Air Fryer French Bread Pizza

Equipment

• Air fryer (any size; cook in batches if needed)
• Knife and cutting board
• Pastry brush or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spatula

Ingredients

For the Pizza

• 1 loaf French bread (about 12 inches), cut in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 2 pieces (4 pieces total)
• ½ cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
• 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
• Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil for garnish

Optional Toppings (Choose Your Favorites)

• 20 slices pepperoni
• ½ cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• ¼ cup diced bell peppers
• ¼ cup sliced mushrooms
• ¼ cup diced red onion

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes .
2. Tip: Preheating ensures the bread starts crisping immediately instead of steaming.

Step 2: Prep the Bread

1. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise. Cut each half crosswise into 2 pieces so they fit comfortably in your air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, cut into smaller pieces.

Step 3: Brush and Toast (Optional First Crisp)

1. Lightly brush the cut sides of the bread with olive oil. Place the bread pieces cut-side up in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 2 minutes . This creates a barrier that keeps the bread from getting soggy.
2. Skip this step if you’re short on time—it’s optional but recommended.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

1. Remove the bread from the air fryer. Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each piece, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

1. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add Parmesan, oregano, basil, and garlic powder. If using toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or veggies, add them now on top of the cheese.

Step 6: Air Fry the Pizza

1. Place the topped bread back into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 4–6 minutes , until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges.
2. Cooking intensity note: Air fryers vary. Start checking at 4 minutes. If your air fryer runs hot, lower to 360°F (182°C).

Step 7: Finish and Serve

1. Carefully remove the pizza with tongs. Garnish with fresh basil or red pepper flakes if desired. Let cool for 1 minute before slicing and serving.