Pizza night just got an upgrade — and a healthier twist — with this air fryer pizza recipe! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun family cooking activity, or a simple way to satisfy your pizza cravings without heating up the oven, this recipe is for you.
Making pizza in an air fryer is not only faster but also produces a crispy, golden crust and perfectly melted cheese every time. Plus, with less oil and shorter cooking times, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional pizza baking methods. Let’s dive into why this recipe is bound to become your new favorite!
Reason You Should Choose This Recipe
If you’re wondering why this air fryer pizza recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen routine, here’s what makes it stand out:
- Time-saving magic: From prep to plate in under 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous pizza cravings.
- Crispy perfection: The air fryer’s circulating heat ensures a golden, crunchy crust without the need for a pizza stone or long baking times.
- Healthier indulgence: Less oil, fewer calories, and no greasy aftertaste — a satisfying way to enjoy pizza while staying mindful of your health.
- Customizable for everyone: Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or a meat-lover, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
- No messy kitchen: No heating up the whole oven or dealing with pizza stones — just quick, easy, and delicious pizza without the fuss.
This recipe delivers everything you love about pizza, made simpler and healthier. So why not treat yourself to a homemade pie that’s both comforting and guilt-free? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients & Substitutes
Creating the perfect air fryer pizza starts with simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and some easy substitutes if you want to switch things up!
For the Pizza Dough
- Pizza dough: Store-bought dough works wonderfully, but if you have time, homemade dough takes the flavor up a notch. Substitute with naan, pita bread, or even a tortilla for a quicker, thinner crust.
- Olive oil: A light brush of olive oil helps crisp up the crust. Avocado oil is a great alternative with a high smoke point.
For the Sauce
- Pizza sauce: Classic tomato-based pizza sauce is ideal. Marinara, pesto, or even BBQ sauce can offer a creative twist.
- Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: These enhance the sauce’s depth. Fresh garlic or oregano can be used for a more aromatic experience.
For the Cheese
- Mozzarella cheese: The melt factor makes mozzarella a must, but feel free to mix it with provolone, gouda, or a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.
- Vegan cheese: If you’re dairy-free, plant-based mozzarella melts beautifully in the air fryer.
Toppings
- Pepperoni or sausage: Classic pizza favorites, though cooked bacon, grilled chicken, or even shrimp can work wonderfully.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, or spinach add color and nutrition. If using watery veggies (like zucchini), pat them dry first to avoid soggy pizza.
- Fresh herbs: Basil or parsley adds a fresh pop of flavor once the pizza is done cooking.
Optional Finishes
- Red pepper flakes: A pinch for some heat.
- Balsamic glaze: Drizzled on top after cooking for a gourmet touch.
With so many ingredient options, this air fryer pizza can be customized to suit any craving. Ready to get cooking? Let’s move to the step-by-step instructions!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making air fryer pizza is quicker and easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to create a crispy, cheesy pizza in minutes.
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the crust cook evenly and get that delightful crunch.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- If using store-bought dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Aim for a circle or oval that fits your air fryer basket.
- If using a premade crust like naan or pita bread, no rolling required—just set it aside.
- Brush one side of the dough with olive oil to prevent sticking and to help the crust crisp up beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Crust First
- Place the dough (oiled side down) in the air fryer basket. Cook for 3–4 minutes until it’s slightly firm and golden on the bottom.
- Remove the crust and flip it over — this ensures a fully cooked, crispy base once you add the toppings.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Toppings
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle mozzarella generously, followed by your favorite toppings — pepperoni, veggies, mushrooms, or whatever your heart desires.
- Avoid overloading the pizza, as too many toppings can make it soggy.
Step 5: Air Fry the Pizza
- Return the topped pizza to the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Check halfway through to ensure the crust isn’t burning — every air fryer model is a little different!
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Carefully remove the pizza using tongs or a spatula.
- Let it cool for a minute or two, then top with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
- Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice your pizza into wedges.
- Serve immediately and enjoy that crispy, cheesy perfection!
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a homemade air fryer pizza that’s fast, delicious, and healthier than takeout. Ready to make it even better? Let’s check out some pro tips next!
Pro Tips For Perfect Air Fryer Pizza
To take your air fryer pizza from good to absolutely amazing, here are some tried-and-true tips that’ll make a big difference!
1. Preheat the air fryer for a crispier crust.
Skipping this step might leave your dough a little soft. A quick 3–5 minute preheat ensures the crust starts cooking immediately, giving you that perfect golden crisp.
2. Don’t overload with toppings.
It’s tempting to pile on sauce, cheese, and all your favorite extras, but too many toppings can prevent the crust from cooking through and lead to a soggy pizza. Keep it light and balanced!
3. Precook the crust for a sturdy base.
Cooking the dough for a few minutes before adding sauce and toppings prevents the dreaded soggy middle. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference.
4. Use parchment paper or a perforated liner.
This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Make sure to cut the parchment to fit the basket so it doesn’t block airflow.
5. Adjust cooking times for thin or thick crusts.
Thinner crusts cook faster, so reduce the cooking time by 1–2 minutes. For thicker crusts, add a couple of extra minutes to ensure the center is fully cooked.
6. Watch the cheese.
Air fryers cook fast, and cheese can go from perfectly bubbly to burnt in a flash. Check on your pizza during the last few minutes and pull it out once the cheese is melted and golden.
7. Let the pizza rest before slicing.
As tempting as it is to dive in right away, letting your pizza sit for a minute helps the cheese set, preventing a gooey mess.
8. Get creative with finishing touches.
A sprinkle of fresh basil, a drizzle of garlic oil, or a dusting of parmesan adds restaurant-level flavor and makes your pizza feel extra special.
Master these tips, and your air fryer pizza will come out crispy, melty, and absolutely irresistible every time. Now, let’s cover some common mistakes to avoid!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the simplest recipes can go sideways, and air fryer pizza is no exception! Let’s go through a few common mistakes so you can sidestep them and get that perfect, crispy bite every time.
1. Skipping the preheat.
It might seem unnecessary, but preheating your air fryer makes a big difference. Without it, your crust may end up doughy instead of crispy. A quick 3–5 minute preheat ensures the pizza starts cooking immediately.
2. Overloading with toppings.
It’s easy to get carried away, but too much sauce, cheese, or heavy toppings can weigh down the crust and prevent it from cooking evenly. Keep it balanced—less is more when it comes to air fryer pizza.
3. Forgetting to precook the crust.
Skipping the initial bake before adding toppings often leads to a soggy center. Cooking the crust on its own for a few minutes helps create a sturdy base that can handle the sauce and cheese.
4. Using raw toppings that need longer cooking times.
Ingredients like raw sausage or thick slices of vegetables might not cook through in the short air fryer pizza window. Precook any toppings that need extra time, or slice them thinly.
5. Neglecting to check on the pizza.
Every air fryer model is different, and pizzas can cook faster than expected. Check in during the last few minutes to avoid burning the cheese or crust.
6. Blocking airflow with parchment paper.
While parchment paper helps with sticking and cleanup, using a sheet that’s too large can block airflow, leading to uneven cooking. Always cut it to fit the basket with some space for circulation.
7. Not letting the pizza rest before slicing.
Cutting into the pizza right away might cause the cheese to slide off or the crust to become gummy. Give it a minute to cool slightly and set up properly.
Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll have a homemade air fryer pizza that’s crispy, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying.
Conclusion
Making air fryer pizza at home is a game-changer — quick, easy, and much healthier than traditional oven-baked or takeout options. With a crispy crust, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings, this recipe brings restaurant-quality pizza right into your kitchen, and in a fraction of the time. Plus, the air fryer makes the entire process mess-free, with no need to heat up your entire oven.
By following the step-by-step instructions, using fresh ingredients, and keeping in mind the pro tips and common mistakes, you’ll be able to create a pizza that’s perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and totally customizable to your taste.
Why settle for frozen or delivery when you can have hot, fresh pizza in under 15 minutes? Give this air fryer pizza recipe a try, and it might just become your new favorite go-to meal.
Ready to experience the magic of air fryer pizza? Check out our favorite air fryers here and start creating crispy, homemade goodness today!
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough for air fryer pizza?
Yes! Store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping to avoid shrinking or tearing.
2. Do I need to preheat my air fryer for pizza?
It’s highly recommended! Preheating helps the crust cook evenly and turn crispy. A quick 3–5 minutes at your cooking temperature should do the trick.
3. What type of cheese melts best for air fryer pizza?
Mozzarella is a classic, but a mix of cheeses like cheddar, provolone, and parmesan adds depth of flavor and creates that irresistible gooey stretch.
4. How do I keep the pizza from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Using a piece of parchment paper or a perforated air fryer liner prevents sticking while allowing airflow for even cooking. Just make sure it’s trimmed to fit the basket.
5. Can I reheat leftover pizza in the air fryer?
Absolutely! The air fryer is perfect for reheating pizza. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes, and you’ll get a crispy crust and melty cheese without drying it out.
6. How do I avoid burning the pizza crust?
If your crust cooks faster than the toppings, try lowering the temperature slightly and extending the cooking time. Checking on your pizza during the last few minutes helps too!
7. Can I make a gluten-free air fryer pizza?
Yes! Use a gluten-free pizza dough or even a cauliflower crust. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the dough’s thickness and texture.
8. What’s the best way to store and reheat air fryer pizza?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until hot and crispy.
