When it comes to quick and satisfying meals, French bread pizza has been a favorite among pizza enthusiasts. The combination of crispy bread, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese creates a mouthwatering treat. And now, with the help of an air fryer, you can enjoy this classic dish in a fraction of the time.

Why This Will Be Your Go-To Busy Night Meal

Fast. Ready in under 30 minutes with the help of your air fryer!
Easy. Use precooked french bread and top with your favorite pizza ingredients.
Versatile. Use your creativity to assemble a variety of pizzas to tantalize your taste buds.
Delicious. Absolutely packed with flavor and a wonderful family-friendly weeknight meal.

This quick and easy method ensures a crispy crust, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked toppings. Whether you're looking for a convenient dinner option or a fun party appetizer, air fryer French bread pizza is sure to satisfy.

Why Is It Called French Bread Pizza?

The name "French bread pizza" likely came about to describe the use of French bread as the foundational element of the dish. It differentiates this style of pizza from the more traditional pizza made with yeast-based dough.

What Is French Bread Pizza Made Of?

French bread
Pizza sauce
Mozzarella cheese
Pizza toppings- sliced pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, etc.
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Olive oil

How To Make French Bread Pizza

Preheat the air fryer- Set your air fryer to preheat at 375F for a few minutes while you prepare the French bread pizza.
Slice the French bread- Cut the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. Then, slice each half into individual serving-sized pieces. This will make it easier to handle and ensure even cooking.
Prepare the toppings- While the air fryer preheats, gather your pizza toppings of choice and prepare them accordingly. Slice any vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, and set aside.
Assemble the French bread pizza- Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce on each slice of the French bread, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add your desired toppings and sprinkle some additional cheese on top. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a pinch of dried Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the toppings.
Transfer to the air fryer- Carefully place the assembled French bread pizzas in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
Air fry the French bread pizzas- Slide the air fryer basket back into the machine and cook the French bread pizzas at 375F for approximately 6-8 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model, so keep an eye on the pizzas to avoid burning.
Add some oil- Brush with olive oil (for added crispiness): If you prefer a slightly crispier crust, you can brush the outer edges of the French bread slices with a little olive oil before air frying.
Serve and enjoy- Once the French bread pizzas are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade French bread pizza straight from the air fryer!

How Do You Keep French Bread Pizza From Getting Soggy?

To prevent French bread pizza from getting soggy, there are a few techniques you can employ during the preparation and cooking process. Follow these tips to ensure a crispy crust and flavorful toppings:

Toast the bread. Before adding any toppings, lightly toast the French bread slices in a toaster or under the broiler for a few minutes. This helps remove excess moisture from the bread and creates a sturdy base for the toppings.
Pre-cook the toppings. If using ingredients with high water content, like mushrooms or juicy vegetables, consider pre-cooking them before adding them to the pizza. Sautéing or roasting the toppings helps remove excess moisture and prevents them from releasing too much liquid onto the bread.
Avoid overloading the pizza. While it's tempting to pile on the toppings, be mindful not to overload the French bread pizza. A heavy load can lead to a soggy result. Use a moderate amount of toppings to maintain the balance between flavor and texture.

Tips And Tricks

Want to make sure you get the perfect air fryer French Bread Pizza every time? Follow the tips and tricks below for the perfect bite!

Use the right sauce-to-bread ratio. Spread a thin and even layer of pizza sauce on each bread slice, leaving a small border around the edges. Using too much sauce can make the bread soggy, so aim for a balanced amount.
Choose the right cheese. Use a combination of cheeses that melt well, such as shredded mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses. This will give your pizza a gooey, flavorful topping.
Let it cool slightly before serving. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the cheese set and prevents the toppings from sliding off.

Variations

Margherita Style- Keep it simple and classic with a Margherita-style French bread pizza. Top toasted French bread slices with a thin layer of pizza sauce, slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. Air fry until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.
BBQ Chicken- For a flavorful twist, spread a layer of BBQ sauce on the toasted French bread slices. Top with cooked and shredded chicken, red onions, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Air fry until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Meat Lover's- If you're a fan of meaty toppings, create a meat lover's French bread pizza. Spread a layer of pizza sauce on the toasted bread, then top with cooked and crumbled sausage, pepperoni slices, bacon bits, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Air fry until the cheese is melted and the meats are slightly crispy.

Feel free to experiment and create your own variations by combining different sauces, toppings, and cheeses.

What To Serve With It

French bread pizza is a delicious and satisfying dish on its own, but if you're looking to round out your meal or create a more complete dining experience, there are several options for side dishes that pair well with it:

Side Salad- Serve a fresh salad alongside your pizza. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing and healthy accompaniment.
Vegetable Medley- Roast a medley of your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and eggplant. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs, then roast until tender and slightly caramelized. This colorful side dish adds nutrition and complements the flavors of the pizza.
Soup- Pair your pizza with a warm bowl of soup. Tomato soup or minestrone soup are classic choices that go well with the flavors of the pizza. The combination of the pizza's cheesy goodness and a comforting soup makes for a satisfying meal.

Feel free to mix and match or get creative based on your personal preferences. The goal is to complement the flavors and textures of the pizza while adding variety to your meal.

How Long Does It Last?

Place any leftover French bread pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that refrigeration can affect the texture of the bread, and it may become slightly softer.

Can You Freeze It?

If you want to extend the shelf life of your French bread pizza, you can freeze it. Wrap each individual slice or the whole pizza tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place them in freezer-safe bags. Frozen French bread pizza can typically be stored for up to 2-3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy the leftover French bread pizza, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350F and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through.

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