If you’re craving pizza but don’t want to make a huge batch or deal with the hassle of heating up a big oven, Air Fryer Mini Pizzas are the perfect solution. Quick, easy, and customizable, these mini pizzas cook up in just a few minutes, giving you a crispy, cheesy, and delicious pizza with a golden crust—all without the need for a full-size pizza oven. Whether you’re cooking for one, a few people, or looking for a fun family activity, these air fryer mini pizzas are sure to be a hit.
You can get creative with toppings, using your favorite ingredients, from classic pepperoni to veggies or even a more gourmet combination. The air fryer allows the crust to get crispy on the outside while keeping the cheese gooey and melted inside—just like a traditional pizza but in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients:
- 4 mini pizza crusts (store-bought or homemade; you can also use English muffins or pita bread as a base)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- Toppings of choice: pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, onions, sausage, etc.
- Olive oil spray (optional, for brushing or spraying the crusts for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional, for seasoning)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mini Pizzas:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- While the air fryer preheats, lay out your mini pizza crusts. If you’re using store-bought crusts, you can use flatbreads, English muffins, or even pita bread as the base.
- Lightly spray or brush the tops of the crusts with olive oil if you want a crispier texture.
- Assemble the Pizzas:
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each crust, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges for the crust to crisp up.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the sauce, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Add your favorite toppings. Some great options include pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, sausage, or even fresh basil.
- Season with garlic powder and dried oregano for added flavor if desired.
- Cook the Mini Pizzas:
- Place the prepared mini pizzas in the air fryer basket or tray. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. Arrange the pizzas in a single layer for best results.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the crust is crispy. Check halfway through to ensure even cooking, and adjust the time as needed based on your preferred level of crispiness.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, carefully remove the mini pizzas from the air fryer. Let them cool for a minute before cutting or serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Mini Pizzas:
Quick and Easy: The air fryer cuts down on cooking time, allowing you to have these delicious mini pizzas ready in just 10 minutes. It’s the perfect option when you’re craving pizza but don’t want to wait for the oven to preheat.
Customizable: You can make these mini pizzas exactly how you like them, with a variety of crusts, sauces, cheeses, and toppings. Whether you prefer a classic margherita pizza, a veggie-packed option, or a meat-lover’s delight, you can personalize these pizzas to fit your taste.
Perfect for Portion Control: Since they’re mini pizzas, you can control your portions more easily. It’s also a great option for meal prepping or making individual pizzas for everyone in the family with their favorite toppings.
Crispy Crust: The air fryer gives you that perfectly crispy pizza crust without the need for a pizza stone or a traditional oven. The high, even heat helps to achieve that ideal texture that you crave in a pizza.
Fun Family Activity: Making mini pizzas in the air fryer is a fun, interactive activity for kids or guests. Everyone can create their own personal pizza with their choice of toppings, making it a great meal for family dinners or parties.
Nutrition Information (per pizza, approximate):
- Calories: 250-350 kcal (depending on crust and toppings)
- Protein: 12-18g (depending on cheese and meat toppings)
- Carbohydrates: 25-40g (depending on crust and toppings)
- Fiber: 2-5g (depending on the crust and veggie toppings)
- Fat: 10-20g
- Saturated Fat: 4-8g
- Sodium: 500-800mg (depending on the sauce and cheese)
- Cholesterol: 30-50mg
- Calcium: 150-200mg
- Iron: 1-2mg
Tips for Success:
- Use a Nonstick Air Fryer Basket: For easy removal and to avoid any sticking, use a nonstick air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper. Just make sure the paper doesn’t block the air flow.
- Adjust for Size and Thickness: Depending on the thickness of your crust, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Thicker crusts might need a couple more minutes, while thin crusts may cook faster.
- Experiment with Toppings: You can get creative with your toppings—try adding fresh spinach, roasted garlic, or even drizzle with balsamic glaze after cooking for a gourmet touch.
- Pre-Cook Toppings: If you’re using toppings that require extra cooking time (like sausage, bacon, or mushrooms), it’s best to cook them before adding them to the pizza. This ensures that everything cooks properly and the pizza doesn’t get soggy.
- Use Store-Bought or Homemade Crust: For a quicker option, store-bought pizza crust or even flatbreads work well. For a low-carb or keto option, you can use cauliflower crust or almond flour-based crusts.
Air Fryer Mini Pizzas are a perfect solution for busy nights, snack time, or when you just want a quick, customizable meal that’s loaded with flavor. With the convenience of the air fryer, you can enjoy a crispy, cheesy pizza in minutes—without the need for a full-sized oven. Plus, they’re fun and easy to make, making them a hit for both kids and adults alike!
