I love simple, delicious recipes that are easy to make and pack in plenty of flavor. Air fryer English muffin pizzas are a game-changer in the kitchen, especially when you’re craving a homemade pizza but don’t want to spend a lot of time. This recipe allows you to create individual-sized pizzas with the crispy, golden crust that everyone loves, all within minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner, snack, or even a fun family cooking night, these mini pizzas are a must-try.
The beauty of making English muffin pizzas in the air fryer is the way the muffin turns crispy and golden, while the cheese melts beautifully over your choice of toppings. You can customize them to your liking by adding your favorite ingredients, making them as simple or as adventurous as you want. The best part? You don’t need an oven! If you have an air fryer, you’re just a few minutes away from pizza perfection.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
English Muffins: English muffins are the base for this pizza. Their texture is perfect for holding the pizza sauce and toppings, plus they crisp up wonderfully in the air fryer. You can use regular or whole-wheat English muffins, depending on your preference.
Pizza Sauce: The pizza sauce brings all the flavors together. You can use store-bought or homemade tomato sauce. Look for a sauce with a bit of Italian seasoning for an authentic pizza flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is the go-to cheese for pizza, known for its perfect melt and mild, creamy flavor. It makes every bite delightfully gooey and cheesy.
Pepperoni Slices: Pepperoni is a classic pizza topping, and it crisps up nicely in the air fryer. If you’re not a fan of pepperoni, feel free to swap in your favorite topping such as vegetables, sausage, or even chicken.
Olive Oil Spray: A light spray of olive oil ensures the English muffins crisp up perfectly in the air fryer. It also adds a subtle richness to the crust, helping it develop a golden-brown texture.
Ingredients List
- 4 English muffins, halved
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices (or any preferred toppings)
- Olive oil spray (for greasing)
How to Make Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas
Step 1: Prepare the English Muffins
Start by cutting your English muffins in half. This gives you the perfect mini pizza crusts. Arrange them on a clean surface or plate, ready to be topped.
Step 2: Add the Pizza Sauce
Spread a generous spoonful of pizza sauce onto each muffin half. Make sure the sauce covers the entire surface but doesn’t overflow. A thin, even layer ensures a good balance with the cheese and toppings.
Step 3: Top with Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. You want enough cheese to melt over the edges. Then, add your desired toppings. Whether it’s classic pepperoni or something more adventurous, this step is all about personalization!
Step 4: Air Fry the Pizzas
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking, then place the muffin halves in the basket. Air fry for about 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the muffin is crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, carefully remove the pizzas from the air fryer. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving. The result is crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious individual pizzas ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Custom Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Whether it’s vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, or non-traditional options like barbecue chicken or buffalo sauce, these mini pizzas can handle it all.
- Crispy Crust: For an even crispier crust, you can toast the English muffin halves in the air fryer for a minute or two before adding the toppings.
- Cheese Variety: Mozzarella is a classic, but if you prefer a sharper cheese, try adding Parmesan, cheddar, or provolone for an extra kick.
- Air Fryer Size: If your air fryer is smaller, cook in batches. You want enough space for the air to circulate around each muffin half for the best crisping.
- Cooking Time: Cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer model, so check the pizzas around the 5-minute mark to ensure they don’t burn. If you prefer a darker crust, you can add a minute or two.
- Make Ahead: These English muffin pizzas are great for meal prep. You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of muffin? Yes, you can! While English muffins provide a perfect base, any type of bread or bun could work as long as it holds the toppings well.
How do I store leftover air fryer English muffin pizzas? If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a crispy finish.
Can I use a frozen English muffin? Yes, frozen English muffins work perfectly fine for this recipe. Just make sure to let them thaw slightly before adding your toppings.
Can I make these pizzas without an air fryer? Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the pizzas in a regular oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.