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    Home » Recipes » Pizza » Deep Fried Pizza

    Deep Fried Pizza

    Published: Jul 9, 2020 · Modified: Apr 12, 2023 by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE ↓ JUMP TO VIDEO

    Deep Fried Pizza has the most fantastic crust that is buttery and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside! Add your favorite toppings and bake.

    sliced pepperoni deep fried pizza

    I’ve always been a huge fan of Pizza Hut’s pan pizza because of the crispy, buttery crust. And after my family tasted these deep fried pizza they all agreed that they are a copycat Pizza Hut recipe.

    How To Make Deep Fried Pizza

    yeast proofing in bowl

    This is a yeast based pizza dough recipe. (If you want to make a no yeast version, you can follow this fry bread recipe of mine.) The most important thing is to make sure the hot water is the right temperature. If it is too hot and you’ll kill the yeast. Not hot enough and the yeast won’t activate.

    Pour water that is between 110˚F-115˚F into a bowl. Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the hot water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the yeast to proof (which means foam) for 5-10 minutes.

    mixer kneading dough

    Once the yeast is ready, add the olive oil, salt, and all-purpose flour to the bowl. Next, knead the dough until smooth and elastic. I like to use my stand mixer with the hook attachment because it makes it so easy!

    But I’ve also made the recipe kneading the dough by hand and it works that way too. It just takes a little more muscle.

    olive oil on pizza dough

    Remove the dough ball from the bowl. Add the olive oil and coat the sides with the oil. Return the dough to the bowl and turn to coat.

    raised pizza dough

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm draft-free place for about 1 hour.

    raised yeast dough on silicone mat

    Punch the dough down and turn out onto a floured surface.

    Can you refrigerate the pizza dough overnight?

    Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Follow the instructions to prepare the dough. After turning it out onto a floured surface, lightly wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

    When ready to use the refrigerated dough, remove it from the fridge and let it stand for 20-30 minutes before dividing the dough.

    dough divided into 8 wedges

    Divide the ball of dough into eight pieces.

    Can this deep fried pizza dough be frozen?

    Yes! To freeze this yeast fry bread dough, follow the instructions to prepare the dough. After turning it out onto a floured surface, divide the dough into 8 pieces. Form a ball with each piece and wrap the balls of dough in plastic wrap, put them in a ziptop freezer bag. Place the dough in the freezer for up to three months.

    Remove the balls of dough from the freezer the day before you plan to use them so that they can thaw. Then, remove the dough from the fridge and let it stand for 20-30 minutes flattening into crusts.

    circle of dough

    Flatten each piece into a thin circle that is about 6-7 inches across. You can use your hands, your fingertips, a rolling pin or a combination of all three.

    deep frying dough in cast iron skillet

    Put about a 1/2 inch of oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy pot that is wide enough to fit your circles of dough. Use a thermometer and heat the oil to 365˚F.

    Carefully add a dough round to the hot oil. I found that the easiest way to add the dough to the oil was to use these silicone oven mitts that protected my hands but allowed me to pick up the dough.

    Deep fry the pizza crust for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. Always monitor the temperature of the oil and stay close by the skillet.

    fried crusts in a stack on a white plate

    Drain crusts on a paper-towel lined plate

    Can these deep fried pizza crusts be used for other recipes?

    Yes, these deep fried pizza crusts are basically a yeast fry bread and can be base for many different recipes from sweet to savory. Here are a few to try:

    • Elephant Ears: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
    • Honey Butter: Brush with melted butter and drizzle with honey.
    • Indian Tacos: Top with taco meat, lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes.
    • Flatbread: Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with rosemary.
    top with shredded mozzarella

    Once crusts are ready, preheat the oven and start adding the toppings. Start with pizza sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.

    add pepperoni and oregano

    Top with slices of pepperoni and a sprinkle of oregano. Bake at 450˚F for 7-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

    top view of deep fried pepperoni pizza

    What other toppings can I add to a deep fried pizza?

    You can add any toppings to your deep fried pizza that you would add on a traditional crust. Try adding sausage, Canadian bacon, chicken, bacon, black olives, onions, or peppers. Here are a few variations to try:

    • Chicken Alfredo Pizza: Use alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, chopped spinach, and mozzarella cheese.
    • Hawaiian Pizza: Top with Canadian bacon and pineapple cubes.
    • Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Use ranch sauce, buffalo chicken, sliced onion, and mozzarella cheese.
    side view of deep fried pizza

    Can deep fried pizzas be made ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the deep fried pizzas ahead of time! Cover them with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator overnight.

    When ready to enjoy, remove from the fridge, discard the plastic wrap and bake at 425˚F for 10-13 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

    melted cheese pull from lifting one slice of pizza

    Want more pizza recipes? Try these next:

    We love making Grilled Pizza all summer long! It’s so easy to make pizza on the grill and is perfect for families because everyone can add their favorite toppings.

    Take pizza night to the next level with Macaroni and Cheese Pizza. This mac ‘n cheese pizza recipe is easy to make for a fun family dinner!

    Tater Tot Taco Pizza is a mouthwatering combo of two of your favorite eats: tacos and pizza! The tater tot crust makes this dinner recipe even more fun.

    Mini Chicken Taco Pizzas are perfect for parties or make them for a fun family dinner. These mini chicken tacos are bursting with flavor and so easy to make!

    cut pizza into four pieces

    Deep Fried Pizza

    Deep Fried Pizza has the most fantastic crust that is buttery and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside! Add your favorite toppings and bake.
    5 from 1 vote
    ↑ Click stars to rate!
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    Prep Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 7 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 37 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
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    Equipment

    KitchenAid Stand Mixer
    Vegetable Oil
    Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet
    Grilling Gloves

    Ingredients

    Deep Fried Crust

    • 1 ½ cups hot water (110˚F-115˚F)
    • 2 ¼ teaspoon dry active yeast
    • 2 teaspoon sugar
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 teaspoon salt
    • 4 ½ cups flour
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil for greasing the bowl
    • Vegetable oil for frying

    Toppings

    • 1 cup pizza sauce
    • 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 48 slices pepperoni
    • 1 tablespoon oregano

    Instructions

    • Deep Fried Crust
    • Stir together the water, yeast, and sugar. Cover and allow the yeast to proof (or foam) for 5-10 minutes.
    • Stir in olive oil, salt, and flour. Knead for 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer or until smooth and elastic.
    • Remove the dough from the bowl, add the olive oil, and grease the sides. Return the dough to the bowl and turn to coat. Cover and raise for 60 minutes.
    • Punch down and turn out onto a floured surface. Divide into 8 pieces. Flatten each piece into a circle about 6-7 inches across.
    • Put about a ½ inch of oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy pot that is wide enough to fit your circles of dough. Use a thermometer and heat the oil to 365˚F. Carefully add a dough round to the hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. Always monitor the temperature of the oil and stay close by the skillet.
    • Pizza Toppings
    • Preheat oven to 450˚F.
    • Top crusts with pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, and a sprinkle of oregano.
    • Bake at 450˚F for 7-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 478kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 1096mg | Potassium: 237mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 333IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 171mg | Iron: 4mg
    Course: Pizza
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

    More Pizza

    • Melted caramel running down the top of the fruit dessert pizza.
      Caramel Apple Fruit Pizza
    • sliced veggie pizza
      Puff Pastry Veggie Pizza
    • Grilled pizza with pepperoni.
      Grilled Pizza
    • A slice of pulled pork pizza rests on a serving utensil next to the remaining pizza slices.
      Pulled Pork Pizza

    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 12+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

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    Comments

    1. Lanie B says

      June 30, 2022 at 1:45 am

      5 stars
      It’s very good. Made with red peppers, tomatoes and spinach, so good!!

      Reply

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    Tonia Larson and Brian LarsonHi, We are Brian and Tonia Larson! We hope you enjoy our family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and tasty desserts!
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