Looking for a quick, delicious, and family-friendly meal? Try this French Bread Pizza in Air Fryer recipe, a fantastic twist on traditional pizza that takes just minutes to prepare and delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. With a golden, crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese, this air fryer version is ideal for busy weeknights, movie nights, or even lunchbox treats. Whether you’re using leftovers or fresh toppings, this recipe allows complete customization.
Forget the greasy takeout or long wait for delivery – your favorite pizza flavors can be on the table in less than 15 minutes, thanks to the power of the air fryer.
🧾 Recipe Overview
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Cuisine: American, Italian
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Course: Lunch, Dinner, Snack
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Servings: 2
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Calories per Serving: ~380 kcal
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Active Cook Time: 7 minutes
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Resting Time: 3 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
🍴 Equipment Needed
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Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
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Spoon or spatula for spreading sauce
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Knife for slicing toppings
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Cutting board
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Optional: parchment paper or air fryer liners
🛒 Ingredients
You only need a few basic ingredients to make this crispy air fryer French bread pizza. Here’s what you’ll need:
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1/2 loaf of French bread, cut lengthwise
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1/2 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
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Toppings of choice, such as:
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Pepperoni
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Mushrooms
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Bell peppers
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Olives
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Onions
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Cooked sausage
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Olive oil spray (optional, for crisping the edges)
🧑🍳 Instructions – How to Make French Bread Pizza in Air Fryer
Step 1: Prep the French Bread
Slice your French bread in half lengthwise. If the halves are long, you can also cut them in half crosswise to fit better in your air fryer basket.
Step 2: Toast the Bread (Optional but Recommended)
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Lightly spray the bread with olive oil and air fry for 2–3 minutes. This step ensures the bread stays crispy after adding the sauce and toppings.
Step 3: Add Sauce
Remove the bread from the air fryer. Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce on each piece using a spoon or spatula. Ensure it reaches close to the edges without spilling over.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add your favorite toppings such as pepperoni, vegetables, or cooked meats. Don’t overload the bread to avoid sogginess.
Step 5: Air Fry the Pizza
Carefully place the prepared bread back into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Remove the French bread pizzas from the air fryer and let them rest for about 3 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and avoids burning your mouth.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm with a side salad, dipping sauce, or some garlic knots for a full meal.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
French bread pizza in the air fryer is versatile and pairs well with:
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Caesar salad
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Garlic breadsticks
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Tomato basil soup
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Ranch or marinara dipping sauce
Great for:
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Kids’ lunchboxes
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Game night snacks
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Weeknight dinners
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Potluck parties
⚖️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
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Calories | ~380 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Protein | 18g |
Fat | 18g |
Saturated Fat | 8g |
Cholesterol | 40mg |
Sodium | 750mg |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 3g |
Note: Values vary based on ingredients and toppings used.
🧂 Customization Tips
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Low-Carb Version: Use keto-friendly bread or cauliflower crust.
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Vegan Option: Use vegan mozzarella and plant-based toppings.
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Extra Crunch: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan on top.
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Kid-Friendly: Use mini baguettes and let kids add their own toppings.
📝 Pro Tips for the Best French Bread Pizza in Air Fryer
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Pre-toast the bread to prevent sogginess from the sauce.
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Don’t overload toppings – the air fryer works best with a moderate amount to ensure even cooking.
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Keep the air fryer uncrowded – work in batches if needed.
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Use parchment liners or foil for easy cleanup (only if your air fryer manual allows it).
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Let cheese melt naturally – no need to increase temp; it may burn the edges.
❄️ Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store: Let leftovers cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
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Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes.
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Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
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Microwave: Use only for quick reheating (may lose crispiness).
📌 Final Thoughts
This French Bread Pizza in Air Fryer recipe is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s fast, delicious, and endlessly customizable for any dietary preference or picky eater. The air fryer gives it that perfect crispness you can’t get from the microwave – all while saving energy compared to using a full-size oven.
So grab a loaf of French bread, your favorite sauce and toppings, and enjoy this quick, crispy, and cheesy masterpiece in just 15 minutes!

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.