How To Make French Bread Pizza In The Air Fryer?

Looking for a quick and delicious meal that combines the best of pizza and bread?

French bread pizza made in an air fryer is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or casual weekend lunches.

This simple dish takes just minutes to prepare and cook, making it faster than delivery and tastier than frozen options.

You can make delicious French bread pizza in the air fryer by preheating to 370°F, slicing French bread lengthwise, adding sauce and toppings, then air frying for 4-5 minutes until the cheese melts.

The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy.

The result is a quick homemade pizza with that fresh-from-the-oven taste without heating up your entire kitchen.

Key Takeaways

• Air fryer French bread pizza cooks in just 4-5 minutes at 370°F for a quick and convenient meal option.
• Preheating the bread for 3 minutes before adding toppings ensures a crispy base that won’t get soggy.
• Customize with your favorite sauces, cheeses, and toppings for endless variety that satisfies everyone’s preferences.

Why You’ll Love this French Bread Pizza?

The process is remarkably simple and convenient. You don’t even need to preheat the air fryer with some models, making preparation even faster when you’re hungry and short on time.

The air fryer creates a perfect texture combination that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods. Your pizza will have a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior.

You’ll appreciate the versatility this cooking method provides. You can use either homemade or frozen French bread pizza, depending on your preference and time constraints.

Many air fryer enthusiasts consider this the superior way to prepare French bread pizza. The even cooking and perfect crispness create results that surpass conventional oven preparation.

Ingredients Overview

To make delicious French bread pizza in your air fryer, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The foundation of this quick meal is a good French bread or baguette, which provides the perfect crispy base.

For the sauce, most recipes call for pizza sauce or marinara. Some variations suggest using pesto for a different flavor profile, and one recipe even recommends mixing in a bit of mayonnaise for added creaminess.

Cheese is essential for that stretchy, gooey texture. Shredded mozzarella is the standard choice, with many recipes also adding Parmesan cheese for extra flavor depth.

Here’s a basic ingredient list:

• ½ loaf French bread or baguette
• ¼ cup pizza sauce
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

You can customize your pizza with additional toppings based on your preferences. Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor profile of your French bread pizza.

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can use frozen French bread pizza as a time-saver or create your own from scratch with fresh ingredients for a more personalized touch.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures the air fryer reaches the perfect temperature for crispy pizza.

Next, prepare your French bread by cutting it in half lengthwise and then slicing each half across to create individual portions. This makes them easier to handle and ensures they fit in your air fryer basket.

For extra crispiness, pre-toast the bread in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy once you add toppings.

After pre-toasting, remove the bread slices and add pizza sauce. Spread a generous layer across each piece, leaving a small border around the edges.

Add cheese next – mozzarella works best for that authentic pizza stretch. Then arrange your favorite toppings such as pepperoni, vegetables, or ham.

Place the prepared French bread pizzas in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.

Cook at 350°F for 5-6 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Some models may require adjusting to 375°F for optimal results.

Check for doneness by ensuring the cheese has melted completely and the edges are golden brown. The entire process takes approximately 15-20 minutes from start to finish.

Allow the pizzas to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning yourself on the hot cheese.

Tips & Variations

Pre-toast your bread for a crispy base. Toasting the bread for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings prevents your pizza from becoming soggy.

Temperature matters for perfect results. Set your air fryer to 375°F for frozen French bread pizzas, which will give you a crispy shell in about 5-6 minutes.

Brush the bread with olive oil and minced garlic before adding sauce. This adds flavor and helps crisp the bread.

Consider these delicious variations:

• Hawaiian: Ham, pineapple, and mozzarella
• Margherita: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and buffalo mozzarella
• BBQ Chicken: BBQ sauce, chicken, red onion, and cheddar
• Vegetarian: Bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and onions

Timing tips: Keep in mind that homemade versions take about 15 minutes from start to finish, while frozen varieties cook faster.

Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket. Cook only 2-3 pieces at a time for even heating and proper crisping.

Check frequently during cooking. Air fryers vary in power, so your pizza might cook faster or slower than expected.

Let rest for 1-2 minutes before cutting. This helps the cheese set and prevents burns.

Use parchment paper for easy cleanup if your air fryer model allows it.

FAQ About French Bread In The Air Fryer

Air fryer cooking times and temperatures vary slightly for French bread pizza. Here are answers to common questions to help you achieve perfectly crispy, cheesy results every time.

What is the recommended cooking time for French bread pizza in an air fryer?

The typical cooking time for homemade French bread pizza in an air fryer is about 4-5 minutes. This quick cooking time makes it a perfect option for busy weeknights.

What temperature should be set to cook French bread pizza in an air fryer?

The recommended temperature for cooking French bread pizza in an air fryer is typically 375°F to 400°F. This temperature range ensures the bread gets crispy while the cheese melts properly.

Can frozen French bread pizza be cooked in an air fryer, and if so, how?

Yes, frozen French bread pizza can be cooked directly in an air fryer with excellent results. You don’t need to thaw it first.

Are there any specific instructions for cooking brand name French bread pizzas, such as Red Baron or Sabatasso’s, in an air fryer?

Brand name frozen French bread pizzas like Red Baron or Sabatasso’s generally cook well at 375°F for 5-6 minutes in an air fryer. This is significantly faster than conventional oven instructions.

Wrap-Up

Making French bread pizza in your air fryer is a game-changer for quick meals. With just a few minutes of prep and about 8 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy crispy, delicious pizza any day of the week.

We encourage you to experiment with different toppings to create your perfect combination.

The versatility of this recipe allows for endless customization based on your preferences.

Tips for Success:

• Always preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees for the best results
• Watch carefully during the last minute to prevent burning
• Allow your pizza to cool for 1-2 minutes before cutting

Have you tried making French bread pizza in your air fryer yet?

If not, we invite you to give this quick and easy method a try tonight.

Please share your creations on social media and tag us in your posts.

We would be delighted to see your variations and hear about your experience with this recipe.

Thank you for joining us on this culinary journey. May your air fryer adventures be both delicious and time-saving!