Indulging in a delicious slice of pizza doesn’t always have to mean calling the local pizzeria or heating a frozen pie. With your trusty air fryer on hand, you can create a mouthwatering pizza right at home, tailored to your taste buds!
In this blog post, we provide you with a quick and easy air fryer pizza recipe, which will guide you on how to achieve a perfect pizza with melted cheese and a crispy crust.
The best part? It’s healthier and just as scrumptious as your favorite pizzeria version. So, put on your apron, and let’s get cooking!
What Ingredients Are Used In an Air Fryer Pizza Recipe?
Air fryer pizza is a delicious handmade pizza baked in an air fryer, which pumps hot air over the meal to cook it.
This method of cooking achieves a crispy crust and flawlessly melted cheese pizza, the same as pizzas you might receive from a traditional oven, but in a shorter amount of time.
Moreover, because an air fryer typically requires less oil than traditional frying methods, the result is a pizza that is a more health-conscious choice without sacrificing taste. From classic pepperoni to a gourmet veggie-loaded delight, the options for air fryer pizzas are limitless.
But what ingredients are commonly used to make an air fryer pizza? We mention some of the primary ingredients needed below:
1. Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is a staple in traditional pizza-making, providing a tangy and sweet base that complements the other ingredients. It’s made from ripe tomatoes, slowly simmered with herbs and spices for a rich flavor.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil is used to enhance the texture and flavor of the pizza. Its usage ranges from greasing the pizza dough before cooking to adding a drizzle at the end for a glossy finish. A good-quality olive oil can elevate the taste of your pizza.
3. Pizza Dough
Pizza dough serves as the foundation of your pizza, giving it structure and body. Whether you make it from scratch or buy it pre-made, the dough should be thin and pliable for the best results in an air fryer.
4. Buffalo Mozzarella
Buffalo mozzarella is a type of cheese made from the milk of Italian water buffalo. It’s renowned for its creamy texture and mild flavor, which melts beautifully over the pizza, creating that classic, cheesy goodness we all crave.
5. An Array Of Optional Toppings
Finally, the optional toppings are where you can get creative. From traditional favorites like pepperoni, mushrooms, and bell peppers, to gourmet choices like sun-dried tomatoes, prosciutto, or arugula.
Just remember not to overload the pizza, as it may lead to uneven cooking in the air fryer.
How To Make Air Fryer Pizza?
Creating a delicious air fryer pizza is a straightforward and enjoyable process. So, keep reading to discover all the steps needed to make a delicious air fryer pizza!
Step 1: Prepare The Dough
Begin by taking ready-made pizza dough and flattening it into a thin, circle. You can use a rolling pin to achieve the desired thickness.
Step 2: Apply The Sauce
Spread a generous amount of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving some clear space along the edges to create a crust.
Step 3: Add The Cheese
Distribute pieces of buffalo mozzarella evenly over the tomato sauce.
Step 4: Add The Toppings
This is where your creativity shines. Add your preferred toppings, keeping in mind not to overload the pizza.
Step 5: Drizzle Olive Oil
Lightly drizzle some olive oil over the top of your pizza. This will enhance the flavor and aid in achieving a golden finish.
Step 6: Preheat The Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (around 190°C), which is the optimal temperature for cooking pizza.
Step 7: Cook The Pizza
Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the pizza into the basket. Remember before placing the pizza on an air fryer, you should add a little olive oil to avoid stickiness.
Cook it for about 7 to 8 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the hot pizza from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Now, all that’s left is to sit back and enjoy your homemade, air fryer pizza.
Remember, practice makes perfect. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the thickness of your dough and the amount of your toppings.
Useful Tips To Have a Delicious Air Fryer Pizza
Here are some useful tips to help you create a delicious air fryer pizza:
1. The Right Dough
Consider making your pizza dough at home to ensure it’s fresh and free of preservatives. If you’re in a hurry, opt for high-quality store-bought dough.
2. Size Matters
The size of your pizza should correspond to the size of your air fryer. Make sure the pizza doesn’t overlap the edges of the basket to ensure even cooking.
3. Don’t Overload Toppings
While it’s tempting to load your pizza with a mountain of toppings, doing so will prevent the crust from cooking properly.
Keep it simple and evenly distribute a reasonable amount of toppings for the best results.
4. Healthy Swap
Substitute whole-grain for white flour in the dough to increase fiber intake. Use a combination of cheeses for depth of flavor and consider lean meats for protein.
5. Cooking Time
Monitor your pizza closely as it cooks. Air fryer temperatures can vary, and the cooking time might need to be adjusted.
A good indicator of a well-cooked pizza is a crispy crust and bubbling cheese on top.
Remember these tips to create a perfect, delicious, and healthier air fryer pizza.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Pizzas?
Air fryer pizzas pair well with a variety of side dishes, allowing you to create a well-rounded meal.
A fresh, crisp salad is always a good choice. You can opt for a classic Caesar salad, a colorful mixed greens salad, or even a tangy coleslaw.
If you prefer something warm, consider serving breadsticks or garlic knots, which can be easily made in the air fryer as well.
For a hearty option, a bowl of tomato soup or a serving of meatballs can complement the pizza perfectly.
Lastly, don’t forget beverages – a chilled beer, a glass of wine, or a refreshing homemade lemonade would complete the meal beautifully.
Regardless of what you choose, the versatility of pizza ensures it will harmonize with practically any side dish.
Conclusion
In short, now you get the easy air fryer pizza recipe, it’s time to bring out your air fryer and start cooking. With a few simple steps and some creativity, you can enjoy a delicious homemade pizza in no time.
Experiment with different toppings and find your favorite combination. Remember to keep an eye on the cooking time and temperature for the best results.
Finally, enjoy the process and, most importantly, enjoy your pizza!
Easy Air Fryer Pizza
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (Homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of vegetable toppings (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms)
- Your choice of meat toppings (optional, e.g., pepperoni)
- A drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (around 190°C).
- Flatten your pizza dough to fit the size of your air fryer basket. Be sure not to overlap the edges for even cooking.
- Drizzle a little olive oil on the dough to prevent stickiness.
- Evenly spread the pizza sauce on the dough.
- Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Spread your desired toppings equally on the pizza. Remember not to overload the pizza so that the crust cooks perfectly.
- Carefully place the pizza into the air fryer basket and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the air fryer, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
- Enjoy your homemade air fryer pizza!