Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Pizza: Easy and Tasty Homemade Meal

Who doesn’t love air fryer BBQ chicken pizza? It’s easy to make a delicious meal; just spread BBQ sauce on pizza dough, add shredded chicken, and cheese. Cook in the air fryer for 10 minutes at 375°F. Quick, simple, and incredibly tasty!

Using an air fryer makes this recipe incredibly convenient, cutting down on cooking time while still delivering a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. If you love easy air fryer recipes and enjoy making homemade pizza, this recipe is perfect for you.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this BBQ chicken pizza:

• Pizza Dough: 1 pound of store-bought or homemade pizza dough
• Cooked Chicken: 1 cup, shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken works great)
• BBQ Sauce: 1/2 cup, your favorite brand
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, shredded
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced
• Cilantro: A handful, chopped (optional)
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for brushing
• Cornmeal: 1 tablespoon, for dusting the air fryer basket

Tips for Selecting the Best Ingredients

1. Pizza Dough: For a quick option, use store-bought pizza dough. If you prefer homemade, ensure it’s well-risen and rested.
2. Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken makes this recipe faster. Shredded rotisserie chicken is flavorful and easy to use.
3. BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce that you love. Smoky, sweet, or spicy all work well, depending on your preference.
4. Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
5. Red Onion: Adds a nice crunch and sharp flavor. Thin slices ensure even cooking.
6. Cilantro: This is optional but adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the finished pizza.

Using quality ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your pizza. Now, let’s move on to the next steps to prepare and cook this delicious chicken pizza.

How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Pizza Easily

Preparing the Chicken

Seasoning the Chicken:

• Rub a chicken breast with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Shredding or Slicing:

• Let the chicken cool slightly.
• Shred using two forks or slice thinly.

Making the Pizza Dough

Preparing the Dough:

• If using store-bought, follow package instructions for resting.
• For homemade dough, let it rise for 1-2 hours in a warm place.
• Knead for 5 minutes, then let it rest for 10 minutes.

Store-Bought Alternatives:

• Fresh or pre-baked pizza crusts work well.

Assembling the Pizza

Spreading the BBQ Sauce:

• Roll out dough to fit your air fryer basket.
• Spread 1/2 cup BBQ sauce evenly over the dough.

Layering the Chicken and Toppings:

• Evenly distribute shredded chicken over the sauce.
• Add thinly sliced red onions and chopped cilantro (optional).

Adding the Cheese:

• Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Cooking Pizza in the Air Fryer

Preheating the Air Fryer:

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3-5 minutes.

Cooking Times and Temperatures:

• Place the assembled pizza in the basket.
• Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted.

Tips for a Crispy Crust:

• Dust the basket with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
• Check the pizza halfway to ensure even cooking.

Essential Note: Always monitor your pizza to avoid overcooking. Air fryers can vary, so adjust times as needed.

Tips for the Perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza

Choosing the Right BBQ Sauce

Sweet vs. Smoky BBQ Sauces:

• Sweet BBQ Sauce: Adds a rich, caramelized flavor to your pizza.
• Smoky BBQ Sauce: Introduces a deeper, more robust taste.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Options:

• Homemade: Allows you to customize the flavor and control the ingredients.
• Store-Bought: Convenient and comes in a variety of flavors.

Getting the Crust Just Right

Thickness of the Dough:

• Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick for a crispy crust.
• Thicker dough results in a chewier texture.

Ensuring Even Cooking:

• Preheat the air fryer to ensure the crust starts cooking immediately.
• Rotate the pizza halfway through cooking for even browning.

Additional Cooking Tips

How to Avoid Soggy Crust:

• Dust the air fryer basket with cornmeal before placing the dough.
• Avoid using too much sauce, which can make the crust soggy.

Reheating Leftovers:

• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Best Side Dishes

Salads:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well.
• Consider a coleslaw with a tangy dressing to complement the BBQ flavor.

Garlic Bread:

• Classic garlic bread or cheesy garlic sticks make great accompaniments.

Beverage Pairings

Wine:

• A glass of Zinfandel or a Chardonnay pairs well with BBQ chicken pizza.

Beer:

• Try a hoppy IPA or a smooth amber ale.

Non-Alcoholic Options:

• Iced tea with lemon or a sparkling water with lime provide refreshing choices.

By following these tips and pairing suggestions, you’ll enjoy a delicious and well-rounded meal with your homemade BBQ chicken pizza.

FAQs on Air Fryer Cooking Instructions

Final Words

Making BBQ chicken pizza is a quick and delicious way to enjoy in the home. Follow the simple steps of preparing the chicken, assembling the pizza, and cooking it in the air fryer for a tasty meal.

This BBQ chicken pizza recipe is perfect for any night of the week and brings out great flavors.

Give it a try and enjoy the convenience and taste of air fryer pizza.

Happy cooking!

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls
• Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Pork
• Frozen Chimichanga Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Apple Stuffed Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Apple Cider Donut Holes

See all in at KitGiz for Air Fryer recipes.

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