Air Fryer Potato Pizza (Crispy, Cheesy & Easy)
Air Fryer Smashed Potato Pizza with Salami
If you love crispy potatoes and cheesy pizza, this Air Fryer Smashed Potato Pizza with Salami is the perfect combination of both. Tender boiled potatoes are smashed, seasoned, and air fried until crispy before being topped with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and savoury salami.
The result is a delicious crispy potato pizza with a golden base, gooey cheese, and a perfectly cooked salami topping. It is easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a fun snack.
Best of all, this recipe is made entirely in the air fryer, making it quicker and easier than traditional oven-baked pizza.
If you enjoy easy potato recipes, you can also try our Air Fryer Potato Cheese Balls, which are crispy on the outside with a delicious cheesy centre.
For a lighter, crunchy snack, don’t miss our Air Fryer Potato Chips recipe. Another great option for potato and cheese lovers is our Air Fryer Cheese Potato recipe, packed with comforting cheesy flavour.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Potato Pizza
- Crispy smashed potato base
- Gooey melted mozzarella
- Delicious pizza-style flavour
- Easy ingredients
- No pizza dough required
- Ready with simple preparation
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or sharing
- Easy to customise with your favourite toppings
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Medium Potatoes | 4–5 |
| Parchment Paper | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Tomato Sauce | ½ cup |
| Mozzarella Cheese, grated | 250 g (8.8 oz) |
| Salami Slices | As needed |
How to Make Air Fryer Smashed Potato Pizza
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- Wash the potatoes and boil them with their skins on until they are fork-tender. Avoid overcooking them, as they should still hold their shape when smashed.
- Allow the potatoes to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
- Line the air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper suitable for air fryer use.
- Place the boiled potatoes on the parchment paper, leaving a little space between them.
Step 3: Smash the Potatoes
- Use the bottom of a sturdy glass or potato masher to gently press down on each potato.
- Flatten them enough to create a connected potato base while keeping some texture around the edges.
Step 4: Season the Potato Base
- Sprinkle the smashed potatoes with salt and black pepper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top. This helps the potatoes become beautifully golden and crispy in the air fryer.
Step 5: Air Fry Until Crispy
- Air fry the potatoes at 200–205°C (392–401°F) for approximately 12 minutes.
- Cook until the edges are golden and the potato surface starts becoming crispy.
Step 6: Add the Tomato Sauce
- Carefully remove the crispy potato base from the air fryer.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly across the surface, just like you would on a traditional pizza.
Step 7: Add the Mozzarella
- Grate 250 g (8.8 oz) of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the tomato sauce.
- Make sure the cheese covers most of the potato base for that delicious cheesy finish.
Step 8: Add the Salami
- Arrange the salami slices neatly on top of the mozzarella.
- You can add as much or as little salami as you prefer.
Step 9: Air Fry Again
Return the potato pizza to the air fryer.
- Cook at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 15 minutes, or until the mozzarella is fully melted and the salami is lightly crisp around the edges.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
- Allow the pizza to cool for a couple of minutes.
- Carefully remove it from the air fryer, cut it into portions, and serve while hot and cheesy.
Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Potato Pizza
Use Similar-Sized Potatoes
Using potatoes of a similar size helps them cook evenly.
Don’t Overboil the Potatoes
The potatoes should be soft enough to smash but not so soft that they completely fall apart.
Make the Base Crispy First
The first air-frying stage is important. Make sure the potatoes develop a slightly crispy surface before adding the sauce and cheese.
Don’t Use Too Much Sauce
Adding too much tomato sauce can make the potato base soft. A thin, even layer works best.
Check Your Air Fryer
Air fryer models can vary. Start checking the pizza a few minutes before the recommended cooking time.
Variations
1-Pepperoni Potato Pizza
- Replace the salami with pepperoni slices for a classic pizza-style flavour.
2-Vegetarian Potato Pizza
- Skip the meat and add mushrooms, peppers, olives, sweetcorn, and onions.
3-Spicy Potato Pizza
- Add chilli flakes, jalapeños, or spicy salami for extra heat.
5-Four Cheese Potato Pizza
- Use a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and another favourite melting cheese.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Potato Pizza
This cheesy potato pizza is filling on its own, but you can serve it with:
- Fresh green salad
- Garlic dip
- Ranch dressing
- Coleslaw
- Air fryer vegetables
- Fresh tomato salad
If you’re planning a full potato-themed meal or snack spread, pair it with our crispy Air Fryer Potato Chips or serve Air Fryer Potato Cheese Balls as a cheesy side. You may also enjoy our Air Fryer Cheese Potato recipe for another simple and satisfying potato dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make potato pizza without boiling the potatoes?
Boiling the potatoes first makes them easier to smash and helps reduce the overall cooking time. Raw potatoes would require significantly longer cooking.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes. Cheddar, pizza cheese, Monterey Jack, or a mozzarella blend can all work well.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply leave out the salami and use vegetables or other vegetarian pizza toppings.
Why is my potato base not crispy?
The potatoes may need a little more cooking time, or too much sauce may have been added. Make sure to crisp the potato base before adding the toppings.
Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
Yes. You can boil the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready, smash and air fry them with the toppings.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 390 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Protein | 19 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Fibre | 4 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | Approximately 780 mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients, brands, potato size, and amount of salami used.
Recipe Card
Recipe Name: Air Fryer Smashed Potato Pizza with Salami
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Air Fryer Smashed Potato Pizza with Salami |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 27 minutes |
| Total Time | 42 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories | Approximately 390 kcal per serving |
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes with their skins on until fork-tender.
- Line the air fryer basket with suitable parchment paper.
- Place the boiled potatoes on the parchment.
- Use the bottom of a glass to gently smash the potatoes.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Air fry at 200–205°C (392–401°F) for 12 minutes until lightly crispy.
- Remove the potatoes and spread tomato sauce over the surface.
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
- Arrange the salami slices on top.
- Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the topping is cooked.
- Allow to cool slightly, cut into portions, and serve.
