Description
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Pizza is a quick and easy homemade pizza with smoky barbecue sauce, tender shredded chicken, melty mozzarella, and a perfectly crisp crust. Made in under 30 minutes, this air fryer pizza is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 prepared pizza dough (about 12 oz)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda or cheddar cheese
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sliced jalapeños (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cooked bacon crumbles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Roll out pizza dough into an 8–9 inch circle to fit your air fryer basket. Brush lightly with olive oil.
- Lightly dust the air fryer basket with cornmeal if using, then place dough inside.
- Air fry the plain dough for 3–4 minutes until just set but not browned.
- In a bowl, toss cooked chicken with barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
- Remove crust and spread a thin layer of barbecue sauce over the surface, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle half the mozzarella over the sauce, then evenly distribute BBQ chicken and sliced red onions.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and smoked gouda or cheddar. Add optional jalapeños or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Return pizza to air fryer and cook for 6–8 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and crust is golden.
- Remove carefully, let rest for 2–3 minutes, garnish with cilantro and extra BBQ sauce, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Pre-cooking the crust prevents sogginess from sauce and toppings.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even air circulation.
- Air fryer cooking times may vary, so monitor closely during the last few minutes.
- For a lighter version, use whole wheat dough, reduced-fat cheese, or low-sugar BBQ sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/4 pizza)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg