Air Fryer Pepperoni Cheese Crisps (2-Ingredient Keto Snack)

These air fryer pepperoni cheese crisps taste like the crispy, browned edge of a pizza, and they take five minutes and two ingredients to make. A slice of mozzarella melts and bubbles under a few pieces of pepperoni until everything turns golden and shatters when you bite it. No dough, no breading, and only 0.4 grams of carbs per crisp, so they fit a keto or low-carb diet without feeling like a compromise.

I make these when I want something salty and crunchy but don’t want to turn on the oven. They’re a step up from my air fryer keto cheese crackers because the pepperoni renders its fat into the cheese and adds that pizzeria flavor. If you want the same idea with a creamy center, my pepperoni cream cheese bites in the air fryer are the next thing to try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two ingredients. Mozzarella slices and pepperoni. Pizza sauce for dipping is optional.
• Five minutes in the air fryer. Faster than preheating an oven.
• Actually crispy. The air fryer’s circulating heat browns the cheese evenly instead of leaving a soft center.
• Keto and low-carb. Under half a gram of carbs and 4 grams of protein per crisp.
• Works as a snack, appetizer, or salad topper. Break them over a spicy Caesar salad in place of croutons.

Ingredients Needed

• Mozzarella cheese slices. Use deli-style or pre-sliced low-moisture mozzarella. This matters: fresh mozzarella holds too much water and steams instead of crisping. Provolone and cheddar slices also work.
• Pepperoni slices. Standard sandwich-size slices, four per crisp. Thin slices curl and crisp better than thick-cut.
• Pizza sauce (optional). For dipping. Homemade tastes best; here’s my easy homemade pizza sauce.
• You’ll also need parchment paper. The cheese will fuse to the basket without it.

How To Make Air Fryer Pepperoni Cheese Crisps

Step one. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Leave a little space around the edges so air can still circulate.

Step two. Lay the mozzarella slices on the parchment in a single layer with at least an inch between them. They spread as they melt. Top each slice with four pieces of pepperoni.

Step three. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 4 to 5 minutes. The cheese is done when the edges are deep golden and the center has stopped bubbling.

Step four. Let the crisps cool on the parchment for 2 to 3 minutes. They firm up as they cool, so don’t judge crispness straight out of the basket. Serve with pizza sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Low-moisture mozzarella only. This is the single biggest factor in whether the crisps turn out crunchy or floppy.
• Don’t crowd the basket. Three or four crisps at a time in a standard 5-quart basket. The cheese spreads, and overlapping crisps fuse together.
• Blot the pepperoni with a paper towel first if you want less grease pooling on top.
• Check at 4 minutes. Cheese goes from golden to burnt quickly. Air fryers vary, so treat the first batch as a test.
• Cool before eating. Hot melted cheese is soft. The crunch develops as it cools.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover crisps keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They soften in the fridge, so reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 1 to 2 minutes to bring the crunch back.

To freeze, lay the cooled crisps in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Pepperoni and Cheese Crisps

Air Fryer Pepperoni Cheese Crisps are a savory and crispy snack that pairs perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces. Serve them with pizza sauce, ranch, or garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor. These crispy bites also make a great side to a fresh salad or can be enjoyed alongside other finger foods like veggies or olives for a delicious appetizer spread. Whether as a snack or part of a larger meal, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Air Fryer Pepperoni and Cheese Crisps Recipe Faqs

Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, like cheddar or provolone, for a different flavor.

How long do I cook the crisps? Air fry the crisps at 375°F for 4-5 minutes or until the cheese is golden and crispy.

Do I need to use parchment paper? Yes, using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking for the crisps.

Can I make these in batches? Absolutely! Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and cook in batches for best results.

Can I store leftovers? Store any leftover crisps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

What To Serve With Pepperoni Cheese Crisps

Pizza sauce is the classic pairing, but these are sturdy enough to dip into almost anything. Buffalo ranch dressing adds heat, and a spicy chipotle dipping sauce works if you want something smoky. For a game-day board, set them out with air fryer Italian herb roasted olives and air fryer Babybel cheese, and you have a low-carb spread that took under 20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use other cheese? Yes. Any sliced low-moisture cheese that melts well works: provolone, cheddar, Colby Jack, or pepper Jack. Avoid fresh mozzarella and burrata, which are too wet to crisp.

Why are my crisps soggy? Either the cheese was too moist, the basket was overcrowded so the crisps steamed, or they were eaten before cooling. Let them sit 2 to 3 minutes after cooking.

Can I make these without parchment paper? Not reliably. Melted cheese bonds to the basket and tears when you try to lift it. If you don’t have parchment, a silicone air fryer liner works.

Are pepperoni cheese crisps keto? Yes. Each crisp has about 0.4 grams of carbs, 5 grams of fat, and 4 grams of protein.

Can I use shredded cheese instead of slices? You can, but slices give a more even, uniform crisp. If using shredded, pile about 2 tablespoons into a tight round and press it flat before adding pepperoni.

More Easy Air Fryer Snacks

Air Fryer Pizza Dip

Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Chips

Air Fryer Keto Cheese Crackers

Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

Air Fryer Low-Carb Mozzarella Sticks