If you’re craving a delicious and quick meal, look no further than French bread pizza cooked in an air fryer. This crispy and flavorful dish is easy to make, and will have your taste buds begging for more. With the help of an air fryer, you can achieve the perfect combination of a crunchy crust and gooey cheese in no time. So, let’s dive into the steps on how to cook French bread pizza in an air fryer.
Choosing the Right Bread
The first step to making French bread pizza in an air fryer is selecting the perfect bread. Look for a French baguette or any other crusty bread that is not pre-sliced. This will give you the freedom to adjust the thickness of your slices based on personal preference.
Slicing and Prepping the Bread
Start by cutting the bread into 1-inch thick slices. Lay the slices on a flat surface, and spread either butter or olive oil on one side of each slice. This will help prevent the toppings from making the bread soggy. You can also sprinkle some garlic powder or herbs for added flavor.
Choosing the Toppings
The beauty of French bread pizza lies in its versatility when it comes to toppings. You can stick to traditional options like marinara sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, or get creative with your choices. Here are some popular options:
- Classic Margherita: Fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves.
- Buffalo Chicken: Shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, blue cheese or ranch dressing, and celery.
- Mediterranean: Hummus, sliced olives, feta cheese, and roasted red peppers.
- Veggie Delight: Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, along with your favorite cheese.
Assembling the Pizzas
Place the prepared bread slices on a clean surface with the oiled side facing down. Spread your sauce of choice evenly on the untoasted side, leaving a small border around the edges. Next, sprinkle your desired toppings over the sauce. Be sure not to overload the slices as it can make them difficult to cook through.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. Once the air fryer is heated, carefully place the assembled French bread pizza slices into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the slices in batches. Make sure to leave sufficient space between the slices for even air circulation.
Set the timer to 5-7 minutes and cook the French bread pizza until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them as they can quickly go from golden to burnt due to the high heat of the air fryer.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the French bread pizza is cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute before serving. Cut them into smaller portions if desired, and garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Serve your homemade French bread pizza as a delicious appetizer, snack, or even a main course. Enjoy!
Now that you know the step-by-step process of cooking French bread pizza in an air fryer, you can whip up this delectable dish whenever the craving strikes. Experiment with different toppings and sauces to create your own unique flavor combinations. With the convenience of an air fryer, you can enjoy a restaurant-style pizza at home without the hassle of using a traditional oven. Bon appétit!