Air-Fryer French Bread Pizza: A Quick, Crispy Treat

French bread pizza is a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer, and it can be cooked straight from frozen. It's a great option for a busy mid-week dinner or after-school snack, and you can use shop-bought frozen pizzas or make your own. To make your own, you'll need a loaf of French bread, pizza sauce, and your choice of toppings. Simply slice the bread in half, add sauce and toppings, and cook in the air fryer for around 5 minutes.

Can I make French bread pizza from scratch in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make French bread pizza from scratch in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. It's an easy and quick meal that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make it:

Ingredients:

• French bread loaf
• Pizza sauce (marinara or tomato sauce)
• Mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Slice the French bread in half lengthwise, then cut each half into pieces that will fit into your air fryer.
• Brush the cut sides of the bread with a mixture of olive oil and Italian seasoning.
• Place the bread into the air fryer, cut side up, and toast for about 3 minutes.
• Remove the bread from the air fryer and spread pizza sauce over the toasted sides.
• Add your desired toppings and sprinkle with more Italian seasoning.
• Place the loaded French bread back into the air fryer and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove the pizza from the air fryer and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• You can use Italian bread or a French baguette instead of French bread for a different texture.
• Get creative with your toppings! Experiment with different combinations of meats, vegetables, and cheeses.
• If you want a garlic bread flavour, mix olive oil, crushed garlic, and Italian seasoning, and brush it on the bread before toasting.
• You can also make different pizza flavours, such as BBQ chicken, buffalo chicken, meat lovers, or veggie lovers.
• For a crispier crust, spray the crust with a light coat of oil before air frying.

Making French bread pizza in an air fryer is a fun and convenient way to enjoy a delicious meal or snack. It's a great option for busy weeknights, and you can easily customise it to your taste preferences.

What are the best brands of frozen French bread pizza?

French bread pizza is a frozen-section staple since the 1970s, and while there aren't a lot of French bread pizzas at the grocery store, there are a few brands that stand out. Here are some of the best brands of frozen French bread pizza:

Stouffer's

Stouffer's is an iconic and classic brand when it comes to French bread pizza. They offer a variety of options, including their Extra Cheese French Bread Pizza, Deluxe French Bread Pizza, Pepperoni French Bread Pizza, and Supreme French Bread Pizza. While some people enjoy the zesty sauce and generous amount of cheese on Stouffer's pizzas, others find the bread to have a slightly odd, earthy flavour.

Lean Cuisine French Bread Pepperoni

If you're watching your calorie intake but still want to indulge in a French bread pizza, Lean Cuisine's pepperoni option is a great choice. It has spicy and oily pepperoni, and the bread has a nice, hearty consistency. It's a bit light on cheese, but with only 300 calories, it's a satisfying treat.

Red Baron

Red Baron is another popular brand for French bread pizzas, and their French Bread Singles Pepperoni Pizzas are highly regarded. The bread tastes like a warm baguette, and it has a chewy texture rather than being crumbly. The cheese coverage and sauce are also well-balanced, making it a satisfying snack or meal without feeling too heavy. Red Baron also offers a Supreme version with sausage and pepperoni, which is worth trying.

Sabatasso's

Sabatasso's French Bread Pizza is mentioned in a few places as a solid choice, though it may not be available in all areas.

Other Brands

In addition to the brands mentioned above, some other options for frozen French bread pizza include:

• DiGiorno
• Trader Joe's
• Tombstone
• Table 87
• Newman's Own
• Amy's
• Mama Cozzi's Pizza Kitchen (Aldi)
• Kirkland Signature (Costco)
• Ellio's

How long does it take to cook French bread pizza in the air fryer?

French bread pizza is a quick and easy meal to make in the air fryer, and it can be cooked from frozen in just 10 minutes!

The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you have, as well as the temperature you set it to. For example, if you're using a Cosori 5.8 qt air fryer, you'll want to cook your pizza at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. If you're using a different brand, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature.

If you're cooking your French bread pizza from scratch, the process is a little different. First, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, slice your French bread in half and add your favourite toppings. Place the pizzas in the air fryer basket, making sure they're spaced apart and in a single layer. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the pizzas to cool for a minute or two before serving.

So, whether you're cooking from frozen or making your own French bread pizza from scratch, the total cooking time in the air fryer should be around 5-10 minutes.

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

The temperature you should set your air fryer to will depend on the type of French bread pizza you are cooking. If you are cooking a frozen pizza, you should not defrost it first. Instead, cook it straight from frozen. Set your air fryer to 370°F and cook for 8 minutes. If you are using a Cosori 5.8 qt air fryer, you could also try cooking your frozen pizza at 400°F for 5 minutes.

If you are making your French bread pizza from scratch, you should first toast your bread. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 3 minutes. Then add your toppings and cook for another 4-5 minutes at the same temperature.

What are some good side dishes to serve with French bread pizza?

French bread pizza is a quick and easy meal to make, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for sides to serve with French bread pizza:

• Soup: Soup is an excellent appetizer, and there are many options to suit your preference. For a light and refreshing option, try a tomato soup or a chilled gazpacho with raw vegetables. For something thicker and creamier, opt for a cream of mushroom soup or a ratatouille, a hearty vegetable stew made with eggplant, bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and mascarpone cheese.
• Salads: A Caesar salad is a healthy option to balance out the richness of the French bread pizza. For something a little different, try a chicken salad with blue cheese, boiled eggs, and bacon, or a simple garden salad with vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and avocado.
• Dips and Spreads: Try a spinach and artichoke dip, hummus, or baba ganoush—a creamy, smoky eggplant dip—with your French bread pizza. These dips add a nice contrast of flavours and textures to the meal.
• Cheesy Sides: Cheese and pizza are a classic combination. Try mozzarella sticks, or garlic cheese bread. You could also make your own by spreading a paste of sautéed garlic cloves and olive oil on a loaf of French bread and topping it with shredded cheese.
• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables are a healthy and tasty option to balance out the carbs in the French bread pizza. Try roasted carrots, potatoes, onions, cauliflower, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. For a lighter option, make a zucchini fries or a simple side of coleslaw.
• Meat: Chicken wings with blue cheese dip or meatballs are tasty, protein-filled options to pair with French bread pizza.

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