Air-Fryer Pizza: Homemade, Quick, And Easy!

Making pizza in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy, golden crust and beautifully melted cheese in under 10 minutes. You can use store-bought or homemade dough, and the same goes for the sauce. Toppings are a matter of personal preference, but it's recommended to add the cheese last so that lighter toppings don't blow off during cooking.

Choosing your dough

The type of dough you use for your air fryer pizza will depend on your personal preferences and how much time you have to prepare the pizza. You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough, rolled-out crescent rolls, or a tortilla. A 12-inch piece of dough will make two personal pizzas.

If you want to use homemade dough, there are various recipes available online, such as Killing Thyme's one-hour pizza dough recipe. You can also use a store-bought pizza crust, such as the Rustic Crust Italian Herb Pizza Crust.

When preparing the dough, it is important to roll it out thinly (less than 1/4 inch) and prick it all over with a fork to help it bake flat. You should also grease the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil or non-stick spray to prevent the dough from sticking.

If your homemade dough requires you to pre-bake the crust, place the prepared dough in the air fryer and cook it for 3-4 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the sauce, cheese, and toppings. Pre-baking the crust will help you achieve a crispy bottom without overcooking the toppings.

Preparing the air fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 375° Fahrenheit (190° Celsius). This is a crucial step as it ensures your pizza cooks evenly and efficiently. Most recipes recommend this temperature, but you may need to adjust slightly depending on your air fryer model.

Next, prepare the air fryer basket. Lightly grease the basket with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures your pizza doesn't stick to the basket and makes it easier to remove once cooked. You can also line the basket with parchment paper for added convenience.

Now it's time to prepare your pizza dough. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a size similar to your air fryer basket. You want it to be nice and thin, ideally less than 1/4 inch thick. Poke holes in the dough with a fork to prevent it from ballooning or folding while cooking.

Brush the dough with a light coating of olive oil. This step adds flavour and helps achieve a golden, crispy crust. If you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle some garlic salt and Italian herbs on the crust for extra flavour.

Finally, transfer the dough to the prepared air fryer basket and pre-cook for about 3 minutes. Pre-cooking the dough ensures a crispy crust and prevents overcooking your toppings. Once the dough is pre-cooked, you can add your sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Your air fryer is now ready for the final cooking step! Simply add your desired toppings, close the basket, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes at 370° Fahrenheit until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.

Adding toppings

Once you've prepared your dough and sauce, it's time to get creative with your toppings! The beauty of making pizza is that you can add whatever toppings you like, so feel free to experiment and get adventurous. Here are some tips and ideas for adding toppings to your air fryer pizza:

Choose Your Cheese:

Cheese is a key component of any pizza, and the type of cheese you choose can make a big difference. Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese is a popular choice as it melts well and helps prevent the pizza from becoming too greasy or soggy. You can also use pre-shredded mozzarella, or try other cheeses such as Italian blend, cheddar, or mini mozzarella balls (Bocconcini).

Meat Lovers:

If you're a fan of meat on your pizza, there are plenty of options to choose from. Pepperoni is a classic choice, but you can also add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, ham, or crumbled sausage. To secure toppings like pepperoni that might blow around in the air fryer, you can use toothpicks or a dehydrating rack.

Veggie Delight:

For a vegetarian option, load up on veggies like mushrooms, chopped tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. You can also add some spice with pepperoncini or banana peppers. If you're feeling adventurous, try something unique like beet pesto or goat cheese with kale.

Herbs and Seasonings:

Don't forget to add some herbs and seasonings to enhance the flavour of your pizza. Freshly chopped basil is a great choice, and you can also add some salt, pepper, garlic salt, or dried Italian herbs. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can also add a nice touch.

Layering Technique:

When it comes to layering your toppings, it's generally a good idea to add the cheese last. Start with a light layer of sauce, then add your desired toppings, and finish with a generous sprinkling of cheese. This will help ensure that your lighter toppings don't blow off during cooking.

Customization:

One of the best things about making pizza in an air fryer is the ability to customize individual pizzas. If you're cooking for a group, set up a pizza bar with a variety of toppings and let everyone create their own unique combination. This is a fun and interactive way to enjoy pizza night with family or friends.

Remember, the key to a great pizza is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profiles. Don't be afraid to get creative and enjoy the process of crafting your perfect air fryer pizza!

Cooking the pizza

Now that you've gathered your ingredients and prepared your dough, it's time to cook your pizza in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375° Fahrenheit (190° Celsius). This is the ideal temperature to cook your pizza.

Prepare the air fryer basket: Grease the air fryer basket with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper to prevent the pizza from sticking.

Roll out the dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface. Make it slightly smaller than the size of your air fryer basket. Poke holes in the dough with a fork to prevent it from ballooning during cooking.

Transfer the dough: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared air fryer basket.

Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush the top of the dough with a teaspoon of olive oil. This will help create a golden, crispy crust.

Add sauce: Spoon a light layer of pizza sauce onto the dough. Spread it evenly, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

Add toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. You can also add other toppings of your choice, such as pepperoni, vegetables, or herbs.

Air fry the pizza: Close the air fryer basket and set the timer. For a crispy crust and melted cheese, cook the pizza for about 7 minutes at 370° Fahrenheit (190° Celsius). Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn.

Add final touches: Once the pizza is cooked, open the air fryer and sprinkle some extra toppings, such as fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes.

Serve and enjoy: Allow the pizza to cool down slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade air-fried pizza!

Reheating and storing: If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop the pizza back into the air fryer at 380° F for 2-4 minutes until heated through.

Reheating and storing

Storing and reheating your homemade air fryer pizza is simple. If you have any leftover pizza, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

To reheat your pizza, simply place it back into the air fryer at 370-380 °F for 2-5 minutes, or until it is heated through with a gooey cheese and crispy crust. Reheating your pizza in an air fryer is much better than using a microwave and quicker than using an oven.

Frequently asked questions