The Best Air Fryer Pizza English Muffins in 8 Minutes

Crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious—air fryer pizza English muffins are the ultimate game-changer for busy weeknights! Did you know that English muffins were actually invented in New York, not England? This recipe transforms humble English muffins into golden, crispy personal pizzas in just 8 minutes.

Perfect for kids, adults, and anyone craving a quick pizza fix without the hassle of dough or delivery. If you loved our air fryer grilled cheese, you’re going to be obsessed with these customizable mini pizzas that cost pennies to make!

What Are Air Fryer Pizza English Muffins?

Ever wonder why we call them “pizzas” when they’re clearly on muffins? Well, when you top anything with marinara and mozzarella, it instantly becomes pizza—that’s just science! These air fryer pizza English muffins are basically personal-sized pizzas that use English muffin halves as the crust.

They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and loaded with all your favorite toppings. As they say, the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and these little beauties deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Ready to become your family’s new favorite chef? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pizza English Muffins Recipe

Quick and Convenient Weeknight Savior

Life gets busy, but dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Air fryer pizza English muffins come together in under 15 minutes from start to finish. No waiting for dough to rise, no preheating a massive oven, and definitely no expensive pizza delivery. Just split, top, and air fry! The air fryer creates that perfect crispy-edged crust while keeping the center soft and fluffy—something traditional oven baking struggles to achieve in such a short time.

Budget-Friendly Family Meal

Why spend $20 on pizza delivery when you can make personal pizzas for the entire family for less than $5? A pack of English muffins costs around $3, and you probably already have sauce and cheese in your fridge. Kids love building their own pizzas with their favorite toppings, making this an interactive meal that saves money and creates memories. Plus, you control the quality of ingredients—no mystery meats or processed additives here!

Endless Customization Options

The beauty of air fryer pizza English muffins lies in their versatility. Love pepperoni? Load it up. Vegetarian? Pile on the veggies. Each family member can create their perfect pizza without compromise. The nooks and crannies of English muffins hold sauce and cheese beautifully, creating pockets of melty goodness in every bite.

If you enjoyed our air fryer bagel bites, you’ll appreciate how these offer even more room for creative topping combinations. From classic margherita to BBQ chicken, breakfast pizzas to dessert versions—the possibilities are genuinely endless!

How to Make Air Fryer Pizza English Muffins

Quick Overview

Making air fryer pizza English muffins is incredibly simple and satisfying. These personal pizzas deliver restaurant-quality crispy edges with perfectly melted cheese in just 8 minutes of air frying. The English muffin base provides the ideal texture—crunchy exterior with a soft, airy interior that holds toppings beautifully.

Total Time Breakdown:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 4 (8 pizza muffin halves)

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Pizza English Muffins

The Base:

4 English muffins, split in half (8 halves total)
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (optional, for brushing)

The Sauce:

½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning

The Cheese:

1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 6 ounces)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Topping Options:

16-20 pepperoni slices
¼ cup diced bell peppers
¼ cup sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons sliced black olives
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Pro Ingredient Tip: Use block mozzarella that you shred yourself rather than pre-shredded cheese. It melts better and doesn’t contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the English Muffins

Start by splitting your English muffins in half using a fork, not a knife. Forking them apart (rather than slicing) creates those signature nooks and crannies that make English muffins perfect for holding sauce and cheese. This technique also creates more surface texture for extra crispiness. Place the muffin halves on a clean cutting board with the cut side facing up. If you want an extra crispy base, lightly brush each muffin half with olive oil or melted butter using a pastry brush.

Step 2: Season and Spread the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix your pizza sauce with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to boost the flavor. This simple step transforms plain sauce into something restaurant-worthy. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the seasoned sauce onto each English muffin half, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spillover. Don’t over-sauce—too much liquid can make your muffins soggy. Use the back of a spoon to spread evenly into all those nooks and crannies.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each muffin half—about 3 tablespoons per half. Make sure to distribute it evenly for consistent melting. Add a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella for extra flavor and that golden, slightly crispy cheese top we all love. The Parmesan also adds a nutty, salty depth that elevates the entire pizza.

Step 4: Load Up Your Toppings

Now comes the fun part—adding your favorite toppings! If using pepperoni, overlap 2-3 slices on each muffin half. For vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, make sure they’re cut small and patted dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents soggy pizzas. Don’t overload the toppings—remember, these are small pizzas and too many toppings will weigh down the muffin and prevent even cooking. A good rule is no more than 2-3 topping types per muffin.

Step 5: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crispy bottom. While it’s heating, arrange your prepared pizza muffins on a clean plate, ready to transfer. Different air fryer models vary, so preheating helps standardize the cooking environment.

Step 6: Air Fry the Pizza Muffins

Carefully place the pizza muffins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch or overlap. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook them in batches—don’t crowd them! Air fry at 370°F for 6-8 minutes, checking at the 6-minute mark. You’re looking for golden, crispy edges and fully melted, bubbling cheese. The pepperoni should be slightly crispy at the edges, and the cheese should have golden-brown spots.

Step 7: Check for Doneness and Serve

Use tongs or a spatula to carefully remove the pizza muffins from the air fryer basket. They’ll be very hot, so let them cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. This cooling time also allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to eat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy!

What to Serve Air Fryer Pizza English Muffins With

These mini pizzas are satisfying on their own, but pairing them with complementary sides creates a complete meal experience.

Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or simple mixed greens with Italian vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheesy pizzas. The cool, crunchy vegetables provide textural contrast and help lighten the meal.

Air Fryer French Fries or Potato Wedges: Keep everything in the air fryer! Make a batch of crispy fries or seasoned potato wedges before cooking your pizzas. Kids especially love this classic pizza-and-fries combination.

Tomato Soup: Embrace the ultimate comfort food pairing—pizza and soup. A warm bowl of tomato basil soup for dipping makes this meal extra cozy and satisfying, especially on chilly evenings.

Fresh Fruit or Veggie Sticks: For a lighter option, serve carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or fresh fruit like apple slices and grapes alongside. This adds nutrition and helps balance the meal for kids.

Garlic Knots or Breadsticks: If you’re really hungry (or feeding teenagers), add some air-fried garlic knots or breadsticks with marinara for dipping. More carbs, more happiness!

Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Pizza English Muffins

Toast the Muffins First for Extra Crispiness

If you prefer an extremely crispy base, toast the English muffin halves in the air fryer for 2 minutes at 350°F before adding any toppings. This creates a barrier that prevents sauce from soaking in and gives you that crunchy, almost cracker-like texture some people love.

Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper Liner

Using perforated parchment paper liners in your air fryer basket prevents cheese from dripping through and sticking to the basket. These liners make cleanup effortless and are reusable. Just make sure to use liners specifically designed for air fryers with holes for proper air circulation.

Adjust Temperature Based on Your Air Fryer Model

All air fryers cook differently. Some run hotter than others. If your first batch burns or cooks too slowly, adjust the temperature by 25°F up or down for subsequent batches. Keep notes on what works best for your specific model—mine cooks perfectly at 370°F, but yours might prefer 350°F or 380°F.

Pre-Cook Watery Vegetables

Vegetables like mushrooms, tomatoes, and bell peppers release water when cooked. If using these toppings raw, your pizza might turn soggy. Quickly sauté them in a pan for 2-3 minutes first to release excess moisture, then add them to your pizzas. This small step makes a huge difference in texture.

Layer Cheese Strategically

For the best cheese pull and coverage, place half the mozzarella directly on the sauce, add your toppings, then cover with the remaining cheese. This “cheese cap” keeps toppings in place and ensures everything gets beautifully melted and golden.

Experiment with Different Cheese Combinations

While mozzarella is traditional, mixing in sharp cheddar, provolone, or fontina adds complex flavors. A four-cheese blend creates an extra decadent pizza experience. Just make sure at least half is mozzarella for that essential stretchy, melty quality.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover air fryer pizza English muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. The muffins will lose some crispiness when stored, but they’re still delicious!

Freezing for Meal Prep

These pizza muffins freeze beautifully! For best results, freeze them BEFORE air frying. Assemble the pizzas completely, then place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, air fry directly from frozen at 370°F for 10-12 minutes.

Reheating Instructions

The air fryer is your best friend for reheating. Place refrigerated pizza muffins in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again. This method restores much of the original texture. Avoid the microwave if possible—it makes them soggy and rubbery. If microwaving is your only option, heat for 30 seconds, then finish in a toaster oven for 2 minutes to crisp up.

Make-Ahead Strategy

Prep your pizza muffins in the morning or the night before. Assemble them completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When dinner time comes, just pop them in the air fryer. They might need an extra minute of cooking time since they’re starting cold. This strategy is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunches.

Tips for Avoiding Common Baking Mistakes

Mistake #1: Overloading with Toppings

We’ve all been there—wanting to pile on every topping imaginable. But air fryer pizza English muffins are small, and too many toppings create problems. Heavy toppings weigh down the muffin, prevent even cooking, and can cause sogginess. Stick to 2-3 toppings maximum and distribute them evenly. Quality over quantity creates better results!

Mistake #2: Using Cold Ingredients

Taking cheese straight from the fridge and immediately air frying can result in uneven melting. Let your cheese sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before using. It melts more evenly and creates that gorgeous stretchy texture. This is especially important for thicker cheeses or when using multiple cheese types.

Mistake #3: Crowding the Air Fryer Basket

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food. When you crowd the basket, air can’t circulate properly, leading to uneven cooking. Some pizzas will be perfect while others remain pale and undercooked. Always leave space between muffins—cook in batches if necessary. Patience yields perfect results!

Mistake #4: Forgetting to Check Halfway Through

Not all spots in an air fryer basket heat equally. The center often cooks faster than the edges (or vice versa depending on your model). At the 4-minute mark, quickly open the basket and rotate your pizza muffins 180 degrees. This simple step ensures even browning and prevents burnt spots.

Mistake #5: Using the Wrong English Muffin Type

Not all English muffins are created equal. Thin, dense muffins don’t work as well as thicker, fluffier varieties. Look for English muffins with visible nooks and crannies—brands like Thomas’ or Bays work perfectly. Avoid whole wheat varieties for your first attempt as they can become too crispy or dry.

Mistake #6: Skipping the Sauce Seasoning

Plain jarred sauce tastes, well, plain. Always enhance your sauce with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. This 30-second step dramatically improves flavor. Some people add a tiny splash of olive oil to their sauce for richness—try it!

Mistake #7: Not Preheating the Air Fryer

Skipping the preheat might seem like a time-saver, but it actually causes problems. Without preheating, the bottom of your pizza muffins can become soggy before the top cooks through. Those 3 minutes of preheating ensure consistent results every single time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat English muffins for this recipe?

Absolutely! Whole wheat English muffins work well for air fryer pizza English muffins, though they cook slightly faster and become crispier than white muffins. Watch them carefully and reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes. They offer more fiber and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with robust toppings like sausage or mushrooms.

Do I need to spray the air fryer basket?

It’s not necessary if you’re using parchment paper liners, but a light spray of cooking oil on the basket helps prevent any cheese drips from sticking. If you brush your English muffins with oil, you definitely don’t need additional spray. Less is more—too much oil can cause smoking.

Can I make these in a regular oven instead?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the assembled pizza muffins on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The oven version works great but won’t achieve quite the same crispy texture as the air fryer. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

What’s the best cheese for air fryer pizza English muffins?

Mozzarella is the classic choice because it melts beautifully and has that signature pizza cheese stretch. For best results, use whole milk mozzarella (not part-skim) and shred it yourself from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Mixing in some provolone or fontina adds extra flavor depth.

Can kids help make these pizza muffins?

Absolutely—this is one of the best recipes for kids! They can split the muffins (with supervision), spread sauce, sprinkle cheese, and add toppings. It’s a perfect hands-on cooking activity that lets kids customize their own pizzas. Just make sure an adult handles the hot air fryer basket. This recipe teaches basic cooking skills and encourages adventurous eating.

How do I prevent the toppings from flying around in the air fryer?

Lightweight toppings like basil leaves or thin pepperoni can sometimes fly around due to the powerful air circulation. To prevent this, place a small metal trivet or rack on top of your pizzas (not touching, just hovering above) or use the “cheese cap” method—save some cheese to sprinkle on top of all toppings to weigh them down.

Can I make breakfast pizza English muffins?

Yes! Breakfast pizza English muffins are amazing. Use scrambled eggs, cooked crumbled bacon or sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and a light drizzle of maple syrup after cooking. You can also try a white sauce base instead of marinara. Air fry the same way—they’re perfect for weekend brunch or meal prep breakfast.

Why is my cheese not melting properly?

Several factors affect cheese melting: using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents, having the cheese too cold, or not cooking long enough. Ensure your cheese is at room temperature and use freshly shredded cheese from a block. If cheese still isn’t melting, increase your temperature by 10-15 degrees or add 1-2 minutes to cooking time.

Can I use pizza dough instead of English muffins?

While you technically could, that’s a completely different recipe! The beauty of air fryer pizza English muffins is the convenience of using pre-made muffins. If you want to use pizza dough, you’d need to pre-bake the dough first, then add toppings—making it much more time-consuming and no longer a quick recipe.

What size air fryer do I need?

Most standard 3.5-quart air fryers can fit 2-4 English muffin halves at once, while larger 5-6 quart models can handle 4-6 halves. If you have a smaller air fryer, simply cook in batches. The cooking time remains the same regardless of how many you cook at once, as long as they’re in a single layer with space between them.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (2 pizza muffin halves)
Calories	320
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	30mg
Sodium	680mg
Total Carbohydrates	35g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	4g
Protein	16g
Calcium	280mg
Iron	2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and based on standard pepperoni pizza toppings. Values will vary depending on specific toppings and cheese amounts used.

Creative Variations to Try

BBQ Chicken Pizza Muffins: Replace pizza sauce with BBQ sauce, add shredded rotisserie chicken, red onions, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar. Top with fresh cilantro after cooking.

Margherita Pizza Muffins: Keep it simple with pizza sauce, fresh mozzarella slices, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze after air frying.

Taco Pizza Muffins: Use salsa instead of pizza sauce, seasoned ground beef or turkey, cheddar cheese, and top with lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream after cooking.

Hawaiian Pizza Muffins: Spread pizza sauce, add diced ham and pineapple chunks, then cover with mozzarella. Sweet and savory perfection!

Veggie Supreme: Load up with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions, black olives, and spinach for a vegetable-packed version.

Buffalo Chicken Muffins: Mix cooked shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, spread on muffins, add mozzarella and a drizzle of ranch dressing after cooking.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer pizza English muffins have earned their spot in my weekly meal rotation, and I’m confident they’ll do the same in yours. They solve the eternal question of “what’s for dinner?” in the most delicious way possible. The combination of convenience, affordability, and customization makes this recipe absolutely unbeatable for families.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hosting a casual get-together, or just treating yourself to a quick homemade pizza, these mini masterpieces deliver every single time. The air fryer creates that restaurant-quality crispy edge that’s impossible to achieve in a regular oven in such a short time.

So grab a package of English muffins, raid your fridge for toppings, and get ready to become your family’s pizza hero. Trust me—once you make these once, they’ll be requesting them on repeat. Happy cooking, and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!