The Best Air Fryer Pizza
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and crispy pizza that can be made right in your kitchen, then you’ve come to the right place! The Best Air Fryer Pizza is a game-changer for pizza lovers everywhere. Imagine perfectly cooked pizza with a golden crust and melty cheese done in a fraction of the time it takes in a conventional oven. Whether you’re using homemade dough or store-bought, this recipe is designed to bring out the best flavors with minimal effort. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
The Upside of The Best Air Fryer Pizza
Making pizza in the air fryer comes with a host of benefits. First off, the air fryer cooks food quickly, meaning you won’t have to wait long for that cheesy slice of goodness. The circulating hot air creates a crispy crust while keeping the toppings perfectly cooked. Plus, it’s a healthier option since you can use less oil than traditional frying methods. Cleaning up is also a breeze, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
What Goes In
To create The Best Air Fryer Pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 homemade pizza dough balls, or store-bought, about 350g/12oz each
- 500g homemade pizza sauce, or store-bought
- 4 mozzarella or burrata cheese balls
- Basil leaves, for garnish
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Just remember to keep it balanced to ensure even cooking.
Setup & Equipment
Before you dive into making The Best Air Fryer Pizza, it’s a good idea to gather your equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Air fryer: The star of the show!
- Rolling pin: For flattening your dough.
- Pizza peel or cutting board: To transfer the pizza in and out of the air fryer.
- Pizza cutter: For slicing your masterpiece.
- Mixing bowl: If you’re making your own pizza sauce.
Having these tools ready will streamline the cooking process!
Method: The Best Air Fryer Pizza
Now, let’s get into the fun part: making The Best Air Fryer Pizza! Follow these simple steps for a perfect pizza every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
If you’re using homemade pizza dough, roll it out on a floured surface until it reaches your desired thickness. For store-bought dough, follow the package instructions. Aim for a circular shape that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you start assembling your pizza, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that your pizza will cook evenly and get that perfect crispy crust.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Place your rolled-out dough on a pizza peel or a cutting board. Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce over the base, leaving a little border around the edges. Tear your mozzarella or burrata cheese and distribute it evenly on top of the sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Pizza
Carefully transfer the assembled pizza into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking!
Step 5: Add Fresh Basil
Once your pizza is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish that elevates the flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Use a pizza cutter to slice your pizza into wedges. Serve it hot and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!
Swap Guide
If you’re looking to customize The Best Air Fryer Pizza, consider these swaps:
- Gluten-Free Dough: Use a gluten-free pizza dough for those with dietary restrictions.
- Different Cheeses: Try a mix of cheddar, gouda, or feta for unique flavors.
- Vegan Cheese: Substitute with your favorite plant-based cheese if desired.
- Alternative Sauces: Swap pizza sauce for pesto, BBQ sauce, or even a white garlic sauce for variety.
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own!
Pro Perspective
- The air fryer is perfect for pizza because it mimics the high heat of a wood-fired oven, giving you that authentic taste.
- If you want a crispier crust, brush your dough with olive oil before adding the sauce and toppings.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Cook one pizza at a time for the best results.
- Let your pizza dough rest for about 30 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to shape.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your leftover pizza fresh and delicious, consider the following tips:
- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes to revive that crispy crust.
- For longer storage, freeze your unbaked pizza. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer.
The Best Air Fryer Pizza Q&A
Can I make The Best Air Fryer Pizza with a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like burrata, cheddar, or even vegan cheese alternatives for a unique twist.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake your pizza in a conventional oven at 220°C (425°F) for about 12-15 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to achieve that perfect golden crust.
Can I use pre-made pizza sauce?
Yes, store-bought pizza sauce works perfectly for this recipe. Just choose a brand that you love, or make a quick sauce with crushed tomatoes and your favorite herbs!
How can I make my pizza dough rise better?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and activate it properly. Allow your dough to rise in a warm area, covered with a damp cloth, for at least 1 hour before using.
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Serve & Enjoy
The Best Air Fryer Pizza is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a gathering with friends, or a fun family dinner, this pizza is sure to impress. With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and fresh basil, every bite is a reminder of why pizza is a beloved dish worldwide. So heat up that air fryer, grab your favorite toppings, and dive into a delicious homemade pizza adventure that will have everyone coming back for more.
The joy of preparing and sharing food is at the heart of this recipe. Enjoy every moment, from the kneading of the dough to the first slice served, and savor the flavors of your creation. Happy cooking!
The Best Air Fryer Pizza
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the DoughIf you're using homemade pizza dough, roll it out on a floured surface until it reaches your desired thickness. For store-bought dough, follow the package instructions. Aim for a circular shape that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket.
- Step 2: Preheat the Air FryerPreheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Step 3: Assemble the PizzaPlace your rolled-out dough on a pizza peel or cutting board. Spread a generous amount of pizza sauce over the base, leaving a little border around the edges. Tear your mozzarella or burrata cheese and distribute it evenly on top of the sauce.
- Step 4: Cook the PizzaCarefully transfer the assembled pizza into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Step 5: Add Fresh BasilOnce your pizza is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Step 6: Slice and ServeUse a pizza cutter to slice your pizza into wedges. Serve it hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Brush dough with olive oil for a crispier crust.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.
