If you’re craving a quick, crispy, and utterly delicious snack, the Red Baron French Bread Pizza Air Fryer Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This recipe takes a beloved frozen classic and elevates it using the magic of the air fryer, delivering golden crusts, perfectly melted toppings, and a flavor-packed bite every time. Whether you’re feeding a busy household or treating yourself, this method guarantees satisfaction in under ten minutes, with minimal fuss and maximum yum.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Red Baron French Bread Pizza Air Fryer Recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients, each chosen to enhance taste, texture, and that irresistible crunch. These basics work together to transform your pizza from frozen to fabulous with ease.
- Red Baron French Bread Pizza: The star of the show, providing a hearty crust and classic toppings.
- Olive oil: Adds beautiful browning and a subtle richness to the crust.
- Cornmeal: Sprinkled in the basket, it prevents sticking and offers an extra crunchy texture.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the flavor with aromatic, savory notes.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that brings herbs like oregano and basil for authentic pizza vibes.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, melty finish for a cheesy flavor upgrade.
How to Make Red Baron French Bread Pizza Air Fryer Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 380°F and let it heat for three minutes. This warm-up step is key for creating that crunchy base as soon as the pizza lands in the basket, so don’t overlook it—it’s the secret to a perfectly crisp crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Basket
While your air fryer is warming up, sprinkle a teaspoon of cornmeal evenly across the basket. Not only will this prevent the pizza from sticking, but it also adds a lovely crunch to the bottom that makes every bite just a little more special.
Step 3: Oil the Pizza Base
Lightly brush the bottom of your frozen Red Baron French Bread Pizza with olive oil. This extra moisture helps the crust brown beautifully, creating an appetizing golden finish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
Step 4: Add Seasonings
Remove the pizza from packaging and gently pat away any ice crystals with a paper towel. Then dust the top with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. These simple pantry staples elevate the flavor profile, transforming a frozen treat into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Step 5: Air Fry the Pizza
Place the pizza halves in the basket without overlapping. Cook at 380°F for five minutes. At the halfway point, flip each piece 180 degrees to ensure even cooking and a perfectly browned crust on all sides.
Step 6: Add Parmesan Cheese
Open the air fryer and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pizzas. This step gives you a melty, savory topping without risking burnt cheese, adding an extra dimension of flavor just before the final crisp.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Carefully transfer your pizzas to a cutting board and allow them to rest for one minute. This little pause helps the cheese settle, keeping toppings in place and making it easier to slice your pizza into perfect portions.
How to Serve Red Baron French Bread Pizza Air Fryer Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take your Red Baron French Bread Pizza Air Fryer Recipe from tasty to unforgettable. Try sprinkling chopped fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to add color, aroma, and a burst of flavor that complements the crispy crust.
Side Dishes
Keep your meal balanced and exciting with simple sides that pair beautifully. A fresh garden salad, crunchy carrot sticks with ranch dip, or even a cup of tomato soup make perfect companions, turning your pizza snack into a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pizza alongside individual dipping bowls filled with garlic butter, marinara sauce, or spicy aioli. You can also cut the pizzas into bite-sized strips and arrange them on a platter for sharing during casual gatherings or game day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (although it’s hard not to eat it all in one sitting), wrap the pizza tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to two days to keep flavors vibrant and the crust from becoming soggy.
Freezing
While this recipe starts with a frozen pizza, cooked leftovers can be frozen as well. Place cooled pizza slices in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy your leftovers, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This quick reheat restores crispiness beautifully, avoiding the soggy pitfalls of microwave reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different brand of French bread pizza?
Absolutely! This Red Baron French Bread Pizza Air Fryer Recipe works well with most brands, but cooking times may vary slightly depending on thickness and toppings. Just keep an eye on the crust and cheese.
Do I need to thaw the pizza before air frying?
No thawing needed. This recipe was designed to take a frozen pizza straight from the freezer to the air fryer, saving you time and keeping it super simple.
Can I add extra toppings before air frying?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your pizza with extra pepperoni, veggies, or extra cheese before cooking. Just be mindful not to overload it, so it cooks evenly and crisps nicely.
What if my air fryer is smaller?
If space is tight, cook one pizza half at a time. Just adjust cooking times slightly and keep the temperature the same for best results.
Is cornmeal necessary in the basket?
While it’s not mandatory, sprinkling cornmeal in the basket helps prevent sticking and gives your crust a nice crunch—so it’s a small step that really pays off.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fast, fuss-free way to enjoy a crispy, flavorful pizza, give this Red Baron French Bread Pizza Air Fryer Recipe a try. It’s one of those delightful shortcuts that tastes like you spent way more time and effort than you actually did. Trust me, once you experience that golden crust and perfectly melted cheese, you’ll wonder how you ever air fried frozen pizza any other way!
Print
Red Baron French Bread Pizza Air Fryer Recipe
- Prep Time: 4 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 9 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a quick and delicious Red Baron French Bread Pizza prepared perfectly in the air fryer, delivering a crispy, golden crust with melty cheese and enhanced flavors from garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Pizza
- 1 Red Baron French Bread Pizza, frozen
For Preparation
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F and let it run for three minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crunchy base immediately as the pizza starts cooking, so do not skip this.
- Prepare the Basket: While preheating, sprinkle an even layer of cornmeal over the air fryer basket. This prevents sticking and adds a delightful crunch to the crust.
- Brush the Pizza Crust: Take the frozen Red Baron French Bread Pizza and lightly brush the bottom side with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This ensures a golden, beautifully browned crust.
- Season the Pizza: Remove the pizza from packaging and pat off any ice crystals using paper towels. Lightly dust the top with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to boost flavor.
- Air Fry the Pizza: Place the two halves of the pizza in the basket without overlapping. Air fry at 380°F for five minutes. At the halfway point (2.5 minutes), rotate each half 180° to promote even cooking and browning.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: After five minutes, open the basket carefully and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top. This step gives a melty, flavorful finish without burning the cheese.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the pizzas carefully to a cutting board and let them rest for one minute to allow the cheese to set slightly, making slicing easier and preserving the toppings.
Notes
- Preheating the air fryer is essential for a crispy crust.
- Using cornmeal in the basket prevents sticking and adds extra crunch.
- Lightly brushing olive oil on the crust creates a golden finish.
- Patting off any ice crystals avoids sogginess.
- Rotating the pizza halfway ensures even cooking.
- Adding Parmesan after cooking avoids burning while giving a melty cheesy topping.
- Letting the pizza rest helps toppings settle and cheese firm up for easy slicing.
