Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 13–15 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Course: Lunch, Dinner, Snack
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cut in half lengthwise
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20–24 slices pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and then cut each half into serving-sized pieces if needed. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce evenly over each piece, making sure to cover the surface without soaking the bread.
Step 2: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Make sure the cheese reaches the edges for a delicious cheesy bite in every slice.
Step 3: Add Your Toppings
Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
Step 4: Air Fry
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
Place the French bread pizzas in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden while the bread becomes crispy around the edges.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove the pizzas from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Slice and serve immediately while hot.
Recipe Tips
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting texture.
- Avoid adding too much sauce, as it may make the bread soggy.
- Cook in batches instead of overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Add cooked sausage, bacon, mushrooms, onions, olives, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Keep an eye on the pizza during the last two minutes since air fryer cooking times vary.
Variations
Meat Lovers: Add cooked sausage, bacon, ham, and pepperoni.
Vegetarian: Top with mushrooms, onions, spinach, olives, and bell peppers.
Hawaiian: Add diced ham and pineapple chunks.
BBQ Chicken: Replace pizza sauce with barbecue sauce and top with cooked chicken and red onions.
Storage
Store leftover French bread pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the bread.
Freezing
Assemble the pizzas without cooking and freeze them individually. Once frozen, transfer to freezer-safe bags and store for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen by adding 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different bread?
Yes. Italian bread, ciabatta, baguettes, or sourdough all work well.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps produce a crispier crust, although many air fryers cook well without it.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pizzas several hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella is the classic choice, but cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or a pizza cheese blend also taste great.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Calcium: 280mg
- Iron: 3mg