Air Fryer Pizza Dip (Ready in 17 Minutes)

This easy air fryer pizza dip tastes like a pepperoni pizza you can scoop. A creamy, garlicky cheese base gets topped with melty mozzarella and pepperoni, then air fries in just 5 to 7 minutes. It’s an ideal hot appetizer for game day, a house party, or a potluck, and you never have to turn on the oven.

Quick answer: To make pizza dip in the air fryer, mix the cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, seasonings, garlic, and cheeses. Spoon the mixture into ramekins, add the remaining cheese and pepperoni, and air fry at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.

Dips are my go-to whenever I’m hosting. They’re easy, and there’s so much you can do with them. When I want something hearty, I make my Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip. When pizza is what I’m craving, this pepperoni pizza dip comes to the rescue.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pizza Dip

• It tastes like real pizza. You get all the pizza flavor without making dough.
• It’s ready in 17 minutes. That’s 10 minutes of prep and under 10 minutes in the air fryer.
• It’s easy to make your own. Swap the cheeses, add veggies, or turn up the heat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cream cheese: Full-fat and softened gives the creamiest texture.
• Mayonnaise: Classic, unflavored, full-fat mayo works best.
• Sour cream: Adds a little tang to balance the richness.
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, though garlic powder works in a pinch.
• Mozzarella and cheddar: I use both for flavor and a great cheese pull.
• Pepperoni: The classic pizza topping.

You’ll find exact amounts in the recipe card below.

Equipment

• A large mixing bowl
• Ramekins or small oven-safe dishes that fit in your air fryer basket
• A hand mixer (optional, for an extra fluffy dip)
• Oven mitts or tongs to remove the hot ramekins

How to Make Air Fryer Pizza Dip

Step 1: Mix the cheesy base. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, seasonings, garlic, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and all of the cheddar. Mix until smooth.

Step 2: Fill the ramekins. Spoon the mixture into ramekins until they’re about ¾ full. Top with the remaining mozzarella, then add the pepperoni.

Step 3: Air fry. Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.

Step 4: Garnish and serve. Carefully remove the hot ramekins and top with chopped basil or your favorite seasonings.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Pizza Dip

• Use room-temperature cream cheese. It blends smoothly, so you won’t end up with lumps.
• Whip it for a fluffier dip. A hand mixer makes the base lighter and airier.
• Keep the pepperoni in place. The air fryer’s circulating air can flip light pepperoni slices, and a little cheese helps hold them down.
• Check at 5 minutes. Air fryers vary, so start checking early to avoid overcooking.

Pizza Dip Variations

• Meat lover’s: Stir in cooked, crumbled Italian sausage and top with bacon bits.
• Supreme: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives.
• Spicy: Mix in chopped jalapeños or a splash of buffalo sauce.
• Lighter: Swap the sour cream for cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.
• Classic pizzeria: Stir a dash of marinara into the base and finish with fresh basil.
• Different cheeses: Parmesan, a Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack all work.

What to Serve with Pizza Dip

Crusty sourdough and pull-apart bread rolls are great for scooping. When I have extra time, I love making my Easy 3 Ingredient Air Fryer Pizza Puffs to go with the dip. I also love pairing it with my Air Fryer Low Carb Mozzarella Sticks. For a lighter option, try crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Chips, fresh veggies, or crackers.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers for up to 4 days. I like to keep the dip in its baking dish covered with plastic wrap, but an airtight container works too.
• Microwave: Reheat for 5 to 6 minutes, pausing every 30 to 40 seconds.
• Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer, then warm the dish for 4 to 5 minutes.

Pizza Dip FAQs

How long do you cook pizza dip in the air fryer?
Cook it at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese on top is fully melted.

Can I bake pizza dip in the oven instead?
Yes. Preheat the oven to 375°F, assemble the dip in a baking dish, and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

What if I don’t have ramekins?
Use any oven-safe dish or pan that fits in your air fryer basket. Small cast iron skillets work perfectly.

How many people does this pizza dip serve?
The recipe makes 8 servings, which makes it a good fit for parties and game day.

More Easy Dip Recipes

• Air Fryer Queso: Chorizo, Velveeta, Mexican cheese, and Rotel, air fried at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes. It takes 20 minutes total and is the closest match to the pizza dip.

• Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip: Shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch, and Frank’s Buffalo Sauce. It takes 35 minutes total.
• Instant Pot Copycat Olive Garden Spinach Artichoke Dip: Spinach, artichokes, Greek yogurt, Parmesan, and mozzarella, pressure cooked for 7 minutes.
• Ninja Foodi Spicy Sausage Queso Dip: Pork sausage, Velveeta, black beans, and Ro-Tel, with crockpot directions in the notes. It takes 20 minutes total.
• Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Queso Dip: Velveeta, salsa, onions, and jalapeños, kept warm on the cooker for serving. It takes 30 minutes total and makes 16 servings.

• Sriracha Maple Dip: Maple syrup, sriracha, and black pepper whisked together in 5 minutes. It’s a sweet-spicy dipping sauce for nuggets, fries, or onion rings.