Homemade Air-Fryer Cheese Pizza: Crispy, Cheesy, and Irresistibly Easy!

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough (Initial Mix)

In a clean bowl, combine the bread flour and salt, then mix in the instant yeast and water until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Stretch & Fold

Wet your hands. Gently grab a section of the dough from the side, stretch it upwards, and fold it into the center. Rotate the bowl and repeat until the entire dough has been folded inward. Cover again and rest for another 20 minutes.
🔁 Repeat this process once more.

Step 3: First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball, place it seam-side down, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise until doubled in size (this may take about 1 hour depending on your kitchen temperature).

🍖 Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. In a pan over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion in olive oil until soft and translucent. Transfer to a bowl.
2. In the same pan, cook the ground beef until browned.
3. Add in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and the sautéed onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, season with salt, and transfer the mixture to a clean bowl.
   ✅ Topping is now ready to use or store!

🍞 Step 5: Dough Rest Before Shaping

Lightly flour your work surface and hands. Gently remove the risen dough from the bowl, shape it slightly into a round ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 20 minutes.

🍕 Step 6: Assemble and Air-Fry

1. Dust the rested dough with more flour and gently press it into an 8-inch round pizza base, leaving the edges a bit thicker for a nice crust.
2. Prick the surface of the dough using a fork to prevent bubbling.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 356°F (180°C) and air-fry the plain crust for 6 minutes.
4. Remove the crust, spread a layer of the prepared beef-tomato mixture, and top generously with Mozzarella cheese.
5. Return the pizza to the air fryer, increase the temperature to 392°F (200°C), and cook for another 8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

🔥 Final Touch

Carefully take the pizza out, let it cool slightly, slice it up, and serve! This pizza pairs well with a crisp salad or garlic dipping sauce for an extra hit of flavor.

🧀 Why You’ll Love This Air-Fryer Cheese Pizza

• Crispy crust with minimal effort
• Hearty topping with real, flavorful ingredients
• Fast cook time compared to traditional oven-baked pizza
• Perfect portion size for 1–2 people
• Versatile toppings—double, halve, or reuse with pasta!

📝 Tips & Variations

• Add some herbs! Sprinkle oregano or basil over the cheese before baking.
• Want it spicy? Add crushed chili flakes to the beef mix or top with jalapeños.
• No beef? Swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or go vegetarian with mushrooms and bell peppers.
• No air fryer? You can still bake this in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes.

🍽️ Storage & Leftovers

Leftover slices can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until warm and crispy again.

Final Thoughts

This air-fried cheese pizza is a game changer—easy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor from the homemade dough and fresh toppings. Whether it’s your first try or a new weekly favorite, you’ll never look at frozen pizza the same way again!