Easy Homemade Deep Fried Pizza: Crispy and Delicious Recipe

Prepare to experience pizza like never before! Our deep fried pizza recipe transforms a beloved classic into a light, crispy, and irresistibly delicious treat. Perfect for those craving something extraordinary, this innovative cooking method yields a pizza that’s crisp on the outside and wonderfully airy on the inside.

While deep-frying pizza might sound indulgent, the result is surprisingly light and incredibly flavorful. It’s an excellent way to achieve that coveted wood-fired oven taste right in your own kitchen. The high heat of the oil creates a perfectly crisp crust, while the quick cooking time ensures a melty cheese and perfectly warmed toppings.

Pro Tip for Cheese Lovers

Elevate your deep-fried pizza experience by using high-quality fresh mozzarella or smoked mozzarella. For a unique twist, try this trick: mix 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke (Wright’s brand is recommended) with 2 cups of milk. Break a mozzarella ball into 1-2 inch chunks and let them soak in this smoky milk for an hour. The result? A delightful smoky flavor that will take your pizza to new heights!

Ingredients

• 16 ounces (about 3 cups plus 2 tablespoons) bread flour, plus extra for dusting
• .3 ounces (about 2 1/3 teaspoons) kosher salt, plus extra for assembly
• .2 ounces (about 1 teaspoon) active dry yeast
• 11 ounces (1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons) water
• 1 (14-ounce) can whole peeled Italian tomatoes packed in juice
• 2 quarts vegetable, canola, or peanut oil
• 1 (12 to 16-ounce) ball buffalo mozzarella or fresh cow’s milk mozzarella, at room temperature
• Handful fresh basil leaves
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Begin by creating your pizza dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, kosher salt, and active dry yeast until well combined. Add water and mix with your hands until a cohesive dough forms and all dry flour is incorporated. Knead the dough lightly for about 30 seconds, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 8 to 16 hours to develop flavor and texture.
2. After the resting period, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, divide the dough into four equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a floured board, leaving space between each ball. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp, clean kitchen towel and allow to rise for an additional two hours.
3. While the dough is rising, prepare your sauce. Roughly blend the canned tomatoes in a food processor, blender, or by hand. Season the sauce to taste with salt. For the cheese, tear the mozzarella into 1/2 to 1-inch chunks and gently squeeze out any excess whey.
4. Once the dough has risen, set up your cooking station. Preheat your broiler to high heat, positioning the rack about 6 inches below the broiler element. Place a 10-inch cast iron or stainless steel skillet under the broiler to heat. In a separate wide wok or Dutch oven, heat the oil to 350°F, using a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
5. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll one dough ball into a 10-inch diameter disk. Using your fingertips, create 12 to 18 small holes in the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge intact. This will help prevent the dough from puffing up too much during frying.
6. Carefully lower the prepared dough into the hot oil. Use a wire mesh spider or large metal spatula to keep it submerged. Fry until the bottom is lightly crisp and puffy, about 45 seconds. Flip the dough and cook the other side for an additional 45 seconds. Remove the hot skillet from under the broiler and set it on the stovetop. Carefully transfer the fried dough to the preheated skillet, crispy side up.
7. Spread a few tablespoons of your prepared tomato sauce over the dough, leaving the crispy edges uncovered. Scatter pieces of mozzarella and a few fresh basil leaves over the sauce. Sprinkle lightly with salt and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Transfer the skillet back under the broiler and cook until the edges are beautifully charred, about 45 seconds.
8. Serve your deep-fried pizza immediately, while it’s hot and crispy. Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls to create more pizzas.

Why You’ll Love This Deep-Fried Pizza

This unique cooking method creates a pizza that’s truly special. The quick frying process results in a crust that’s simultaneously crispy and light, with beautiful bubbles and charred edges that pizza lovers crave. The high heat ensures that the cheese melts perfectly and the toppings are warmed through, all while maintaining the fresh flavors of your ingredients.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next dinner party or simply want to elevate your home pizza game, this deep-fried pizza recipe is sure to become a new favorite. It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Nutritional Facts

A Word on Nutrition

While this deep-fried pizza is a delicious treat, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The frying process does add extra calories and fat, but the joy of cooking and sharing this unique pizza can be a wonderful part of a varied and enjoyable approach to eating.

Customization Ideas

This deep-fried pizza recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different toppings, cheeses, and sauces to create your perfect combination. Try a white pizza with ricotta and spinach, or go for a classic Margherita with fresh tomatoes. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your deep-fried pizza hot out of the skillet for the best texture and flavor. Pair it with a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or enjoy it alongside your favorite Italian wine for a truly indulgent meal. However you choose to serve it, this deep-fried pizza is sure to be a hit!