Air Fryer Pizza Muffins: Mini Pizzas with a Crunchy Twist
A Fun and Flavorful Snack for Pizza Lovers
Who doesn’t love pizza? And when you can make it in your air fryer, it becomes an even more convenient and delicious treat. These Air Fryer Pizza Muffins are perfect for a quick snack, party appetizer, or even a fun twist on a pizza night at home. They’re customizable, easy to make, and the air fryer gives them a delightful crunch. Let’s dive into this pizza-inspired recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup your favorite pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni slices, sliced olives, bell peppers, mushrooms)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Cooking spray (olive oil or canola oil spray)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Biscuits:
- Separate the biscuits and flatten each one into a circle about 3-4 inches in diameter. These will be the pizza crusts.
3. Assemble the Pizza Muffins:
- Place a spoonful of pizza sauce on the center of each flattened biscuit and spread it out, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add your favorite pizza toppings. Get creative! You can mix and match toppings to suit your preferences.
- Sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano over each pizza muffin for extra flavor.
4. Fold and Seal:
- Carefully fold the biscuit dough over the toppings to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal the pizza muffins.
5. Air Fry:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the pizza muffins in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other.
6. Cook in Batches:
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pizza muffins in batches.
7. Air Fry:
- Cook the pizza muffins at 350°F (180°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve Hot:
- Carefully remove the Air Fryer Pizza Muffins and let them cool for a minute or two. Then, serve them hot with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Tips and Variations:
Customizing Your Air Fryer Pizza Muffins
Tips:
- Be cautious not to overstuff the pizza muffins to prevent them from bursting open during cooking.
- Don’t forget to grease the air fryer basket or use parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Variations:
- For a meat-lover’s version, add cooked sausage crumbles, bacon bits, or diced ham as toppings.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, load up your pizza muffins with fresh veggies like diced tomatoes, spinach, or red onions.
Customization:
- Change up the cheese! Try using cheddar, provolone, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for different flavor profiles.
Storage:
- Leftover Air Fryer Pizza Muffins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Cook’s Note:
- Air fryers are incredibly versatile, and these Pizza Muffins showcase just one of the many creative ways you can use them. With their flaky crust, gooey cheese, and customizable toppings, these mini pizzas are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to create your perfect pizza muffin!
