Pizza Bites Air Fryer Edition

Curbing your pizza craving just got easier with these pizza bites air fryer edition. They are so simple to make and customize exactly to your liking. If you like simple air fryer snacks then you should also try these Tex-Mex air fryer rolls. 

Ever had one of those moments when you daydreamed about pizza? That yummy tomato-y sauce, oozy cheese topped with all your favorite toppings. What’s not to love about those delicious pie shaped slices, except maybe the amount of carbs, fat grams and calories that come along with an average slice of pizza. I promise I’m never one to shy away from the real thing, but occasionally, I like to treat myself to those delicious flavors in a healthier way.

WHY PIZZA BITES AIR FRYER EDITION

These pizza bites air fryer are the perfect snack for after school with the kiddos, post workout or if you need a quick lunch. It’s easy to add a side salad or your favorite vegetable to make this a complete meal. 

One of the best things is that these mini pizza bites can also become a fun dinner activity you can make with your kiddos. Pre-chop, slice and dice all of your toppings and set them out and let the family make their own mini pizza bites.

WHAT MAKES THESE MINI PIZZAS HEALTHIER

For starters instead of a traditional pizza crust we are using Dave’s Killer bread whole grain english muffins as our “crust”. I love DKB and these English muffins are sturdy enough to stand up to all of the sauce and toppings. Next we’re using applegate’s beef and pork pepperoni slices where just 1 slice is needed to cover an entire english muffin slice. Lastly, subbing in some part skim mozzarella cheese cuts down on additional calories. 

Overall, you can feel really good about serving these up to your family for any snack or meal time.

DO I HAVE TO USE AN AIR FRYER

While I have a special love affair with my air fryer, it’s not required for this recipe. Using my air fryer cuts down on cooking time which equates to me eating quicker. However you can also use your oven for this recipe. You would make your mini pizza bites the same way just place in a pre-heated oven on 350 – 375 degrees and bake for 12 minutes and then broil for an additional 1 – 2 minutes to get the cheese nice and bubbly. 

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER PIZZA BITES AIR FRYER EDITION

On the off chance there are leftovers of your mini pizza bites, allow them to completely cool and come to room temperature. You can store them by wrapping them tightly in saran wrap and then foil and placing in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, these freeze really well. After wrapping, place the mini pizzas in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. 

WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE MINI PIZZAS

The list of ingredients is fairly simple and can be easily tailored to your individual palate. Base ingredients you will need are:

• Whole grain English Muffins – alternatively you can mini bagel bites for making air fryer bagel bites
• Jarred pizza sauce – this is my favorite brand
• Part skim or low fat mozzarella cheese

For toppings that’s where you get to make the most fun and choose what you love. Some of my favorite toppings are:

• Pepperoni
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Black olives
• Mixed peppers

But feel free to sub in some of your favorite toppings that you love!

HOW TO MAKE PIZZA BITES AIR FRYER EDITION

Making these pizza bites air fryer edition is a really simple process. 

First take your english muffins (or bagels if making air fryer bagel bites) and split them into 2 halves. 

Next, using your jarred pizza sauce, spread a layer of sauce on each of the halves. Next, you can spice things up with a few seasonings like: red pepper flakes, black pepper. Now you’re ready to top with your favorite toppings, I used:

• Pepperoni slices
• Mixed peppers
• Spinach 
• Mozzarella cheese

Lastly, once your mini pizza bites are cooked, you can top with chopped basil and parsley.