Crispy Air Fryer Gluten-Free Pizza Crust

• 1 ½ cups (200g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum, or add ½ teaspoon separately)
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons (150ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for greasing

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the warm water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or rubber spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured (with GF flour) surface and knead gently for 2-3 minutes until it comes together. Gluten-free dough will be stickier and less elastic than traditional dough. You can also mix it directly in the bowl using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for 3-4 minutes.
4. Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil, place the dough in it, and turn to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes, or until it has visibly expanded (it may not double in size like traditional dough).
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a piece of parchment paper lightly dusted with gluten-free flour, gently press each portion into a 6-inch to 7-inch round, about ¼-inch thick. If the dough is too sticky, lightly oil your hands.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
7. Carefully transfer one parchment-lined crust into the air fryer basket. You may need to trim the parchment paper to fit.
8. Air Fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown and firm enough to hold its shape. Check frequently after 7 minutes to prevent over-browning.
9. Remove the par-baked crust from the air fryer and repeat with the second crust.
10. Your crispy gluten-free pizza crusts are now ready for your favorite toppings! For best results, add toppings and then air fry or bake at your desired temperature until cheese is melted and bubbly.

*(Note: This recipe is for the crust only. No poultry or meat is included, so internal doneness temperatures are not applicable here.)*

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend: 1.5 cups at $6.99/2lb bag (approx. 6.5 cups) = ~$1.61
• Instant Yeast: 1 teaspoon at $4.99/4oz jar (approx. 24 tsp) = ~$0.21
• Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon at $3.99/4lb bag = ~$0.01 (negligible)
• Salt: ½ teaspoon at $2.00/26oz container = ~$0.01 (negligible)
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon at $12.99/25oz bottle (approx. 50 tbsp) = ~$0.26
• Water: Negligible

Total Estimated Recipe Cost: ~$2.09

Estimated Cost Per Serving (for 2 crusts): ~$1.05

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: While an all-purpose GF blend with xanthan gum is recommended for consistency, you can experiment with different blends. If your blend doesn’t include xanthan gum, add ½ teaspoon to the dry ingredients.
• Instant Yeast: Active dry yeast can be used, but you’ll need to activate it first. Dissolve it in the warm water with the sugar for 5-10 minutes until foamy before combining with dry ingredients.
• Granulated Sugar: Honey or maple syrup (1 teaspoon) can be used instead to feed the yeast.
• Olive Oil: Any neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil can be substituted.

• Unbaked Dough: After rising, the dough can be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and air frying.
• Par-baked Crusts: Once air-fried and cooled completely, the crusts can be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until crisp, before adding toppings.

1. Why use an air fryer for pizza crust? The air fryer creates a wonderfully crispy crust due to its circulating hot air, often faster and with less energy than a traditional oven. It’s perfect for individual-sized pizzas!
2. Can I make a larger crust in the air fryer? Most air fryer baskets are designed for single servings. This recipe is optimized for 6-7 inch crusts to fit standard air fryers. You’d need to make multiple small crusts or use a traditional oven for larger pizzas.
3. My gluten-free dough is very sticky, is that normal? Yes, gluten-free dough tends to be stickier and less elastic than wheat-based dough. Lightly oiling your hands or using a well-floured parchment paper will help with handling.
4. Can I add toppings and cook a full pizza in the air fryer? Absolutely! After par-baking the crust, add your toppings and return it to the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and toppings are heated through. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Do I need xanthan gum? Xanthan gum is crucial for gluten-free baking as it provides structure and elasticity that gluten would normally offer. If your GF flour blend doesn’t contain it, adding it separately is highly recommended for the best texture.

This recipe is for the pizza crust only and does not include any poultry or meat. Therefore, internal doneness temperatures are not applicable.

For a fully topped pizza, ensure any meat toppings are cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.