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Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Casserole (Easy 20-Min Dinner)

Name: Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 16.3 ounces Pillsbury biscuits (16.3 oz Pillsbury biscuits, cut into quarters); 8 ounces pizza sauce (or marinara sauce); 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded , divided); 8 ounces pepperoni slices (divided)

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: July 17, 2019

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If pizza night is a weekly tradition at your house, this Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is about to become your new shortcut to it. Made with flaky Pillsbury biscuits, rich marinara, gooey melted mozzarella, and plenty of pepperoni, it cooks up hot and bubbly in the air fryer in about 20 minutes — no delivery, no rolling dough, and barely any cleanup.

Close-up of air fryer pepperoni pizza casserole topped with melted cheese and pepperoni slices.

Think of it as everything you love about a pepperoni pizza, scooped onto a plate instead of sliced. The biscuit pieces bake into soft, doughy bites that soak up the sauce, the cheese melts into golden pockets, and the pepperoni crisps at the edges. If you’ve made my Air Fryer Bubble-Up Pizza Bake, you already know how well biscuit dough works in the air fryer — this casserole takes that same idea and loads it up with extra pepperoni and cheese.

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, game day, or any time you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying without the effort. If you love an easy, dump-and-bake dinner, it’s right at home next to my Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole and Air Fryer Mexican Chicken Casserole in the weeknight rotation.

Freshly baked pepperoni pizza casserole in an air fryer basket, with bubbly cheese and crispy pepperoni.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pizza Casserole

Ready in about 20 minutes. Five minutes of prep, fifteen in the air fryer. Faster than delivery.
Just four core ingredients. Biscuits, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni — that’s the whole base.
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing. All the flavor of pizza in a fun, scoopable form.
Less mess. The air fryer does the work, and there’s no dough to roll or pizza stone to scrub.
Totally customizable. Add veggies, swap the meat, or change up the cheese — it’s a blank canvas.
Great for leftovers. It reheats beautifully in the air fryer the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this easy pizza casserole. Exact amounts are in the printable recipe card below.

Ingredients for air fryer pepperoni pizza casserole on a wooden table.

Pillsbury biscuits — Cut into quarters, they form the soft, doughy “crust” that bakes through the casserole. A flaky or Grands-style biscuit works great, and it’s the same trick behind my Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Crescent Rolls.
Marinara or pizza sauce — Coats the biscuit pieces with rich tomato flavor and Italian herbs. Use a good-quality jarred sauce for the best taste.
Shredded mozzarella cheese — That essential layer of gooey, melty cheese. Freshly shredded melts the smoothest.
Pepperoni slices — Classic, savory, slightly spicy. Mini pepperoni works well too and tucks into every bite.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to change up:

Switch the meat. Try Italian sausage, cooked ground beef, diced ham, or crispy bacon. For a “supreme” version, use a mix.
Add vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, red onion, or black olives all work — just chop them small so they cook through.
Change the cheese. Provolone, a mozzarella-cheddar blend, or a sprinkle of Parmesan adds extra depth.
Make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free biscuits or refrigerated dough and a certified gluten-free sauce.
Spice it up. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a few pickled jalapeños brings the heat.
Turn it into a calzone instead. If you’re in the mood for the stuffed, hand-held version, my Air Fryer Pepperoni Calzone uses the same flavors in a different form.

How to Make Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Cutting Pillsbury biscuits into quarters for pizza casserole.

Step 1 — Prep the biscuits. Cut the Pillsbury biscuits into quarters so they cook evenly and blend through the casserole.

Step 2 — Mix everything together. In a large bowl, toss the biscuit pieces with the marinara until each piece is well coated. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and pepperoni so the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3 — Assemble. Lightly grease an air fryer-safe baking dish and spread the mixture in an even layer. Top with a little extra cheese and a few more pepperoni slices for a crisp, golden finish.

Step 4 — Air fry. Place the dish in the air fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, until the biscuits are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Check at the halfway point to make sure it’s cooking evenly.

Let it rest a couple of minutes before scooping, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like.

Air fryer pepperoni pizza casserole topped with melted cheese in a white dish.

Pro Tips for the Best Pizza Casserole

Make sure the biscuits cook through. The center pieces take the longest. If the top is browning but the middle is still doughy, lower the temp to 320°F and give it a few extra minutes.
Don’t overfill the dish. A thinner, even layer cooks more evenly than a deep, packed one.
Use a quality sauce. Since the sauce carries most of the flavor, it’s worth using one you love.
Prevent a soggy bottom. For extra insurance, pre-cook the biscuit base in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes before adding sauce and toppings.
Watch your air fryer. Every model runs a little differently, so use the visual cues — bubbly cheese and cooked-through biscuits — over the exact clock.

What to Serve With Pizza Casserole

Round out the meal with a few easy sides — a crisp green salad with Italian dressing, garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks, roasted or air-fried vegetables, and a dipping sauce like ranch or extra marinara. If you want to keep the whole spread in the air fryer, a batch of Totino’s Pizza Rolls makes an easy, kid-approved appetizer while the casserole cooks.

"Baked Air Fryer Pizza Casserole with golden edges and melted cheese, topped with pepperoni"

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze before or after cooking. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and use within 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating or baking.

Reheating: The air fryer is the best way to reheat — a few minutes at 350°F brings back the crisp edges and melty cheese far better than a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes. Mozzarella is classic, but cheddar, provolone, or a blend all work well. A little Parmesan on top adds extra flavor.

Can I add vegetables? Absolutely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions are all great — just chop them finely so they cook evenly in the short bake time.

How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes. Use gluten-free biscuits or dough and double-check that your sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I freeze pizza casserole? Yes, before or after cooking. Wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

How do I keep the bottom from getting soggy? Pre-cook the biscuit base in the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the sauce and toppings.

What size air fryer do I need? Any air fryer that fits a small baking dish (around 6–7 inches) works. For larger basket models, you can use a cake barrel or oven-safe pan that fits with room for air to circulate.

If this one becomes a favorite, you’ll probably love my lighter Air Fryer Pesto & Spinach Naan Pizza and the 6-minute Air Fryer Pita Pizza for nights when you want something even quicker — and for feeding a crowd, the Air Fryer Sheet Pan Pizza is a reliable go-to.