Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s beginner-friendly, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Using frozen Texas toast garlic bread as the base means I don’t need to fuss with pizza dough. The air fryer makes the bread crisp while melting the cheese just right. These mini pizzas are perfect for kids, game day, or whenever I’m craving pizza flavors without the wait.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza base:
8 slices Texas toast garlic bread
½ cup pizza sauce
Toppings galore:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
80 mini pepperoni slices (about 10 per pizza)
Directions
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I place half of the Texas toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If needed, I line the basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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I air fry at 360°F for 3 minutes to lightly toast the bread. This keeps it from getting soggy once I add toppings.
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I spread 1–2 spoonfuls of pizza sauce over each slice, just enough to cover without overloading.
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I top each slice with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese and about 10 mini pepperoni slices.
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I lower the air fryer temperature to 300°F and cook for 3 minutes to melt the cheese gently.
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I increase the heat to 400°F and cook for another 2 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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I repeat the process with the remaining slices. I serve immediately while the cheese is stretchy and gooey.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 mini pizzas (4 servings, 2 per person). It takes about 5 minutes of prep time and 16 minutes of cooking time, for a total of 21 minutes.
Variations
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Veggie delight: I add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach on top before cooking.
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Meat lovers: I mix in sausage crumbles, bacon bits, or ham along with pepperoni.
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Cheesy upgrade: I sprinkle Parmesan or cheddar alongside mozzarella for extra flavor.
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Hawaiian twist: I swap pepperoni for ham and pineapple chunks.
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Spicy version: I sprinkle on red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños before air frying.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warm and crisp again. I don’t recommend freezing once cooked, since the bread can get soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of Texas toast?
Yes, but I prefer Texas toast because it’s thicker and sturdier, which helps hold the toppings without going limp.
Do I need to thaw the Texas toast first?
No, I cook it straight from frozen—just follow the pre-toasting step to keep it crisp.
Can I make these in the oven instead?
Yes, I bake them at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy bread?
I always pre-toast the Texas toast for a few minutes before adding sauce and toppings.
Can kids help make these?
Definitely. I let kids spread the sauce, sprinkle cheese, and add toppings—it’s a fun family activity.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Texas Toast Pizzas are the ultimate shortcut to crispy, cheesy, homemade pizza flavor. I love how simple and adaptable they are, making them a great option for quick weeknight meals or fun party snacks. Every bite is crunchy, gooey, and packed with flavor—just the way pizza should be.
PrintTexas Toast Pizza Air Fryer
These easy mini pizzas use garlic Texas toast as the base—crispy, cheesy, and ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for snacks or quick dinners!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini pizzas (serves 4)
- Category: 30-Minute Miracles, Snacks, Quick Meals
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pizza Base
8 slices Texas toast garlic bread
½ cup pizza sauce
Toppings Galore
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
80 mini pepperoni slices (about 10 per pizza)
Instructions
Place half of the Texas toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer (use parchment for easy cleanup).
Air fry at 360°F for 3 minutes to lightly toast.
Spread 1–2 spoonfuls of pizza sauce on each slice.
Top with mozzarella cheese and about 10 mini pepperoni slices.
Lower temperature to 300°F and cook for 3 minutes until cheese starts to melt.
Increase to 400°F and air fry 2 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Repeat with remaining slices. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
Customize with toppings like mushrooms, peppers, or olives.
Don’t overload with sauce to avoid soggy bread.
Perfect for kids’ lunches, after-school snacks, or game nights.
Best served hot while cheese is stretchy.