Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls

High-protein Pizza Bowl in ~15 minutes, crispy-melty top, low-carb sauce, and bariatric-friendly portions.

Scoopable, cheese-pull “pizza” you can eat with a spoon, light, fast, and packed with protein.

Side view ramekin of cottage-cheese pizza bowl—bubbly browned cheese, red sauce, pepperoni and peppers; high-protein, low-carb air-fryer dinner.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Cottage Cheese Recipes Healthy: 25–30g protein per bowl with minimal carbs.
  • Keto Recipes Dinner / Keto Recipes Easy: one air-fryer basket, no dough, 15 minutes.
  • Bariatric Friendly Recipes: portionable ramekins; optional extra egg white for a firmer set.
  • Custom toppings: pepperoni/turkey pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers—keep it Recette Santé / Low Carb Rezepte friendly.
  • Budget-smart pantry meal you’ll make on repeat.

Try these next: protein-packed High-Protein Lasagna Soup, sweet-tooth fix Cottage Cheese Ice Cream, and party-perfect Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip.

Ingredients — notes only

Base (per 2 bowls):

  • Low-fat cottage cheese (1 cup) — blend or drain for less whey.
  • Sugar-free/low-sugar marinara (½ cup) — keep carbs down.
  • Part-skim mozzarella (½ cup) — melts without greasiness.
  • Parmesan (2 Tbsp) — salty punch + browning.
  • Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, salt/pepper.
  • Optional set: 1 egg white mixed into cottage cheese (more protein + firmer texture).

Toppings (choose 2–3):

  • Turkey pepperoni or regular; diced bell pepper; sliced mushrooms; olives; red onion; fresh basil.

Equipment:

  • Two 8-oz oven-safe ramekins (or mini cast-iron), oil spray, foil sling for easy lift.

Step-by-Step (6–8 steps)

  1. Preheat air fryer 3 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Spray two ramekins.
  2. Season base: Stir cottage cheese with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, and egg white (optional).
  3. Layer: Spoon 2 Tbsp marinara into each ramekin → half the cottage cheese → a little mozzarella → remaining cottage cheese → remaining marinara.
  4. Top: Add mozzarella + Parmesan; arrange toppings (don’t overpack).
  5. Air fry: 375°F for 8–10 min until bubbling and browned at edges.
  6. Finish: Rest 2–3 min (firms up), scatter basil.
  7. Serve: Spoon straight from the ramekin.
  8. Extra crisp: Air-fryer “broil” or 400°F for 1–2 min to caramelize cheese.

Doneness cues: cheese deeply melted with browned spots; sauce bubbles at edges; center hot (160–170°F if checked).

Pro Tips

  • Less watery: drain cottage cheese 10 min or pulse 10–15 sec in a blender.
  • Stack smart: sauce on both bottom and top keeps “pizza” flavor in every bite.
  • Toppings dry = crisp: pat mushrooms/peppers; moisture delays browning.
  • Portion control: 8-oz ramekins keep it Bariatric Recipes friendly.
  • Meal prep: mix base in a bowl and portion when ready to air-fry.

Variations

  • Meat-lovers (Keto): add cooked Italian turkey sausage + pepperoni.
  • Veggie supreme: mushrooms, peppers, olives, onions; finish with arugula.
  • BBQ chicken bowl: swap marinara for sugar-free BBQ + cooked chicken, red onion, cilantro.
  • White “pizza”: skip marinara; add a spoon of ricotta + spinach + extra garlic.
  • Spicy: Calabrian chili paste or hot honey (if not strict keto).

How to Serve

Add a green salad, roasted broccoli, or zucchini ribbons. Great with sparkling water + lemon for the full Feta-forward, cottage-cheese healthy-eating vibe.

Make Ahead & Storage

  • Fridge (unbaked): cover and chill up to 24 hrs; air-fry +1–2 min.
  • Fridge (baked): 3–4 days; reheat 350°F (175°C) 4–5 min or microwave 45–60 sec.
  • Freeze: not ideal (dairy texture changes).

FAQs

Why is there liquid on top?
Drain or blend cottage cheese; let bowls rest 2–3 min after cooking.

Can I use whole-milk cottage cheese?
Yes—richer mouthfeel; macros change slightly.

What bowls are safe in an air fryer?
Oven-safe ceramic/metal/enameled cast-iron that fits your basket with airflow.

Is this keto?
Use sugar-free marinara, low-carb toppings, and watch veggie portions; each bowl is low-carb by design.

Simple Nutrition (estimate per bowl, serves 2)

CaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSodium
~250~27g~8g~11g2g720mg
Estimates only; toppings and brands vary.
Sarah

Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls

High-protein, low-carb pizza bowls made with cottage cheese, melty mozzarella, and your favorite toppings—ready in about 15 minutes. Perfect for healthy, keto-friendly, and bariatric-friendly dinners.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 bowls (8-oz each)
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients

  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (drained or blended)
  • ½ cup low-sugar marinara sauce
  • ½ cup part-skim mozzarella, shredded
  • 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste
  • 1 egg white optional (for firmer set, extra protein)
  • Toppings (choose 2–3): ¼ cup turkey pepperoni, mushrooms, bell pepper, olives, red onion, basil

Equipment

  • air fryer for cooking the bowls
  • two 8-oz ramekins
  • mixing bowl
  • spoon or spatula for layering ingredients
  • nonstick spray

Method

  • Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray two 8-ounce ramekins with nonstick spray.
  • In a bowl, stir cottage cheese with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, and optional egg white until combined.
  • Layer in each ramekin: 2 Tbsp marinara → half the cottage cheese → pinch mozzarella → remaining cottage cheese → remaining marinara.
  • Top each with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and chosen toppings.
  • Air-fry 8–10 minutes until bubbling and golden. Let rest 2–3 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 27gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 580IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 320mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

Keep carbs low with sugar-free marinara and non-starchy toppings. For meal prep, assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Internal links: pair with High-Protein Lasagna Soup, Cottage Cheese Ice Cream, and Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Tried this recipe?Mention @WPRecipeMaker or tag #wprecipemaker!

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating