Craving a delicious, cheesy treat without the fuss? These Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas are your answer! This recipe brings back that beloved childhood favorite with incredible speed and convenience.
In just minutes, you can create perfectly golden, crispy mini pizzas with gooey, melted cheese. Get ready for a simple, customizable meal that satisfies everyone, perfect for any busy day.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas
- Amazingly fast cooking time: You’ll have piping hot pizzas ready in under 10 minutes, making them ideal for hungry moments.
- Super easy for any skill level: Even kitchen beginners can master these simple steps with confidence.
- Perfect for busy weeknights: This recipe is a lifesaver when you need a quick, satisfying meal without much planning.
- Kid-friendly and customizable: Let everyone build their own mini pizza, creating a fun and interactive mealtime activity.
- Crispy crust, gooey cheese: The air fryer delivers an unbelievably crunchy muffin base and perfectly melted, bubbly cheese every time.
- Healthier than takeout options: Enjoy a homemade pizza that allows you to control the ingredients and portions for a lighter choice.
Ingredients
Gather these simple items to create your delightful Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas:
- 2 English muffins (cut in half): Choose your favorite brand for the best base.
- ½ cup pizza or marinara sauce: A good quality sauce makes all the difference.
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Low-moisture, part-skim works wonderfully for melting.
- Dried basil (optional): Adds a classic Italian flavor.
Notes & Substitutions
- You can easily adapt this versatile recipe to suit your pantry and preferences. Try whole wheat English muffins for extra fiber, or opt for sourdough or multi-grain varieties.
- For cheese, experiment with shredded provolone, a blend of Italian cheeses, or a sprinkle of cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Marinara sauce offers a classic taste, but you could also use pesto, BBQ sauce, or even a creamy white sauce for different profiles.
- If English muffins aren’t available, consider using pita bread, mini bagels, or even sturdy tortillas as your base for these delicious mini pizzas. Fresh basil or oregano can provide an even brighter taste if you have them on hand.
Equipment
You only need a few basic tools to make these fantastic English muffin pizzas.
- Air fryer (basket or oven style): This is essential for achieving that perfect crispiness.
- Optional: Parchment paper or air fryer liners: These make cleanup a breeze and help prevent sticking.
- Basic kitchen tools: A spoon for spreading sauce and a cutting board for prep are all you need.
Instructions For Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas
Creating your Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for crispy, cheesy perfection every time.
- Prepare English muffins: Carefully split your two English muffins in half using a fork or a knife. This creates four perfect pizza bases.
- Spoon sauce onto muffin halves: Take about a tablespoon or two of your favorite pizza or marinara sauce. Gently place it onto the cut side of each English muffin half.
- Spread sauce evenly over surface: Use the back of your spoon to spread the sauce from edge to edge. Leave a small border if you like a crispier crust.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously: Now, shower each sauced muffin half with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Ensure good coverage for optimal melt.
- Gently press cheese into sauce: Lightly pat down the cheese with your fingertips. This helps it adhere to the sauce and prevents it from flying around in the air fryer.
- Add dried basil/seasoning (optional): If you desire, sprinkle a pinch of dried basil or Italian seasoning over the cheese. This boosts the classic pizza flavor.
- Preheat air fryer (if required): Check your air fryer model; some recommend preheating for 3-5 minutes at the cooking temperature. This helps achieve more consistent results.
- Arrange pizzas in single layer: Carefully place the assembled English muffin pizzas into your air fryer basket or onto the rack.
- Avoid overcrowding air fryer basket: Ensure there is space between each mini pizza. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness. Work in batches if necessary.
- Set air fryer to 380°F (193°C): This temperature provides the perfect balance for melting cheese and crisping the muffin.
- Cook for 4-6 minutes: Start checking at 4 minutes. Cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer model and desired crispiness.
- Check for melted, bubbly cheese: The cheese should be fully melted and just beginning to bubble around the edges.
- Look for golden, crispy muffins: The edges of the English muffins should be golden brown and feel firm to the touch, indicating a crispy texture.
- Carefully remove pizzas from air fryer: Use tongs or a small spatula to transfer the hot pizzas to a plate.
- Let cool slightly before serving: The cheese will be very hot. Allow them to rest for 1-2 minutes before enjoying.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pizzas
Achieving the best Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas is simple with a few smart techniques.
- For an extra crispy muffin edge, lightly toast the English muffins in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes before adding the sauce and cheese.
- To prevent cheese from flying off in the air fryer’s powerful circulation, gently press it into the sauce. This helps it stick during cooking. When adding toppings, remember less is more; too many can make your pizza soggy and prevent even cooking.
- Get to know your specific air fryer model, as cooking times and temperatures can vary slightly between brands. Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes ensures a more consistent temperature and crispier results.
- Finally, always cook your pizzas in a single layer without overcrowding the basket to allow proper air circulation for even browning.
Air fryers utilize a convection mechanism to circulate hot air rapidly around the food, creating a crispy exterior without excessive oil.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
These versatile Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas are a fantastic meal on their own or paired with simple sides. Serve them immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the muffins are wonderfully crispy. They pair perfectly with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
You can also offer them alongside a colorful bowl of cut fruit or some crunchy raw veggies with dip.
Make Ahead & Storage
To save time, assemble your pizzas ahead of time and refrigerate them on a plate covered with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, simply pop them into the air fryer.
Store any leftover English muffin pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again, or use a conventional oven if preferred.
Delicious Variations
- Meat lovers: Add mini pepperonis, crumbled cooked sausage, or small pieces of ham before cooking.
- Veggie supreme: Top with finely diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Hawaiian: Combine chopped ham and small pineapple tidbits for a sweet and savory delight.
- BBQ chicken: Swap marinara for BBQ sauce, then add shredded cooked chicken and a sprinkle of red onion.
- Caprese: Use fresh mozzarella slices, cherry tomato halves, and fresh basil (added after cooking) for a gourmet touch.
- Alternative bases: Beyond English muffins, try pita bread, naan, mini bagels, or even sturdy flour tortillas for similar quick pizzas.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy these Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas as a quick and satisfying meal option. This recipe provides a balanced energy boost with good protein content.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Calories: | 137 kcal |
| Fat: | 6g |
| Carbohydrates: | 16g |
| Fiber: | 1g |
| Protein: | 8g |
| Serving size: | 1 mini pizza |
Note: Nutrition information is an estimate based on ingredients and serving size. Actual values may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of English muffins work best for these pizzas?
Any standard English muffin works wonderfully. You can choose regular, whole wheat, or sourdough varieties based on your preference for these Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas.
Can I use other types of cheese besides mozzarella?
Absolutely! Provolone, a blend of Italian cheeses, or even a little cheddar mixed in can add different flavors. Ensure the cheese is shredded for the best melt.
How do I avoid soggy pizzas?
Avoid using too much sauce or too many wet toppings. Also, ensure you do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, allowing air to circulate and crisp the muffin.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas truly redefine quick, easy, and delicious home cooking. They prove that you don’t need a lot of time or culinary expertise to create a satisfying meal everyone will adore.
With customizable options and minimal cleanup, this recipe is perfect for busy parents and beginners alike. Give these crispy, cheesy treats a try tonight – your taste buds, and your family, will thank you for this simple yet sensational meal!
Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Split English muffins in half to create 4 pizza bases.
- Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of sauce onto each muffin half and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle each half generously with shredded mozzarella. Gently press the cheese down.
- Add dried basil or seasoning if desired.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (if required).
- Place pizzas in air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry at 380°F for 4–6 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and muffins are crispy.
- Remove pizzas and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use whole wheat muffins for added fiber.
- Try pesto or BBQ sauce for a twist.
