1. Prepare the Bread
Begin by slicing the French bread in half lengthwise, creating two large pieces. If your air fryer basket is small, you might need to cut the halves in half again to fit.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures an even cooking environment for your pizzas.
3. Brush with Olive Oil
Place the bread pieces on a baking sheet. Lightly brush the cut sides of the bread with olive oil. This helps to crisp up the bread and adds a nice flavor.
4. Toast the Bread
Place the bread pieces in the preheated air fryer basket, cut side up. Air fry for 3-4 minutes until the bread is slightly crispy. This step prevents the bread from becoming soggy when the sauce is added.
5. Add the Sauce
Remove the toasted bread from the air fryer using tongs and place it back on the baking sheet. Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
6. Add Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add your favorite toppings, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of Italian seasoning if desired.
7. Cook the Pizzas
Carefully place the topped bread pieces back into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the toppings are cooked to your liking.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Using tongs, remove the French bread pizzas from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. Slice the pizzas into manageable pieces and serve hot. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and delicious homemade French bread pizzas!
Tips for Success
- Uniform Toppings: Try to keep toppings evenly sized and distributed to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overload: Avoid adding too many toppings, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy crust.
- Pre-Cooked Meats: If using raw meat toppings, cook them beforehand to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Watch Closely: Cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on the pizzas to prevent burning.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different variations and flavors:
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, and top with shredded chicken, red onions, and cilantro.
- Veggie Delight: Load up with bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, and spinach for a vegetarian option.
- Hawaiian Pizza: Add ham and pineapple for a sweet and savory combination.
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Spread buffalo sauce on the bread, top with shredded chicken, mozzarella, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing after cooking.
Conclusion
Air fryer French bread pizzas are a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy pizza at home. With this detailed guide, you’ll be able to create perfectly crispy and flavorful pizzas in no time. Customize them with your favorite toppings and enjoy a fun and tasty meal that’s sure to impress family and friends. Happy cooking!