Air-Fried Texas Toast: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Texas Toast is a thickly sliced bread that is hot, buttered, and sometimes covered in cheese and garlic. It is said to have originated from a BBQ chain in Texas called the Pig Stand. You can make Texas Toast in an air fryer in less than 15 minutes. The air fryer cooks the toast perfectly with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

How to make Texas toast in an air fryer

Texas Toast is a delicious side dish that can be made in an air fryer with less effort and cooking time. This guide will take you through the steps to make Texas Toast in an air fryer, with some tips and tricks included.

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

If needed, prepare the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or a non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the Texas Toast from sticking to the basket. However, some sources suggest that this step is unnecessary as the toast contains butter, which will prevent sticking.

Step 2: Place the Texas Toast in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the frozen Texas Toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. If your Texas Toast has cheese on it, place the slices cheese-side up. The number of slices that will fit in your air fryer may vary depending on its size.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Cooking Time

Set the air fryer temperature to between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of doneness, but it typically ranges from 3 to 10 minutes. For a golden brown and crispy Texas Toast, cook for around 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Flip the Slices Halfway Through

For even cooking, flip the Texas Toast slices halfway through the cooking time. However, if you are making cheesy Texas Toast, skip the flipping step to prevent the cheese from falling off.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the Texas Toast is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious and crispy Texas Toast as a side dish or a quick snack!

Tips:

• Preheat your air fryer for about 3-4 minutes before adding the Texas Toast.
• Keep the Texas Toast frozen until you are ready to cook it.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so adjust the timing accordingly.

Tips for making the best Texas toast in an air fryer

Texas toast is a thickly sliced bread that is hot, buttered, and sometimes covered in cheese and garlic. It is a great side dish for dinner or a quick snack on the go. Here are some tips to make the best Texas toast in an air fryer:

Preheat the air fryer

It is always a good idea to preheat your air fryer before cooking Texas toast. Preheat the air fryer for about 3-4 minutes to ensure the basket is fully heated. This will help keep your cooking times accurate and ensure your food is nice and crispy.

Arrange the slices in a single layer

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the slices in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. This will allow the hot air to circulate around each slice, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.

Flip the slices halfway through

For even cooking and a golden-brown crust, flip the slices halfway through the cooking time. If your Texas toast has cheese on it, place it cheese-side up in the air fryer and do not flip it.

Keep an eye on the cooking time

Air fryer wattage and capacity vary, so keep an eye on the Texas toast as it cooks. It can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of a minute. The cooking time may also decrease with subsequent batches as the air fryer gets hotter.

Choose your favourite brand

You can use any brand of Texas toast that you like or find at your local store. Some popular brands include Pepperidge Farm, New York Bakery, Wonder, and Walmart – Great Value brand.

Make your own Texas toast

If you can't find Texas toast at your local store, you can make your own. Start with thick slices of white bread, about twice the thickness of regular bread. Brush both sides of the bread with garlic butter or olive oil, and then top with your favourite cheese. You can also add fresh parsley for extra flavour.

What to serve with Texas toast

Texas toast is a versatile side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with Texas toast:

Soups and Stews

Texas toast can be the perfect accompaniment to a warm and comforting bowl of soup or stew. Try pairing it with a hearty Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup or a flavourful Instant Pot Beef Stew. The thick and crispy toast can help absorb any remaining liquids or bites of food from your bowl.

Pasta Dishes

Texas toast is also a great side for pasta dishes. Its buttery and garlicky flavour pairs well with spaghetti, lasagna, or lasagna rolls. You can also make a Cheesy Texas Toast to go with your favourite Italian meal.

Grilled Dishes

If you're looking for a summer barbecue option, Texas toast can be a great side for grilled dishes like BBQ Chicken Wings or Baby Back Pork Ribs. It can also be used to make delicious sandwiches or burgers to go with your grilled meal.

Breakfast Options

Texas toast can be a tasty addition to your breakfast or brunch. Pair it with eggs or enjoy it as French toast with a side of berries, whipped cream, or syrup. You can also make a sweet French Toast Panini with Grilled Bananas for a more indulgent breakfast treat.

Sandwiches and Burgers

As mentioned earlier, Texas toast is ideal for sandwiches and burgers. You can make a simple grilled cheese sandwich or get creative with a Texas Toast Turkey Club Sandwich or a Southern Pimento Cheeseburger. Don't forget to try the classic Patty Melt or a juicy Texas Toast Chicken Sandwich.

Snacks and Appetizers

Texas toast can also be a quick and easy snack on its own or as a base for appetizers. Enjoy it as a snack on the go or serve it as an appetizer with a dip or spread of your choice.

What is Texas toast?

Texas toast is a toasted bread that is typically made from sliced bread that is twice as thick as standard packaged bread. It is prepared by spreading butter on both sides of the bread and broiling or grilling it until it is a light golden brown. The distinctive characteristic of Texas toast is its thickness, which makes it perfect for French toast, sandwiches, or grilled dishes.

Texas toast tends to have a soft and slightly moist interior with a crunchy, toasted exterior. The thickness of the bread also allows it to absorb liquids more easily, making it ideal for dishes like French toast. It is commonly served as a side with southern-style dishes such as chicken fried steak, fried catfish, or barbecue.

The history of Texas toast can be traced back to a BBQ chain in Texas called the Pig Stand. According to local legend, it was invented to impress customers by using extra-thick sliced bread. However, when the cook realised the bread didn't fit in the toaster, they slathered butter on it and toasted it on a griddle instead. This simple yet delicious recipe became an instant hit and has now become a staple in many restaurants and homes across the state.

Today, Texas toast is enjoyed in various forms, including frozen Texas toast, homemade Texas toast, and even vegan Texas toast. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a side, a snack, or a substitute for garlic bread. It can also be topped with cheese, making it a perfect pairing for pasta dishes or a quick snack.

How to make homemade Texas toast

Ingredients:

• Thick slices of white bread
• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• Garlic (freshly minced, jarred, or powdered)
• Parsley (dried or lightly dried and fresh)
• Cheese (optional)

Method:

• Set out the butter to soften at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic, and parsley. Use a fork to mix them together.
• Spread the garlic butter generously on both sides of each slice of bread.
• If desired, sprinkle your favourite cheese on top of the buttered bread. Some options are mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar.
• Place the slices of bread into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
• Air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until the Texas Toast is golden brown and crispy.
• Serve immediately.

Tips:

• You can make the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for future use.
• If you want to make cheesy Texas Toast, do not flip the slices during cooking to prevent the cheese from falling off.
• Texas Toast can be frozen and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently asked questions