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Classic Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust recipe card

Classic Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust

High protein, quick air fryer pizza with a cheesy cottage cheese crust.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 1 medium pizza
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil for greasing parchment
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/4 cup pizza sauce
  • 5 slices beef halal beef sausage slices cut into quarters

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 F and lightly mist or brush a piece of parchment with olive oil, then place it in the air fryer basket or tray.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt until mostly smooth with just a few small curds remaining.
  3. Fold in 1/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella until it is evenly distributed throughout the cottage cheese mixture.
  4. Spoon the cottage cheese mixture onto the prepared parchment in the air fryer basket and spread it into an even round about 1/4 inch thick.
  5. Air fry the crust at 375 F for 8 to 10 minutes, until the top looks set and the edges are lightly golden.
  6. Carefully lift the crust out using the parchment, flip the crust over onto the air fryer basket, and peel away the parchment.
  7. Return the flipped crust to the air fryer and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, until the bottom is lightly browned and the crust feels firm enough to lift with tongs.
  8. Remove the crust and spread the pizza sauce in a thin, even layer over the top, leaving a small border around the edge.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella over the sauce and arrange the beef halal beef sausage slices pieces evenly on top.
  10. Return the topped pizza to the air fryer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the halal beef sausage slices edges are slightly crisp.
  11. Transfer the pizza to a cutting board and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes, then slice into wedges and serve warm.

Notes

- For a smoother crust, blend the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor before mixing with the dry ingredients.
- Use parchment that fits flat inside the air fryer basket and does not touch the heating element.
- You can bake the crust ahead, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 3 days, then add toppings and reheat in the air fryer.
- Add extra toppings such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or olives, but keep them in a single light layer so the pizza heats evenly.