Air Fryer Frozen Texas Toast: Quick, Crispy, Delicious

Texas Toast is a thick slice of buttered bread that can be topped with garlic and cheese. It can be cooked in an air fryer straight from frozen, without needing to be defrosted first. The air fryer's hot air circulation ensures the toast is evenly cooked, resulting in a crispy exterior and a warm, buttery inside.

How to make frozen Texas toast in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen Texas toast slices (3-4 slices)
• Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray (optional)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• Garlic salt (optional)

Steps:

• Place your desired number of frozen Texas toast slices in a single layer on the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping.
• Set your air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. You do not need to preheat the air fryer.
• Cook the toast for 3-10 minutes, flipping halfway through if it does not have cheese on top. The toast is ready when it is golden brown and crispy.
• (Optional) For extra flavour, sprinkle with garlic salt or top with mozzarella cheese.
• Using tongs or a fork, carefully remove the toast from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Keep an eye on the toast towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from burning.
• If your Texas toast has cheese on top, do not flip it during cooking, otherwise, the cheese will stick to the air fryer basket.
• If you are cooking a smaller batch (1-2 slices), reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
• For a crispier texture, add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Tips for making the best Texas toast in an air fryer

Texas toast is a thick slice of bread that's been slathered with butter and sometimes topped with garlic and cheese. It's a great side dish or snack, and even better when cooked in an air fryer! Here are some tips to make the best Texas toast in your air fryer:

Don't overcrowd the basket

Ensure there is enough space between each slice of bread in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and a longer cooking time.

Flip halfway through (unless it's cheesy)

For even browning, flip the Texas toast halfway through the cooking time. However, if your Texas toast has cheese, skip the flipping to prevent the cheese from falling off.

No need to defrost

You can cook Texas toast straight from frozen. There's no need to defrost it first, and doing so might result in an unevenly cooked slice.

Keep an eye on it

Texas toast can go from golden brown to overly brown quite quickly, so keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time.

Choose a good brand

While you can use any brand of Texas toast, some recommended brands are Pepperidge Farm and New York Bakery.

Add some extra flavour

For some extra flavour, sprinkle your Texas toast with garlic salt or top it with mozzarella cheese.

The history of Texas toast

Texas toast is a toasted bread that is typically made from sliced bread that has been cut at double the thickness of packaged bread. It is prepared by spreading butter on both sides of the bread and grilling or broiling it until it is golden brown. The toast may also include cheese on one or both sides, similar to an open-faced grilled cheese sandwich.

Texas toast is said to have originated in the kitchen of the Pig Stand in Beaumont, Texas, in 1941. The story goes that a manager at the restaurant, Royce Hailey, placed an order for bread that was sliced thicker than usual. However, when the bread arrived, it was too thick to fit into the restaurant's toaster. Just as it was about to be thrown out, a line cook named Wiley W. W. Cross suggested buttering and grilling the bread instead. This simple solution created a delicious new dish that became known as Texas toast.

The Pig Stand was a small chain of restaurants in Texas that served pork sandwiches, burgers, and chicken-fried steak. While the chain has since closed, with the last remaining location in San Antonio, Texas, its legacy lives on in the form of Texas toast.

Today, Texas toast is a popular side dish, often served with southern-style dishes such as chicken-fried steak, fried catfish, or barbecue. It is also used in sandwiches, French toast, and other dishes where its thickness can provide a sturdier base. Frozen Texas toast brands are also widely available, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.

While the exact history of Texas toast may never be definitively known, it remains a beloved culinary creation that continues to be enjoyed by people across the United States and beyond.

What to serve with air fryer Texas toast

Air Fryer Texas Toast is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:

Soups and Stews

Texas Toast can be served as a side with a bowl of soup or stew. It is perfect for dipping and adds a crunchy texture to the meal.

Pasta and Spaghetti

Air Fryer Texas Toast can be a great accompaniment to pasta or spaghetti. It can help soak up any leftover sauce and provide a buttery, garlicky bite.

Sandwiches and Burgers

The thick slices of Texas Toast are ideal for sandwiches, burgers, or grilled cheese. You can also add an extra slice of cheese to the toast for an indulgent grilled cheese experience.

Breakfast

Texas Toast can be served as a side with a simple breakfast. It pairs well with eggs and can add a crunchy and buttery element to the morning meal.

Hearty Dinners

You can serve Texas Toast as a side with a hearty dinner. It goes well with dishes like chicken fried steak, BBQ chicken wings, or ribs. The toast can help mop up any delicious sauces or gravies.

Snacks

Air Fryer Texas Toast is a quick and easy snack, especially for kids. It can be served on its own or with a dip. The toast is a convenient and tasty treat straight from the freezer.

Other Suggestions

• Serve it as a base for bruschetta.
• Use it as a side with Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup, Frozen Ham, or Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole.
• Make it into a pizza by adding pizza sauce and pepperoni.
• Pair it with a simple breakfast.

How to store Texas toast

Texas toast is a delicious treat, but it's important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and taste. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store Texas toast:

Firstly, it is important to allow the Texas toast to cool completely before storing it. Do not seal the toast while it is still warm, as this can cause condensation, affecting its texture. Once the toast has cooled down, place it in an airtight container.

The next step is to store the airtight container in the refrigerator. Research suggests that Texas toast can retain its quality for up to 3 days when stored in this manner. If you wish to enjoy your Texas toast at its freshest, it is recommended to consume it within this timeframe.

When you're ready to indulge in your Texas toast again, simply reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F until it's warmed and crispy. Be sure to monitor the toast to prevent any unwanted browning or burning.

Additionally, if you're looking to make Texas toast in advance, it's good to know that it can be prepared ahead of time. After air frying, let the toast cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, return the toast to the air fryer and heat it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to over-brown it.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Texas toast stays fresh, crispy, and tasty!

Frequently asked questions