Picture this: the aroma of melted cheese mingling with the savory scent of pepperoni, all wrapped up in a warm, golden puff. It’s like your favorite pizza took a whirlwind vacation and came back with a new, delightful twist—perfect for those days when you crave comfort but want something quick and easy. I stumbled upon this air fryer magic while procrastinating on a Monday night, and let’s just say, these pizza puffs became an instant household legend.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and ensure you grease a muffin pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, blend together flour, baking powder, and spices. Pour in the milk and beaten egg, stirring until the ingredients are well combined.
- Mix in the shredded cheese, diced red bell pepper, and mini pepperoni. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Evenly distribute the mixture into the greased muffin wells. Slice each mozzarella cheese string into three pieces and press one piece into the center of each muffin.
- Bake the pizza puffs until they are lightly browned and puffed, which should take about 20 minutes.
- Once baked, serve the pizza puffs warm with pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese blend
- ¾ cup mini pepperoni or cooked sausage
- ½ red bell pepper, finely diced (or green bell pepper)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 mozzarella cheese strings
- ½ cup pizza sauce
FAQ
- Can I use different toppings in the pizza puffs?
- Absolutely! While the recipe includes red pepper and pepperoni, you can customize with your favorite toppings. If you choose to add vegetables with high water content like mushrooms, make sure to cook them beforehand to avoid sogginess.
- How should I prevent the pizza puffs from sticking to the pan?
- It’s very important to grease your muffin pan thoroughly. To help release the puffs after baking, run a butter knife around the edges and gently lift them out.
- What is the best way to serve these pizza puffs?
- These pizza puffs are ideal as an appetizer and are best served warm with pizza sauce for dipping.
- Can I make these pizza puffs in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours. Bake them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
- Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
- Each pizza puff contains approximately 135 calories, with 8g of carbohydrates, 7g of protein, and 8g of fat. Nutritional values can vary based on the brands of ingredients used.
Tips
- When incorporating extra vegetables with high water content, such as mushrooms, make sure to cook them beforehand to prevent the pizza puffs from becoming soggy.
- Thoroughly grease your muffin pan to ensure the pizza puffs don’t stick. Use a butter knife to carefully release them by running it around the edges before gently lifting them out.
- Allow the batter to rest for about 10 minutes after mixing in the cheese, red pepper, and pepperoni to help achieve a fluffier texture in the final product.
- For a gooey center, insert a piece of mozzarella cheese string into the center of each muffin before baking.
Equipment
- Muffin pan – Essential for baking the pizza puffs.
- Cooking spray or pastry brush – For greasing the muffin pan thoroughly.
