Air-Fryer Flatbread Pizza: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer flatbread pizzas are a quick, easy, and delicious way to make pizza. They are perfect for a busy day when you need a tasty meal in a hurry. The best part? You get a crispy, golden crust without having to turn on your oven.

This recipe uses simple ingredients and can be easily customised with your favourite toppings. You can use store-bought flatbreads or even make your own dough from scratch. The air fryer cooks the pizza in less than 10 minutes, making it a convenient option for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack.

So, if you're a pizza lover, grab your air fryer basket and get ready to make some delicious flatbread pizzas!

Choosing the right flatbread

Type of Flatbread

Firstly, decide on the type of flatbread you want to use. There are many options available, including naan bread, pita bread, lavash, roti, and tortillas. Each type of flatbread will give your pizza a different texture and flavour, so choose one that suits your taste preferences.

Size and Thickness

Consider the size and thickness of the flatbread. If you want to make individual pizzas, choose smaller flatbreads. For a thicker, doughier pizza, opt for flatbreads that are thicker than pita bread or tortillas. If you're using a thinner flatbread, be mindful that adding too many toppings may make it difficult to pick up and eat.

Pre-cooked or Homemade

You can choose between using pre-cooked flatbreads or making your own dough from scratch. Pre-cooked flatbreads are convenient and easy to use, and they come in a variety of flavours. If you want to make your own dough, you'll need to allow time for preparation and resting.

Nutritional Value

Consider the nutritional value of the flatbread, especially if you're aiming for a healthier option. Whole wheat flatbreads, for example, offer the benefits of whole grains and added fibre. You can also find low-carb options, such as low-carb tortillas or pita bread, if you're watching your carbohydrate intake.

Availability

Choose a flatbread that is readily available to you. You can find a variety of flatbreads at your local grocery store, including specialty options like Trader Joe's traditional flatbread.

Remember to check that the flatbread fits into your air fryer before you start cooking. If it's too large, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces. By considering these factors, you can choose the right flatbread to create delicious and crispy air fryer flatbread pizzas.

Preparing the toppings

Step 1: Choose Your Sauce

First, decide on the sauce that will serve as the base for your toppings. Traditional tomato or marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with other options such as BBQ sauce, pesto, or alfredo sauce. Spread a thin layer of your chosen sauce on the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 2: Add Cheese

Cheese is an essential topping for any pizza. Shredded mozzarella is a popular choice, but you can also use other varieties such as parmesan, cheddar, or vegan cheese. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the sauce, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 3: Select Your Meat Toppings

If you're a meat lover, there are plenty of options to choose from. Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, and ground beef are all excellent choices. For a healthier option, try using turkey pepperoni. If you're making a meat lover's pizza, feel free to mix and match different types of meat.

Step 4: Include Some Vegetables

Vegetables add a nutritious and tasty element to your pizza. Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, and sun-dried tomatoes are all great options. You can also add some freshness with sliced tomatoes or pineapple. Just remember to slice or chop your veggies thinly so they cook evenly.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Don't forget to season your pizza with some herbs and spices. Dried oregano, Italian seasoning, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper can all enhance the flavour of your toppings. You can also add some chopped fresh basil after cooking for an extra burst of freshness.

Step 6: Be Creative

Feel free to get creative with your toppings and experiment with different combinations. You can even set up a pizza bar and let everyone customise their own pizzas. Just remember not to overload your flatbread with too many heavy toppings, as this can make it difficult to cook evenly and may weigh down the crust.

Adding sauce

If you like garlic, you can rub a peeled clove of garlic on the flatbread before adding the sauce for a subtle hint of garlic. Or, add some finely chopped garlic to the sauce for a stronger flavour.

If you want to create a more authentic pizza flavour, you can sprinkle dried oregano on top of the sauce. You can also add other dried herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning, basil, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper.

Adding cheese

When adding cheese to your flatbread pizza, it's important to note that the more toppings you add, the heavier your flatbread will become. This may affect the cooking time and the ease of eating your pizza.

For a classic pizza, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of your marinara or pizza sauce. You can also add other toppings, such as meat or vegetables, before or after adding the cheese, depending on your preference.

If you're using fresh mozzarella cheese, it's best to slice it thinly so that it melts evenly. You can also add grated parmesan cheese on top for a salty and nutty finish.

Once you've added your desired amount of cheese and other toppings, place the flatbread pizza in the air fryer basket and cook it at the recommended temperature for your chosen crust type. Check on your pizza frequently to ensure it doesn't overcook, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Remember, the key to a delicious flatbread pizza is to customise it to your taste, so feel free to experiment with different types and amounts of cheese!

Cooking the pizza

Now that you've gathered your ingredients and prepared your flatbread, it's time to cook your pizza! Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your flatbread pizza turns out perfectly:

Step 1: Pre-baking the Flatbread

Before adding any toppings, it's a good idea to pre-bake your flatbread in the air fryer. This step ensures that your crust will be crispy and helps prevent it from getting soggy from the sauce and toppings. Place your flatbread in the air fryer basket and cook for about 2-3 minutes at 360°F/182°C. You may need to adjust the timing depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your flatbread.

Step 2: Adding Sauce and Toppings

Once your flatbread is lightly browned, it's time to add the sauce and toppings. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce or marinara sauce onto the flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges. Be careful not to overload the flatbread with too much sauce, as it can make it less crispy. Sprinkle dried oregano on top of the sauce for extra flavour.

Now, it's time for cheese! Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. You can also add other toppings like pepperoni, sausage, bacon, vegetables, or any of your favourites. Just remember that the more toppings you add, the heavier your flatbread will be, so adjust accordingly, especially if you're using thinner flatbreads.

Step 3: Air Frying the Pizza

Place the topped flatbread back into the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 390°F and air fry for about 4-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on your pizza, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your flatbread. You're looking for a crispy crust and melted cheese. If you're using an oven, adjust the temperature to 400°F and bake for about 10-11 minutes.

Step 4: Garnishing and Serving

Once your pizza is done, garnish it with fresh basil leaves, and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Cut the pizza into slices and serve it hot and fresh out of the air fryer. Enjoy the crispy, delicious flatbread pizza you just made!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftover pizza, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop the leftovers back into the air fryer at 360°F for a few minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can use an oven and heat at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. Remember to keep an eye on your pizza while reheating to avoid overcooking.

Frequently asked questions