Air Fryer Pizza

There’s nothing quite like the joy of making your own pizza at home, and with this Air Fryer Pizza recipe, you can have a deliciously crispy crust in no time! I still remember the first time I tried my hand at homemade pizza. It was a rainy weekend, and I wanted to create something special for my family. We had all the ingredients at hand, and I thought, why not make it from scratch? The aroma of fresh dough, the bubbling cheese, and the sizzle of toppings in the air fryer filled our kitchen with warmth and excitement. Each bite of that first pizza was nothing short of a revelation! Now, every time I make my own Air Fryer Pizza, it feels like a fun family event where everyone gets to customize their own slices. From crust thickness to toppings, the options are endless. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and let’s dive into this delightful culinary adventure!

What’s In This Air Fryer Pizza

The ingredients for this Air Fryer Pizza are simple yet essential for creating that perfect homemade crust and flavorful toppings. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering deliciousness. The combination of all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and warm water provides the foundation for a soft and chewy crust, while crushed tomatoes and mozzarella cheese add that classic pizza flavor we all love!

• ¾ cup warm water (not hot) – This is essential for activating the yeast, creating a light and airy crust.
• ¼ teaspoon sugar – A small amount of sugar helps to activate the yeast and enhances browning.
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast – The key ingredient for the dough to rise and achieve that perfect texture.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the backbone of your pizza, giving it structure and chewiness.
• 3 teaspoons olive oil (divided) – Adds flavor and helps with the dough’s texture, ensuring it’s not dry.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the dough and balances the sweetness of the sugar.
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes – The base sauce that brings vibrant flavor and moisture to your pizza.
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs that adds depth to your sauce.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Extra flavor for the sauce mixture.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – A hint of spice to elevate the taste.
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – The classic cheese that melts beautifully and pulls apart.
• ¼ cup shredded gouda cheese – Provides a rich, creamy flavor that complements the mozzarella.
• 18 to 20 slices of pepperoni – The traditional topping that brings a savory, slightly spicy kick to your pizza.

Making This Air Fryer Pizza

Turning the ingredients into a delicious Air Fryer Pizza is easier than you might think! As we go through the steps together, I’ll guide you on what to look for in texture and color. This will ensure your pizza turns out just right every time!

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup warm water and ¼ teaspoon sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar completely. This step is essential for activating the yeast.
2. Add 2 teaspoons active dry yeast to the mixture and stir gently a few times. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until you notice the yeast foaming. This indicates that it’s working!
3. Begin adding ½ cup of all-purpose flour at a time to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until smooth after each addition. As you add flour, also include 3 teaspoons olive oil and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly after every addition until the dough starts to come together.
4. If the dough seems very sticky, you might need to add a little extra flour. A good visual reference is if the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl easily.
5. Once the dough is starting to hold together, place it on a lightly floured counter surface. Knead the dough gently 5 to 6 times, just enough to form a soft ball.
6. Wash the mixing bowl you used with warm water and dry it with a towel. Pour in 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil and swirl it to coat the bottom and sides.
7. Place the kneaded dough into the bowl, cover it with saran wrap or a kitchen towel (flour the side facing the dough), and place it in a warm, draft-free area. Let it rise until the dough doubles in size, usually about 30 minutes.
8. Once the dough has risen, divide it into 2 parts for a fluffy crust or 3 parts for a thinner crust. This decision is based on your personal preference!
9. Cut a piece of parchment paper that fits into your air fryer. Use this as a guide to roll out the dough. Aim for circles about 8 inches in diameter.
10. Preheat your air fryer to 390° F. Pre-bake the first crust for about 3 to 4 minutes on the air fry setting. You want it slightly firm but not fully cooked.
11. Once the crust is pre-baked, spread about ⅓ cup of crushed tomatoes over the crust. Season with ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
12. Top with ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup shredded gouda cheese. Then, layer on 18 to 20 slices of pepperoni, making sure to press them down to stick.
13. Carefully place the parchment paper with the pizza back into the air fryer. Bake for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
14. Remove the pizza from the air fryer and repeat the process with the second dough portion.
15. Slice your delicious homemade Air Fryer Pizza and serve hot!

Tips and Variations

Making a perfect Air Fryer Pizza is all about personalization. Here are some tips and variations to help you create your ideal pie:

• Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best results!
• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• Pairing: Serve your pizza with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Vegan Option: Swap out the cheese for vegan cheese and use veggie toppings for a delicious plant-based pizza.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free pizza experience.
• Experiment with Sauces: Try different sauces like pesto or a barbecue sauce for a unique flavor twist.

Best Served With

• Fresh Salad: Pair your pizza with a crisp garden salad to balance the richness of the cheese.
• Garlic Bread: For those who can’t get enough carbs, a side of warm garlic bread complements the pizza perfectly.
• Family Gatherings: This pizza is a hit at gatherings—everyone loves customizing their own!
• Movie Nights: Make it a special evening by serving this pizza during a cozy movie night at home.
• Birthday Parties: Everyone loves pizza, making it a go-to choice for celebrations.
• Seasonal Toppings: As seasons change, experiment with toppings that reflect the time of the year, such as fresh veggies in summer.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Air Fryer Pizza is a wonderful addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. With its crispy crust and customizable toppings, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself coming back for more. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the delightful process of making pizza from scratch!

Air Fryer Pizza

The ultimate comfort food, this Air Fryer Pizza is easy to make and packed with flavor. With a crisp crust and melty cheese, it’s a delicious weeknight dinner that will satisfy your cravings. Try it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

  

• ¾ cup warm water not hot
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons olive oil divided
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup shredded gouda cheese
• 18 to 20 slices pepperoni

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup warm water and ¼ teaspoon sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar completely. This step is essential for activating the yeast.
• Add 2 teaspoons active dry yeast to the mixture and stir gently a few times. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until you notice the yeast foaming. This indicates that it’s working!
• Begin adding ½ cup of all-purpose flour at a time to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until smooth after each addition. As you add flour, also include 3 teaspoons olive oil and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly after every addition until the dough starts to come together.
• If the dough seems very sticky, you might need to add a little extra flour. A good visual reference is if the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl easily.
• Once the dough is starting to hold together, place it on a lightly floured counter surface. Knead the dough gently 5 to 6 times, just enough to form a soft ball.
• Wash the mixing bowl you used with warm water and dry it with a towel. Pour in 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil and swirl it to coat the bottom and sides.
• Place the kneaded dough into the bowl, cover it with saran wrap or a kitchen towel (flour the side facing the dough), and place it in a warm, draft-free area. Let it rise until the dough doubles in size, usually about 30 minutes.
• Once the dough has risen, divide it into 2 parts for a fluffy crust or 3 parts for a thinner crust. This decision is based on your personal preference!
• Cut a piece of parchment paper that fits into your air fryer. Use this as a guide to roll out the dough. Aim for circles about 8 inches in diameter.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390° F. Pre-bake the first crust for about 3 to 4 minutes on the air fry setting. You want it slightly firm but not fully cooked.
• Once the crust is pre-baked, spread about ⅓ cup of crushed tomatoes over the crust. Season with ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
• Top with ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup shredded gouda cheese. Then, layer on 18 to 20 slices of pepperoni, making sure to press them down to stick.
• Carefully place the parchment paper with the pizza back into the air fryer. Bake for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
• Remove the pizza from the air fryer and repeat the process with the second dough portion.
• Slice your delicious homemade Air Fryer Pizza and serve hot!

Notes

• Tip 1: Heat up 1 cup of water in a microwave until it bubbles, then place the bowl with pizza dough inside, close the door (do not turn the microwave on!) and let it sit until the dough doubles in size.
• Tip 2: If you like the crust fluffy, divide the dough into 2 parts to make 2 pizzas; if you prefer your crust thin and crispy, divide the dough into 3 parts to make 3 pizzas.
• Tip 3: To reheat leftovers, set the temperature to 350 degrees F and the timer to 3 minutes. Check the pizza and cook for a minute or two more if needed.
• Tip 4: Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with.

Keyword air fryer recipes, Easy pizza dough, Family dinner ideas, Homemade Pizza