Easy Air Fryer Pizza Recipe

Have you ever craved a pizza but didn’t want to wait for delivery or heat up your traditional oven? Enter the magic of the Air Fryer Pizza. This quick and easy recipe will give you a crispy crust and melty cheese in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights, pizza nights, or even a fun twist on holiday appetizers. 

Why You Will Love Making Air Fryer Pizza

• One of the top reasons people are raving about air fryer pizzas is the speed. Gone are the days of preheating your oven for what feels like an eternity. With an air fryer, you’re looking at a cooking time of just 6-8 minutes. That means from the moment you get a pizza craving to biting into a slice, you’re only waiting a few minutes. 
• If you’re a fan of crispy crust (who isn’t?), then air frying is your best friend. The hot air circulation ensures that your pizza crust gets that golden brown finish without the risk of a soggy crust. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pizza-making pro to achieve this. The air fryer does all the hard work for you.
• When it comes to toppings, making pizza in an air fryer means you get to be the chef. Whether you’re in the mood for freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, banana peppers, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, the choice is yours. You can even set up a pizza bar and let everyone customize their own personal pan pizzas. It’s a fun activity that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
• Forget about the mess that comes with making pizza in a traditional oven. With air frying, there’s no need for a baking sheet or parchment paper. Just place your homemade pizza directly in the air fryer basket, and you’re good to go. Cleanup is a breeze, leaving you with more time to enjoy your delicious creation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.

How to Make Air Fryer Pizza with Step-by-Step Instructions

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Preparing Your Air Fryer

First things first, you’ll want to preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is so that once your pizza is ready to go in, the fryer is at the optimal temperature to give you that crispy crust and melted cheese. Air fryers heat up quickly, so this step won’t take long!

Setting the Base

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with some olive oil to prevent sticking. Now, take your pizza crust (whether it’s homemade or store-bought) and place it in the basket.

Spray oil or brush lightly with olive oil for an extra golden finish. Then, spread your pizza sauce evenly over the base, leaving about a ½ inch border for the crust. This gives every bite a good sauce-to-dough ratio.

Topping Time

Here’s where the fun begins! Use mozzarella balls or slice mozzarella into thin slices and evenly distribute them over your pizza base.

Remember, with air fried pizzas, lightweight pizza toppings work best. So, if you’re adding more toppings like sliced mushrooms or banana peppers, make sure they’re thinly sliced. 

Air Fry to Perfection

Slide your pizza into the preheated air fryer and cook pizza for 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on it, especially if it’s your first time.

Once the cheese has melted and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown, you’ll know it’s ready.

Homemade Hot Sauce (optional)

While your air fryer pizza is cooking, it’s time to make the hot sauce. Start by washing your preferred hot peppers, cutting off the tops, and slicing them lengthways.

A quick tip: always wear kitchen gloves when handling peppers to avoid any spicy surprises on your skin or eyes!

Next, pour apple cider vinegar into a saucepan, adding the sliced peppers, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Let this mixture come to a boil and then simmer gently until the peppers soften, which should take around 8-10 minutes.

Once done, transfer everything into a blender and blend until smooth. Give it a taste and, if you’re craving more heat or a touch of sweetness, add some more peppers or a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. 

The Finishing Touches

Once out of the fryer, it’s time to add some final touches. Sprinkle some optional vegetarian Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor.

Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness. If you like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes does the trick. And, of course, a pinch of kosher salt to enhance all those wonderful flavors.

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

• Choosing the Right Dough: While you can certainly make your own pizza dough, store-bought dough or a pre-cooked crust works wonders in a pinch. If you’re going for pre-made crusts, opt for thinner ones as they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. For those using raw dough, remember to roll it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Check out our homemade pizza dough recipe for all the tips and tricks. Flatbread, naan bread, or even tortillas can also serve as quick and easy pizza bases!
• Sauce: A good pizza sauce can elevate your pizza to new heights. Whether you’re using store-bought marinara sauce or making your own, ensure it’s not too watery. A thicker sauce prevents the base from becoming soggy and maintains that crispy crust we all love.
• Favorite Pizza Toppings: When it comes to toppings, less is more with air fryer pizzas. Overloading with all the toppings can prevent the pizza from cooking evenly. Stick to lightweight toppings and remember to slice them thinly. If you’re a cheese pizza lover, freshly shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, but feel free to mix and match with other cheeses like cheddar or feta.
• Can I make a dessert pizza in the air fryer? Definitely! Whether you’re topping your base with Nutella, marshmallows, or fruit, a dessert pizza can be a delightful treat. Just adjust toppings and cooking times accordingly.
• Keep an Eye on the Time: Air fryers can vary in terms of cooking times. While the 6-8 minute range is a good starting point, it’s essential to keep an eye on your pizza, especially the first time you make it. Look for that golden brown crust and bubbly cheese as indicators that your pizza is ready to be devoured.
• Experiment and Enjoy: The beauty of making pizza in an air fryer is the freedom to experiment. From different bases to a variety of toppings, the combinations are endless. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and try out new flavors. Maybe next pizza night, you can have a pizza-making contest with your loved ones!

How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Pizza

Pizza is very easy to store, here are our favorite ways.

Refrigeration is Key

Once your pizza has cooled down to room temperature, transfer the slices to an airtight container. If you don’t have one large enough, you can also wrap individual slices in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

Always store your leftover pizza in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within the next 3-4 days. This not only keeps the pizza fresh but also helps it remain safe to eat.

Freezing for Longer Storage

If you’ve made a large batch or simply can’t finish your pizza within a few days, freezing is a great option. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, and seal.

Don’t forget to label the bag with the date, so you know how long it’s been in there. Properly stored, frozen pizza can last for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy, you can reheat directly from the freezer or let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating Like a Pro

The best way to reheat leftover pizza and maintain that crispy crust is to use your air fryer again! Preheat it to 350°F (180°C) and cook the pizza for 3-8 minutes.

This method makes your pizza hot and crispy, just like when it was first made. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy. For more information, be sure to check out How To Reheat Pizza In An Air Fryer!

What to Serve with Air Fryer Pizza

Crispy Air Fried Sides

If you’re already using your air fryer for pizza, why not whip up some sides in it too?

Air fryer french fries, Peri-Peri Fries, Masala Fries, or air-fried zucchini fries are a fantastic choice. They’re crispy, delicious, and a healthier alternative to their traditionally fried counterparts.

Fresh Salads

Whether it’s a simple Caprese Salad with a balsamic vinegar glaze or something more elaborate like a Waldorf Salad or Avocado Salad, the cool crunch of a salad complements the warm, cheesy goodness of the pizza.

And if you can’t get enough pizza, try our delicious Pizza Salad Recipe!

Dips and Sauces

From a tangy marinara sauce or BBQ sauce for dipping crusts to a creamy garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or even the hot sauce you made earlier, having a variety of dips can elevate the entire meal.

More Air Fryer Recipes For You To Try

• Air Fryer Pizza Bagels
• Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
• Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza
• Air Fryer Black Bean Burgers
• Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

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