I absolutely love making mini pizzas, and when I discovered how easy it was to prepare them using my air fryer, I was hooked! Air fryer mini pizzas are a quick and fun way to enjoy a personalized meal, whether for a casual dinner or as a creative snack for friends and family. The air fryer gives them a perfectly crispy crust, all while saving time and making cleanup a breeze. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to, and I’m sure you will too!
What I adore about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can use your favorite toppings, switch up the sauce, and even adjust the cheese levels. Plus, the mini size makes it so much easier to control the cooking time, and they are the perfect serving size for anyone craving a single serving of pizza. So, let’s get started on these delicious and perfectly crispy air fryer mini pizzas!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Pizza Dough: This is the base of your mini pizza, and you can either buy it pre-made from the store or make it from scratch if you’re feeling extra adventurous. The dough needs to be rolled out into small portions to fit your air fryer basket.
Pizza Sauce: You’ll need a savory, tangy pizza sauce that complements the other ingredients. Choose your favorite brand or make your own from scratch using tomatoes, herbs, and seasonings for that extra homemade touch.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The classic cheese for pizza, mozzarella has that melt-in-your-mouth quality that perfectly pulls together the other ingredients. It provides the cheesy goodness we all love!
Toppings: Here’s where you can get creative! Choose toppings like pepperoni, veggies, or even pineapple. For each mini pizza, a small handful of toppings will suffice, but you can always pile them on if you prefer.
Olive Oil: Lightly brushing the dough with olive oil before cooking adds a nice golden finish to your pizza crust. It helps crisp up the dough and adds a touch of richness.
Dried Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of Italian seasoning goes a long way in adding flavor to your mini pizzas. This mixture of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme gives the pizza an authentic taste.
Ingredients List
- 1 package of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
How to Make Air Fryer Mini Pizzas
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Start by preparing the pizza dough. If you’re using store-bought dough, divide it into 4 equal portions for mini pizzas. Roll each portion out on a floured surface to the size of your air fryer basket. If you’re making your own dough, just follow your preferred recipe and divide it as needed.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the pizzas cook evenly and get that golden-brown finish on the crust.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Cheese
Place the rolled-out dough on a piece of parchment paper or directly into the air fryer basket, depending on the size. Spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce over each mini pizza, leaving a small border for the crust. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Now comes the fun part—adding your toppings! Place your choice of toppings on the mini pizzas. Make sure not to overload them, as the air fryer works best with a moderate amount of ingredients.
Step 5: Air Fry the Pizzas
Carefully place the mini pizzas in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and melted. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pizzas in batches.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your mini pizzas are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Let them cool for a minute or two, slice, and enjoy your homemade, crispy mini pizzas!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- If you want a thicker crust, roll the dough out less thinly before cooking.
- For a crispier crust, brush the edges of the dough with a bit of olive oil before cooking.
- Don’t overload your mini pizzas with toppings—less is more to ensure everything cooks evenly.
- You can prepare the mini pizzas ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry them.
- Try different cheeses for variation—cheddar, gouda, or even a mix of cheeses can give your pizzas a new flavor twist.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pizza dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough, and follow the same instructions.
Can I make these mini pizzas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes longer to ensure they heat through.
Can I freeze mini pizzas?
Yes, these mini pizzas freeze very well. Prepare the pizzas as usual, but don’t cook them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, air fry from frozen at 375°F for about 12-14 minutes.
Can I add a different sauce besides pizza sauce?
Of course! You can try using pesto, BBQ sauce, or even ranch dressing for a unique flavor.
How can I prevent the pizza crust from getting too soft?
Make sure to preheat the air fryer and avoid putting too many toppings on the pizza. The air fryer’s hot air needs to circulate around the crust to keep it crispy.
Enjoy making these delicious mini pizzas in the air fryer—perfect for a quick meal or a fun activity with family!