1.Garlic Bread Pizza with Texas Toast
When it comes to quick, satisfying meals, Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza is a go-to favorite for families, busy professionals, and anyone craving something cheesy and delicious without the wait. Combining the crispy crunch of garlic bread with classic pizza toppings, this simple recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Using an air fryer makes the process even faster, giving you golden toast and perfectly melted cheese in just minutes.
Whether you’re prepping for game day, need a quick after-school snack, or want to upgrade your dinner lineup, garlic bread pizza made from frozen Texas toast is a game changer. The thick, buttery slices act as the ideal base for your favorite toppings, holding up well under sauce and cheese without getting soggy.
One of the major benefits of this method is how customizable it is. From beef sausage to mushrooms and bell peppers, the toppings are completely up to you. The simplicity of this dish mirrors the innovation behind using Texas toast instead of traditional pizza dough. According to Wikipedia, Texas toast is thicker than standard bread, allowing it to crisp perfectly in the air fryer while still staying fluffy inside—ideal for a pizza toast base.
Pair this recipe with a side salad or air-fried vegetables, and you’ve got a full meal with minimal cleanup. If you’re exploring new air fryer dinner recipes, this one easily earns a spot at the top. It also pairs perfectly with homemade Italian seasoning blends or store-bought options that enhance flavor effortlessly. For more inspiration, check out this collection of easy pizza toast recipes on Pinterest that showcase endless variations.
With just a few ingredients and steps, you’ll have a crispy, cheesy, and customizable pizza toast that rivals any frozen option—only better.
2. What Is Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizza?
Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizza is a creative and delicious twist on traditional pizza that uses thick-cut garlic bread as the crust. This method transforms a classic side dish into a fully loaded main course by layering it with pizza sauce, melted cheese, and your choice of toppings. The result is a satisfying combination of buttery garlic flavor with the comforting richness of melted mozzarella and savory proteins.
Unlike thin pizza crusts, Texas toast is known for its extra thickness and fluffy interior. As noted in this Wikipedia article, it is often sliced twice as thick as regular sandwich bread, making it ideal for air frying. Its sturdy structure ensures it can handle hearty toppings like sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers without becoming soggy. When crisped in an air fryer, the outside becomes golden and crunchy, while the inside remains soft—making it the perfect base for air fryer pizza bread.
What makes this pizza method so appealing is its simplicity. There’s no need to knead dough or wait for it to rise. All you need is a few slices of frozen garlic bread, a jar of pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings. In under 10 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful meal or snack that’s both nostalgic and innovative.
The rise in popularity of easy air fryer recipes has led to the emergence of time-saving dishes like this one. As seen in this Pinterest collection of air fryer dinners, home cooks are constantly finding ways to upgrade convenience foods into gourmet experiences. And thanks to the air fryer’s efficiency, the cooking time is dramatically reduced compared to using a conventional oven.
If you’re looking for more ways to spice up your weekly meal rotation, incorporating garlic bread pizza is a great choice. With endless topping options, minimal prep time, and bold flavor, it’s no surprise this method has become a staple in modern kitchens. For those interested in enhancing the taste even further, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning adds the perfect finishing touch.

3. Why Make Texas Toast Pizza in the Air Fryer?
Using an air fryer to make Texas Toast Pizza isn’t just a trend—it’s one of the most efficient and delicious ways to enjoy pizza toast with a crispy finish and gooey center. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, allowing the toast to crisp evenly without needing to preheat a full-size oven. This method reduces cooking time dramatically while enhancing texture, making it ideal for quick dinners or impromptu snacks.
One of the key benefits of this approach is consistency. Whether you’re working with frozen garlic bread or freshly prepped slices, the air fryer ensures a golden-brown crunch on the outside while keeping the bread’s inside soft and pillowy. It’s this contrast in texture that makes garlic bread pizza so satisfying. Traditional oven methods often result in uneven melting or soggy bottoms, especially when using thick bread like Texas toast. But with air frying, every bite comes out perfectly balanced.
Another reason to opt for this method is its versatility. You can customize toppings to suit any diet or preference, from vegetarian to high-protein. For example, topping your pizza with beef or chicken sausage, mushrooms, or even black olives adds variety and flavor without complicating the process. To discover more ideas, browse through these healthy pizza recipes that prove pizza toast can be as nutritious as it is delicious.
Additionally, the air fryer method is energy-efficient. It uses significantly less electricity than a conventional oven and avoids heating up your kitchen—especially useful during warmer months. If you’re aiming for quick, satisfying meals without sacrificing flavor or texture, Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza is a smart solution.
This approach also supports better portion control. By making individual slices, you can easily monitor servings or adjust ingredients based on dietary needs. And because you’re skipping the dough prep, there’s more time to enjoy your meal with minimal cleanup.
If you’re intrigued by how an air fryer enhances food texture and speeds up cooking, you can explore more about this appliance on Wikipedia. It’s clear that air fryer recipes like this one are revolutionizing home cooking—and garlic bread pizza is one of the easiest, most satisfying ways to enjoy it.
4. Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Pizza Toast
Crafting the perfect Air Fryer Texas Toast Pizza starts with selecting high-quality, flavorful ingredients that complement each other. This dish relies on a handful of staples, each chosen for their ability to deliver bold flavor, melt beautifully, and hold up in the high heat of the air fryer. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component matters for this easy pizza toast air fryer recipe.
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Texas Toast (Garlic or Plain):
The foundation of this dish is frozen Texas toast, known for its thickness and buttery flavor. It creates a sturdy, crisp base that’s perfect for holding sauce and toppings without getting soggy. Garlic toast adds an extra burst of flavor that elevates the whole experience. Learn more about the structure and style of Texas Toast and why it’s ideal for recipes like this. -
Pizza Sauce:
A rich, tangy tomato-based sauce is essential for creating that classic pizza flavor. You can use store-bought sauce for convenience or make your own by simmering crushed tomatoes with herbs and garlic. Spread about one tablespoon on each slice for even flavor without making the toast too wet. -
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
This cheese melts beautifully, creating the gooey texture pizza lovers crave. For best results, use freshly shredded mozzarella, as pre-shredded blends often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Mozzarella’s mild flavor also balances stronger toppings like olives and sausage. Mozzarella is a staple in many Italian-inspired dishes. -
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Optional):
Adding a touch of cheddar enhances the flavor profile by introducing a sharper, nuttier taste. It’s especially good for those who enjoy a little extra richness in their pizza. -
Protein Toppings – Beef or Chicken Sausage:
Opting for cooked beef or chicken sausage offers a leaner alternative to traditional pork-based toppings. Slice them thinly for quick reheating in the air fryer. These add savory depth and make the toast more filling. -
Vegetable Toppings – Olives, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms:
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Black Olives: Slightly salty and earthy, they contrast nicely with the richness of cheese.
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Bell Peppers: Add sweetness and a bit of crunch, especially when thinly sliced.
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Mushrooms: Offer an umami-rich, meaty texture perfect for meatless versions of this dish.
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Italian Seasoning & Dried Oregano:
These herbs bring the aroma and flavor of traditional pizza. A light sprinkle after air frying adds a final layer of seasoning. Check out more on Italian seasoning and how it enhances pizza-style recipes.
For topping ideas and visual inspiration, visit this curated Pinterest board, where you’ll find garlic bread appetizer ideas that blend beautifully with this method.
By using these ingredients, you ensure that your Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza is not just easy to prepare, but also packed with flavor, texture, and nutrition.
5. Ingredient Substitutions and Add-ons
One of the biggest advantages of Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizza is how easily it adapts to dietary needs and taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative, a meatless version, or just want to experiment with flavors, the ingredient list is highly flexible. Below are smart substitutions and delicious add-ons that keep this dish exciting and inclusive.
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Vegetarian Options:
Skip the sausage and bulk up your pizza toast with hearty vegetables like:-
Zucchini slices
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Cherry tomatoes
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Spinach (lightly wilted)
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Artichoke hearts
These not only add texture but also increase the nutritional value without compromising flavor. You can find more creative veggie topping ideas on this Pinterest board, where healthy pizza recipes get a fun twist.
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Vegan Cheese or Dairy-Free Alternatives:
For a completely plant-based version, use vegan mozzarella or a blend of dairy-free cheeses. Look for options that melt well and mimic the stretchiness of traditional mozzarella. Many brands now offer soy-free, nut-free, or coconut-based options to accommodate allergies as well. -
Gluten-Free Bread Alternatives:
If you’re avoiding gluten, swap out Texas toast for thick-cut, gluten-free bread. Look for varieties that can hold up to toppings and won’t become soggy in the air fryer. Although traditional Texas toast contains gluten, gluten-free versions are increasingly available in stores and online. -
Additional Toppings for Customization:
Want to level up your flavor combinations? Consider these easy add-ons:-
Pineapple: For a sweet and tangy contrast, especially with chicken sausage.
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Red Onion: Adds a touch of sharpness and color.
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Jalapeños: Perfect for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
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Ricotta or Feta: Crumbled on top after air frying for a creamy finish.
These topping ideas also align with popular trends seen on Pinterest, where easy pizza toast recipes showcase bold and unique ingredient pairings.
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Low-Carb Modifications:
For those on keto or low-carb diets, use a lower-carb bread substitute such as cauliflower toast or keto-friendly garlic bread. While the texture may differ slightly, the end result is still a satisfying, cheesy bite that fits your nutritional goals.
Thanks to the adaptable nature of this recipe, Air Fryer Garlic Bread Pizza remains a reliable choice for feeding a crowd or tailoring to specific dietary preferences. With just a few thoughtful swaps, anyone can enjoy this dish without sacrificing taste or texture.
6. Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizza in the air fryer as simple and seamless as possible, having the right kitchen tools is key. This recipe is low-maintenance, but a few essentials will improve both the process and the final result.
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Air Fryer:
The star of this method. Whether you’re using a basket-style or oven-style air fryer, it should have enough space to fit 2–4 slices of Texas toast in a single layer. For best results, preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. You can learn more about how air fryers function from Wikipedia, especially if you’re new to air frying. -
Tongs or Silicone Spatula:
These help you safely remove hot toast slices from the fryer without damaging the crispy edges or spilling toppings. Silicone tools are especially useful because they won’t scratch nonstick baskets. -
Cheese Grater (Optional):
If you prefer using block cheese over pre-shredded, a handheld grater allows you to prepare fresh mozzarella and cheddar, which melt better and taste richer. Mozzarella cheese is a key component of this recipe. -
Small Spoon or Spreader:
This makes it easy to evenly distribute pizza sauce on each slice of toast. Avoid overloading, as too much sauce can make the bread soggy. -
Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife:
Once cooked, a small pizza cutter or knife helps portion the toast into halves or quarters for serving, especially if you’re preparing it for kids or appetizers.
These tools are likely already in your kitchen, and using them ensures that your air fryer pizza bread turns out crispy, melty, and easy to serve every time.
7. Prep Tips Before Cooking
Even with simple recipes like Garlic Bread Pizza, a few prep tips can elevate the final result from good to amazing. Here are smart steps to follow before assembling your ingredients and starting the air fryer.
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Preheat Your Air Fryer:
While not always necessary, preheating to 375°F ensures that your toast starts crisping immediately, giving it a better texture. Some air fryers don’t have a preheat button, so just let it run empty for 2–3 minutes. -
Lightly Toast the Texas Toast First:
Place the frozen Texas toast in the air fryer and toast for 2–3 minutes before adding sauce or toppings. This keeps the bread firm enough to hold the ingredients without becoming soggy during the final cook. -
Use Room Temperature Toppings:
Let cooked sausage slices and veggies come to room temperature before using them. This helps everything heat evenly and shortens the overall cooking time. -
Don’t Overload the Bread:
While it’s tempting to pile on ingredients, too many toppings can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to a moderate layer of sauce, cheese, and 2–3 toppings for the best melt and crunch. -
Keep Cheese as the Top Layer:
Always finish with cheese. It acts as a binder to hold other toppings in place and melts evenly when exposed to direct air fryer heat.
These small but important tips make the difference between an average pizza toast and one that’s restaurant-quality. For inspiration and visual guides, check out Pinterest boards focused on garlic bread appetizer ideas—you’ll see how presentation and prep impact taste.

8. Step-by-Step Method for Garlic Bread Pizza in the Air Fryer
Creating Texas Toast Pizza in the air fryer is as easy as layering, toasting, and enjoying. Follow these steps for a foolproof method that delivers bubbling cheese and crispy toast every time.
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Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes. This ensures an even cook and helps create a golden crust.
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Toast the frozen Texas toast slices in a single layer for 2–3 minutes in the air fryer. This gives the bread enough structure to hold sauce and toppings.
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Spread pizza sauce over each slice. Use about one tablespoon per piece to avoid oversaturation.
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Sprinkle cheese—start with shredded mozzarella and add cheddar if desired. A blend gives better melt and a more complex flavor.
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Add your toppings—place pre-cooked beef or chicken sausage, sliced olives, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Avoid stacking too high.
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Return the slices to the air fryer and cook for another 4–6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove carefully using tongs or a spatula. Sprinkle with dried oregano and Italian seasoning for added flavor.
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Serve hot with your choice of side, such as a salad or air-fried vegetables.
This method creates crispy-edged, gooey-centered pizza toast in under 10 minutes—ideal for busy nights or fast family dinners. For more variations and visual guides, check this Pinterest board.
9. Cooking Time and Temperature Tips
Cooking Texas Toast Pizza in the air fryer requires attention to both time and temperature to achieve that perfect texture. Here’s how to get it right:
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Preheat to 375°F (190°C): This temperature allows the toast to crisp while the cheese melts without burning.
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Initial Toasting Time (Before Toppings):
2–3 minutes helps prevent sogginess by forming a crust on the bread. -
Final Cooking Time (With Toppings):
4–6 minutes ensures everything is hot and bubbly. Keep an eye out during the last 2 minutes—different air fryer models may vary. -
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket:
Leave space between slices for air circulation. This promotes even browning and prevents cheese from sliding off. -
Use Light Foil or Parchment Liners (Optional):
For easy cleanup and to catch melting cheese, air fryer-safe liners can be helpful, but always follow your machine’s guidelines.
Following these steps ensures your garlic bread pizza cooks evenly and remains crisp every time.
10. Best Toppings for Air Fryer Pizza Toast
Choosing the right toppings can turn your air fryer garlic bread pizza from simple to spectacular. Here are some of the best, most popular options:
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Classic Combo:
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Pepperoni or beef sausage
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Mozzarella
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Mushrooms
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Veggie Lovers:
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Bell peppers
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Onions
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Spinach
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Black olives
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Spicy Variation:
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Jalapeños
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Red pepper flakes
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Cheddar blend
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Sweet & Savory:
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Pineapple
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Chicken sausage
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Red onion
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White Pizza Style:
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Ricotta cheese
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Garlic oil
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Fresh basil
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For more topping inspiration, explore this Pinterest board with creative air fryer meals for dinner. The key is balance—choose 2–3 toppings to ensure the bread cooks evenly and holds its shape.
11. Pizza Toast for Meal Prepping or Parties
Air Fryer Pizza Toast isn’t just a weeknight dinner hack—it’s also perfect for meal prep or serving at gatherings. Here’s how to make it party-friendly or prep-ahead:
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Make-Ahead Instructions:
Assemble slices with sauce, cheese, and toppings. Store uncooked in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. -
Freezing Tips:
Layer assembled slices on parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Cook from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes in the air fryer. -
Reheating Leftovers:
Pop cold slices back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to regain crispness. -
Party Style Serving:
Slice into quarters and serve on a platter with dips like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter. Add fresh herbs or chili flakes for a gourmet touch.
Make it easy for guests to build their own by laying out a pizza toast bar with various toppings—fun, customizable, and crowd-pleasing.
12. Garlic Bread Pizza Variations
Switch up your Texas Toast Pizza routine with these flavorful variations:
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Pepperoni & Cheese:
A classic everyone loves. Use turkey pepperoni for a leaner option. -
BBQ Chicken:
Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce, and top with cooked chicken, red onion, and cheddar. -
Margherita Style:
Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a lighter, fresh-tasting version. -
Buffalo Chicken:
Use buffalo sauce, shredded chicken, and blue cheese crumbles for heat lovers. -
White Pizza:
Spread ricotta and mozzarella, top with garlic, mushrooms, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Each version keeps prep easy while offering bold new flavors—explore more on this Pinterest board.
13. Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Complete your garlic bread pizza meal with simple, flavorful sides:
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Salads:
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Caesar
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Garden
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Caprese with balsamic glaze
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Air Fryer Veggies:
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Zucchini fries
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Green beans
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Roasted carrots
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Dips:
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Marinara
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Ranch
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Garlic butter
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For drinks, pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or even a chilled beer or wine for adult gatherings.
14. Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage ensures your leftover Texas Toast Pizza stays tasty the next day:
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Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. -
Freezer:
Freeze cooked slices for up to 1 month. Reheat directly in the air fryer. -
Reheat:
Use the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it softens the toast.
This method keeps the texture as close to fresh as possible.
15. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these errors to make sure your pizza toast comes out perfect:
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Overloading with toppings
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Skipping the initial pre-toast
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Using cold, dense toppings
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Not preheating the air fryer
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Overcooking and drying out the cheese
Following the steps and tips above will help you avoid common pitfalls.

16. FAQs
Can you put garlic bread in the air fryer?
Yes, frozen or fresh garlic bread cooks beautifully in the air fryer. It crisps quickly and evenly, making it ideal for pizza recipes.
How long to cook frozen Texas toast in air fryer?
Preheat to 375°F and cook for 4–5 minutes if plain. For pizza toast, start with 2–3 minutes to pre-toast before adding toppings.
Can you make pizza on bread in air fryer?
Absolutely. Thick bread like Texas toast or sourdough holds up well under toppings and crisps nicely.
What is the best way to reheat pizza toast?
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. This brings back the crisp texture without drying it out.
Is pizza toast healthy?
It depends on your toppings. Using lean proteins, vegetables, and whole-grain or low-carb bread can make it a balanced meal.
Garlic Bread Pizza Texas Toast Air Fryer Pizza Bread Method
- Author: Elina
Description
This Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizza is a fast, delicious twist on classic pizza. Made with buttery garlic bread, rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, and customizable toppings, it’s air-fried to perfection in under 10 minutes. Great for busy weeknights, game day, or a fun family dinner, this quick recipe delivers all the flavor of pizza with less mess and time.
Ingredients
- 6 slices frozen Texas toast (garlic or plain)
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ½ cup cooked beef sausage slices or chicken sausage slices (instead of pork-based meats)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup sliced bell peppers
- ¼ cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place Texas toast slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 2–3 minutes to lightly crisp the bread.
Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on each slice of toast.
Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over each slice.
Top with beef or chicken sausage slices, olives, peppers, mushrooms, or your favorite toppings.
Return to the air fryer and cook for 4–6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove carefully, sprinkle with oregano and Italian seasoning, then serve hot.
Notes
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Pre-toast your Texas toast for the crispiest base.
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Stick to 2–3 toppings per slice to avoid overloading.
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Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer, and reheat using the air fryer to maintain texture.
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Customize with vegetarian, low-carb, or dairy-free options.
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Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and flavor.






