Soft, pillowy dough balls brushed in garlic butter are the ultimate sharing starter. The air fryer puffs and golds them in 10 minutes — from scratch or shop-bought pizza dough. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you make dough balls in an air fryer?
A: Roll pizza dough into balls, air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 8–10 minutes, then brush with garlic butter.
Q: Do they need proving?
A: A short prove gives a lighter, fluffier result.
The method
Divide pizza dough into small balls and let them prove for 20–30 minutes for a lighter result. Air fry until puffed and golden, then brush generously with garlic-and-herb butter while hot so it soaks in. Serve warm, with extra garlic butter for dipping.
The recipe
Air Fryer Garlic Dough Balls
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (or 1 ball shop-bought)
- 40g butter, 2 garlic cloves
- Parsley
- Salt
Method
- Divide dough into balls; prove 20–30 min.
- Air fry at 180°C for 8–10 minutes.
- Brush with garlic butter while hot.
- Serve warm with extra for dipping.
Tips
- Prove them for a lighter, fluffier ball.
- Garlic butter while hot so it soaks in.
- Don't overcrowd — they expand.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make dough balls in an air fryer?
Roll pizza dough into small balls, prove briefly, air fry at 180°C for 8–10 minutes until golden, then brush with garlic butter while hot.
Do air fryer dough balls need proving?
A short 20–30 minute prove gives a lighter, fluffier result, though you can cook them straight away for a denser dough ball.
Can you use shop-bought dough?
Yes — a ball of ready-made pizza dough works perfectly and saves time.