15-Minute Homemade French Bread Pizza In The Air Fryer

This quick and easy Homemade French Bread Pizza In The Air Fryer is about to become your new go-to pizza recipe. Gooey mozzarella cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings, all piled onto a crispy French bread crust. The best part? It's ready in no time (under 15 minutes!), thanks to the magic of the air fryer.

Why This Recipe Works

There are so many reasons to give this easy recipe a try.

• FAST! Need dinner on the table in a hurry? This simple recipe has your back. From scratch, it can be made in under 15 minutes, and from frozen, in just 5. The quick cooking time makes it an ideal option for a quick lunch, an easy meal, a quick snack, or a fun family pizza night. 
• Easy. The ingredients here are super simple, and you can even customize them based on what you have on hand or what you like. Add a simple green salad, and you're good to go! (Try this simple Mac and Cheese Bar for another easy dinner idea!)
• Delicious. The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to making this French bread pizza. It crisps up the crust to perfection while ensuring the cheese melts into a heavenly consistency.
• Family favorite. My whole family loves this recipe (who doesn't love pizza, right?). 
• Great for using up leftover bread! This French bread pizza recipe is the best way to repurpose a leftover loaf of French bread, minimizing food waste.
• Customizable. One of my favorite things about making homemade pizza is that you can customize it however you like. Pick a sauce, choose your favorite pizza toppings, and you're good to go. 

Key Ingredients

We're using simple ingredients for this air fryer French bread pizza and sticking with good old-fashioned cheese and pepperoni. Here's what you'll need.

• French bread. Choosing a high-quality French bread or baguette is crucial for the success of this recipe. Look for a loaf of bread that's slightly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, providing the perfect base for your pizza.
• Pizza sauce. The sauce is the heart of any pizza. Opt for your favorite marinara or tomato sauce to bring that classic pizza flavor. For a unique twist, try Alfredo sauce or experiment with homemade pizza sauce for a personalized touch. Or, make your own pizza sauce!
• Mozzarella cheese. The gooey, melted mozzarella cheese is what makes this French bread pizza irresistible. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Parmesan cheese for added depth of flavor.
• Olive oil and Italian seasoning. Combining olive oil with Italian seasoning not only adds a burst of flavor but also helps achieve that golden brown, crispy crust that defines a perfect pizza. (This simple spaghetti sauce seasoning mix makes a good substitute for Italian seasoning.)
• Toppings. The beauty of homemade pizza is the freedom to choose your favorite toppings. We used a classic pepperoni here, but you can use sausage, Canadian bacon, or whatever you'd like. Colorful bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, olives, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick - customize it to suit your taste.

Variations and Substitutions

Here are a few ways to mix up your yummy French bread pizza:

• Change up the toppings. Experiment with a variety of toppings. From classic pepperoni to fresh veggies or even a mix of different cheeses, herbs like fresh basil, the options are endless, and you can totally make this pizza your own.
• Try a different sauce. Swap out the traditional pizza sauce for Alfredo sauce, basil walnut pesto sauce, or experiment with a homemade garlic-infused olive oil base for a unique twist.
• Make them individualized!  Customize the size of your French bread pizza by cutting the loaf into smaller pieces. This is especially useful if you have a smaller air fryer or if you're preparing a snack. It's also a fun way for each person to "personalize" their own pizzas with toppings of their choice.
• Frozen French bread pizza hack. In a pinch, use the freezer section of the grocery store to your advantage. This makes for a super quick and easy meal. And you can add your favorite pizza toppings to make your pizza more gourmet if you wish!
• Make garlic toast. This recipe doesn't have to just be about pizza. You can easily make garlic toast using this recipe, too. Just follow the steps through step three, and add some garlic powder (or even better, this Oven Roasted Elephant Garlic Spread to the cut loaves before toasting. This is a great side for salads, a lazy lasagna, or a pasta dish.

How To Make Homemade French Bread Pizza In The Air Fryer

Step 1: Prep. Preheat the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400° to ensure the French bread pizza cooks evenly and achieves that coveted crispy crust.

Slice the French bread in half down the middle, then slice each half lengthwise and split open. This creates the perfect base for your toppings.

Step 2: Brush the bread with oil. . Combine olive oil with Italian seasoning and brush it onto the cut sides of the French bread.

Step 3: Toast the bread. Place the bread cut side up in the air fryer basket and toast the bread for 3 minutes, then remove it. This step sets the stage for a super crispy crust and will help prevent the pizza from becoming soggy. (Note - you'll likely only be able to fit one half of the French loaf in your air fryer at a time. Just take this in phases and toast the second half while you're adding your toppings to the first.)

Step 4: Add the toppings. Spread pizza sauce over the toasted French bread and layer on the mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings. Don't forget to sprinkle some additional Italian seasoning for that extra flavor boost.

Step 5: Air fry the French bread pizza!. Place the loaded French bread into the preheated air fryer and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remember to check it halfway through to prevent overcooking.

Step 6: Cool and serve. Allow the French bread pizza to cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. This ensures the cheese sets slightly, making it easier to cut into satisfying portions.

More Delicious Pizza Recipes

Homemade French Bread Pizza In The Air Fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to satisfy your pizza cravings. 

If you try this recipe, let me know what you think in the comments below! And don't forget to tag me on Instagram @frontrangefed with a pic - I love to see your masterpieces!