Air Fryer French Bread Pizza
Air Fryer French Bread Pizza is the fastest way I know to turn a plain loaf of bread into a full pizza night. It takes about ten minutes from start to finish, and every bite has that crispy edge, gooey cheese pull we all want from a slice of pizza.
Equipment
- Air fryer with a basket large enough to fit bread halves
- Sharp bread knife
- Pastry brush for the olive oil
- Box grater if shredding your own mozzarella block (optional)
- Pizza Cutter or sharp knife for slicing
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 30ml
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 2.5ml
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce 180ml, store bought or homemade
- 2 cups shredded low moisture mozzarella cheese about 225g, preferably shredded from a block
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese 25g
- 4 ounces sliced pepperoni about 115g
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning 2.5ml
For Serving (Optional)
- crushed red pepper flakes optional, for serving
Instructions
- Slice the French bread in half lengthwise, then cut each half crosswise into 2 pieces, making 4 pieces total.
- Brush the cut side of each bread piece generously with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes. Arrange bread pieces cut side up in a single layer and air fry for 3 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over each toasted piece, leaving a small border. Top with mozzarella, parmesan, pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
- Return to air fryer and cook at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and edges are deeply toasted.
- Transfer to a cutting board, rest for 1-2 minutes, then slice into smaller portions and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Toast the bread before adding toppings so the crust stays crisp instead of turning soggy under the sauce.
- Do not overload with sauce, since too much liquid will soak into the bread and weigh down the crust.
- Shred your own cheese from a block whenever possible for smoother, more even melting.
- Keep an eye on the pizzas during the final few minutes, since air fryers can brown cheese quickly once it starts melting.
- Let raw meat toppings cook fully before adding them, or use pre-cooked meats like pepperoni or cooked sausage crumbles.
- Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage crumbles or diced ham for a different protein option.
- Go vegetarian with sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, red onion, and black olives.
- Use pesto instead of pizza sauce for a totally different flavor base, or try a white pizza version with ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic.
- Add a drizzle of hot honey after cooking for a sweet and spicy finish.
- Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melted again. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the bread soft instead of crisp.
Nutrition
Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 14gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 8mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!