Air Fryer Garlic Bread Pizza Toast

This Air Fryer Garlic Bread Pizza Toast combines two comfort food favorites into one quick meal. I absolutely adore how fast these little pizza toasts come together on busy weeknights. You could make a batch in under 10 minutes with minimal cleanup afterward. Its crispy exterior and gooey cheese topping make it irresistible to everyone in the family.

We often prepare these when time is tight but hunger is real. You might wonder why this recipe is gaining popularity, then you’ll try it and understand immediately.

Ingredients You Need for Garlic Bread Pizza Toast

• 1 package garlic Texas toast (usually contains 8 pieces)
• 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (mini pepperoni works great too)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlic flavor)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
• Red pepper flakes for heat (optional)

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Bread Pizza Toast

Making these tasty pizza toasts couldn’t be easier! Here’s my step-by-step process:

1. Take the garlic Texas toast directly from the freezer – no need to thaw!
2. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for about 2 minutes.
3. Place the frozen garlic toast pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to work in batches.
4. Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each piece of toast, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Add pepperoni slices on top of the sauce.
6. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over each piece. If using, add a pinch of Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
7. Cook at 360°F for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown.
8. Carefully remove from the air fryer (they’ll be hot!).
9. If desired, top with fresh basil leaves or red pepper flakes before serving.
10. Allow to cool for 1-2 minutes before eating.

Can You Use Aluminum Foil in the Air Fryer?

Yes, you can use aluminum foil in most air fryers, which might help with cleanup when making these pizza toasts. I recommend placing a small piece of foil under each toast to catch any cheese that might melt off. However, there are important safety considerations:

1. Never cover the entire basket with foil as this blocks air circulation.
2. Make sure the foil is weighted down by the food and doesn’t touch the heating element.
3. Check your specific air fryer manual, as recommendations vary between models.
4. For this particular recipe, you might find you don’t need foil at all since the Texas toast provides a sturdy base that typically contains all toppings.

If you prefer not to use foil, simply place the toast directly in the basket and give it a quick wipe after cooking.

How Long to Cook Garlic Bread Pizza in the Air Fryer

The cooking time for Air Fryer Garlic Bread Pizza Toast depends on a few factors:

• Standard cooking time: 5 minutes at 360°F is typically sufficient
• If your garlic toast is thawed rather than frozen: reduce time to 3-4 minutes
• For extra crispy toast: add 1-2 minutes to cooking time
• If adding more toppings than listed: may need an extra minute
• Different air fryer models vary: watch closely the first time you make this recipe

I recommend checking your toast at the 4-minute mark the first time you make this recipe. The pizza toast is done when the cheese is fully melted and the edges are golden brown but not burnt.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Garlic Toast Pizza

These versatile pizza toasts work as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Here are my favorite pairings:

For a light lunch:

• Fresh garden salad with Italian vinaigrette
• Tomato soup for dipping
• Veggie sticks with ranch dressing

For dinner:

• Caesar salad
• Minestrone soup
• Antipasto platter with olives and marinated vegetables
• Steamed vegetables tossed in butter and herbs

For a party appetizer spread:

• Chicken wings
• Mozzarella sticks
• Vegetable crudité platter
• Spinach artichoke dip

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Toast Pizzas Every Time

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – work in batches if needed for proper air circulation
• Use pre-frozen garlic Texas toast for the best texture (don’t thaw first)
• Apply toppings quickly while the toast is still frozen to prevent soggy bread
• Pat pepperoni slices with paper towel to remove excess grease before adding to toast
• Keep sauce layer relatively thin to prevent sogginess
• For extra-crispy results, cook the garlic toast alone for 2 minutes before adding toppings
• Let the finished pizza toasts rest for 1-2 minutes before serving to set the cheese
• If making multiple batches, keep finished toasts warm in a 200°F oven until serving
• Experiment with different cheeses for variety (try cheddar, provolone, or an Italian blend)
• Use kitchen tongs to remove hot toasts from the air fryer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these with regular bread instead of Texas toast?
Yes! Regular bread works too, just brush with garlic butter before adding toppings and reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

Can I freeze these after making them?
I don’t recommend freezing after cooking as the texture suffers. Better to make fresh batches as needed.

What other toppings work well?
Try mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, cooked sausage, ham, pineapple, or any of your favorite pizza toppings.

Can I use garlic bread instead of Texas toast?
Absolutely! Regular garlic bread works well too, just adjust cooking time as needed since it may be thinner.

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