Is it really possible to make a crispy pizza in the air fryer? You bet it is! With the help of the air fryer and this recipe, you can easily have an incredibly tasty pizza on the table, such as pepperoni pizza, with just 10 minutes of active cooking time. You can make the dough from scratch or use store-bought for added convenience.

The Unmatched Convenience of Air Fryer Pizza

Once you get used to making air fryer pizza, it’s hard to go back to the more traditional methods!

  • Small portion – This method is great for making small pizzas when catering for one or two people. Perfect for date night!
  • Reduced cook time – Preheating an oven can take as long as 15 minutes, while the air fryer only needs about 2
  • Doesn’t require an oven – Ideal if you don’t have a conventional oven or when the oven is already in use

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need exactly the same ingredients for air fryer pizza as you do for oven-baked pizza. For this recipe, I’ve opted to make a pepperoni pizza, but feel free to adapt the toppings as you prefer for your favorite pizza. Regardless, make sure to check the full details in the recipe card below.

  • all-purpose flour – It’s best to use 00 flour, which can be found in some supermarkets as “pizza flour”. All-purpose flour or wheat flour are good alternatives
  • active dry yeast – mixed directly into the rest of the dough ingredients. I use the dry, instant yeast from the supermarket
  • salt – enhances the flavors
  • olive oil – creates a smooth dough and adds richness
  • lukewarm water – activates the yeast
  • pizza sauce – feel free to use your favorite brand. A thick pasta sauce is also a good option
  • cheese – mozzarella cheese is a popular choice. Freshly grated cheese always tastes the best
  • toppings – such as pepperoni, mushrooms, onion, bell pepper, or anything your heart desires

BAKING TIP: The trick for the best air fryer pizza lies mainly in the thickness of the dough and not being heavy-handed with the sauce. We also bake the base first with just the tomato sauce, otherwise the cheese burns too quickly.

How To Make Air Fryer Pizza

How to make air fryer pizza
1

Make the pizza dough according to the recipe and let it rest in a greased bowl to rise.

Open lightbox for image about Make the pizza dough according to the recipe and let it rest in a greased bowl to rise.
How to make air fryer pizza
2

Roll out the dough thinly. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over it.

Open lightbox for image about Roll out the dough thinly. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over it.
How to make air fryer pizza
3

Bake the base with sauce first without any further topping.

Open lightbox for image about Bake the base with sauce first without any further topping.
How to make air fryer pizza
4

Add your favorite toppings. I always start with a sprinkle of cheese.

Open lightbox for image about Add your favorite toppings. I always start with a sprinkle of cheese.
How to make air fryer pizza
5

Once all your toppings are added, bake the pizza again for 2-4 mins, or until the cheese is melty.

Open lightbox for image about Once all your toppings are added, bake the pizza again for 2-4 mins, or until the cheese is melty.
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Air fryer pizza-2

Topping Ideas for Air Fryer Pizza

In the photo above, I chose a classic pepperoni pizza with mozzarella, and after baking, added fresh oregano for a delicious finish!

Another classic is the Caprese pizza, with mozzarella, tomato, and basil. But, there are endless variations you can try. Here are a few of my favorite combinations:

  • Ham, mushrooms, and olives
  • Grilled vegetables and pesto
  • BBQ sauce, chicken, and red onion
  • Four cheeses (mozzarella, Parmesan, taleggio, and blue cheese)
  • Tomato, Parma ham, and arugula

Some toppings (like fresh herbs) are added only after baking. Think of fresh oregano, basil, arugula, or Parma ham.

Storing Air Fryer Pizza

It’s always best to eat fresh pizza immediately. If you want to prepare the pizzas in advance, I recommend baking only the base with tomato sauce. Add the toppings during the final baking.

The baked pizza (base) will keep for up to two days, covered, in the fridge. You can then add your favorite toppings and follow the rest of the recipe.

Can I freeze air fryer pizza?

Yes! You can store the baked pizza (base) in the freezer for up to three months in an airtight container.

Reheating

If stored in the fridge, reheat the pizza in the air fryer for 2-4 minutes at 350°F/180°C. A frozen pizza placed directly from the freezer into the air fryer requires 4-7 minutes at 350°F/180°C.

More Pizza-Inspired Recipes

If you’re crazy about pizza like I am, then you’ll love these fun and easy variations too:

FAQ Air Fryer Pizza

Why isn't my pizza crispy?

A few things can prevent your pizza from becoming crispy:

  • Baking paper – You will bake the crispiest pizza without baking paper. If you choose to use it anyway, just remove it after a few minutes of baking.
  • The dough is too thick – You want to roll out the dough nice and thin to get the crispiest pizza.
  • Too much topping – Your pizza only needs a thin layer of tomato or pizza sauce. Remember, the more toppings, the less crispy your pizza will be.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely! Simply follow the recipe starting from rolling out the dough.

Why does my pizza base look so pale?

This could be because you placed baking paper under the base. The base cooks best without baking paper. Another possibility is that the air fryer was not up to temperature from the start of the cooking time.

Can I make this gluten-free?

I haven’t tried it for this recipe, but there should be gluten-free pizza dough options available in most supermarkets.

Can I use ready-made pizza bases?

Yes, you can. That said, make sure they are the right size to fit your air fryer. Add your tomato sauce and heat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes, then add the toppings and bake again as per the recipe instructions below.

 

Air fryer pizza

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Air Fryer Pizza Recipe

With this easy air fryer pizza recipe, you can make the most delicious thin and crispy pizza right in your air fryer.
Preparation1 hour 10 minutes
Cooking12 minutes
Total1 hour 22 minutes
Servings: 2 pieces

Ingredients 

Pizza Dough

  • 150 grams all-purpose flour
  • 3.5 grams active dry yeast ½ packet
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 80 ml lukewarm water

Toppings

  • 3 tbsp pizza sauce
  • Cheese such as mozzarella
  • Toppings of your choice such as pepperoni, onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper

Equipment

  • Air fryer

Instructions

  • Add all the dough ingredients to a bowl and knead for 10–15 minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough. Continue kneading by hand until the dough passes the windowpane test. To do this, take a small piece of dough and gently stretch it apart. It should become very thin and almost transparent, like a piece of chewing gum, without tearing.
  • Lightly grease a bowl with oil and place the dough inside. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30–45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  • Divide the dough into two portions and roll each one into a thin crust. It doesn’t matter if they’re round or rectangular, as long as they fit in your air fryer basket.
  • You can bake the pizza directly in the air fryer basket (make sure the bottom is well dusted with flour) or on a piece of parchment paper cut to fit the basket.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each crust and cook for 8 minutes in the air fryer. If using parchment paper, remove it halfway through cooking if possible, as leaving it in may prevent the bottom from crisping properly.
  • Add your favorite toppings. I used mozzarella and pepperoni. Return the pizzas to the preheated air fryer and cook for another 2-4 minutes at 400°F (200°C), or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to store

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, wrap the pizza airtight and freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.

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