In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the flour mixture along with 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare your pizza sauce. In a bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Brush the rolled-out dough with the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Spread a generous amount of your prepared sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle the mozzarella and gouda cheese evenly on top, followed by the pepperoni slices.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Carefully place the pizza in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Once cooked, remove the pizza from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute. Use a pizza cutter to slice it into wedges, and serve hot.