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This French bread pizza has revolutionized my weeknight dinner routine by transforming simple ingredients into a delicious meal that's ready in minutes. The air fryer gives these personal pizzas the perfect crispy crust while keeping the inside tender, creating that ideal pizza texture without heating up the whole kitchen.
I started making these French bread pizzas during a particularly busy season when I needed quick dinner solutions. What began as a time-saving measure has become one of our family's most requested meals, especially on movie nights when everyone wants something different on their pizza.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread soft variety works best as it compresses nicely
- ¾ cup pizza sauce the base of flavor for your pizza
- 1 cup part skim mozzarella cheese provides that classic stretchy pizza cheese pull
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese adds sharp umami depth to complement the mozzarella
- Pepperoni sausage onions green peppers mushrooms or any toppings you prefer
Look for French bread with a soft interior rather than the super crusty artisan varieties. The softer bread compresses better and creates a more satisfying base. For the best flavor, choose a high quality pizza sauce or make your own with crushed tomatoes and Italian herbs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bread
- Slice the French bread loaf into thirds crosswise. Then slice each section lengthwise to create a total of six pieces. Turn each piece over so the cut side faces up. Press down firmly with your palm to compress the bread slightly, creating a sturdier base for your toppings.
- Preheat and Toast
- Set your air fryer to 350°F and allow it to preheat according to your specific model's instructions. This ensures even cooking from the start. Place half of the bread slices in the air fryer basket with the cut side facing upward. Toast them for 3 minutes until lightly golden. This critical pre toasting step prevents soggy pizza.
- Apply Sauce and Cheese
- Remove the basket from the air fryer. Spread pizza sauce evenly over each piece of toasted bread, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, dividing it equally among the pieces. The pre toasting allows the bread to hold up to the sauce without becoming soggy.
- Add Toppings
- Add your preferred toppings to each piece. For best results, cut toppings into small pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. This is a great opportunity to customize each piece for different preferences or to use up leftover vegetables or meats from your refrigerator.
- Air Fry Until Golden
- Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Watch closely toward the end as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model. The pizzas are done when the cheese is completely melted and starting to brown in spots with the toppings heated through.
- Repeat Process
- Remove the first batch of pizzas and repeat the entire process with the remaining bread slices. This ensures each pizza comes out perfectly crisp and hot.
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My absolute favorite thing about this recipe is its versatility. My daughter loves plain cheese while my husband loads his with every vegetable in the refrigerator. I personally love adding a drizzle of hot honey after cooking for a sweet heat contrast that elevates the whole experience.
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers, these French bread pizzas store remarkably well. Let them cool completely before wrapping each piece individually in aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 325°F for about 3 minutes until heated through. This maintains the crispy texture much better than microwave reheating.
Make Ahead Options
You can prepare these pizzas up to the point of air frying and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply assemble the pizzas on the toasted bread, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, air fry them for about 2 minutes longer than the recipe suggests to ensure they heat all the way through.
Creative Variations
While traditional pizza toppings are delicious, these French bread pizzas can be reimagined in countless ways. Try a breakfast version with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon. Create a Mediterranean style with feta, olives, and sun dried tomatoes. Make a dessert version with Nutella, sliced strawberries, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The french bread serves as a perfect canvas for almost any flavor combination you can imagine.
Serving Suggestions
These French bread pizzas pair perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a complete meal. For a more substantial dinner, serve alongside vegetable soup or a small pasta salad. They also make excellent appetizers when cut into smaller pieces for a party platter. Consider setting up a topping bar and letting guests create their own pizza masterpieces for a fun interactive meal.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make French bread pizza without an air fryer?
Absolutely! While this method uses an air fryer, you can easily adapt it for a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F, pre-toast the bread for about 5 minutes, add toppings, then bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- → What's the best way to store leftover French bread pizza?
Cool completely, then wrap individual pieces in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer at 325°F for 3-4 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- → Why do you compress the bread before toasting?
Compressing the bread creates a sturdier base that can better support the toppings without becoming soggy. It also helps create a more pizza-like texture while ensuring the bread doesn't become too hard during the cooking process.
- → Can I freeze French bread pizza for later?
Yes! Prepare the pizzas through the topping stage (don't cook with toppings yet), then freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to the cooking time.
- → What are some vegetarian topping ideas for French bread pizza?
Great vegetarian options include sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, red onions, black olives, fresh tomatoes, spinach, artichoke hearts, pineapple, and different cheese varieties like feta or goat cheese. You could also add fresh basil or arugula after cooking.
- → How can I make French bread pizza healthier?
Choose whole grain French bread if available, use part-skim mozzarella, load up on vegetable toppings, use a sauce with no added sugar, and add lean protein like grilled chicken. You can also reduce the amount of cheese and compensate with more herbs and spices for flavor.