Air Fryer Texas Toast Recipe

Air Fryer Texas Toast is the quickest way to enjoy golden, buttery garlic bread that’s crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, soups, or BBQ, this recipe guarantees perfect toast every single time—without turning on the oven. The air fryer works its magic in just minutes, giving you that irresistible crunch and flavor with almost no effort. I love how versatile it is—you can use fresh bread, frozen slices, or even add cheese on top for an extra treat. Once you try this Air Fryer Texas Toast recipe, you’ll never go back to the old way of making garlic toast!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Texas Toast

• Quick & Easy – Ready in less than 10 minutes, no oven needed.
• Perfect Texture – Crispy edges with a soft, fluffy middle.
• Versatile – Works with frozen, store-bought, or homemade garlic bread.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Kids and adults love it as a side or snack.
• Customizable – Add cheese, herbs, or spices for fun variations.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Air fryer tortilla chips recipe
• Air Fryer Apple Chips
• Air Fryer Frozen Fish Fillets

Why Make Texas Toast in the Air Fryer Instead of the Oven?

If you’ve always baked garlic bread or Texas toast in the oven, you might be surprised at how much better the Air Fryer Texas Toast recipe turns out. The air fryer circulates hot air all around the bread, which means every slice gets evenly crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside. Unlike the oven, you won’t end up with uneven browning or soggy bottoms—garlic Texas toast in the air fryer is consistently golden and crunchy every time.

Another big win is speed. Preheating an oven just to bake a few slices of bread can take 15–20 minutes. With the air fryer, you can cook frozen Texas toast in the air fryer in less than 8 minutes, no thawing needed. That makes it perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute family dinners, or even a quick snack.

The air fryer also gives you better control over texture. Want a lightly toasted slice? Check at 4 minutes. Prefer it extra crispy? Leave it in for 7–8 minutes. And cleanup is easier too—no sheet pans or oven mess, just a quick wipe of the basket.

In short, making Air Fryer Texas Toast isn’t just faster, it’s smarter. It saves time, keeps your kitchen cooler, and delivers buttery garlic toast that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. Once you try this method, you’ll never want to go back to the oven again.

A Little History of Texas Toast

Did you know that Texas toast has been around since the 1940s? 🍞 Legend has it that a restaurant in Texas received bread cut too thick for the toaster. Instead of tossing it out, they buttered the slices and grilled them—and the result was so tasty, it quickly became a southern favorite.

Over time, this thick-cut garlic bread spread across the U.S., becoming a comfort food staple in BBQ joints, diners, and family kitchens. Today, it’s still loved for its buttery flavor, golden edges, and fluffy middle. And now, thanks to the air fryer, you can make Air Fryer Texas Toast in just minutes with the same crispy perfection. Whether you’re serving it with pasta or enjoying it as a quick snack, Air Fryer Texas Toast makes this classic even easier and more delicious.

Did You Know?

Texas toast didn’t actually come from a toaster at all! The bread slices were cut too thick to fit in one, so a clever cook buttered them and grilled them instead. That happy accident gave us the crispy, buttery classic we now enjoy as Air Fryer Texas Toast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Homemade Garlic Texas Toast

• Thick-sliced Texas toast bread (the star of the recipe)
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor)
• Parsley (fresh or dried, optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

For Frozen Texas Toast

• Store-bought frozen garlic Texas toast (like Pepperidge Farm or New York Bakery brand) – no thawing needed

Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Texas Toast

Step 1 – Prepare the Bread

• If making homemade garlic Texas toast: mix softened butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Spread evenly on each slice.
• If using frozen Texas toast: no need to thaw, just place it straight in the air fryer.

Step 2 – Preheat the Air Fryer

• Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease the basket or use parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Step 3 – Air Fry the Texas Toast

• Place slices in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
• Air fry for 3–5 minutes, flip, then cook another 2–3 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4 – Serve & Enjoy

• Remove carefully and serve hot.
• Optional: sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or add melted mozzarella for a cheesy version.

For the cheesiest, gooey version of Air Fryer Texas Toast, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This way, the cheese melts perfectly without burning!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Texas Toast

• Don’t overcrowd the basket → air needs to circulate for even crispiness.
• Check early → every air fryer cooks a bit differently, so peek at the 4-minute mark.
• Use softened butter → spreads evenly without tearing the bread.
• Add cheese at the end → sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar in the last 1–2 minutes for gooey, melty results.
• Serve immediately → Texas toast tastes best hot and fresh from the air fryer.

Variations to Try

• Cheesy Texas Toast – Top with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend. Air fry for the last 1–2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Spicy Kick – Sprinkle chili flakes or cayenne pepper over the garlic butter before cooking.
• Herb Lovers – Add dried Italian seasoning, rosemary, or fresh basil for extra flavor.
• Parmesan Crust – Mix grated Parmesan into the butter spread for a rich, nutty bite.
• Buttery Sweet Twist – Swap garlic for cinnamon sugar butter and enjoy as a sweet snack.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Italian Night – Serve alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or creamy Alfredo pasta.
• Soup & Salad Combo – Pairs perfectly with tomato soup, broccoli cheddar, or a fresh Caesar salad.
• BBQ Favorite – A great side for ribs, grilled chicken, or pulled pork sandwiches.
• Snack Time Treat – Enjoy on its own with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips

• Make Ahead (Uncooked) – Prepare the garlic butter, spread it on slices, and store them on a tray in the fridge. Cover with cling wrap and use within 24 hours.
• Freezing Homemade Texas Toast – Lay buttered slices flat on a baking sheet, freeze for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keeps well for up to 1 month.
• Cooking from Frozen – No need to thaw! Pop frozen slices straight into the air fryer at 350°F for 6–8 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Batch Cooking – Make a big batch ahead of time so you always have quick garlic bread ready for pasta nights or BBQ dinners.

How to Store & Reheat Air Fryer Texas Toast

• Storing – Let the toast cool completely before storing. Place slices in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Keep at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing – Wrap individual slices in foil or parchment paper, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
• Reheating in the Air Fryer – Place slices back in the basket and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes until warm and crispy again.
• Reheating in the Oven – Bake at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Notes

• Calories – Each slice of Air Fryer Texas Toast averages around 150–200 calories, depending on toppings (like cheese or extra butter).
• Carbs – Expect about 20–25g per slice, since Texas toast uses thick-cut bread.
• Protein – Cheese or Parmesan variations add a small protein boost.
• Diet-Friendly Swaps –
  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free bread for a lighter version.
  • Try light butter or olive oil spray instead of regular butter.
  • Add reduced-fat cheese for a lower-calorie cheesy version.
• Allergy Notes – Contains gluten and dairy (unless substituted).

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe

Yield: 4

Air Fryer Texas Toast Recipe

Print

Golden, buttery, and crispy Air Fryer Texas Toast made in just minutes! This quick recipe works with homemade or frozen slices, giving you fluffy insides and crunchy edges every time.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 slices thick Texas toast bread (or frozen garlic Texas toast)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic)
• 1 tsp parsley (fresh or dried, optional)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese (optional, for cheesy version)

Instructions

1. Prepare the bread. If using fresh: mix butter, garlic, and parsley, then spread evenly on bread. If using frozen: no prep needed—place directly in the air fryer.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
3. Place slices in a single layer in the basket.
4. Cook for 3–5 minutes, flip, then cook another 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan or mozzarella if desired.
6. Serve hot with pasta, soups, or BBQ.

Notes

• Don’t overcrowd the basket – Cook in a single layer for even crispiness.

• Check early – Every air fryer model cooks differently, so peek at the 4-minute mark.

• For cheesy toast – Add shredded cheese in the last 1–2 minutes so it melts without burning.

• Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.

• Freezer-friendly – Freeze buttered slices on a tray, then store in a bag for up to 1 month. Cook from frozen at 350°F for 6–8 minutes.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 180Total Fat: 8gCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 4g

(Values may vary depending on bread and toppings used.)

And there you have it—crispy, buttery, and oh-so-easy Air Fryer Texas Toast that’s ready in minutes! Whether you make it from scratch or pop in frozen slices, this recipe guarantees golden edges, a fluffy middle, and that irresistible garlic flavor we all love. It’s the kind of side dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, soups, BBQ, or even just as a quick snack.

I’d love to hear from you—what’s your favorite way to enjoy Texas toast? Drop a comment below, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest when you share your crispy creations. I can’t wait to see how delicious yours turns out!