Oh my gosh, you have to try this Air Fryer Pizza Bread—it’s my new obsession for lazy nights and last-minute entertaining! I discovered this pull-apart version when I was craving pizza but didn’t want to deal with rolling out dough or waiting for delivery. In just 20 minutes, you get golden, cheesy bites that are perfect for snacking straight from the air fryer basket. The best part? Everyone can grab a piece (or five) right from the center of the table. Trust me, once you see how fast those saucy, pepperoni-studded squares disappear, you’ll be making this on repeat like I do!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pizza Bread (Pull-Apart)
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this ridiculously easy pull-apart pizza bread—I promise you probably have most of it already! Grab a 13.8 oz can of refrigerated pizza dough (the kind that pops open always makes me jump, no matter how prepared I think I am). You’ll want 1 cup of packed shredded mozzarella—the pre-shredded stuff works fine here, but if you’ve got time, freshly grated melts even better. Don’t forget ½ cup of your favorite pizza sauce (I use the jarred stuff for speed, but homemade works too). For toppings, I always include ¼ cup of mini pepperoni slices (they distribute better than regular slices), plus 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and Italian seasoning for that perfect golden crust. Oh, and make sure you’ve got an air fryer-safe baking dish that fits in your machine—mine’s a 7-inch round ceramic dish that works like a charm!
How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Bread (Pull-Apart)
Okay, let’s get to the fun part—turning those simple ingredients into melty, pull-apart magic! I’ve made this so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step so yours turns out perfect on the first try.
Step 1: Prep the Dough
First, roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface—no need to be precise, just get it to about ½-inch thickness. Then, grab a pizza cutter or sharp knife and slice it into roughly 1-inch squares (don’t stress if they’re not perfect—rustic is charming!). Toss those dough pieces in a big bowl with the olive oil and Italian seasoning until they’re all nicely coated. This little step makes all the difference for that golden, flavorful crust!
Step 2: Layer Ingredients
Now for the assembly line! Start with half your dough pieces in your air fryer-safe dish—just scatter them loosely so they’re not packed tight. Dollop about half the pizza sauce over them (I use a spoon to swirl it around), then sprinkle half the cheese and pepperoni. Repeat with the remaining dough, sauce, cheese and pepperoni. The key here is even layers—you want every bite to have a little of everything!
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Pop that beauty into your preheated 350°F air fryer and set the timer for 8 minutes. At this point, peek through the window—you’re looking for bubbly cheese and golden edges. Mine usually needs another 1-2 minutes, but all air fryers vary, so watch closely! Whatever you do, resist the urge to overcrowd the dish—if your pieces are piled too high, they won’t crisp up properly. When it’s done, let it cool just enough that you don’t burn your fingers (though I won’t judge if you can’t wait—that cheese pull is irresistible!).
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pizza Bread (Pull-Apart)
Listen, this isn’t just another snack—it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Here’s why it’s become my go-to:
- Lightning fast: 20 minutes from fridge to table—no kneading, no delivery wait, just instant pizza gratification.
- Totally customizable: Swap pepperoni for mushrooms, bell peppers, or even pineapple (no judgment here!).
- That perfect texture: Crispy edges with ooey-gooey cheese pulls—every bite is pure happiness.
- Party magic: Watch it disappear at game nights, playdates, or those “I forgot to bring an appetizer” emergencies.
Seriously, it’s like pizza’s fun, shareable cousin—and who doesn’t love that?
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Pizza Bread (Pull-Apart)
After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take it from good to ”can’t-stop-eating-it” levels! First, line your air fryer dish with parchment paper—trust me, that melted cheese won’t stand a chance against your cleanup efforts otherwise. If you’re using delicate toppings like fresh basil or arugula, add them after cooking so they don’t wilt into oblivion. And don’t be shy with the seasoning—I often add an extra sprinkle of garlic powder or red pepper flakes to the dough for a flavor boost. Oh, and if your air fryer runs hot (mine’s a feisty one), start checking at 7 minutes—better safe than smoky!
Variations for Air Fryer Pizza Bread (Pull-Apart)
The beauty of this recipe? You can twist it a hundred ways to match whatever’s in your fridge or cravings hit! Swap mozzarella for a smoky gouda or tangy feta crumbles—my neighbor swears by pepper jack for a spicy kick. Veggie lovers, toss in sautéed mushrooms, olives, or roasted red peppers (just pat them dry first!). For dipping, I’ve gone wild with garlic butter, pesto, even sriracha mayo. Basically, if it belongs on pizza, it belongs in your pull-apart bread—no rules, just delicious chaos!
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer pizza bread practically begs to be torn apart with friends! I love serving it warm with extra marinara for dipping—the saucy double-dip is half the fun. For game day, set out little bowls of ranch, garlic butter, or even spicy honey (trust me on that last one!). If you’re pretending to be healthy, pair it with a crisp green salad—but let’s be real, it shines brightest as the star of movie nights, sleepover snacks, or those “oops, I forgot dinner” moments when the kids come home ravenous!
Storage & Reheating
Okay, let’s talk leftovers (though I’ll be shocked if you have any!). If by some miracle there’s pizza bread left, stash it in an airtight container—it keeps surprisingly well for about 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, skip the microwave (soggy bread is sad bread) and pop it back in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. That blast of hot air works magic, bringing back that crispy-cheesy goodness almost like it’s fresh! Just watch it closely—reheated cheese can go from perfect to overdone in seconds.
Nutrition Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist—I’m just a cheese-loving home cook—but here’s the general breakdown for this air fryer pizza bread. Keep in mind these numbers can change based on your exact ingredients (like if you go wild with extra cheese or swap in turkey pepperoni). Each generous serving comes out to roughly 320 calories, with about 14g fat, 36g carbs, and 12g protein. Not too shabby for something that tastes this indulgent! Of course, if you’re watching sodium, you might want to ease up on the pepperoni or use low-moisture mozzarella. But let’s be honest—when that cheesy pull-apart goodness hits the table, nobody’s counting anything except how many pieces they can grab!
Common Questions About Air Fryer Pizza Bread (Pull-Apart)
I get it—even the easiest recipes come with questions! Here are the ones I hear most about this pull-apart pizza bread:
“Can I use homemade dough instead of canned?” Absolutely! I’ve done it with my favorite pizza dough recipe—just roll it to ½-inch thick before cutting. Since homemade dough is often wetter, you might need an extra 1-2 minutes cook time. Watch for that golden-brown crust!
“Does this freeze well?” Honestly? Not really. The texture gets weird after thawing—the dough turns gummy and the cheese loses its magic. You’re better off eating it fresh (like that’s a hardship!).
“What’s the best dipping sauce?” My heart belongs to classic marinara, but garlic butter is a close second. For parties, I do a trio: ranch, spicy Arrabiata, and honey-mustard (sounds odd, but the sweet-tangy combo is killer!).
“Can I make this ahead?” Sort of! Prep the layers in the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before air frying. Just add 1-2 extra minutes since it’ll be cold going in.
Did You Make This Air Fryer Pizza Bread?
If you tried this pull-apart pizza bread (and I really hope you did!), I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a quick rating below—did it earn 5 stars from your family? Snap a pic of that glorious cheese pull and tag me on social media so I can see your masterpiece. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen wins! And if you put your own spin on it (extra toppings? crazy dipping sauces?), share your brilliant tweaks in the comments. This recipe’s all about having fun and making it your own, so let’s swap pizza bread stories!
Print
20-Minute Air Fryer Pizza Bread: Irresistible Cheesy Delight
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make quick and easy pull-apart pizza bread in your air fryer. Perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out pizza dough and cut into small squares.
- Toss dough pieces with olive oil and Italian seasoning.
- Layer dough, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni in an air fryer-safe dish.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use any toppings you prefer.
- Check at 8 minutes to prevent burning.
- Serve with extra sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American