Are you looking for a delicious and hassle-free meal? Look no further than this air fryer French bread pizza recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make your own homemade pizza in less than 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a tasty lunch or dinner.
The Homemade Pizza You’ve Been Craving
We all know that frozen French bread pizzas can be disappointing. They often taste like cardboard. That’s why I decided to take matters into my own hands and make my own air fryer French bread pizza using a fresh loaf of French bread. The result? A pizza that my son absolutely loved! This recipe is a game-changer, especially if pizza is your favorite food group.
Air Fryer: More Than Just Fries
I’ve discovered that the air fryer is not just for making crispy french fries. It’s a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for desserts, dog treats, and of course, making delicious meals like this French bread pizza. The best part? It’s quick and easy, making it a perfect choice for feeding the whole family with minimal effort and mess.
A Simple Recipe with Few Ingredients
To make this mouthwatering French bread pizza, all you need is a loaf of French bread, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. I recommend using a good-sized French baguette to ensure the perfect crunchy texture. However, you can also experiment with Italian bread if you prefer a chewier crust. The choice is yours!
Toppings and Cheese: The Perfect Combination
When it comes to toppings, the options are endless. In this recipe, I used sliced pepperoni, but feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings. However, I highly recommend sticking with mozzarella cheese for that authentic gooey goodness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix different cheeses to add a twist to the flavors.
My Tried and Tested Air Fryers
I have two different air fryers that I use for various purposes. One has two racks, making it ideal for making jerky and rotisserie chicken. The other one, which I purchased from Aldi, has a large basket that I use as my main air fryer. It’s a reliable appliance that has stood the test of time.
How to Make Air Fryer French Bread Pizza
Now, let’s get down to business and learn how to make this delicious French bread pizza in the air fryer. It’s a breeze!
Step 1: Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise, like a book. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut each half again to create four pieces.
Step 3: Take each piece of bread and spoon some tomato sauce over the top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and your desired toppings. Be sure to cover the toppings with the remaining cheese to prevent them from flying around.
Step 4: Place the pizza pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese turns golden brown. Cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on it to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
Step 5: Once the pizzas are done, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with a simple green salad to complete the meal. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in aluminum foil for later enjoyment.
Tips and Variations
- For extra flavor, you can brush the bread with a mixture of olive oil, crushed garlic, and Italian seasoning before air frying.
- If you prefer homemade pizza sauce, combine plain tomato sauce with fresh crushed garlic, Italian seasonings, salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of tomato paste for sweetness.
- Spice things up by adding crushed hot pepper flakes to the sauce or on top of the pizza after baking.
Endless Pizza Possibilities
While classic pepperoni pizza is always a hit, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings. Some exciting options include BBQ chicken with cheddar cheese and red onion, buffalo chicken with melted butter and hot sauce, meat lovers with Italian sausage, bacon, pepperoni, and ham, and veggie lovers with a variety of thinly sliced vegetables.
Try Air Fryer French Bread Pizza Today!
The next time you’re tempted to grab a frozen French bread pizza from the grocery store, reconsider and try this air fryer recipe instead. It’s quick, easy, and fun, guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
