Who doesn’t love a delicious homemade pizza with a crispy crust, gooey melted cheese, and all their favourite toppings? This Air Fryer Homemade Pizza is an easy way to enjoy freshly made pizza without heating up the oven or ordering takeaway.
Made with simple ingredients like pizza dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favourite toppings, this recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner, or weekend treat. The air fryer cooks the pizza beautifully, giving the crust a golden, crispy texture while melting the cheese until bubbly and delicious.
One of the best things about making pizza in the air fryer is that you can prepare individual portions and customise each one to suit everyone’s taste. Whether you love classic pepperoni, mushrooms, vegetables, or extra cheese, the possibilities are endless.
If you’ve never made pizza in your air fryer before, you’re going to love how simple it is. Let’s get started!
Ingredients and Substitutions
You only need a few basic ingredients to make homemade air fryer pizza. The quantities below make approximately two small personal pizzas, depending on the size of your air fryer.
For the Pizza Dough
- 1 pound (450g) prepared pizza dough: Use homemade or store-bought pizza dough. Refrigerated dough also works well.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a little flavour.
- 1 tablespoon flour or cornmeal: For lightly dusting your work surface and shaping the dough.
For the Pizza Toppings
- ½ cup pizza sauce: Use your favourite pizza sauce or marinara sauce. You can also use homemade tomato sauce.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that delicious melted, stretchy cheese topping. Freshly shredded mozzarella works particularly well.
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoni: Adds a classic pizza flavour. Leave it out or replace it with your favourite toppings.
- ¼ cup sliced mushrooms: Adds a savoury flavour and a lovely texture.
- ¼ cup diced bell pepper: Gives the pizza colour and a little crunch.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Adds a delicious combination of herbs.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the flavour of the sauce and toppings.
- Fresh basil (optional): Adds freshness and colour after cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions
Pizza dough: If you don’t have prepared pizza dough, you can use naan bread, pita bread, English muffins, or small pre-made pizza bases. These alternatives cook differently, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Pizza sauce: Marinara sauce, homemade tomato sauce, or a little pesto can be used instead. For a white pizza, try a thin layer of garlic cream sauce.
Mozzarella cheese: Cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or a pizza cheese blend are excellent alternatives. You can also combine mozzarella with Parmesan for extra flavour.
Pepperoni: Replace it with cooked sausage, ham, shredded chicken, or bacon.
Vegetables: Try onions, olives, spinach, sweetcorn, courgettes, or cherry tomatoes. Avoid adding too many watery vegetables, as they can make the crust soggy.
Seasonings: Use dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, or your favourite pizza seasoning.
How to Cook Pizza in the Air Fryer
Making homemade pizza in the air fryer is surprisingly easy. The key is to use a pizza base that fits comfortably inside your basket and avoid adding too much sauce or too many toppings.
Follow these simple steps for a delicious homemade pizza.
Step 1: Prepare the pizza dough
Remove the pizza dough from the refrigerator and allow it to rest according to the package instructions. This makes it easier to stretch and shape.
Lightly dust your work surface with flour or cornmeal.
Divide the dough into two equal portions for small personal pizzas. Shape each portion into a round or oval that fits inside your air fryer basket.
Make sure the dough is not too thick, as a thick base may take longer to cook through.
Step 2: Prepare the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for approximately 3 minutes, if your model recommends preheating.
Lightly grease a suitable air fryer-safe pizza pan or tray. You can also use baking parchment cut to fit the base, but never place loose parchment in an empty or preheating air fryer.
Step 3: Pre-cook the pizza crust
Place one shaped pizza dough base into the air fryer basket or on your air fryer-safe pizza tray.
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 3–4 minutes, just until the dough begins to set.
This step helps prevent the centre from becoming soggy once you add the sauce and toppings.
Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the dough and your air fryer model.
Step 4: Add the pizza sauce
Carefully remove the partially cooked crust.
Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
Avoid using too much sauce because excess moisture can make the pizza base soft.
Step 5: Add the cheese and toppings
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
Add pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, or any other toppings you enjoy.
Finish with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
Don’t overload the pizza. A lighter topping layer helps the crust cook properly and prevents ingredients from moving around during air frying.
Step 6: Air fry the homemade pizza
Carefully return the topped pizza to the air fryer.
Cook at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden and cooked through.
If your pizza is larger or thicker, it may need a few extra minutes.
Keep an eye on the cheese towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too dark.
Step 7: Check and serve
Carefully remove the pizza using a suitable spatula or heat-resistant utensil.
Check that the centre of the crust is fully cooked. If necessary, return it to the air fryer for another 1–2 minutes.
Allow the pizza to rest for a minute or two before slicing.
Garnish with fresh basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or red pepper flakes.
Repeat with the remaining dough and enjoy your homemade air fryer pizza!
Helpful Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pizza
- Don’t make the base too thick: A thinner base cooks more evenly and becomes crispier.
- Pre-cook the dough: This helps prevent a soft or undercooked centre.
- Use a light layer of sauce: Too much sauce can make the crust soggy.
- Don’t overload the toppings: Keep the toppings balanced so the pizza cooks evenly.
- Use an air fryer-safe tray if needed: Make sure it fits your appliance and allows enough room for hot air circulation.
- Check the pizza frequently: Air fryer models vary, so cooking times are only estimates.
- Secure lightweight toppings: Make sure ingredients such as pepperoni are covered or held in place by cheese so they don’t fly into the heating element.
Can I Make This Ahead?
Absolutely! Homemade air fryer pizza is easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy days.
There are a few ways to get everything ready before cooking.
Prepare the dough ahead of time
You can make homemade pizza dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator according to your dough recipe. Keep it covered to prevent the surface from drying out.
Before shaping, allow refrigerated dough to rest at room temperature for approximately 20–30 minutes, or follow the recipe instructions.
Prepare the toppings
Slice the vegetables, grate the cheese, and portion out the pepperoni or other toppings ahead of time.
Store each ingredient separately in covered containers in the refrigerator.
Prepare the pizza bases
You can shape and partially cook the pizza bases in advance. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to eat, add the sauce, cheese, and toppings, then air fry until hot and cooked through.
Freeze the prepared pizza bases
If you want to prepare pizza even further in advance, partially cook the bases, allow them to cool, and freeze them individually with baking parchment between each one.
For best quality, use within 1–2 months.
You can add the toppings while the base is still frozen and cook it in the air fryer, allowing extra time as needed. Check that the crust is fully cooked and the cheese is melted before serving.
How to Reheat Pizza in the Air Fryer
Have leftover pizza? Don’t throw it away! The air fryer is one of the best ways to reheat pizza because it helps restore the crispy crust while melting the cheese again.
You won’t need a microwave or a large oven.
How to Reheat Refrigerated Pizza
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for approximately 2–3 minutes, if recommended.
- Place the leftover pizza slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for approximately 3–5 minutes.
- Check that the cheese is melted and the centre is heated thoroughly.
- Add another minute if needed, depending on the thickness of the slices.
For thicker slices, you may need a little extra reheating time.
How to Reheat Frozen Pizza
If your pizza slices are frozen, you can reheat them directly in the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the frozen slices in a single layer.
- Cook for approximately 5–8 minutes, checking towards the end.
- Continue heating until the centre is hot throughout.
Cooking times vary depending on the size and thickness of the pizza.
For food safety, make sure leftover pizza is reheated to 165°F (74°C) throughout.
How to Store Leftover Pizza
Allow leftover pizza to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Store at 40°F (4°C) or below for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. For best quality, use within 1–2 months.
Don’t leave cooked pizza at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer homemade pizza is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a complete meal.
Here are some tasty ideas to serve alongside your pizza:
- Garlic bread: A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with tomato sauce and melted cheese.
- Fresh garden salad: Serve with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and your favourite dressing.
- Air fryer potato wedges: Crispy, seasoned potato wedges make a satisfying addition.
- Chicken wings: Serve with barbecue, buffalo, or garlic Parmesan chicken wings for a fun pizza-night meal.
- Coleslaw: A fresh and crunchy side that balances the richness of the cheese.
- Mozzarella sticks: Perfect for a family pizza night or casual gathering.
- Roasted vegetables: Try broccoli, courgettes, bell peppers, or carrots.
- Caesar salad: Crisp lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and creamy dressing make a delicious combination.
Best Dipping Sauces for Homemade Pizza
Don’t forget the dipping sauces! They add even more flavour to every slice.
Try serving your pizza with:
- Garlic butter.
- Ranch dressing.
- Garlic mayonnaise.
- Marinara sauce.
- Sweet chilli sauce.
- Hot honey.
- Pesto.
You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan, dried oregano, or chilli flakes over the pizza just before serving.
This Air Fryer Homemade Pizza is an easy way to enjoy a freshly cooked, crispy pizza whenever you’re craving one. With simple ingredients, endless topping combinations, and quick cooking time, it’s perfect for family dinners, lunch, or a fun homemade pizza night!
PrintAir Fryer Homemade Pizza
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough
- ¼ cup pizza sauce
- ½–¾ cup mozzarella cheese shredded/grated
- other toppings of your choice pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, ham or pineapple
Instructions
- On a lightly floured surface, press out the dough into a rough circle/oval shape.
- Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/205°C.
- Once hot, add the dough to the air fryer basket.
- Allow the pizza dough to cook for 5-7 minutes until the top is crisp and golden.
- Flip the dough over then add the sauce, cheese and toppings of your choice.
- Return to the air fryer and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top of the pizza is golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer, garnish with fresh basil, slice and serve.







