French bread pizza in the air fryer makes dinner simple. No dough to deal with. No long wait. Just grab a loaf, add your favorite toppings, and let the air fryer do the rest.
Each slice turns out crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and loaded with flavor. Perfect for quick dinners, after-school snacks, or when you want something good without a lot of effort.
You do not need special skills. You only need a few minutes and some basic ingredients. Let’s get right to it.
Crispy Air Fryer French Bread Pizza
Equipment
- Air Fryer (any model with a basket or tray)
- Knife (for slicing bread)
- Spoon (for spreading sauce)
- Cutting Board
- Tongs (optional, for removing hot pizza)
Ingredients
- 1 small French baguette about 12 inches, halved lengthwise
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 slices of pepperoni or toppings of choice
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional, for brushing the bread
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning optional
- Fresh basil or red pepper flakes for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prep the BreadSlice the French bread in half lengthwise and then cut each half to fit into your air fryer basket if needed. Optionally, brush the cut sides with a little olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Preheat Air FryerPreheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- Assemble the PizzaSpread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the cut side of the bread. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Add pepperoni or your favorite toppings. Finish with a pinch of Italian seasoning if desired.
- Air Fry the PizzaPlace the prepared bread slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
- Serve and EnjoyCarefully remove the pizzas from the air fryer using tongs. Garnish with fresh basil or red pepper flakes if you like, slice, and serve hot!
Video
Notes
- Avoid soggy bread by toasting the bread in the air fryer for 2 minutes before adding toppings.
- Load up or keep it classic — use whatever toppings you love: veggies, sausage, olives, or even pineapple.
- Cheese melt matters: Avoid overloading the toppings so the cheese gets that perfect melt.
- Use day-old bread for a firmer, crispier crust.
What to Do When the Bread Does Not Fit?
You grab your loaf, slice it, and then realize it does not fit in the air fryer basket. Happens all the time.
Do not panic. You do not need special bread. Just cut each half again crosswise or trim off one end. No one notices once the cheese melts over it.
The only goal is to make the pieces flat enough to sit in the basket without crowding. Keep the shape simple. It still turns out perfect.
Best Way to Keep the Cheese from Flying Around?
Some air fryers push air hard. The cheese floats or shifts, and toppings end up stuck to the basket. That ruins the whole top.
Press the cheese down with your fingers before placing it in. Just a light press, nothing fancy. Or wait two minutes into the cook time, then open the basket and add cheese. It sticks better once the sauce warms up.
You can use an air fryer to prepare and reheat all sorts of food, but small details can decide whether it will be delicious or a total fail.
How to Make the Crust Extra Crispy Without Burning It?
Nobody wants soggy bread. But burnt edges? That ruins everything too. The trick is to toast the bread first. Just two minutes in the air fryer at 375°F before adding sauce or cheese.
That step dries it out slightly so it can crisp up without overcooking later. Brushing with olive oil helps too. Optional, but worth trying once.
What to Use Instead of Pizza Sauce?
You think you have sauce, then you open the jar and it is empty. Do not give up. Tomato paste works. Mix it with a little water, garlic powder, and salt. Pesto gives a completely different flavor but still works great.
Alfredo sauce or leftover marinara also make solid backups. You do not need to follow rules. Anything spreadable with flavor will do the job.
Why Your Pizza Tastes Dry and How to Fix It?
Dry pizza means something went off. Usually, it sat too long in the air fryer. Stick to 5 to 7 minutes. Nothing more. If it still feels dry, add a touch more sauce after it cooks or drizzle with olive oil.
A little crushed tomato or chili oil can bring it back to life too. Overloading cheese helps but do not drown it. Keep balance in mind.
How to Make It Taste Fresh Without Fresh Ingredients?
You want that pop of flavor at the end, but you forgot to buy basil or fresh toppings. Dried herbs still work if you use them right.
Sprinkle Italian seasoning or oregano after cooking, not before. Same with garlic powder or red pepper flakes. Add flavor right when the pizza is still hot. It wakes everything up.
What to Serve with It Without Making a Second Meal?
Just grab a bagged salad or open a can of tomato soup. Even some apple slices or carrot sticks balance it out. You do not need a full side dish.
Keep it easy and use what you already have.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread if I do not have a baguette?
Yes. Sub rolls, ciabatta, or even sliced Italian bread all work. Just aim for bread with a firm crust and soft middle. Avoid soft sandwich bread. It turns mushy and does not hold toppings well.
Why does my cheese brown too fast before the crust gets crisp?
Some air fryers heat unevenly. If your cheese browns too fast, lower the temp to 350°F and give it an extra minute. You can also add the cheese halfway through. That lets the bread crisp before the top finishes.
Can I make a vegetarian version without losing flavor?
Absolutely. Use mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or spinach. Add a little garlic or onion powder to the sauce. A mix of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan also boosts flavor without meat. Or if you are more into the keto diet, try our Keto Pizza recipe.
Do I need to flip the bread during cooking?
No. Flipping ruins the toppings. Air fryers circulate heat well enough to cook the top and bottom at the same time. Just keep the slices flat and give them space. No flipping needed at all.
Why is the crust too hard to bite?
Too much time in the air fryer or using very dry bread can make the crust tough. Skip pre-toasting if the bread feels dry. You can also brush the edges with a little olive oil before cooking to soften the crunch.
Final Thoughts
Dinner does not need to be complicated to feel satisfying. A loaf of bread, a few toppings, and a few minutes in the air fryer turn into something that tastes like way more effort than it takes.
Try different toppings next time. Let everyone build their own. No rules, no stress, just a quick win on a busy day.
Another Recipe to Make in the Air Fryer – State Fair Corn Dogs
