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Air fryer French bread pizza with crispy toasted French bread, rich marinara sauce, gooey melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, served as an easy homemade pizza.
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Air Fryer French Bread Pizza - Quick, Crispy, and Crowd-Pleasing

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 large French bread loaf (or 2 smaller ones), split lengthwise
  • 1 to 1 1/4 cups pizza sauce or marinara
  • 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
  • 12–16 slices pepperoni (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and basil)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Prep the bread: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise. If your air fryer basket is small, cut each half into smaller sections that fit comfortably without crowding.
  • Season and toast the base: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Brush it lightly over the cut sides of the bread. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until lightly crisp. This step prevents sogginess.
  • Add the sauce: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the toasted bread. Leave a small border for the crust. Don’t overdo the sauce—too much will make the bread soft.
  • Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle on mozzarella, then Parmesan. Add pepperoni or your favorite toppings. Keep toppings in a single layer so the cheese melts evenly and the bread stays crisp.
  • Air fry: Return the loaded bread to the air fryer. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned at the edges. Check at the 5-minute mark to avoid over-browning.
  • Finish and serve: Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add fresh basil or parsley and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes to set the cheese, then slice and serve.