Best At-Home Pizza Recipes for the Air Fryer or Grill
There’s something about homemade pizza that just feels like summer, whether it’s the sizzle of dough on the grill or the golden, bubbly cheese from your air fryer. If you’re searching for the best at-home pizza recipes for the air fryer or grill, you’re in the right place. These methods deliver crispy crusts, gooey cheese, and all the vibrant toppings you crave, with a simplicity that fits right into a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend gathering.
Why Make Pizza in the Air Fryer or on the Grill?
Air fryers and grills are game-changers for homemade pizza. The air fryer gives you a perfectly crisp, personal-sized pizza in under 10 minutes—no need to heat your whole kitchen. The grill, meanwhile, infuses your crust with a subtle smokiness and those irresistible charred edges, making every bite taste like a summer adventure.
Air Fryer Pizza: Quick, Customizable, and Crispy
Basic Air Fryer Pizza
- Dough: Use store-bought or homemade pizza dough. Divide into personal-sized rounds that fit your air fryer basket.
- Prep: Preheat your air fryer to 375–400°F. Roll out dough thinly (less than ¼ inch), prick with a fork, and pre-bake for 1–3 minutes to keep it crisp.
- Toppings: Spread with pizza sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella, and add your favorite toppings—think pepperoni, veggies, or fresh basil. Add cheese last to help anchor lighter toppings.
- Cook: Air fry at 370–380°F for 6–8 minutes, until cheese is melted and crust is golden. Check halfway to ensure toppings stay in place.
- Pro Tip: For extra flavor, brush the crust with olive oil and a sprinkle of garlic salt before baking.
Favorite Air Fryer Pizza Combos
- Classic Margherita: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil, drizzle of olive oil.
- Veggie Supreme: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, red onion, spinach, and feta.
- BBQ Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken, BBQ sauce, red onion, mozzarella, and cilantro.
- Mediterranean Dream: Hummus base, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta, and spinach.
- Hawaiian Twist: Ham, pineapple, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Buffalo Cauliflower: Roasted buffalo cauliflower florets, blue cheese crumbles, mozzarella, and green onions.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
- Pre-bake crusts and freeze with toppings for a grab-and-go pizza night.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 325°F for 4 minutes for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Grilled Pizza: Smoky, Charred, and Full of Summer Flavor
How to Grill Pizza
- Dough: Stretch or roll out your dough to about ½ inch thick. Brush both sides with olive oil.
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Place the dough directly on the grates and grill for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form and grill marks appear.
- Flip & Top: Flip the dough, then quickly add sauce, cheese, and toppings. Close the lid and grill for another 2–4 minutes, until cheese is melted and crust is crisp.
- Pro Tip: Use a pizza stone for even heat or grill directly for extra char.
Favorite Grilled Pizza Combos
- Summer Veggie: Grilled zucchini, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
- Pesto Chicken: Basil pesto, cooked chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella.
- Fig & Gorgonzola: Sliced fresh figs, gorgonzola, caramelized onions, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Caprese Grilled Pizza: Sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a swirl of balsamic reduction.
- Spicy Sausage & Peppers: Grilled Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and a pinch of chili flakes.
- Mushroom & Truffle Oil: Sautéed mushrooms, fontina cheese, and a drizzle of truffle oil after grilling.
Tips for the Best At-Home Pizza
- Let dough rest: Room temperature dough is easier to stretch and gives a better rise.
- Don’t overload: Less is more with toppings—too much can make the crust soggy.
- Finish with flair: Try a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs after baking.
Savor the Slice
Whether you’re crisping up a quick air fryer pizza or firing up the grill for a smoky, charred masterpiece, these best at-home pizza recipes that bring the pizzeria to you. Gather your favorite toppings, invite some friends, and let everyone craft their perfect pie. Pizza night just got a delicious upgrade—no delivery required.
