Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza

Craving pizza in a flash? This Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza is the ultimate quick and crispy fix! Made with a gluten-free tortilla, pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, and pepperoni, it’s ready in minutes. Perfect for a snack, lunch, or dinner!

Our air fryer pizza is easy, customizable and is always a crowd-pleaser. While traditional pizzas have a time and a place, this air fryer pizza is a game changer during busy times – especially for college students!

Whether they are cramming for exams or simply too busy with campus life, making a pizza in the air fryer is a quick and convenient way to ensure they are nourished without committing to a full kitchen setup. With just a tortilla and a handful of toppings, this delicious meal can fit into a hectic schedule.

Send this recipe to your college student ASAP!

Why College Students Love Air Fryer Pizza

1. Quick & Easy: When they are busy juggling classes, homework and social events, the last thing they want to do is spend hours in the kitchen (hello takeout!). Air fryer pizzas are so lightning fast that dinner is ready before they can even think about placing another takeout order.
2. Minimal Equipment Required: Not all college students have access to a full kitchen or have the space in a kitchen to be able to make homemade pizza from scratch. Investing in a small air fryer can take up minimal space and allow them to create this recipe and others like Homemade Taquitos In Air Fryer.
3. Healthy & Versatile: Offering a meal option that they can make at home allows full control on the ingredients. They can balance nutrition with taste, whether fueling up after a workout or preparing a meal after a long day of lectures.

Not only are tortilla pizzas ideal for college students, but they are also perfect for busy families, individuals with a small kitchen or those looking for an affordable recipe that is delicious and satisfying!

Ingredients & Swaps

• Tortilla: any brand of gluten free tortillas works for this recipe. We used Mission, which can be swapped with an almond flour, cassava flour or chickpea tortilla if desired. You can also choose a corn tortilla for a naturally gluten-free option. If you have the time, whip up a batch of homemade tortillas with our Gluten-Free Tortilla Recipe in under 15 minutes!
• Pizza sauce: accommodate preferences and try new flavors by swapping sauce with marinara sauce for a slightly chunkier option or pesto for a richer choice. You can also add a spoonful of salsa along with the pizza sauce for a Tex-Mex twist. Looking for a spicy or sweet idea? Drizzle sauce with buffalo, bbq, fig jam or honey before adding the cheese.
• Mozzarella cheese: shredded mozzarella cheese keeps this recipe easy, especially for college students who may be off cooking on their own for the first time. For more delicious ideas, consider subbing or adding parmesan, ricotta, or fresh mozzarella. For a dairy-free alternative, look for dairy-free shreds, cashew cheese or sprinkle the sauce with nutritional yeast.
• Pepperoni: choose regular size or make things fun by featuring mini pepperonis. Swap entirely by choosing any of the other topping ideas listed below!

How To Make Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza

After you have selected your favorite tortilla type, place it onto the air fryer tray. Some air fryers don’t have a tray so in this case, place directly into the basket. You can also use a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier if a tray is not included.

Spread the tortilla with 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce – try to leave about a 1/2-inch border around the edge to create a “crust”. Then, top with the shredded cheese and add the pepperoni slices. For more variety, add any other toppings such as cooked proteins or sauteed vegetables. Finish with a final layer of shredded cheese, which will also hold told the toppings in place.

Preheat air fryer to 425°F. Preheating typically takes under 5 minutes depending on your air fryer model. Once preheated, bake the pizza for 3 minutes. If you prefer a crispier crust, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes while keeping an eye on it.

Once done, carefully remove the pizza using tongs or a spatula. Slice and serve hot. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese if desired. Add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice or drizzle honey for bit of sweetness.

Pizza Toppings

• Proteins: add cooked Italian sausage, bacon, ham, ground beef, grilled chicken for a protein-packed creation.
• Veggies: mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, zucchini, broccoli add color and crunch. We recommend sautéing vegetables (except the spinach) before adding to the tortilla.
• Fruit: incorporate fig jam into the pizza sauce for a sweet-savory combo or add diced pineapple chunks (drain excess juice) for a classic Hawaiian pizza.
• Spice: red pepper flakes, jalapenos, cooked chorizo and chicken tossed in buffalo sauce can add a level of heat.

Pizza Variations

• BBQ chicken: add bbq sauce as the base then layer the tortilla with grilled chicken, red onions and cilantro along with the mozzarella cheese.
• Breakfast pizza: don’t limit yourself to dinner! Top the pizza sauce with scrambled eggs, cooked sausage or bacon and use cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella.
• Taco pizza: use salsa instead of sauce and add browned ground beef, diced tomatoes then shredded lettuce, sour cream and olives after air frying.
• Dessert pizza: spread the tortilla with peanut butter or Nutella then top with banana and strawberry slices.

Serving Suggestions

Tortilla pizzas are not just quick and easy – they are also extremely versatile, making them perfect for serving a variety of flavors to suit any mood or occasion. Whether it is family pizza night, or your college student needs a meal before studying, think of this air fryer tortilla pizza recipe. You can take this meal to the next level by pairing with an assortment of sides.

A crisp green or Caesar salad is one of the easiest pairing ideas, but the list goes on! From soups to coleslaw and fruit salads, you may even consider a side of Ninja Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Dipping options like ranch, marinara or garlic sauce also add flavor.

On the go? Roll up the tortilla pizza for a “pizza wrap” that is now portable and perfect to take in the car, pack in a lunchbox or eat on the walk to class. Add a pack of trail mix, dried fruit, or bag of sliced carrot and celery sticks for a quick balanced meal.

Helpful Tips

• Spray the tortilla lightly with nonstick cooking spray or add a thin layer of olive oil before adding the sauce and toppings for a crispier crust.
• Swap the mozzarella for cheddar, feta, or a vegan cheese alternative to meet your dietary needs or preferences.
• Cooking multiple pizzas? Prepare all at once then air fry one at a time for consistent results.
• If adding delicate toppings like fresh herbs, arugula or a drizzle of balsamic glaze, wait until after air frying to add. This will keep the ingredients fresh and the tortilla crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Recipes for College Students

• Crockpot Chicken Caesar Wraps
• Microwave Mashed Potatoes
• How To Boil Eggs in the Microwave
• Healthy Homemade Trail Mix
• Frozen Burrito Casserole
• Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole