Air Fryer Roti Pizza with leftover rotis

Ask any parent what their kids want for dinner and pizza will be in the top three. This air fryer roti pizza has been my shortcut to making that happen on busy weeknights using leftover rotis.

This air fryer roti pizza is one of the easiest things I make for my kids and they love it every single time. The roti gets super crispy in the air fryer first, then you load it up with pizza sauce, cheese, and veggies, and pop it back in for a few minutes. It takes about 20 minutes and you probably already have all the roti pizza ingredients you need in the fridge.

If leftover rotis usually end up sitting in your fridge untouched, this recipe and our smashed tacos are two really good reasons to start saving them. You can also try our mini veg pizza if you want to make pizza from scratch, but for those evenings when you just need something quick and the kids are already hungry, this roti pizza is hard to beat.

Roti Pizza Ingredients

Leftover Rotis: Day-old rotis work better than fresh ones because they hold their shape and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Pizza Sauce: Store-bought or homemade, either works.

Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded. Be generous, it’s pizza after all.

Veggie Toppings: Corn, red and green bell peppers, and onions. But you can use whatever your family likes.

Italian Seasoning: Sprinkled on top before air frying for that classic pizza flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is roti pizza different from regular pizza?

Regular pizza uses a yeasted dough that’s proofed, shaped, and baked. Roti pizza skips all of that and uses a leftover roti or chapati as the base instead. The result is thinner, crispier, and a lot quicker to make. It won’t taste exactly like a traditional pizza, but it’s delicious in its own way and takes a fraction of the time.

What kind of roti works best for roti pizza?

Day-old leftover rotis work best because they’ve lost some moisture and crisp up really well in the air fryer. Fresh rotis are too soft and tend to stay floppy even after air frying. Whole wheat, multigrain, or regular maida rotis all work fine.

Why is my roti pizza soggy?

Most likely the roti wasn’t air fried plain before adding the toppings. That first 3 minutes of air frying the bare roti is what crisps up the base. Also check if you’ve added too much sauce or piled on too many toppings, both release moisture and make the base soggy.

Can I use naan instead of roti for pizza?

You can, but naan is thicker and softer so the texture will be quite different. It’ll feel more like a flatbread pizza than a crispy thin crust. If using naan, air fry it plain for an extra minute or two to get a crispier base before adding toppings.

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes. Heat a tawa on medium, place the roti with toppings, cover with a lid, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the cheese melts and the base crisps up. The air fryer gives a more even crispiness, but the tawa method works well too.

a person holding a slice of air fryer roti pizza

Richa’s Top Tips

Air fry the roti plain first before adding toppings. Three minutes at 180°C crisps up the base and prevents the pizza from turning soggy.
Place a bowl or plate on top of the roti while air frying it plain. The hot air can cause the roti to fly around in the basket. A small bowl or plate on top keeps it flat and ensures it crisps up evenly.
Leave a small gap around the edges when spreading the sauce. About a quarter inch all around is enough. If the sauce reaches the edges, it spills over during air frying and makes the base soggy.
Don’t overload the toppings. It’s tempting, but too many veggies and cheese weigh down the roti and prevent the base from staying crispy. A thin layer of each is all you need.
Serve immediately. Roti pizza is at its best straight out of the air fryer when the cheese is still melty, and the base is still crispy. It softens quickly as it cools.

Storage Tips

Best eaten fresh. This is one of those recipes that’s meant to be made and eaten right away. The roti loses its crispiness quickly once it cools, and the toppings make it soggy if it sits too long.
Freezing: Not recommended. The roti base goes chewy and the vegetables release water once thawed.
Prep ahead tip: If you’re making these for a party or a bigger group, you can prep the toppings and sauce in advance. Then just assemble and air fry each roti pizza fresh as people are ready to eat. It only takes about 7 minutes per pizza so they come out quickly.

Serving Ideas

Roti pizza is a snack that works best fresh out of the air fryer. Here are a few ways to make it more of a moment:

With Roasted Tomato Pesto Soup: Pizza and tomato soup is a classic pairing, and this roti pizza version is no different.
With Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Pizza and fries on the same plate. Kids won’t believe their luck.
With Lychee Soda: A cold, fizzy glass of lychee soda alongside hot roti pizza makes for the most fun snack time spread.
As a movie night snack: Make a few chapati pizzas with different toppings, cut them into wedges, and serve on a big board. Easy, fun, and everyone gets to pick their favourite.

Customisation Ideas

Go desi: Skip the pizza sauce and spread green coriander chutney as the base instead. Top with paneer cubes, onions, and green chillies for a fully Indian version.
Make it non-veg: Shredded chicken, leftover keema, or chicken tikka pieces work really well as toppings. Add them over the cheese so they warm through while the pizza air fries.
Try a white pizza: Skip the pizza sauce entirely and use veg mayonnaise or garlic butter as the base. Top with mushrooms, corn, and extra cheese for a creamy, saucy version.

If this air fryer roti pizza recipe saves you from one pizza delivery order, my job here is done. But honestly, it’ll probably save you from a lot more than one. When you make it, share your pictures with me on Instagram @my_foodstory, I’d love to see what toppings your family goes with.

Watch Roti Pizza Recipe Video