Unleash your culinary creativity and discover how incredibly easy it is to make a delicious Instant Pot deep-dish pizza right in your kitchen! For weeks, this individual-sized pressure cooker pizza has been a runaway hit with our family, especially the kids, making dinner exciting and hassle-free. With the right equipment, fresh ingredients, and our simple, step-by-step instructions, you’ll be enjoying perfectly cooked pizzas in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot enthusiast or a curious beginner, this recipe promises a fun and satisfying meal. You can even adapt these instructions for your Ninja Foodi for an extra crispy finish. Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners and let us know what you think!
The idea of making pizza in an Instant Pot might sound unconventional, but after much experimentation, we’ve perfected the method! With our detailed guide and a few key ingredients, you can effortlessly create mouthwatering pressure cooker pizzas at home. A special thank you to Horizon Organics for sponsoring this post, making one of our kids’ favorite Instant Pot recipes possible. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy households looking for delicious, customizable meals.
Instant Pot Deep Dish Pizza: A Weeknight Dinner Revolution
Imagine serving up personal deep-dish pizzas, loaded with your family’s favorite toppings, all ready after a surprisingly short cook time on high pressure followed by a quick release. It’s an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you need a fast and flavorful meal. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile; you can easily prepare it as a Ninja Foodi pizza, utilizing its pressure cook function and crisping lid for an irresistible golden crust.
Especially during those warm summer months, who wants to turn on a scorching oven and heat up the entire house? This method offers a fantastic alternative to Instant Pot a pizza, keeping your kitchen cool while still delivering that comforting, cheesy goodness. You can use either readily available refrigerated pizza dough for ultimate convenience or get creative with a homemade recipe. Pile on all the classic toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers – the possibilities are endless for creating your perfect pie.
If you’re new to the wonderful world of pressure cooking, you’ve come to the right place! We offer a wealth of easy, one-pot meal recipes designed to make your culinary journey enjoyable and successful. Let’s start with a few fundamental tips to help you get acquainted with your pressure cooker:
- Make sure to bookmark our Instant Pot recipes page. We consistently add new and exciting recipes each week, so you’ll always have fresh inspiration!
- For quick reference, print this Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet. It’s an invaluable tool that will help you understand precisely how long various ingredients like meats, vegetables, and beans take to cook perfectly in your pressure cooker.
- For optimal cooking results and easier cleanup, I highly recommend investing in a good quality non-stick inner pot. It makes a significant difference.
- While it’s always good practice to understand how to deglaze your pressure cooker after sautéing, a non-stick liner significantly minimizes food sticking, reducing potential issues and making the process much smoother.
For your reference, the model I frequently use for all my recipe creations is a 6-quart Instant Pot, which offers ample space for a variety of dishes, including these delightful pizzas.
Our children absolutely adore this simple dinner concept because these individual pizzas are perfectly sized for one or two people, and they provide the ultimate freedom for customization. We all know the joy of making pizza at home, whether it’s a classic oven-baked pie or a grilled delight. Crafting these personal pizzas in your Instant Pot follows a similar, satisfying rhythm, with the main difference being the specific pan and the magic of pressure cooking that brings it all together.
To encourage everyone’s creativity and ensure every bite is exactly what they crave, I typically lay out an array of fresh and exciting toppings. When it’s their turn to “decorate” their pizza, they can choose from a colorful selection, making each pie a unique masterpiece. This interactive approach transforms meal prep into a fun activity, perfect for family bonding.
This recipe generally yields enough for 3-5 people, depending on appetites. For my three girls, it’s a fantastic, hearty after-school snack or an early dinner solution when we’re rushing out to sports practices. The convenience and quick turnaround time make it an indispensable part of our busy schedule.
Once you have your dough ready, it just needs a little stretching. I recommend lightly spraying your Instant Pot pizza pan with non-stick spray before flipping it over and gently pressing your dough inside. This ensures the dough comes up slightly on the sides, forming that essential, delicious crust that holds all your toppings in place.
Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Perfect Instant Pot Pizza
While you could certainly dedicate time to making your own homemade pizza dough from scratch, let’s be honest – convenience often wins, especially on busy days! That’s why I often reach for refrigerated pizza dough. When unrolled and stretched out just a bit, one container typically provides the perfect amount for two individual Instant Pot pizzas. Once the dough is nestled in your pan, spread a generous layer of your favorite sauce, followed by an abundance of cheese and all your desired toppings. Then, a quick cover with foil, and it’s ready for its journey into the pressure cooker!
The beauty of pizza lies in its simplicity and versatility. For toppings, you’ll simply use what you would if you were baking in a traditional oven. Essential ingredients typically include rich mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced), your preferred pizza sauce (marinara, spaghetti sauce, or a specialty blend), and a selection of toppings like spicy pepperoni, briny black olives, earthy sliced mushrooms, or vibrant diced bell peppers. Feel free to explore other options such as cooked sausage, onions, or even pineapple if that’s your preference!
Don’t forget a little olive oil spray for your pizza pan – it’s a small step that makes a big difference, ensuring your pizza slides out effortlessly after cooking. This whole process is designed to be a quick and easy culinary adventure, perfect for enjoying with your kids. Simple, delicious recipes are truly our passion, and this Instant Pot pizza definitely fits the bill!
Key Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Pizza Every Time
Achieving a perfectly cooked Instant Pot pizza involves a few tried-and-true techniques, especially when using the “pot-in-pot” method. Here’s how to ensure success:
- **The Trivet and Water:** You will always need to place a trivet (the metal rack that usually comes with your Instant Pot) at the bottom of the inner pot. Then, pour at least 2 cups of water into the main pot. This water creates the steam necessary for pressure cooking and prevents your pizza pan from directly touching the bottom.
- **Foil Cover for Condensation Protection:** To prevent any condensation from dripping onto your pizza during the cooking process, it’s crucial to cover your pizza pan securely with aluminum foil. This acts as a protective shield, ensuring your toppings stay perfectly melted and delicious, not soggy.
- **The Foil Sling for Easy Retrieval:** Lifting a hot pizza pan out of a deep Instant Pot can be challenging. To make this process safe and easy, create a “sling” out of aluminum foil. Simply fold a long piece of foil into a sturdy strip, place it under your pizza pan, and use the ends as handles to lower the pan onto the trivet and lift it out once cooked. This simple trick prevents burns and spills, making your pressure cooking experience much smoother.
Following these tips will ensure your Instant Pot pizza is a fun and delicious snack or meal. We’re eager to hear about your experience!
Mastering Pizza with Your Ninja Foodi: Pressure Cook & Crisp
For those who own a versatile Ninja Foodi, you have an exciting advantage: the ability to both pressure cook and air fry for an ultimate crispy texture! To make a Ninja Foodi pizza, you’ll start with the pressure cook function, using the non-attached pressure lid and following the pressure cooking instructions below. This ensures your dough cooks through perfectly and your toppings melt beautifully.
Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, the magic happens. Carefully remove the pressure lid, drain any remaining water from the pot, and then switch to the attached air fryer lid (CrispLid). Set your Ninja Foodi to air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 2-4 minutes. This short burst of high heat will transform the top of your pizza, giving it that wonderfully golden-brown, crispy crust and perfectly browned cheese that everyone loves. Keep a close eye on it to achieve your desired level of crispness!
How to Cook Deep Dish Pizza in Your Instant Pot: Step-by-Step Guide
Time needed: 25 minutes (10 mins prep, 15 mins cook)
This recipe combines the speed of pressure cooking with the beloved flavors of a classic deep dish pizza. Perfect for a quick family dinner!
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Prepare the Dough:
Begin by unrolling your store-bought refrigerated pizza dough, or prepare your favorite homemade dough. Gently stretch it out a bit to create a flat, even surface. Using your 7-inch Instant Pot pizza pan as a guide, carefully cut out two circles from the dough. Ensure there’s enough dough to extend slightly up the sides of the pan to form a delicious crust.
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Assemble Your Pizza:
Lightly spray the inside of your Instant Pot pizza pan with non-stick spray. Carefully place one of your dough circles into the pan, gently pressing it up the sides to form a deep-dish crust. Then, spoon a generous amount of your preferred spaghetti or pizza sauce over the raw dough. Follow this with a lavish layer of mozzarella cheese and any other favorite toppings you desire, such as pepperoni, sliced olives, or diced vegetables.
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Set Up Your Pressure Cooker:
Pour 2 cups of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Place the metal trivet (the steamer rack) in the center of the pot, resting above the water. Next, create a sturdy “foil sling” by folding a long piece of aluminum foil into a strip. Position this sling underneath your pizza pan; it will serve as handles to easily lower the pan into and lift it out of the pressure cooker.
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Cook Under Pressure:
Carefully lower your prepared pizza pan, complete with its foil cover and foil sling, onto the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Close the lid and ensure the steam release valve is sealed (set to “Sealing”). Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time to 15 minutes on high pressure. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the valve to “Venting” and waiting for all the steam to escape.
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Serve & Enjoy (Optional Crisping):
As soon as the pressure is released, quickly and carefully remove the lid, tilting it away from you to prevent any condensation from dripping onto your perfectly cooked pizza. Use the foil sling to lift the hot pizza pan out of the Instant Pot. Uncover the pan and gently slide the pizza onto a cutting board. Slice immediately and serve while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Optional Crisping with CrispLid (or Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Lid): If you desire a browned, crispy top, first remove the cooked pizza from the Instant Pot as described. If using an Instant Pot CrispLid, drain any water from the inner pot, then return the pizza to the pan (without the foil cover) and place it back into the inner pot. Attach the CrispLid, set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and air fry for approximately 4 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. This step adds a wonderful textural contrast!
Watch the Magic Happen: Instant Pot Pizza Tutorial
Instant Pot Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
By Justine
Learn how to make an incredible Instant Pot deep dish pizza! These individual pizzas are a family favorite, perfect for quick dinners. It’s simple with the right pan, ingredients, and clear instructions. Try this easy pressure cooker recipe tonight!
Prep: 10 mins • Cook: 15 mins • Total: 25 mins • Servings: 5
Equipment
- 1 pressure cooker (e.g., Instant Pot)
- 1 Instant Pot pizza pan (7-inch recommended)
- Aluminum foil (for covering and sling)
Ingredients
- 1 container refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
- 1 1/4 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, or more, enough for 2 pizzas)
- 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce (or your favorite pizza sauce)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni (sliced, or other desired toppings)
- Non-stick cooking spray
- 2 cups water (for the Instant Pot)
Instructions
- Unroll your refrigerated pizza dough and gently stretch it to achieve a flat surface large enough to cut two 7-inch pizza bases, using your pizza pan as a guide.
- Lightly coat the inside of your Instant Pot pizza pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place your pizza pan upside down onto the stretched dough and carefully cut around its perimeter with a knife, creating a perfect circular dough base.
- Turn the pizza pan right side up. Gently stretch the cut dough circle just enough so it fits snugly inside your pan, with sufficient excess dough to bring up the sides and form a rustic crust.
- Spread a small amount of pizza sauce over the dough, then generously top with mozzarella cheese and your chosen toppings. Cover the entire pan securely with aluminum foil.
- Add the trivet (steamer rack) inside your Instant Pot and pour 2 cups of water into the inner pot.
- Create a sturdy sling by folding a long piece of tin foil. Position this sling underneath your covered pizza pan; it will allow you to easily lower the pan onto the trivet and lift it out after cooking.
- Carefully lower the pizza pan with its foil sling onto the trivet within the Instant Pot. Close the lid, ensuring the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Set your Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by moving the steam release valve to “Venting.” Once all pressure has been released, carefully open the lid, lifting it away from your face to avoid steam. Use the foil sling to lift the hot pizza out.
- Uncover the pan and carefully slide the cooked pizza onto a cutting board. Slice into wedges and serve immediately for the best warm, gooey experience.
- **Optional CrispLid / Ninja Foodi Step:** If you desire a crispy, browned top, remove the pizza from the Instant Pot (after pressure cooking). Drain any water from the inner pot. Return the pizza (uncovered) to the pan and place it back into the inner pot. Attach your Instant Pot CrispLid or Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Lid, set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook for approximately 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Video Tutorial
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Serving: 4oz, Calories: 164kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 33mg, Sodium: 910mg, Potassium: 390mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 630IU, Vitamin C: 7.2mg, Calcium: 157mg, Iron: 1.4mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Factors such as specific brands, exact measurements, and optional ingredients can affect nutritional values.
Additional Information
Course: Entree, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Once you master this, you might be interested in how to reheat pizza in an air fryer, ensuring those delicious leftovers are just as good as the first slice!
Explore More Fun Pizza Recipes You’ll Love
If this Instant Pot pizza has sparked your passion for unconventional pizza-making, you’ll be thrilled to discover other exciting ways to cook your favorite pies! Why not try our detailed directions for cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer? It’s an incredibly simple and quick method, perfect for a satisfying after-school snack that even older kids can safely prepare on their own.
Alternatively, you can craft your very own air fryer pizza using the exact same versatile dough we recommend for this Instant Pot recipe! This method guarantees an exceptionally crispy crust and toppings, and it takes about the same amount of time – roughly 15 minutes. It’s another fantastic option for a speedy, delicious meal!
Below, you’ll find the full printable recipe card with detailed instructions and approximate nutritional information, including saturated fat and calories. Beyond individual pizzas, we have a range of other innovative pizza-inspired dishes you’re sure to enjoy. Don’t miss our indulgent pizza burgers for a fusion of two comfort food favorites. For a more laid-back, slow-cooker approach, our crock pot pizza recipe offers a unique and easy way to enjoy pizza. Another incredibly fun and creative idea is to make Instant Pot pizza pasta, combining the best of two beloved Italian dishes into one satisfying meal. There’s a pizza adventure for every cooking preference!
