The Ultimate Guide to Easy Air Fryer Pizza: Perfect Personal Pies in Minutes!
Imagine enjoying hot, bubbly, and perfectly crispy homemade pizza in less time than it takes to order delivery. With your air fryer and a few simple ingredients, this dream becomes a reality! Using convenient store-bought pizza dough and your favorite jarred pizza sauce, you can whip up delicious personal pizzas in under 15 minutes. This method is incredibly easy, making it a fantastic activity for kids to customize their own culinary creations, and a lifesaver for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Why This Air Fryer Pizza Recipe Is a Game-Changer
Making individual pizzas is a fantastic culinary adventure that offers both fun and incredible satisfaction. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, especially when everyone at the table has unique preferences for their pizza toppings. Instead of compromising on a single flavor, everyone gets to craft their perfect pie!
While we absolutely adore our homemade pizza dough, this recipe prioritizes speed and convenience. We opt for pre-made crusts to streamline the process, transforming what could be an hour-long endeavor into a quick, effortless meal. This makes air fryer pizza an ideal choice for a lively family pizza night, casual football parties, last-minute get-togethers, or simply when you’re craving pizza without the wait.
The air fryer’s magic lies in its ability to deliver a wonderfully crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese in a fraction of the time compared to a conventional oven. It circulates hot air rapidly, ensuring even cooking and a delightful texture that mimics brick-oven pizzas, but right on your countertop. This method also means less heat in your kitchen, which is a huge bonus during warmer months!
Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Pizza
To ensure you have everything ready for a seamless pizza-making experience, gather these core ingredients. You’ll find all precise measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post.
PIZZA DOUGH – The foundation of your personal pizza! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility with store-bought options. Your local grocery store offers a wide variety of convenient pre-made pizza doughs and crusts. You can opt for canned crusts, like those from Pillsbury, which are incredibly easy to roll out. Another great choice is a pizza crust mix, such as Betty Crocker, which typically only requires adding water and a quick knead. Don’t forget to check both the freezer section for pre-portioned dough balls and the refrigerated section for ready-to-use rolled dough – many brands offer fantastic quality options. Some even come in individual sizes, making preparation even faster! If you’re feeling ambitious, our homemade pizza dough recipe is always a delicious alternative.
PIZZA SAUCE – While we have an incredible homemade pizza sauce that we frequently enjoy, for this quick air fryer method, a quality jarred sauce is key. Our go-to store-bought favorite is Rao’s Homemade Pizza Sauce. It boasts a rich, authentic flavor and we appreciate that it’s often one of the lowest-carb options available, without sacrificing taste. Look for sauces with minimal added sugars and a robust tomato base for the best results.
TOPPINGS – This is where the real fun begins and your creativity can shine! Customizing your own pizza is undoubtedly the best part. Classic Mozzarella cheese is a must for its creamy texture and perfect melt, but don’t stop there. Here’s a brainstorm of popular and delicious toppings to inspire your personal air fryer pizza:
- Meats: Pizza sausage (cooked and crumbled), pepperoni (mini pepperonis are especially perfect for these smaller air fryer pizzas!), crispy bacon bits, cooked ham, grilled chicken, or even sliced cooked meatballs.
- Vegetables: Sliced bell peppers (any color!), thinly sliced red onion, black olives (sliced or whole), fresh mushrooms, spinach, jalapeños for a kick, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
- Cheeses: Beyond mozzarella, consider a sprinkle of Parmesan, a dollop of ricotta, or some crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra flavor.
- Fruity & Sweet: For the pineapple lovers, small chunks of pineapple add a delightful tangy sweetness.
- Herbs & Spices: A sprinkle of dried oregano, basil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes after cooking can elevate the flavors.
Feel free to experiment with anything else you can imagine! Just remember that pre-cooked meats and thinly sliced vegetables will cook best in the air fryer’s fast heat.
How to Make Air Fryer Pizza: Step-by-Step
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this incredibly easy recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare the Dough: If using a standard 12-inch pizza dough, form it into a smooth ball and then cut it in half. This will give you two perfectly sized personal pizzas for most air fryer baskets.
- Shape and Place the Crust: Knead each half of the dough into flat, circular shapes that will fit comfortably within your air fryer basket. Carefully place each dough circle inside the air fryer basket. Make sure they don’t overlap.
EXPERT TIP: It is significantly easier and less messy to assemble your pizza directly inside the air fryer basket. Attempting to lift an already sauced and topped pizza and transfer it to the air fryer can be quite challenging and may result in toppings shifting or falling off.
- Add the Sauce: Carefully spread approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of your chosen pizza sauce evenly over each dough circle. Leave a small border around the edge for the crust.
- Cheese, Please! Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese onto both pizzas. For the best melt and coverage, distribute it evenly.
- Pile on the Toppings: Now for the fun part! Add all your favorite toppings. Remember to spread them out to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding, which can lead to a soggy pizza.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Place the basket back into the air fryer. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes. Cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model and thickness of the dough.
EXPERT TIP: Avoid overcooking your pizza! Keep a close eye on it, especially towards the end of the cooking time. Start checking after 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust and bubbling, melted cheese with slight browning on the edges. If your toppings are browning too quickly, you can cover the pizza loosely with a small piece of foil for the last few minutes.
Once cooked, carefully remove the pizzas from the air fryer, let them cool for a minute or two, then slice and enjoy your perfectly crispy, homemade air fryer pizza!
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Pizza
Absolutely! Preparing air fryer pizzas ahead of time is a fantastic meal prep strategy, especially if you plan to freeze them for later. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Line a baking sheet with waxed paper or parchment paper. Assemble your personal pizzas on this lined sheet, adding sauce, cheese, and your desired toppings. Ensure the toppings are spread evenly. Once assembled, place the baking sheet with the pizzas into the freezer. Freeze for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the pizzas are solid.
Once thoroughly frozen, carefully wrap each individual pizza tightly in plastic wrap, then place them into freezer bags. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To cook your frozen pizza in the air fryer: Remove it from the freezer and unwrap it. Place the frozen pizza directly into your air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can unwrap the frozen pizzas and allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before baking them in the air fryer for the standard 12-15 minutes.
The air fryer is truly the best appliance for reheating leftover pizza – it brings back that fresh, crispy texture that microwave reheating simply can’t achieve.
If you have leftover pizzas from this recipe, or even takeout pizza, you can reheat them straight from the fridge. Place the cold pizza slices in your air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Air fry at 325°F (160°C) for 2-5 minutes. Start checking after 3 minutes. You’re looking for a crispy crust and perfectly re-melted cheese. Adjust time as needed based on your air fryer and the thickness of the pizza. Avoid overcrowding the basket for the best results.
Both basket-style and oven-style air fryers work wonderfully for making pizza. Basket-style air fryers are great for personal-sized pizzas as they often fit one or two small pies perfectly. Oven-style air fryers, especially those with multiple racks, can often accommodate larger pizzas or several smaller ones at once, making them ideal for feeding a bigger family. The key is to ensure your pizza fits without touching the heating element or the sides of the basket/oven, allowing for proper air circulation for an even, crispy cook.
Yes, you can use parchment paper or aluminum foil in your air fryer when making pizza, but with some precautions. Parchment paper (specifically air fryer parchment liners with holes) can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Always ensure the parchment paper is weighted down by the pizza to prevent it from flying up and hitting the heating element, which can cause a fire hazard. Avoid using too much parchment paper. Aluminum foil can also be used to line the basket or cover the pizza to prevent cheese from burning, but again, ensure it’s securely placed under the food and doesn’t block air circulation or touch the heating element.
We truly cherish homemade pizza nights in our home, but these speedy air fryer pizzas are an absolute godsend when time is of the essence. They are much quicker and less labor-intensive than the more elaborate homemade versions that we typically reserve for leisurely weekend projects or larger gatherings. The air fryer method delivers all the flavor and satisfaction of pizza without the lengthy prep, making it a perfect solution for busy schedules.
Explore More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance capable of creating a wide array of delicious and quick meals. If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and speed of making pizza in your air fryer, you’ll love these other fantastic air fryer recipes:
- Air Fryer Fried Pickles
- Air Fryer Empanadas
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Air Fryer Ravioli
- Air Fryer Bratwurst
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
These recipes offer more ways to utilize your air fryer for crispy, flavorful results with minimal effort, ranging from appetizers to main courses.
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Quick & Easy Air Fryer Pizza
IMPORTANT – Don’t miss the helpful Frequently Asked Questions section above! Simply scroll up to read more tips and tricks!
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Course:
Dinner, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine:
American, Italian
4
servings (makes 2 personal pizzas)
19 minutes
310
Amanda Davis
Ingredients
-
16
oz
Store-bought Pizza Dough
(for one 12-inch pizza, yields 2 personal pizzas) -
3
Tablespoons
Jarred Pizza Sauce -
⅓
cup
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese -
Assorted Favorite Pizza Toppings
Equipment You’ll Need
-
Air fryer -
Small rolling pin (optional, for shaping dough)
Before You Begin & Recipe Notes
- EXPERT TIP: For ease and to prevent a mess, it is highly recommended to assemble your pizza directly inside the air fryer basket. Transferring an already topped pizza can be challenging.
- Pre-cooking toppings: If you’re using raw meats (like sausage or chicken) or dense vegetables, it’s best to lightly cook them beforehand to ensure they are fully cooked through and don’t make the pizza soggy.
- Nutritional information provided is based solely on a simple cheese pizza. The addition of various toppings will alter the caloric and macronutrient values.
- This recipe is designed to make 2 personal-sized pizzas. For nutritional analysis purposes, we have divided each personal pizza in half, providing calculations for 4 servings.
Instructions
-
Begin by forming your pizza dough into a smooth ball. If using a standard larger dough portion, cut it in half to create two personal-sized dough balls.
-
On a lightly floured surface or using your hands, knead and flatten each dough ball into a thin, circular crust that fits your air fryer basket. Carefully place these dough circles directly into the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s no overlap.
EXPERT TIP: Assembling your pizza directly in the air fryer basket prevents any awkward transfers and keeps toppings neatly in place.
-
Evenly spread about 1 1/2 tablespoons of your favorite pizza sauce onto each dough circle, leaving a small border for the crust.
-
Generously sprinkle the mozzarella cheese across both pizzas, ensuring good coverage for a perfect melt.
-
Add your preferred toppings. Arrange them nicely and avoid overcrowding to allow for even cooking and a crispy crust.
-
Cook the pizzas in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes. Cooking times can vary, so keep a close watch.
EXPERT TIP: Prevent overcooking! Begin checking your pizzas after 10-12 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust and cheese that is bubbly and lightly browned at the edges.
Nutrition Information
Serving:
1/2
personal pizza
|
Calories:
310
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
55
g
|
Protein:
11
g
|
Fat:
6
g
|
Saturated Fat:
2
g
|
Cholesterol:
7
mg
|
Sodium:
937
mg
|
Potassium:
44
mg
|
Fiber:
2
g
|
Sugar:
8
g
|
Vitamin A:
112
IU
|
Vitamin C:
1
mg
|
Calcium:
49
mg
|
Iron:
3
mg
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.