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French Bread Pizza (Air Fryer)

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Kids and adults alike love French bread pizza. They can’t resist the golden, crispy crust and melted cheese. The short prep and cook times make this a quick and easy dinner or lunch that is simple to put together. A handful of ingredients and the air fryer’s convenience are all you need.

3 pieces of pepperoni french bread pizza on a cutting board with a pizza wheel
Photo Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen

One great thing about French Bread Pizza is its versatility. You can customize the toppings to suit your tastes, making it perfect for picky eaters. Whether you stick with classic pepperoni or opt for a vegetarian version loaded with your favorite veggies, this homemade French Bread Pizza will become part of your family’s favorite meals.

French bread, sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, olive oil, and parmesan cheese in bowls
Photo Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen

Ingredients

French Bread – We usually just buy the big loaves in the bakery section. They tend to cost $1 to $2.

Olive Oil – We use light-tasting olive oil since it’s what is always on hand, but if you prefer the richer flavor from extra-virgin, it works just as well.

Pizza Sauce – We usually use our homemade pizza sauce, but that doesn’t mean we won’t use jarred or canned sauce when we are in a rush.

Parmesan Cheese (shredded) – We recommend using shredded parm for this recipe. 

Mozzarella Cheese – We tend to use full-fat cheese and shred it ourselves, but like everything else in our test-kitchens, we use whatever is readily available, especially for quick recipes like this one. 

Sliced Pepperoni – Nearly every pizza that has come through our kitchen is topped with pepperoni. You can omit it and use optional toppings instead.

Additional toppings of your choice (veggies or other meats) – We use cooked Italian sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olive a lot too. 

Making French bread pizza in air fryer
Photo Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen

Directions

1 – Slice the French in half lengthwise, then cut each half in the middle to create four pieces. 

2 – Lightly brush olive oil on the cut sides of the bread, this helps achieve a wonderful crispiness.

3 – Preheat the air fryer, then place two pieces of bread inside and cook for about three minutes until the edges turn golden brown. 

4 – Add a layer of shredded Parmesan cheese, followed by pizza sauce. Pepperoni and other toppings of your choice can be added before covering the pizza with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese.

5 – Place the pizza back into the air fryer and cook for an additional two to three minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles. 

5 – Remove the first two pieces from the air fryer.

6- Repeat the process with the remaining two pieces of bread, there is no need to preheat the air fryer for the second batch.

Slices of french bread pizza
Photo Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen

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Can I Use Any Type of French Bread for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of French bread you prefer. However, for best results, choose a French bread that is sturdy enough to hold the toppings without becoming too soggy.

How Long Does It Take to Cook French Bread Pizza in the Air Fryer?

Typically, French Bread Pizza takes about 5-6 minutes (total) to cook in the air fryer. However, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the bread and the desired level of crispiness.

Can I Customize the Toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your French Bread Pizza with your favorite toppings such as vegetables, meats, or additional cheeses to suit your taste preferences.

Can I Use the Oven? 

You sure can! Use a 400℉ oven and bake for 3 to 5 minutes the first time, or until the edges of the bread are starting to turn light brown. You’ll need to bake for 15 to 20 minutes during the second round of baking, or until the cheese is melted.

How Do I Cut the Bread Without Smashing It?

French bread tends to be soft. So, using a bread knife is ideal. If you don’t have a bread knife, a serrated steak knife will work. You need to move your knife in long strokes while slicing. Using short sawing motions rips the bread.

Hand holding a piece of pizza
Photo Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen

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Pieces of French bread pizza surrounded by shredded cheese

French Bread Pizza (Air Fryer)

French Bread Pizza made in the air fryer is a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love. It’s got a crispy crust, savory sauce, and melty cheese, and can be customized with your favorite toppings for a delicious lunch or dinner that’s ready in under 15 minutes.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Italian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 535kcal
Author: Elizabeth (Beth) Mueller

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf of French bread
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 8 Tablespoons Pizza Sauce
  • 8 Tablespoons Shredded Parmesan Cheese
  • ½-1 cup of Pepperoni
  • 1 Cup of shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • Optional: Additional toppings of your choice veggies or other meats

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400℉ according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually around 3 minutes.
  • Slice the French bread in half lengthwise, then halve each piece again to create 4 individual portions.
    1 loaf of French bread
  • Lightly brush each piece of bread with olive oil.
    2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • Place 2 pieces of bread into the air fryer and cook for 3 minutes, until the edges are nicely browned.
  • Remove the bread from the air fryer and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
    8 Tablespoons Shredded Parmesan Cheese
  • Spread pizza sauce over the Parmesan cheese.
    8 Tablespoons Pizza Sauce
  • Add pepperoni and any additional toppings on top of the sauce (feel free to add extra toppings if desired).
    ½-1 cup of Pepperoni, Optional: Additional toppings of your choice
  • Cover the pizza with mozzarella cheese.
    1 Cup of shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • Return the pizza to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Repeat steps 4-9 with the two additional pieces of bread.
  • Take the French Bread Pizza out of the air fryer and dig in! Enjoy your delicious homemade pizza in minutes.

Notes

To make in the oven: Preheat the oven to 400℉ oven and bake for 3 to 5 minutes to toast the oiled bread, or until the edges of the bread are starting to turn light brown. You’ll need to bake for 15 to 20 minutes during the second round of baking, or until the cheese is melted.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Piece | Calories: 535kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 1303mg | Potassium: 275mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 397IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 319mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and may vary based on exact ingredients used. For accuracy, consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

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This recipe was written and tested by a human.

Editor: Oliver Baysinger

Elizabeth (Beth) Mueller

Elizabeth (Beth) Mueller is a food journalist, CEO of Pear Tree Kitchen, and co-creator of Food Blogger Help. She also has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a registered nurse licensed in the State of Oklahoma. When she has free time between writing, blogging, and cooking, she can be found volunteering as an RN with the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps.

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