Homemade Air Fryer Meat Lover’s Pizza Recipe
Who doesn’t love a delicious homemade pizza, especially when it’s loaded with all your favorite meats and cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer? This awesome Air Fryer pizza recipe stands out because it combines convenience and richness of flavors in just a few minutes. It’s easy to whip up, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner, your next pizza night, or a spontaneous snack.
The best part about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the toppings to suit your taste, whether you prefer spicy pepperoni, savory sausage, tender ham, or a bit of everything. Using an air fryer means you’ll get that beautiful, crispy crust without heating up your whole kitchen. Perfectly melted cheese and your choice of meats make every bite a delight.
If you are on the hunt for more pizza recipes, I have a few more you might want to try out. Go for a classic pepperoni deep dish pizza or a simple copycat Taco Bell Mexican pizza.
Still in the mood for more homemade pizza? Make some homemade pizza seasoning to add to any recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare, making these personal pan pizzas perfect for weeknight dinners or quick snacks.
- Customizable: You can choose any combination of your favorite meats and other favorite toppings to make these little pizzas exactly the way you like.
- Crispy Crust: The air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy crust every time without heating your entire kitchen.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of melty cheese and various meats creates a flavorful experience in every bite of these small pizzas.
What’s In This Air Fryer Pizza Recipe?
Pizza Dough:
- Warm water: Essential for activating the yeast, warm water should be about 110°F, just warm to the touch but not too hot.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar feeds the yeast, helping it to ferment and rise, giving your dough that perfect chewy texture.
- Dry yeast: This leavening agent is crucial for making your dough rise, resulting in a light and airy crust.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your pizza dough, all-purpose flour provides the necessary gluten structure for a tender yet sturdy crust.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture to the dough and contributes a subtle richness and depth of flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough and controls the yeast fermentation process.
- Cornmeal: Sprinkled on the pizza peel, it prevents sticking and adds a slight crunch to the bottom of the crust.
Pizza Toppings:
- Pizza sauce: A rich and tangy base made from tomatoes, herbs, and spices, setting the stage for all other flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This mild, creamy cheese melts beautifully, creating that gooey and stretchy texture that pizza lovers crave.
- Sausage bits: Pre-cooked sausage crumbled into small bits adds a spicy, meaty element that complements the other toppings.
- Bacon bits: Crispy, smoky bacon pieces add a salty, crunchy contrast to the pizza, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
- Pepperoni: Thin slices of pepperoni become crispy around the edges and release flavorful oils as they cook, adding a classic, savory taste to your pizza.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions and Additions
- Vegetables: Add a variety of veggies like bell pepper, mushrooms, onions, or spinach to incorporate more nutrients and flavors. These can either be fresh or sautéed before adding them to the pizza.
- Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more kinds of cheese such as cheddar, parmesan, or gouda for a richer, multi-dimensional taste.
- Pineapple: For a touch of sweetness, add pineapple chunks to your pizza. This controversial topping pairs especially well with ham for a Hawaiian-style pizza.
- Different Meats: You aren’t limited to just sausage, bacon, and pepperoni. Experiment with other meats like grilled chicken, prosciutto, Canadian bacon, or even ground beef for diverse flavors and textures.
Sauce Variations
- Pesto: Swap out traditional pizza sauce for a basil pesto to add a fresh, herby flavor.
- Alfredo Sauce: For a creamy, indulgent pizza, use Alfredo sauce as the base instead of tomato sauce.
- Barbecue Sauce: Create a sweet and tangy twist by using barbecue sauce and topping the pizza with grilled chicken, red onions, and cilantro.
How To Make Air Fryer Meat Pizza Recipe (step-by-step directions)
- Start by grabbing a large bowl and adding in some warm water and yeast. Give it a good stir and let it sit for about five minutes to get foamy.
- After that, add in your sugar, flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix everything together until it’s fully combined. (Photo 1)
- If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook and knead for around five minutes on medium speed. If you’re using your hands, move the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about ten minutes.
- Next, place your dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it sit for about an hour or until it doubles in size. (Photo 2)
- Once your dough doubles, pop it back on a lightly floured surface and divide it into four sections. (Photo 3)
- Grab a rolling pin and roll each piece until it’s about 8 inches in diameter round shape for the pizza base.
- Dust your pie pan with cornmeal and transfer your dough to the pan, pressing it down to flatten the bottom. (Photo 4)
- In a preheated air fryer, cook the dough for about 4 minutes.
- Take it out and top it with 1/4 cup of pizza sauce, 1/4 cup of shredded cheese, 1/4 cup of sausage bits, 1.5 tablespoons of bacon bits, and 5-6 pepperoni slices. (Photo 5)
- Pop it back in the air fryer and cook for another 6 minutes. (Photo 6)
- Repeat these steps for each pizza, and you’re all set! Enjoy your homemade air fryer meat pizza!
Recipe Tips
- Check Water Temperature: Ensure the water is the right temperature (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly; too hot or cold can hinder the yeast’s effectiveness.
- Use Fresh Yeast: Fresh yeast leads to better dough rise and texture; always check the expiration date before using.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead the dough just until smooth and elastic to avoid a tough crust.
- Let it Rest: Allow the dough to rest after kneading to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.
- Pre-Cook Toppings: Lightly cook toppings like sausage and bacon before adding them to the pizza to ensure they’re fully cooked.
- Layer Cheese Strategically: For a perfectly melted, gooey cheese layer, place some cheese under the toppings and some on top.
- Spread Toppings Evenly: This prevents the pizza from becoming too heavy in one spot, ensuring an even cook.
- Watch Closely: Air fryers cook quickly, so keep an eye on your pizza in the last couple of minutes to prevent burning.
- Rotate if Necessary: If your air fryer has hot spots, rotate the pizza halfway through cooking for an even result.
Alternate Cooking Methods
Instant Pot Method
To make this meat pizza in the Instant Pot, start by preparing the dough as directed and rolling it out to the desired size. Place a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the Instant Pot’s steamer rack to prevent sticking.
Preheat the Instant Pot on the sauté setting for five minutes, then add the dough and cook for about five minutes on each side, using a pizza screen or foil to help flip it easily. Once the crust is partially cooked, carefully remove it and add your sauce, cheese, sausage bits, bacon bits, and pepperoni.
Transfer it back to the Instant Pot, secure the lid, and set it to the “Bake” setting at 375°F for around 10 minutes. Ensure that the valve is in the venting position. Let the pizza cool slightly before cutting and serving.
Oven Method
For an oven-baked meat pizza, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone inside, if you have one. After preparing the dough and allowing it to rise, roll it out to an 8-inch diameter for individual pizzas.
Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a piece of parchment paper or a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel. Add your sauce, cheese, sausage bits, bacon bits, and pepperoni on top of the dough. If using a pizza stone, slide the pizza directly onto the preheated stone; otherwise, place the parchment paper and pizza onto a baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing and enjoying your homemade meat pizza.
How to Store and Reheat
To store your leftover pizza, let it cool to room temperature first. If you store it while it’s still hot or warm, it can lead to condensation inside the container, making your pizza soggy. Once cooled, place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Stored properly, your pizza will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
You can freeze pizza to enjoy at a later time. For best results, freeze the slices as soon as they have cooled completely. Place each slice on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a zipper-lock freezer bag or wrap them in aluminum foil and store them in the freezer. Your pizza can be stored this way for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover pizza, there are several ways to reheat it:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pizza slices on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Skillet Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place a slice of pizza in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is crispy and the cheese is warm and melted. This method helps maintain a crispy crust.
- Microwave Method: While not ideal for maintaining a crispy crust, using a microwave is the quickest method. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. To help keep the crust from becoming too chewy, place a small cup of water in the microwave while reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a classic choice and pairs perfectly with any pizza. You can easily make it by spreading a mixture of butter, garlic, and parsley on slices of French bread and toasting them until golden.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pizza.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: For a gourmet touch, serve stuffed mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of cheese, bacon, bread crumbs, and herbs. Bake them until they’re golden and bubbly for a delicious appetizer.
- Marinara Sauce: A side of warm marinara sauce is excellent for dipping your pizza crust. The tangy tomato flavors complement the meat toppings beautifully.
- Ranch Dressing: Many people enjoy the creamy, tangy flavors of ranch dressing as a dip for their pizza, adding an extra layer of taste. Make your own ranch seasoning mix for added personalization.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it for convenience. After kneading the dough and allowing it to rise, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Before using, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
While mozzarella is the traditional choice for its melting properties and mild flavor, you can mix it with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan to add depth and complexity to your pizza. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite blend.
If you’re short on time, using a store-bought dough or pre-cooked dough is a convenient option. Look for high-quality premade dough or pre-baked crusts in your local grocery store’s bakery or refrigerated section. Follow the same instructions for adding toppings and baking.
To avoid a soggy crust, make sure your toppings are not too wet. Drain any excess moisture from ingredients like vegetables or meats before adding them to the pizza. Additionally, pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the sauce and toppings, which gives it a head start on crisping up.
Need More Air Fryer Recipes? Try These:
- Easy Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
- Garlic Parmesan French Fries
- Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
- Air Fryer Greek Chicken Kabobs With Tzatziki
- 7 Ingredient Air Fryer Sausage Kolaches
- See all our Air Fryer recipes!
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Homemade Air Fryer Meat Lover’s Pizza Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 ½ cups (354 ⅞ ml) warm water 110 degrees F
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp (2 ⅕ tsp) dry yeast
- 3 ½ cups (437 ½ g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp salt
- ½ cup (79 ½ g) corn meal
Pizza toppings:
- 1 cup (245 g) Pizza sauce divided 4 ways
- 2 cups (224 g) shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1 cup (236 ⅗ g) sausage bits divided
- 6 tbsp bacon bits divided
- 20-25 slices pepperoni divided
Instructions
- Start by grabbing a large bowl and adding in some warm water and yeast. Give it a good stir and let it sit for about five minutes to get foamy.1 ½ cups warm water,2 ¼ tsp dry yeast
- After that, add in your sugar, flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix everything together until it’s fully combined.2 tsp sugar,3 ½ cups all-purpose flour,2 tbsp olive oil,2 tbsp salt
- If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook and knead for around five minutes on medium speed. If you’re using your hands, move the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about ten minutes.
- Next, place your dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it sit for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
- Once your dough doubles, pop it back on a lightly floured surface and divide it into four sections.
- Grab a rolling pin and roll each piece until it’s about 8 inches in diameter round shape for the pizza base.
- Dust your pie pan with cornmeal and transfer your dough to the pan, pressing it down to flatten the bottom.½ cup corn meal
- In a preheated air fryer, cook the dough for about 4 minutes.
- Take it out and top it with 1/4 cup of pizza sauce, 1/4 cup of shredded cheese, 1/4 cup of sausage bits, 1.5 tablespoons of bacon bits, and 5-6 pepperoni slices.1 cup Pizza sauce,2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese,1 cup sausage bits,6 tbsp bacon bits,20-25 slices pepperoni
- Pop it back in the air fryer and cook for another 6 minutes.
- Repeat these steps for each pizza, and you’re all set! Enjoy your homemade air fryer meat pizza!
Notes
- Check Water Temperature: Ensure the water is the right temperature (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly; too hot or too cold can hinder the yeast’s effectiveness.
- Use Fresh Yeast: Fresh yeast leads to better dough rise and texture; always check the expiration date before using.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead the dough just until smooth and elastic to avoid a tough crust.
- Let it Rest: Allow the dough to rest after kneading to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.
- Pre-Cook Toppings: Lightly cook toppings like sausage and bacon before adding them to the pizza to ensure they’re fully cooked.
- Layer Cheese Strategically: For a perfectly melted, gooey cheese layer, place some cheese under the toppings and some on top.
- Spread Toppings Evenly: This prevents the pizza from becoming too heavy in one spot, ensuring an even cook.
- Watch Closely: Air fryers cook quickly, so keep an eye on your pizza in the last couple of minutes to prevent burning.
- Rotate if Necessary: If your air fryer has hot spots, rotate the pizza halfway through cooking for an even result.
Nutrition Information
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