Air Fryer Pizza Recipes – Crispy, Cheesy, and Ready in Minutes
If you’d told me years ago that I could make a perfectly crisp, bubbling pizza in an air fryer, I probably would’ve laughed. I grew up making pizza in heavy pans, stone-deck ovens, and sometimes even outside on a grill. But let me tell you — once I tried my first batch of air fryer pizza recipes, I was hooked.
The air fryer delivers that magical combination: a crisp golden crust, gooey melted cheese, and toppings that cook evenly without turning soggy. And the best part? You don’t need to preheat a giant oven or wait forever. In 10–15 minutes, you’re biting into something that tastes like it came from a cozy Italian pizzeria.
Whether you’re making air fryer mini pizzas for the kids, a quick Margherita for yourself, or even experimenting with keto air fryer pizza dough, the possibilities are endless. This is one of those game-changing kitchen hacks that makes homemade pizza night easier, faster, and honestly… more fun.
So today, I’m going to walk you through my favorite air fryer pizza recipes, give you all the little tips I’ve learned, and show you how to get that perfect balance of crispy crust + cheesy melt every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Basic Air Fryer Pizza
Here’s my base recipe. From here, you can build any style of pizza your heart craves.
| Ingredient | Amount | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza dough | 1 lb (homemade or store-bought) | The heart of your pizza — fresh dough crisps beautifully in the air fryer |
| Olive oil | 1–2 tbsp | Brushed on the dough for golden crispness |
| Pizza sauce | ½ cup | Rich tomato base — use homemade San Marzano for best flavor |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 ½ cups, shredded | The melty magic |
| Toppings (pepperoni, veggies, mushrooms, etc.) | As desired | Add personality and texture |
| Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup, grated | For sharpness and depth |
| Fresh basil | Handful, torn | That authentic Italian finishing touch |
Step-by-Step: How to Make Pizza in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Prep the dough
- Roll out your dough into small rounds (6–7 inches works best for most air fryers).
- Brush lightly with olive oil to keep it from sticking and to promote browning.
Step 2: Pre-cook the base
- This is my secret move. Place the dough in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 3–4 minutes.
- Why? Because it gives the crust a head start and ensures it won’t be soggy under all that sauce and cheese.
Step 3: Add toppings
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly.
- Add your favorite toppings. Don’t overload — air fryer pizzas like balance.
Step 4: Cook to perfection
- Place the topped pizza back into the air fryer.
- Cook at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Finish & serve
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh basil.
- Slice and enjoy immediately while it’s still sizzling hot.
Variations: My Favorite Air Fryer Pizza Recipes
1. Classic Air Fryer Margherita Pizza
- Sauce: Crushed San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, olive oil.
- Toppings: Fresh mozzarella, basil, drizzle of olive oil.
- Cook until the cheese melts into creamy puddles — heavenly.
2. Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza
- A kid (and adult) favorite. Layer pepperoni generously over mozzarella.
- Add a sprinkle of oregano for that pizzeria taste.
3. Air Fryer Veggie Pizza
- Toppings: Bell peppers, mushrooms, red onion, olives.
- Finish with crumbled feta for a Mediterranean vibe.
4. Keto Air Fryer Pizza
- Use almond flour or chicken crust dough.
- Keep it low-carb but still loaded with flavor.
5. Air Fryer Breakfast Pizza
- Spread Alfredo sauce, add scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar.
- A breakfast you’ll dream about.
6. Air Fryer Dessert Pizza
- Use flatbread as the base, spread Nutella, and top with strawberries and bananas.
- Cook just until warm and gooey. Sweet tooth heaven!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Pizza
- Don’t overload. Air fryers need airflow — too many toppings weigh things down.
- Pre-cook veggies. Mushrooms, onions, and peppers release moisture — sauté them first for best results.
- Use parchment paper. A little square under the pizza keeps cheese from sticking.
- Small batches are key. Most air fryers fit 1–2 personal pizzas at a time.
- Experiment with bases. Try naan, pita bread, or tortillas for quick “cheat pizzas.”
- Check halfway. Every air fryer cooks a bit differently, so peek after 4 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen pizza in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Just reduce the cooking time slightly. It gets crispy without burning.
Q: Do I need to flip the dough?
Only if you’re cooking plain dough without toppings. For topped pizzas, no flipping.
Q: What’s the best cheese for air fryer pizza?
Low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully. Fresh mozzarella works too, but dab off excess water.
Q: How do I reheat leftover pizza in the air fryer?
Game-changer: 350°F for 3–4 minutes. Better than the microwave, trust me.
Q: Can I make gluten-free air fryer pizza?
Yes! Use gluten-free dough or cauliflower crust. Both crisp up nicely.
Why I Love Air Fryer Pizza Recipes
Making pizza in the air fryer feels like a little kitchen miracle. It’s faster than the oven, lighter than deep-dish, and so versatile. Some nights I whip up a quick Margherita just for myself, other times I let the kids make their own personal pizzas. And when friends come over? I set out toppings, and everyone builds their own. It’s interactive, fun, and delicious.
The crust comes out crispy at the edges, tender in the middle, with that satisfying bite that only good pizza has. The cheese bubbles into golden perfection, and the toppings stay bright and flavorful. It’s not just a recipe — it’s an experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got an air fryer and you’re not making pizza in it yet, you’re missing out. These air fryer pizza recipes are proof that you don’t need a wood-fired oven to enjoy authentic, delicious, homemade pizza.
Whether you stick to the classics, go keto, pile on the veggies, or even get adventurous with dessert pizza, the air fryer has your back. It’s fast, reliable, and delivers that perfect balance of crisp and cheesy that keeps us coming back for more.
So grab some dough, fire up the air fryer, and make tonight a pizza night. Once you try it, you’ll never look at your air fryer the same way again. 🍕
See Also: Veggie Pizza Recipe with Ranch Dressing Packet – Fresh, Easy & Crowd-Pleasing
