Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with pepperoni—this air fryer stuffed crust pizza is a game-changer for pizza night. The gooey mozzarella-filled crust takes this classic to the next level, and the air fryer makes it perfectly golden and bubbly in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 8–10 mozzarella string cheese sticks (for crust)
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 20–25 pepperoni slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- All-purpose flour (for dusting)
How To Make Air Fryer Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza
- Prepare Dough – Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out pizza dough into a circle or rectangle about 10–12 inches wide.
- Stuff the Crust – Place mozzarella string cheese sticks around the outer edge of the dough. Fold the dough over the cheese and press to seal tightly.
- Add Sauce – Spread pizza sauce evenly over the center of the dough, leaving the stuffed edges uncovered.
- Top It – Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce, then arrange pepperoni slices evenly.
- Season – Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Air Fry – Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Carefully transfer pizza to the air fryer basket or tray. Cook for 8–10 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is golden.
- Serve – Let pizza cool for 2–3 minutes before slicing to keep cheese from spilling out.
You Must Know
- Stuffing the crust works best with string cheese—it melts perfectly without leaking out.
- If your air fryer is small, make a personal-sized pizza instead of a large one.
- Lining the basket with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Topping Variations
- Meat Lovers – Add sausage, bacon, and ham along with pepperoni.
- Veggie Delight – Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach, and olives.
- BBQ Chicken – Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and top with chicken, red onion, and cilantro.
- Hawaiian – Add pineapple chunks and ham for a sweet-savory twist.
Make It A Meal
Pair your stuffed crust pepperoni pizza with:
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Fresh Garden Salad
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Coleslaw or Potato Wedges
Pro Tips
- Don’t overfill the toppings—too much can prevent the crust from cooking evenly.
- For an extra crispy base, pre-cook the pizza dough for 2 minutes before adding toppings.
- If making from scratch, let the dough rest before rolling so it’s easier to work with.
- Use room temperature string cheese so it melts evenly inside the crust.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen pizza dough?
Yes—just thaw it completely before rolling and shaping.
Q: Can I reheat leftover pizza in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp the crust.
Q: How do I stop cheese from leaking out of the crust?
Make sure the dough is folded over well and pinched tightly. You can also use a bit of water to seal the edges.
Q: Can I make this without pepperoni?
Of course! Use any topping you like—veggies, different meats, or even a white sauce base.
