Pepper-a-loni Pizza: Cooking for One on Valentine’s Day

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Pepper-a-loni Pizza

Written by Preston Miller

Ah, Saint Valentine’s Day. It is a day for romance, togetherness, expensive meals and impossible expectations. But not this year! This year, we’re finally learning to cook for one. Our dish of choice? The perfectly portioned, unapologetically delicious Pepper-a-loni Pizza.

And let’s make one thing clear: your Pepper-a-loni Pizza can have anything you want on it. “Eww, olives?” Yes, Jessica, some of us like olives. “Eww, mushrooms?” Funny, isn’t it? Our ‘compromise’ always ended up with you getting your way and ending up with pineapple. Pineapple and feta aren’t quirky, Jessica; it’s a scandal.

But this year? This year is about culinary liberation. Save your money. Preserve your sanity. No one is here to dictate what goes on your pizza. So, stand up for your taste buds for once! Indulge your individuality. This pizza is yours and yours alone.

Ingredients

• 1 can of premade refrigerated pizza crust dough (I used the premade 13.8oz Pillsbury Classic Crust) 
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• ⅓ cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 
• 3-10 pepperoni slices 

Steps

1. According to the size of your air fryer, cut a round of parchment paper. 
2. Place it in the bottom of the air fryer basket. 
3. Spray the parchment paper with cooking spray. 
4. Unroll the dough and tuck the corners under to form a crust. Shape the dough into a round (or heart, as I did) with a thick 1-inch border.
5. Place the dough into the air fryer basket on top of the parchment. Press up to the sides of the basket.

1. Set the air fryer to 325°F; cook for 10 minutes. 
2. Turn the pizza crust over on the counter; remove the parchment, and replace it in the air fryer basket. Cool for 2 minutes or until it is cool enough to handle. 
3. Press the pizza crust’s center down with your fingers, up to the crust border, then lightly brush or spray the sides and top of the crust all over with olive oil, and then place it back in the basket. Cook 5 minutes longer.
4. Fill the center of the dough first with pizza sauce, next with mozzarella cheese, then top with pepperoni. Finish by topping with more cheese. Cook for 4 to 7 minutes longer or until cooked through, and the cheese is melted. 
5. Cool for 2 minutes. Remove from the basket with a rubber spatula and plate. 

Tips & Disclaimers: 

• In my air fryer, this recipe made 2-3 mini pizzas.
• Air fryer temperature control settings vary according to brand and model. If your air fryer does not have the exact temperature setting called for in the recipe, consult your manual for suggested temperature settings.
• Flipping the crust halfway through cooking ensures a crispy crust for the pizza.
• Serve with ranch dressing for extra creaminess.
• Brushing the crust with olive oil helps it brown and crisp nicely in the air fryer.
• Placing cheese under and overtop of the pepperoni ensures the meat stays in place when cooking in the air fryer. 
• Our recipes do not call for preheating your air fryer. Just set the temperature and start. Never preheat with parchment paper alone.

Reference

Pillsbury. 2021. “Air Fryer Deep-Dish Pepperoni Pizza.” Kitchen Tested. Last modified April 19, 2021. https://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/air-fryer-deep-dish-pepperoni-pizza/86bae251-9973-4b28-8a50-5f44fd20bfeb.