Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Pizza – Quick & Easy Dinner Recipe

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to bring bold, smoky flavors straight to your kitchen with hardly any fuss? Today, we’re making a comfort-food favorite with a modern twist — crispy, cheesy, sweet-and-savory Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Pizza. 🍕🔥 This recipe blends the irresistible tang of barbecue sauce with tender chicken, melty cheese, and a perfectly crisp crust — all made quickly in your trusty air fryer.

There’s something deeply satisfying about homemade pizza. It carries warmth, tradition, and togetherness. While classic oven-baked pizza will always have its place, the air fryer gives us a wonderfully crisp crust in less time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. The circulating hot air cooks the pizza evenly, creating a golden base while keeping the toppings juicy and flavorful.

This recipe respects traditional pizza-making roots — layering sauce, cheese, and toppings thoughtfully — while embracing convenience. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Pizza delivers big flavor with minimal effort. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make something delicious together.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Pizza Ingredients:

For the Pizza Base:

• 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, about 12 oz)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal (optional, for dusting)

For the BBQ Chicken Topping:

• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite smoky variety)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded smoked gouda or cheddar cheese
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Optional Additions:

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes 🌶️
• 2 tablespoons sliced jalapeños
• 2 tablespoons cooked bacon crumbles
• Extra barbecue sauce for drizzling

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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Pizza Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prepare the Dough
   Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a circle that fits your air fryer basket. Most air fryers comfortably hold an 8–9 inch pizza. If needed, divide the dough in half to make two smaller pizzas. Brush the top lightly with olive oil to encourage a golden crust. If using cornmeal, sprinkle a small amount into the basket to prevent sticking and add texture.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
   Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crisp, bakery-style crust.
3. Pre-Cook the Crust
   Carefully place the rolled dough into the air fryer basket. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the surface just begins to firm up but is not browned. This step prevents the dough from becoming soggy once toppings are added.
4. Prepare the BBQ Chicken
   In a bowl, toss the cooked shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until evenly coated. The sauce should lightly coat the chicken without making it overly wet. This ensures balanced flavor and proper texture.
5. Assemble the Pizza
   Remove the partially cooked crust from the air fryer. Spread a thin additional layer of barbecue sauce over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.

Next, distribute the BBQ-coated chicken evenly across the pizza. Add the sliced red onions for a slight crunch and sweetness. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the smoked gouda (or cheddar) over the top.

If you enjoy a bit of heat, now is the time to add red pepper flakes or jalapeños.

6. Air Fry the Pizza
   Carefully return the assembled pizza to the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the crust edges are crisp and browned.

Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes, as air fryers can vary in intensity.

7. Garnish and Rest
   Once cooked, carefully remove the pizza using tongs or a spatula. Allow it to rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes slicing easier.

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and drizzle a small amount of extra barbecue sauce if desired.

8. Slice and Serve
   Cut into slices and serve warm. Pair with a fresh green salad or simple coleslaw for a complete meal. 🍽️

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Pizza Nutritional Info:

This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Pizza offers a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The chicken provides lean protein to keep you satisfied, while the cheese adds calcium and richness. By using moderate amounts of sauce and cheese, this pizza stays indulgent yet mindful.

Approximate Nutritional Values (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Calories: 420–450 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 720mg

These values may vary depending on the specific dough and barbecue sauce used. For a lighter option, you may use whole wheat dough, reduced-fat cheese, or a low-sugar barbecue sauce.

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Air Fry Time: 10–12 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 25–30 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: 420–450 kcal | 🍽️ Servings: 4 slices

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!