Air Fryer English Muffin Pizza Recipe: Quick, Crispy, and Kid-Friendly

English muffin pizza is a childhood classic. Crispy edges, melty cheese, and endless toppings. It’s fast, fun, and easy to customize. But when you make it in the air fryer? It goes next-level.

The air fryer crisps the muffin perfectly. The cheese bubbles up fast. There’s no need to heat your whole oven. And the total cook time? Under 10 minutes.

This recipe is perfect for quick lunches, after-school snacks, or weeknight dinner with zero fuss.

Let’s make the easiest pizza ever.

Ingredients (With Measurements)

This recipe makes 4 mini pizzas (serves 2 people).

Base:

• 2 English muffins, split (4 halves)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil (optional, for brushing)

Sauce:

• ¼ cup pizza sauce or marinara

Toppings:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 12–16 pepperoni slices
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (optional)
• Dried oregano or Italian seasoning (to taste)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Topping Ideas:

• Cooked sausage crumbles
• Bell peppers, diced
• Mushrooms, sliced thin
• Black olives
• Pineapple (if that’s your thing)
• Fresh basil (added after cooking)

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Spoon for spreading sauce
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife and cutting board (for toppings)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Muffins

Split the English muffins in half.

If you want extra crisp, lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil.

No need to toast first. The air fryer will handle that.

2. Add the Sauce

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of sauce onto each muffin half.

Spread evenly to the edges.

Don’t add too much or it can get soggy.

3. Add Cheese and Toppings

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on each one.

Add your favorite toppings. Keep it light—too much can weigh it down.

Top with a pinch of oregano or red pepper flakes if you like.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 370°F.

Preheat for 2–3 minutes if your model requires it.

Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on them the first time.

5. Cook the Pizzas

Place 2 to 4 muffin halves in the basket.

Don’t overcrowd. You want good airflow.

Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes.

Check at 4 minutes. They’re done when the cheese is melted and the edges are crisp.

Remove with tongs and let cool for 1 minute.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Top with fresh herbs or more Parmesan.

Let everyone build their own pizza. It’s a fun family activity.

Serve hot, and enjoy the crunch.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

Air fryers are fast and efficient.

They:

• Crisp the muffin without drying it
• Melt cheese in minutes
• Use less energy than ovens
• Heat evenly without flipping

They’re also easy to clean. Just wipe the basket or throw it in the dishwasher.

Best English Muffins to Use

You want muffins that are:

• Sturdy
• Not too airy
• Thick enough to hold toppings

Brands like Thomas’ or store brands work well. You can also try whole wheat or gluten-free.

Avoid muffins that crumble or fall apart when split.

Sauce Tips

Use store-bought pizza sauce or marinara. You can even use:

• Tomato paste mixed with herbs
• Barbecue sauce for a smoky twist
• Alfredo sauce for a white pizza
• Pesto for a herby option

Keep the layer thin to prevent sogginess.

Cheese Tips

Mozzarella is classic. But you can mix things up.

Try:

• Sharp cheddar
• Provolone
• Fontina
• Pepper jack
• Fresh mozzarella (blot moisture first)

Shred your own cheese for best melt.

Topping Combos to Try

Get creative. Here are a few ideas:

Meat Lovers:

• Pepperoni
• Sausage
• Bacon bits

Veggie:

• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Olives

Hawaiian:

• Ham
• Pineapple
• Mozzarella

Caprese:

• Fresh tomato
• Basil
• Balsamic drizzle (after cooking)

Don’t overload. A little goes a long way.

Storage and Reheating

To Store:

Let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

Air fry at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes.

They stay crisp and taste just as good.

Avoid the microwave—it softens the muffin too much.

Make Ahead Tips

You can build the pizzas ahead and keep them in the fridge.

Wrap them in plastic wrap or place in a container.

When ready, just pop them in the air fryer.

Great for meal prep, kids’ lunches, or quick snacks.

Serving Suggestions

English muffin pizzas are perfect on their own. But here are a few ideas:

• Serve with a green salad
• Add carrot sticks or fruit on the side
• Pair with tomato soup
• Offer dipping sauces (ranch, garlic butter)

They also work great as party food or appetizers.

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FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat English muffins?

Yes. They crisp just as well and offer more fiber. The texture is slightly denser but still delicious.

2. Can I make them dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use dairy-free mozzarella or vegan cheese. Just check meltability—some brands work better than others.

3. Do I need to toast the muffins first?

No. The air fryer does that for you. Pre-toasting might make them too hard after cooking.

4. Can I freeze them?

Yes. Assemble them and freeze unbaked on a tray. Once frozen, store in a zip bag. Air fry directly from frozen—just add 2 more minutes.

5. How long do they cook in the air fryer?

About 5 to 6 minutes at 370°F. Check early. Air fryers vary, and toppings may change the time slightly.

6. What if the cheese flies off in the air fryer?

That can happen with very light shredded cheese. Press it gently into the sauce or use a slice of cheese instead.

7. Can I use other types of bread?

Yes. Try mini bagels, pita rounds, or thick sandwich bread. Adjust time based on thickness.

8. Is this good for kids?

Very! It’s fun, hands-on, and easy to customize. Kids love choosing their own toppings and watching them cook quickly.

9. What’s the best way to cut them?

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Let them cool for 1 minute so the cheese sets and doesn’t slide off.

10. How can I keep them from being soggy?

Use a light hand with the sauce. Don’t overload with toppings. Preheating your air fryer and spacing them out also helps.