Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dough)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or use marinara sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, cooked sausage, etc.)
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
Equipment:
- Air fryer (with a tray or pizza pan)
- Pizza pans or small cake pans (that fit in your air fryer)
- Rolling pin (optional, but helps to shape dough)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar with 1 1/2 cups warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir until a dough forms. Once it comes together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Punch Down the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface.
2. Prepare the Pizza Sauce:
- While the dough is rising, you can make the pizza sauce. In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If you prefer a little kick, you can add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Air Fryer Pizza Pans:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly grease your pizza pans or small cake pans with olive oil. These will help prevent the dough from sticking and give it a crispy texture.
4. Shape the Pizza Dough:
- Divide the dough into 2-3 portions (depending on how many pizzas you want to make). Roll each portion into a ball, then use a rolling pin (or your hands) to flatten the dough into a round shape. The dough should fit snugly into your pizza pan, with about 1-inch of extra dough around the edges.
- Place the dough into the greased pizza pan, gently pressing it to fit the shape of the pan.
5. Assemble the Pizzas:
- Spread the Sauce: Spoon a few tablespoons of the homemade pizza sauce onto each pizza dough, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges for the crust.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add Toppings: Now, you can get creative with your toppings! Add your favorite toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or cooked sausage. Just be mindful not to overload the pizza to allow for even cooking.
6. Cooking the Pizzas in the Air Fryer:
- Air Fry the Pizza: Place the pizza pans into the air fryer basket or tray. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pizzas one at a time.
- Cook the pizzas at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
- If you like your crust extra crispy, you can cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Once done, carefully remove the pizza pans from the air fryer and let the pizzas rest for a minute.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish: Optionally, drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza and sprinkle with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve: Slice your pizza and enjoy! You can serve it with a side of salad, garlic bread, or any dipping sauce of your choice.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Air Fryer Pizza:
- Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat the air fryer before cooking to ensure the pizza cooks evenly.
- Avoid Overloading Toppings: When adding toppings, be careful not to overload the pizza. Too many toppings can result in a soggy crust.
- Cheese: You can mix different types of cheese, like mozzarella and provolone, for added flavor. For a more indulgent pizza, try adding some cheddar cheese.
- Crispy Crust: If you like your crust crispy, brush the edges with a little melted butter or olive oil before cooking. This will help brown and crisp up the crust beautifully.
- Frozen Veggies: If you’re using frozen vegetables as toppings, make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to avoid excess moisture on your pizza.
Conclusion:
Making pizza in the air fryer is an easy and fast way to enjoy a delicious homemade meal. By using pizza pans, you can create individual-sized pizzas with a perfectly crispy crust and your favorite toppings. The dough is soft and chewy inside, while the air fryer cooks the exterior to golden perfection. This recipe is customizable, so feel free to experiment with different sauces, cheeses, and toppings. Whether you’re cooking for one or a small group, these Air Fryer Pizza Pans are a fun and tasty way to enjoy pizza at home.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and delicious air fryer pizza pans with a variety of toppings, all made in less than 20 minutes!