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Air Fryer Pizza

Air fryer pizza delivers crispy, golden crust and melted cheese in under 15 minutes. This quick and easy recipe produces restaurant quality results with minimal effort, perfect for weeknight dinners or fun weekend snacks.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 2 personal pizzas
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pizza Base
  • 8 ounces pizza dough store bought or homemade, divided into 2 portions
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing the crust
  • 1 teaspoon cornmeal for dusting optional
For the Toppings
  • 1/4 cup pizza sauce or marinara
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese preferably low moisture
  • 16 slices pepperoni or your preferred meat topping
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes for heat optional
  • 4 to 6 fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment

  • Air fryer with at least a 4 quart capacity
  • Rolling pin or your hands for stretching dough
  • Parchment paper or silicone air fryer liner
  • Small ladle or spoon for sauce
  • Cheese grater if using block cheese
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife
  • Heat resistant tongs or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the dough starts cooking immediately, which prevents a soggy bottom crust.
  2. Divide your pizza dough into two equal portions if not already separated. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 5 minutes, which makes stretching much easier.
  3. Press and stretch each dough portion into a round or oval shape about 6 to 7 inches across. The shape should fit comfortably in your air fryer basket with about half an inch of clearance around the edges. Working on parchment paper makes transferring the pizza much simpler.
  4. Place one shaped dough round in the air fryer basket on parchment paper. Cook at 375 degrees for 3 minutes until the top looks slightly set and the bottom starts turning golden.
  5. Remove the par cooked crust carefully using tongs. Spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over the surface, leaving about half an inch border around the edge.
  6. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Arrange 8 pepperoni slices on top, then add the Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
  7. Return the topped pizza to the air fryer basket. Cook at 375 degrees for 4 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops golden brown spots.
  8. Transfer the finished pizza to a cutting board and let it rest for 2 minutes. Top with fresh basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat.
  9. While enjoying your first pizza or while it rests, cook the second pizza using the same method.

Notes

Lightly brush the exposed crust edge with olive oil before the final cook for an irresistibly golden, slightly crispy outer ring. Always use parchment paper with holes or an air fryer liner to prevent sticking. Keep toppings to a reasonable amount since overloading prevents proper cooking. Room temperature dough stretches easier and cooks more evenly than cold dough straight from the fridge.