There are days when you want pizza without turning on the oven or dealing with a pile of dishes. That’s where air fryer pizza shines. It cooks quickly, delivers a crispy crust with perfectly melted cheese, and keeps cleanup simple, ideal for busy days when easy cooking matters.
Jump to RecipeThis air fryer pizza recipe is straightforward, flexible, and beginner-friendly. Whether you’re using store-bought dough or adding your favorite toppings, this method helps you make pizza in the air fryer with consistent results every time.
Why Making Pizza in an Air Fryer Works So Well
Cooking pizza in an air fryer isn’t just about speed. The circulating heat cooks the crust evenly while keeping the center soft and the edges crisp. Compared to a traditional oven, the air fryer preheats faster, uses less energy, and fits perfectly into simple, low-cleanup cooking routines.
If you enjoy meals that don’t require juggling multiple pans, this approach naturally fits into that lifestyle, everything cooks in one place, without extra mess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything complicated to make pizza in an air fryer. Simple ingredients work best.
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (fresh or store-bought)
- Tomato pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded or fresh)
- Olive oil
- Toppings of choice (vegetables, pepperoni, cooked chicken, etc.)
How to Make Pizza in an Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Dough
Roll or stretch the dough into a round that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. Avoid oversized dough, airflow is key to even cooking.
Lightly brush the surface with olive oil to help create a golden, crispy base.
2. Add Sauce and Toppings
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce, then add mozzarella cheese. Keep toppings balanced, too many can make the pizza soggy instead of crispy.
3. Cook the Pizza
Carefully place on parchment paper or a small pizza pan and transfer it to the air fryer basket.
General guideline:
Cook at 375°F (190°C) until the crust is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This method works especially well for thin crust air fryer pizza and personal-size pizzas.
Cooking Time & Temperature Explained
A common question is how long to cook pizza in an air fryer, and the answer depends on thickness and toppings.
- Thin crust: cooks faster and gets crisp quickly
- Thicker dough: needs slightly more time for the center to cook
- Heavily topped pizzas: may need lower heat to avoid burning cheese
Most air fryer pizza recipes fall within a short cooking window, but always check the bottom of the crust, it should be golden and firm, not pale.
Best Toppings for Air Fryer Pizza
Some toppings cook better than others in circulating heat.
Great options:
- Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms
- Pepperoni or pre-cooked chicken
- Fresh basil added after cooking
Using lighter toppings helps the pizza cook evenly and keeps the crust from steaming.
Variations You Can Try
This easy air fryer pizza adapts well to different preferences:
- Vegetarian: Load up on vegetables and lighter cheese
- Kid-friendly: Simple cheese or mild toppings
- Lighter option: Use less cheese and more veggies
These variations make it easy to rotate flavors without changing the method.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
This section is often skipped, but it makes a big difference.
- Overloading toppings (leads to soggy pizza)
- Using dough that blocks airflow
- Skipping parchment paper when needed
Avoiding these small mistakes helps you get a crispy air fryer pizza every time.
How to Reheat in an Air Fryer
Reheating in an air fryer is one of the best ways to revive leftovers.
- Place pizza directly in the basket
- Heat at a moderate temperature until the cheese softens
- The crust stays crisp, far better than microwaving
This works well for both homemade and leftover slices.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re planning ahead:
- Dough can be prepped earlier and stored chilled
- Leftover pizza keeps well when wrapped properly
- Reheat only what you need to avoid drying it out
These small steps make repeat meals easier without extra effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook pizza dough in an air fryer?
Yes, as long as it’s sized correctly and not too thick.
Does parchment paper affect crispiness?
It helps with handling but should be trimmed to avoid blocking airflow.
Can you use store-bought dough?
Absolutely. Store-bought pizza dough works very well in the air fryer.
Final Thoughts
This air fryer pizza recipe proves that homemade pizza doesn’t need complicated steps or heavy cleanup. With simple ingredients, minimal tools, and the right technique, you can enjoy fresh pizza that’s crispy, flavorful, and ready fast.
Once you try it, this method easily becomes part of your regular cooking routine, especially on days when you want something comforting without the hassle.
Air Fryer Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Roll or stretch the pizza dough into a round that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. Avoid oversized dough that blocks airflow.
- Lightly brush the surface of the dough with olive oil to help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly, leaving a small border around the edges. Add mozzarella cheese, then top lightly with your chosen toppings.
- Place the pizza on parchment paper or a small pizza pan and carefully transfer it to the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Carefully remove the pizza, let it rest for 1 to 2 minutes, then slice and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
- For extra crispiness, keep toppings minimal.
- Cooking time may vary depending on air fryer size and model.
- If the top browns too quickly, lower the temperature slightly and continue cooking.