Deep dish pizza in air fryer recipe
Indulge in the ultimate pizza experience with this deep dish air fryer pizza recipe. The crispy, golden crust combined with a rich homemade tomato sauce creates a pizza that’s irresistibly delicious. This recipe is perfect for busy days, offering a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic pizza with minimal effort. The homemade tomato sauce is simmered to perfection, while the air fryer ensures a beautifully baked crust every time. With options for both traditional and vegan toppings, this deep dish pizza caters to all tastes. Enjoy a slice of comfort with a recipe that’s as straightforward as it is scrumptious!
Ingredients
Quick air fryer pizza dough recipe ingredients:
- 1 ⅓ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120ml) skim milk or plant milk
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
Homemade tomato pizza sauce ingredients :
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 small onion - grated (about 2 tablespoons or 1/6 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - optional
- 1 1/2 garlic cloves - minced
- 14- ounce (400g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/8 teaspoon granulated sugar
Deep dish pizza toppings:
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese - or vegan mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (45g) grated Parmesan cheese - or vegan Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 8-10 slices Vegan pepperoni - or plant based sausages
Instructions
How to make deep dish pizza in air fryer
Easy Pizza Sauce Recipe:
- Heat Olive Oil: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Onion and Spices: Add the grated onion, salt, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion starts to brown.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, and sugar. Reduce the heat to low-medium and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, or until it thickens and becomes fragrant.
- Adjust Consistency: If you end up with more than 2 1/2 cups of sauce, continue simmering until it reduces to the desired amount.
- Cool and Store: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool. Store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Deep Pan Air Fryer Pizza Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients for the pizza crust and toppings.
- Make the Dough: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and olive oil, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it about 10 times. Shape it into a ball, cover with an inverted bowl, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a baking sheet, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Prepare Parchment Paper: Cut an 8-inch round of cooking parchment paper. Place it in the bottom of the air fryer basket and spray with cooking spray.
- Shape the Dough: Unroll the dough onto the parchment paper, tucking the corners under. Shape it into a 10-inch round with a thicker 1-inch border. Press the dough into the air fryer basket, extending it about 1 ½ inches up the sides of the basket.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: Set the air fryer to 325°F (165°C) and cook the crust for 10 minutes. Carefully turn the pizza crust over on a counter, remove the parchment paper, and return the crust to the basket. Let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it's cool enough to handle.
- Form the Crust: Press the center of the crust down to create a 1-inch border around the edge. Brush the sides and top of the crust with olive oil. Place the crust back in the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add Toppings: Spread pizza sauce evenly over the center of the dough. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, then add vegan pepperoni slices, and finish with Parmesan cheese. Cook for 4 to 7 minutes more, or until the crust is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let the pizza cool for 2 minutes before carefully removing it from the basket using a rubber spatula.
- Enjoy your deep pan air fryer pizza!
Notes
1 serving is approximately 495 calories
You can pre-make the pizza and freeze for later.
This recipe also works with store bought pizza sauce and any toppings you prefer.
1. Using Pre-Made Pizza Dough:
- Preparation: If using pre-made pizza dough, follow the package instructions for stretching or rolling out the dough. Preheat your air fryer if required by the dough package.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Since pre-made dough might be thinner, check the pizza regularly to avoid overcooking. Start with the same initial cooking time and adjust as needed based on the dough’s thickness.
2. Vegan Cheese Options:
- Selecting Cheese: Choose a vegan cheese that melts well, such as a mozzarella-style vegan cheese or a blend specifically designed for pizza. Brands like Daiya, Follow Your Heart, or Violife offer great melting options.
- Layering: If using a block or shredded vegan cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the sauce to ensure even melting and coverage.
3. Vegan Pepperoni Options:
- Choosing Pepperoni: Opt for vegan pepperoni brands like Field Roast, Lightlife, or Tofurky, which are widely available and have a flavor similar to traditional pepperoni.
- Pre-Cooking: Some vegan pepperonis may benefit from a brief pre-cooking to enhance their texture. If desired, lightly cook them before adding to the pizza for a more authentic taste and texture.
These tips will help ensure a delicious outcome whether you’re using pre-made dough or exploring vegan alternatives. Enjoy your customized pizza!