Ultimate Crispy English Muffin Pizzas: 15-Minute Quick Dinner & Snack Recipe
Welcome! I’m Sarah, and I’m so happy you’re here. Make these quick and easy English muffin pizzas for a fast weeknight dinner or a kid-friendly snack. This recipe focuses on getting a truly crispy base, whether you use your oven or air fryer, ensuring you get that satisfying crunch every time in about 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 8 mini pizzas 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking/Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 English muffins, split in half
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (or marinara)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional toppings: Pepperoni slices, cooked sausage, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- To achieve maximum crunch, lightly brush the cut side of each English muffin half with olive oil or melted butter.
- Place the muffin halves, oiled-side up, on a baking sheet or directly in the air fryer basket. Toast them in the oven for 3-4 minutes or in the air fryer for 2 minutes until they are lightly golden. This step prevents sogginess.
- Remove the toasted muffins. Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly over each half.
- Sprinkle the oregano and garlic powder lightly over the sauce.
- Top generously with mozzarella cheese. Add your desired optional toppings now.
- Return the muffin pizzas to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. If using the air fryer, cook for 3-5 minutes.
- For extra browning on the cheese, switch the oven to broil for the last minute, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the heat and let cool slightly before serving your fast homemade pizza bites.
Notes
- For an Air Fryer English Muffin Pizza, place the halves in a single layer in the basket. Cooking time may vary slightly based on your air fryer model.
- To make these party appetizer pizza bites ahead, assemble everything except the cheese, wrap tightly, and freeze. Add 5 minutes to the cook time when ready to bake.
- Try using a thin layer of Parmesan cheese under the mozzarella for an extra savory flavor boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 halves
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 25