pizzas from scratch with my grandma, so I never thought I'd go for a shortcut. But honestly, how easy this is and how good it turns out has totally won me over. The garlic bread bottom adds something special you can't get with regular dough.
This recipe works so well for family meal nights. My kids can pick what goes on their own pizzas, and I don't worry when they help put them together. We now always keep extra Texas toast frozen just for when pizza cravings hit.
Pin it
This idea has really changed our quick dinner options. It hits that sweet spot between easy and satisfying, showing that sometimes the quickest fixes make the meals we remember most.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different bread?
- Thick-cut bread with garlic butter is best, but regular slices can work.
- → What are topping alternatives?
- Use mushrooms, olives, sausage, or your favorite pizza ingredients.
- → Why adjust cooking temperatures?
- Changing heat levels crisps the bread while melting the cheese evenly.
- → Can this bake in the oven?
- Sure, set the oven to 375°F and bake for 8-10 minutes or until crispy.
- → How do I keep things tidy?
- Line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment for less mess.