A standard pizza base is a big hit of carbohydrate. Swap it for a cheese or chicken crust and pizza night fits a lower-carb plan — and the air fryer cooks it in around 10 minutes. Here's how, with the numbers.
Key takeaways
Q: Can you make low-carb pizza in an air fryer?
A: Yes — use a cheese (fathead) or chicken crust and air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 10–12 minutes, keeping carbs to around 6–8g a portion.
Q: What's a chicken-crust pizza?
A: A base made from minced chicken and cheese instead of dough — very low in carbs and high in protein.
Low-carb crusts
- Fathead dough — mozzarella, cream cheese and almond flour; ~6g carbs a slice.
- Chicken crust — minced chicken and cheese; ~2g carbs.
- Wholemeal pitta base — a quicker, moderate-carb option.
The recipe
Fathead Air Fryer Pizza
Ingredients
- 120g mozzarella, 30g cream cheese
- 60g almond flour, 1 egg
- 2 tbsp low-sugar passata
- Toppings of choice
Method
- Melt the cheeses; mix with flour and egg to a dough.
- Press into a base; air fry at 180°C for 6 min.
- Add passata, cheese and toppings.
- Cook 4–6 minutes more until bubbling.
Tips
- Use a liner or dish so the cheese base doesn't stick.
- Low-sugar passata keeps the carbs down.
- Pile on non-starchy toppings — peppers, mushrooms, spinach. More ideas in our low-carb fakeaway.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make a low-carb pizza in an air fryer?
Yes — a cheese (fathead) or chicken crust cooks in 10–12 minutes at 180°C and keeps carbs to around 6–8g a portion.
What is fathead pizza dough?
A low-carb dough made from melted mozzarella, cream cheese and almond flour, bound with egg — no wheat flour, so far fewer carbs.
Is this medical advice?
No. These are general lower-carb recipe ideas. Carbohydrate needs are individual, so follow your GP or dietitian and guidance from the NHS and Diabetes UK.