This air fryer deep dish pizza pie is everything you love about a Chicago-style pizza in a size that fits your air fryer: a tall, golden crust filled with seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, rich marinara and a thick layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. It bakes in a small cake pan in under 30 minutes and comes out crispy on the outside and wonderfully cheesy inside.

It started as a short video on the Airfryworld Facebook page. Here is the full version with exact amounts, the right pan size and a few tricks for a crust that stays crisp underneath.

Air Fryer Deep Dish Pizza Pie

Recipe by JuliaCourse: Main, DinnerCuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

430

kcal

Protein

25

g

Carbohydrates

35

g

Fat

20

g

Fiber

2

g

Total time

45

minutes

A golden, crispy air fryer deep dish pizza pie filled with seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, rich marinara and a thick layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Chicago-style comfort food baked in a small cake pan right in your air fryer.

Ingredients

• 1 small ball pizza dough (about 250 g / 9 oz), at room temperature

• 200 g (7 oz) lean ground beef

• 50 g (1.75 oz) pepperoni slices

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for serving

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 small onion, finely diced

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon olive oil, for the pan

• Fresh basil leaves, for serving

Directions

• Cook the filling
  Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the onion and ground beef for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned. Season with Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper, then drain off any fat.
• Prepare the pan
  Brush a 6- or 7-inch round cake pan or springform pan that fits in your air fryer basket with olive oil.
• Shape the crust
  Press the pizza dough into the pan and push it about 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) up the sides. Prick the bottom a few times with a fork.
• Pre-bake the crust
  Air fry the empty crust at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes, until the base looks set and lightly puffed.
• Layer the pizza pie
  Sprinkle half of the mozzarella over the base. Add the beef mixture, layer the pepperoni on top and spoon over the marinara. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan.
• Air fry
  Air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, until the crust is deep golden and the cheese is bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
• Rest and serve
  Let the pizza pie rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove it, cut it into wedges and garnish with fresh basil. Serve with warm marinara for dipping.

Notes

• Choose a pan that leaves about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of space around the edges so the hot air can circulate.
• Drain the beef well. Extra fat and liquid are the main reason for a soggy bottom crust.
• Let store-bought dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Cold dough shrinks back and is hard to press up the sides.
• Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat at 320°F (160°C) for 5 to 6 minutes.

Julia’s Tip: Pre-bake the empty crust for 5 minutes before adding the filling. It takes a little extra time, but it is the easiest way to avoid a soft, doughy bottom.

What Is Deep Dish Pizza?

Deep dish pizza comes from Chicago, where it became famous in the 1940s. Instead of a thin, flat base, it is baked in a deep round pan, so the crust rises up the sides and holds a generous amount of cheese, toppings and sauce. In the classic version the layers are reversed: cheese goes on the bottom, then the toppings, and the tomato sauce is spread on top.

This air fryer version follows the same idea, with one small change: it finishes with a second layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top. In the circulating hot air of the air fryer, that top layer turns golden and bubbly, while the cheese on the base protects the crust from the sauce.

Which Pan Works for Air Fryer Deep Dish Pizza?

The right pan is the most important piece of equipment for this recipe. Measure the inside of your basket before you start.

• 6-inch round cake pan: fits most 3.5 to 4 quart basket air fryers and makes 3 to 4 servings.
• 7-inch round cake pan or springform: fits most 5 to 6 quart air fryers. A springform makes it especially easy to remove the pizza pie in one piece.
• Silicone cake mold: works too, but the crust browns a little less on the sides.
• Foil sling: place a folded strip of foil under the pan so you can lift it out of the hot basket safely.

How to Keep Air Fryer Deep Dish Pizza Crispy

A soggy bottom is the most common problem with any deep dish pizza, and air fryer deep dish pizza is no exception. These steps make the difference:

• Drain the cooked beef in a sieve and pat it with paper towels.
• Use a thick marinara. If your sauce is thin, simmer it for a few minutes first.
• Pre-bake the empty crust so the base can set before it meets the filling.
• Start with a layer of mozzarella on the base. It acts as a barrier between the dough and the sauce.
• Do not overfill the pan. The filling should stay just below the edge of the crust.

Store-Bought or Homemade Dough?

Store-bought pizza dough from the refrigerated section of the supermarket or from your local pizzeria works perfectly and keeps this air fryer deep dish pizza quick. If you like to bake, a homemade dough with a little olive oil gives a richer, more tender crust that is closer to a traditional Chicago deep dish. Either way, let the dough rest at room temperature before shaping, so it stretches easily and does not shrink back down the sides of the pan.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding raw beef: raw ground beef releases fat and water and will not cook through in time. Always brown it first.
• Cooking too hot: at high temperatures the cheese burns before the thick crust is cooked. 350°F (180°C) is the sweet spot.
• Using a pan that is too big: without space around the pan, the hot air cannot circulate and the sides stay pale.
• Cutting too early: give the pizza pie 5 minutes to rest, or the filling will run out when you slice it.

Make It Your Own

• Swap the ground beef for crumbled Italian sausage.
• Make a vegetarian version with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers and spinach.
• Add a few spoonfuls of ricotta between the layers for an extra creamy filling.
• Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes for some heat.

Storage and Reheating

Let leftover air fryer deep dish pizza cool completely, then wrap them or place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 5 to 6 minutes, until the cheese melts again and the crust is crisp. The microwave works in a hurry, but the crust will be soft. You can also freeze cooked slices for up to 2 months and reheat them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make deep dish pizza in any air fryer?

Yes, as long as a small round pan fits in the basket. Basket and oven-style air fryers both work. Check that the top of the pizza pie stays at least an inch away from the heating element.

What temperature should I use?

Air fry at 350°F (180°C). A lower temperature gives the thick crust and filling time to cook through before the cheese gets too dark.

How many people does it serve?

A 6- to 7-inch deep dish pizza pie serves 4 as part of a meal with a salad, or 2 to 3 hungry people on its own.

Can I prepare it ahead?

Yes. Cook the beef filling up to 2 days ahead and keep it in the fridge. Shape and fill the pizza pie just before cooking so the dough does not get soggy.

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• Crispy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites
• Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Meatballs with Roasted Vegetables
• Air Fryer Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ricotta and Spinach
• Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Potato Skins Crispy & Cheesy