Ingredients
Scale
- 1 Costco French Bread Pizza
- Olive oil (for a slight drizzle)
- Your choice of additional toppings (optional):
- Sliced olives
- Extra cheese
- Pepperoni slices
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Vegan Cheese: For a dairy-free alternative.
- Turkey Pepperoni: A lower-fat option compared to traditional pepperoni.
- Gluten-Free French Bread: For those with gluten sensitivities.
Instructions
- Preparation of Costco French Bread Pizza: Begin by carefully removing the French bread pizza from its packaging. If you’ve stored your pizza in the freezer, allow it to thaw for a few minutes at room temperature for more even cooking.
- Choosing the Right Pizza: Selecting a pizza with fresh-looking toppings and a firm crust is crucial. Ensure the pizza hasn’t been freezer-burned to maintain quality taste and texture.
- Adding Extra Toppings (Optional): Before cooking, you can add any additional toppings you like. If adding ingredients such as extra cheese, sliced olives, or pepperoni, distribute them evenly on top of the pizza. This is also the time to lightly drizzle olive oil over the pizza for extra crispiness.
- Seasoning Steps: While the Costco French Bread Pizza comes pre-seasoned, adding a touch of dried oregano, red pepper flakes, or garlic powder can enhance its flavors. Sprinkle your chosen seasonings lightly across the pizza.
- Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the pizza starts cooking at the right temperature for optimal crispiness.
- Placing the Pizza in the Air Fryer: Carefully place the French bread pizza in the air fryer basket. Make sure it’s centered and not touching the sides of the basket to allow for proper air circulation.
- Cooking Temperature and Time: Cook the pizza at 375°F (190°C) for about 7-10 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model and how crispy you prefer your crust.
- Importance of Cooking Temperature and Time: Cooking at the right temperature and time is crucial for achieving a golden, crispy crust without burning the toppings. Adjust the time based on your observation for the perfect finish.
- Checking for Doneness: Halfway through cooking, open the air fryer and quickly check the pizza. If needed, rotate the pizza for even cooking. Continue cooking until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Serving: Once cooked, carefully remove the pizza from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Let it cool for a minute before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serving Ideas: Serve the pizza with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or a light salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Avoid Overcrowding: Do not attempt to cook more than one pizza at a time unless your air fryer is large enough to accommodate without overlapping. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Adjustment for Preferences: Cooking times can be adjusted based on how crispy you prefer your crust or how melted you like your cheese.
- Safety: Always use oven mitts or tongs when handling the hot basket or pizza.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (for adding extra toppings)
- Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (half a French bread pizza)
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 kcal per half pizza
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Costco French Bread Pizza