Imagine transforming a simple French bread into a mouthwatering pizza in just 20 minutes, without ever turning on your oven! This Air Fryer French Bread Pizza is about to become your new favorite quick meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who craves delicious food without complicated cooking, this recipe is your golden ticket to instant pizza gratification!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that your French bread pizza cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
- While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your French bread. Slice the loaf in half lengthwise to create two open-faced pieces. You can also slice the bread into smaller sections if you prefer individual servings.
- Place the sliced French bread on a clean cutting board or baking sheet, cut side up. Using a spoon, spread a generous layer of marinara sauce over each half of the bread, ensuring that the sauce covers the entire surface.
- Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce on each piece of bread. Be generous, as the cheese will melt and create a delicious, gooey topping.
- Evenly distribute the pepperoni slices over the cheese on each half of the bread. Feel free to add more or less depending on your preference for pepperoni.
- For added flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pepperoni and mozzarella. This will give your pizza an extra cheesy and savory kick.
- Season the pizzas with Italian seasoning to taste. This can include oregano, basil, or any other herbs you enjoy.
- Carefully place the prepared French bread pizzas in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the French bread pizzas in the air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the pizzas from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow them to cool for a minute before slicing them into individual pieces.
- Serve your French bread pizzas hot, garnished with additional Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious, homemade air fryer French bread pizza!
Tips
- Choose a fresh, crusty French bread for the best texture and crunch.
- Don't overload your bread with toppings - this can prevent even cooking.
- For extra crispiness, lightly brush the bread with olive oil before adding sauce.
- If your air fryer tends to run hot, check the pizza at 6-7 minutes to prevent burning.
- For a healthier version, use turkey pepperoni or add some fresh vegetables.
- Let the pizza rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to allow the cheese to set.
- Clean your air fryer basket immediately after cooking to prevent cheese from hardening.
- Experiment with different cheese blends or add fresh basil for variety.
- Use parchment paper in the air fryer basket for easier cleanup.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 63mg
