Easy Air Fryer Dessert Pizza Recipe: Sweet Treat with Mascarpone & Fresh Fruit

Dive into the delightful world of dessert pizza, a perfect marriage of classic pizza comfort and sweet dessert indulgence. This incredibly simple Air Fryer Dessert Pizza recipe transforms ordinary pizza dough into a golden, fried-dough-style base, ready to be adorned with a creamy, dreamy honey mascarpone spread and a vibrant medley of fresh fruits. It’s the ultimate hassle-free summer treat that comes together in minutes, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings, a fun family activity, or a quick, satisfying sweet craving.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Dessert Pizza Recipe

If your heart beats for both savory pizza and sweet delights, then you’ve found your new favorite recipe! This Air Fryer Dessert Pizza takes the best of both worlds and combines them into an unforgettable dish. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making and devouring this sweet creation:

• Unbelievably Easy & Quick: Forget lengthy baking times. Your air fryer handles the dough in a flash, delivering perfectly cooked crusts in just 6-8 minutes. The topping assembly is just as swift, making this a perfect last-minute dessert.
• Crispy, Delicious Crust: The air fryer works its magic, giving the pizza dough a delightful crispy exterior reminiscent of fried dough or zeppole, while keeping the inside wonderfully soft. Dusted with cinnamon sugar, it’s an irresistible base.
• Fresh & Flavorful Toppings: A luscious honey mascarpone spread provides a rich, creamy foundation, beautifully complemented by the freshness and natural sweetness of seasonal fruits like peaches and raspberries. It’s a light yet satisfying combination.
• Highly Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity. Swap out fruits, change the creamy base, or add extra drizzles and crunches. It’s designed to be versatile, ensuring you can tailor it to your exact preferences or what you have on hand.
• Less Cleanup: Compared to traditional baking, the air fryer often means less mess and easier cleaning, letting you enjoy your dessert without the aftermath stress.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat, a fun dessert for a summer BBQ, or a delightful surprise for guests, this dessert pizza fits right in. Its individual portions (if you make quarters) make serving a breeze.

Starting with simple pizza dough, we elevate it to a sweet sensation with a golden-brown finish, then slather it with a creamy, sweet honey mascarpone. Topped with your choice of vibrant fresh fruit – I love a classic melba style with peaches and raspberries – and a bright lemon glaze, each slice is a burst of summery flavor. This creative, easy-to-make, and utterly delicious dessert is sure to become a family favorite. If you’re looking for a version with a cookie base instead of pizza dough, check out my Air Fryer Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza instead!

Essential Ingredients for Your Sweet Pizza Creation

Crafting this delightful Air Fryer Dessert Pizza requires a few simple yet impactful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors. Gather these essentials, and you’ll be on your way to a truly special dessert.

• 1 lb prepared pizza dough (uncooked)
• 1 Tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup mascarpone cheese
• 2 Tbsp honey
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 peaches, sliced (depending on size)
• 3-oz fresh raspberries
• ½ cup powdered confectioner’s sugar
• 1 ½ Tbsp lemon juice

How to Master the Air Fryer Dessert Pizza in Simple Steps

Creating this delicious dessert pizza in your air fryer is straightforward and fun! Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve a perfectly cooked crust and beautifully assembled sweet treat.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking from the start. While it preheats, spray the air fryer basket thoroughly with nonstick spray to prevent the dough from sticking. This is a crucial step for easy removal.

2. Portion your pizza dough by cutting the 1 lb of prepared dough into four equal quarters. This will give you four individual dessert pizzas, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a single serving.

3. Carefully flatten each dough quarter to about ½” thick. Shape them to fit comfortably into your air fryer basket. Circles or rectangles work equally well, just ensure they don’t touch the sides of the basket for optimal airflow.

4. Prepare the dough for cooking: Spread the melted butter evenly over the top surface of each flattened pizza dough. Then, generously dust them with the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon mixture. This creates that delicious fried-dough flavor and golden crust.

5. Carefully place the prepared dough into your preheated air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.

6. Cook the dough for 6-8 minutes on the air fry setting at 400°F (200°C). Keep an eye on it to ensure the dough is cooked through and nicely browned, but not overly crisp or burnt. Cooking times can vary slightly between different air fryer models.
7. While the dough is cooking, prepare your creamy topping: In a small bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and luscious.

8. Remove the cooked dough from the air fryer and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps the crust set and prevents the toppings from melting too quickly. If you’re cooking multiple batches, now is the time to swap them out.

9. Once the dough has cooled slightly, spread the mascarpone mixture generously over the top of each cooked dough base using a spatula or spoon. Remember to leave the edges of the crust exposed, just like a traditional pizza, for that authentic pizza aesthetic.

10. Arrange your fresh fruit toppings: Artfully place the sliced peaches and fresh raspberries over the mascarpone layer. Feel free to arrange them in a visually appealing pattern.

11. Prepare the lemon glaze: In a separate small bowl, combine the powdered confectioner’s sugar and fresh lemon juice. Stir vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and forms a drizzle-able glaze. Add more sugar or juice if needed to reach desired consistency.

12. Drizzle the lemon glaze elegantly over the top of your assembled dessert pizza. This adds a beautiful sheen and a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness.

13. Slice and serve immediately! Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Dessert Pizza fresh and warm for the best taste and texture.

Unleash Your Creativity: What Toppings Go on Dessert Pizza?

The beauty of dessert pizza is its incredible versatility. The possibilities for toppings are endless, allowing you to customize each pizza to your mood or the season. Here’s an expanded list of delectable ideas to inspire your next creation:

Fruity Freshness:

• Fresh fruit: Beyond peaches and raspberries, consider strawberries, blueberries, kiwi slices, sliced figs, plum wedges, banana slices, or even thinly sliced apples or pears.
• Pie filling: For a richer, more intense fruit flavor, spoon over some cherry, apple, or blueberry pie filling.
• Jam: A thin layer of your favorite fruit jam can act as a sweet, sticky base.

Creamy & Dreamy Bases:

• Mascarpone: The recipe’s star, offering a rich, delicate sweetness.
• Sweetened cream cheese: A tangy and creamy alternative or complement to mascarpone.
• Nutella: For chocolate lovers, a Nutella base is always a hit.
• Peanut butter or other nut butters: Delicious when paired with bananas or berries.

Saucy Drizzles & Decadent Additions:

• Chocolate sauce: A classic pairing with almost any fruit.
• Caramel sauce: Adds a buttery, rich sweetness.
• White chocolate drizzle: Elegant and sweet.
• Marshmallows: Lightly toasted for a gooey, campfire feel.

Crunchy Textures:

• Chopped nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, or pistachios add a satisfying crunch.
• Granola: For a hearty and healthy-ish crunch.
• Streusel: A buttery, crumbly topping that’s always a winner.
• Toasted coconut flakes: Adds a tropical twist.
• Cookie crumbles: Crushed Oreos, graham crackers, or shortbread for an extra layer of sweetness.

Sweet Spices:

• Cinnamon: The perfect warm spice, especially when mixed with sugar for the crust.
• Nutmeg or cardamom: For a more exotic flavor profile.

Make your own unforgettable flavor combination with some of these great toppings you can put on a dessert pizza! Try your air fryer dessert pizza with my easy Microwave Chocolate Sauce, crunchy Air Fryer Honey Roasted Pecans, some broken up Air Fryer Granola Bars, a touch of Sangria Wine Jelly, or turn the crust into dipper sticks for some Air Fryer S’Mores Dip!

Recipe Pro Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Dessert Pizza

Achieving air fryer dessert pizza perfection is easier than you think, especially with these insider tips:

• If you’re having trouble with the dough sticking to the basket or falling through the grates of your air fryer, try lining the basket with a piece of parchment paper or nonstick foil. This creates a solid surface and makes for easier cleanup. Just be sure to cut the parchment/foil to fit and leave some space for air circulation.
• Peeling the peaches (or any other fruit) is entirely optional. If you prefer to save time, simply wash the fruit thoroughly. As long as you cut the slices thinly, the skin’s texture won’t be noticeable, and it even adds extra fiber and nutrients!
• Air fryer models vary greatly in power and efficiency. In my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer, the pizza dough was perfectly cooked after just 6 minutes. Always keep an eye on your dough during the final minutes of cooking, especially when trying this recipe for the first time, to prevent over-browning or undercooking. Adjust timing as needed for your specific appliance.
• For larger appetites or if you prefer bigger slices, you can easily make two larger dessert pizzas instead of four smaller ones. Just ensure that the flattened dough fits comfortably within your air fryer basket without touching the sides, and adjust cooking time slightly if they are thicker.
• For an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cocoa powder right before serving.
• If your pizza dough is very sticky, lightly flour your hands and work surface when shaping it. Don’t overwork the dough, though, as this can make it tough.

Storage Tips for Leftover Dessert Pizza

While this Air Fryer Dessert Pizza is truly best enjoyed fresh and warm, you might find yourself with leftovers – though that’s a rare occurrence! Here’s how to properly store and enjoy them:

• For optimal taste and texture, consume dessert pizza while fresh and warm. The crust is at its crispiest and the fruits are at their brightest.
• If you do have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. The crust may soften slightly, but it will still be delicious chilled.
• To slightly revive a refrigerated dessert pizza, you can gently warm it in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F (150°C), being careful not to burn the fruit or melt the mascarpone excessively. Alternatively, simply enjoy it straight from the fridge for a cool, refreshing treat.

Final Thoughts on This Sweet Air Fryer Pizza

This Air Fryer Dessert Pizza truly is an easy, fun, and incredibly delicious dessert that will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection. I especially love using leftover pizza dough to whip this up as a sweet treat on pizza night, turning a savory meal into a complete, satisfying experience.

It strikes a perfect balance, somewhere between the light, airy texture of a zeppole and the sweet, comforting chew of fried dough, all elevated with fresh, vibrant fruit and a rich, sweet mascarpone spread. What’s not to love about a dessert that delivers so much flavor with so little effort!

Everything comes together quickly and effortlessly, making it a no-stress dessert that promises to delight both kids and adults alike. So go ahead, give this Air Fryer Dessert Pizza a try and bring a little extra sweetness into your kitchen!