Easy Air Fryer Pizza Recipe: Perfect Personal Pizzas in Minutes

Air fryer pizza is a total game-changer for busy weeknights or when those pizza cravings hit hard. It’s fast, easy, and delivers a crispy crust with melty cheese—all without turning on your oven. Whether you’re whipping up a quick meal for one or feeding a couple of hungry kids, this recipe is going to be your new kitchen MVP.

I remember the first time I tried making homemade pizza in the air fryer. I was skeptical—would it really get that crispy, golden crust? The answer is a resounding YES, and now this is one of my favorite go-to meals. It’s so simple and versatile, you can switch up the toppings to match whatever you have on hand. Let’s dive in!

How to Make Air Fryer Pizza

What You’ll Need

Before we get started, here’s everything you need to make this crispy air fryer pizza. Trust me, it’s all about keeping it simple and delicious.

• Olive oil cooking spray (to keep things non-stick!)
• 1 (13.8-ounce) package of refrigerated pizza dough (such as Pillsbury®)
• 6 tablespoons pizza sauce, divided
• 10 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 14 slices pepperoni, divided
• ½ cup onion slices, divided (optional)
• Sprinkle of dried basil and red pepper flakes (optional)

You’ll also need an air fryer and, optionally, parchment liners for easier cleanup. If your air fryer basket is small, just make sure to adjust the size of your pizzas to fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make the best quick air fryer pepperoni pizza in no time? Let’s go step by step:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 380°F (190°C). This ensures the crust cooks up golden and crispy.
2. Prepare the Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or line it with a parchment liner to prevent sticking.
3. Shape the Dough: Remove the pizza dough from the package, then cut it in half. Shape each piece into a circle and crimp up the edges to form a crust. Make sure the size fits your air fryer basket.
4. Precook the Dough: Place one pizza crust into the prepared air fryer basket, spray lightly with olive oil, and prick it with a fork. Precook for 3 minutes—it helps create that perfect crispy base.
5. Assemble Your Pizza: Spread 3 tablespoons of pizza sauce over the cooked crust, sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese, and top with 7 pepperoni slices and half of the onion slices. Add a sprinkle of dried basil and red pepper flakes, if you like.
6. Cook Until Golden: Air fry the pizza for 7-9 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is perfectly gooey. Check frequently to avoid overcooking, as every air fryer is slightly different.
7. Repeat for Pizza #2: Set the first pizza aside (keep it warm in a 200°F oven if you like), and repeat the process with the second pizza crust.
8. Serve Hot: Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade air fryer pizza while it’s still warm and delicious!

Jake’s Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pizza

Here are a few insider tips to take your easy air fryer pizza recipe to the next level:

• Don’t Skip Precooking: Precooking the dough ensures it gets that irresistible crispy base before you add the toppings.
• Keep Toppings Light: Avoid piling on too many toppings; the air fryer works best when everything cooks evenly.
• Prevent “Flying Cheese”: A quick sprinkle of extra mozzarella on top helps hold down toppings so they don’t blow around in the air fryer.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Got leftovers? Reheat them in the air fryer at 325°F (165°C) for 4 minutes to bring that crispy texture back to life.

Air Fryer Pizza FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about homemade pizza in the air fryer:

Can I use homemade dough?

Absolutely! Just roll it out thinly so it cooks evenly in the air fryer. Adjust the precook time as needed.

What other toppings can I use?

The sky’s the limit—try mushrooms, bell peppers, sausage, or even pineapple. Just be sure not to overload your pizza.

How do I clean the air fryer after cooking pizza?

Let the air fryer basket cool, then wipe it down with a damp cloth or wash with warm, soapy water. Parchment liners make cleanup a breeze.

Can I make a gluten-free version?

Yep, just swap in your favorite gluten-free pizza dough. The cooking method remains the same.

How do I keep the first pizza warm while cooking the second?

Place the first pizza in the oven on its lowest temperature setting to stay warm.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a foolproof way to make individual pizza in the air fryer that’s crispy, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re customizing toppings or sticking with classic pepperoni, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for a quick, delicious meal. I’d love to hear how your air fryer pizzas turn out—leave a comment or tag us on social media with your creations!

If you’re looking for more ideas, be sure to check out my other easy air fryer recipes or dive into some one-pot meal inspiration. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!