Air Fryer Pizza: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens when it comes to making pizza. They can be used to make pizzas with any thickness of crust, and are especially useful in hot weather when you don't want to heat up your kitchen. Air fryers also use very little energy, and don't require any special equipment. You can use store-bought pizza dough, or make your own, and then cook it in the air fryer for a few minutes until it's crispy. You can then add your chosen toppings and cook the pizza for a few more minutes.

Precooking the crust

Firstly, roll out your pizza dough to fit the size of your air fryer basket. It's important to ensure the dough is not too thick, as this can lead to a softer texture and trap moisture. Aim for a uniform thickness to get an even crisp. If you're using a store-bought pizza base, make sure to find one that fits your air fryer.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). It's important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and to help the crust set. Also, make sure to oil the basket to prevent the pizza from sticking and becoming soggy.

Now, place the pizza base in the air fryer basket. Brush the top of the dough lightly with olive oil. This will create a barrier to prevent moisture from soaking into the dough and help achieve a crispier texture. Prick the dough a few times with a fork, then cook for 3 minutes.

After 3 minutes, remove the basket and flip the dough over. Place it back in the air fryer and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will ensure that the base is cooked through and prevent a white, undercooked bottom.

Once the crust is a light golden colour and slightly crispy, remove it from the air fryer and add your toppings. It's important to note that most air fryers are structured in a way that makes it difficult to assemble the pizza outside of the basket, so it's best to add toppings directly to the precooked crust in the air fryer.

Finally, return the pizza to the air fryer and cook for a further 6-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is a deep golden brown.

By precooking the crust, you'll achieve a crispy, golden base for your pizza, and avoid the issue of a soggy, undercooked crust.

Choosing toppings

The best part about making pizza is choosing your toppings. You can go with a classic combination or get creative and experiment with different flavours. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to add some colour, texture, and nutrients to your pizza. Here are some options to consider:

• Grilled veggies: zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers
• Mushrooms: sliced or caramelized
• Onions: sliced red onions or caramelized onions
• Artichokes: marinated artichoke hearts or grilled artichokes
• Tomatoes: sun-dried tomatoes or tomato confit

Meats

If you're a meat lover, there are plenty of options to choose from:

• Cured meats: ham, salami, or pepperoni
• Parma ham or Italian prosciutto
• Chicken or sausage

Cheeses

Cheese is a must-have on pizza, but you can go beyond mozzarella:

• Mozzarella: fresh, shredded, or homemade
• Burrata: a creamy and rich option
• Parmesan: grated or shredded
• Goat cheese or gorgonzola

Herbs and Spices

Add some extra flavour with herbs and spices:

• Basil: fresh basil leaves
• Red pepper flakes: for a spicy kick
• Oregano: dried or fresh
• Black pepper or chilli flakes

Other Toppings

• Olives: black or green
• Anchovies
• Pineapple: for a sweet and savoury combination
• Eggs: fried or scrambled

Remember, the key to a great pizza is balance. Don't overload your pizza with too many toppings, and make sure the flavours complement each other. Happy cooking!

Cooking the pizza

Ingredients

First, you'll need to gather your ingredients. For the base, you can use pizza dough, a naan, flatbread, or a tortilla. You'll also need olive oil, pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought), and cheese—buffalo mozzarella or regular mozzarella are popular choices.

Preparation

Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 375°F and 400°F. You can also spray or brush the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Now, it's time to prepare your pizza base. Roll out your chosen base to fit the size of your air fryer basket. If you're using pizza dough, you may want to prick it with a fork a few times. Place the base in the air fryer and cook for 3 minutes. Then, flip the base over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Cooking

Once the base is pre-cooked, it's time to add your toppings. Spread a layer of tomato sauce on the base, leaving a border. Add your cheese and any other desired toppings.

Place the pizza back in the air fryer and cook at 375°F for about 7-8 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.

Serving

Remove the pizza from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Storing and reheating

Storing Pizza in the Fridge

If you're storing pizza in the fridge, it's best to use a zip-top bag or a food storage container. The pizza will stay fresh for up to 24 hours in its cardboard box. However, any longer than a day and it will start to dry out. Pizza stored in airtight containers will last for about 2-3 days in the fridge.

Let the pizza cool to room temperature before storing it in the fridge. If you put hot pizza into an airtight container, condensation will form, leading to bacteria growth and a soggy crust.

You can also freeze leftover pizza. Place the slices on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer them to ziplock bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer

The air fryer is a great way to reheat leftover pizza, giving it a crispy crust and melted cheese. It's much faster than using a conventional oven and gives better results than a microwave, which can make pizza soggy.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about 2-3 minutes.
• Place the pizza slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. You can use parchment paper, aluminium foil, or a silicone liner for easy cleanup, but this is optional.
• Reheat the pizza for 3-5 minutes for thin-crust pizza, and 5-7 minutes for deep-dish or thick-crust pizza. Check the pizza occasionally to ensure it doesn't overcook.
• Once the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy, carefully remove the pizza from the air fryer and serve.

You can also reheat frozen pizza in the air fryer. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time and keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn.

Air fryer vs oven

Air fryers have become increasingly popular, with approximately 45% of UK households owning one. They are often touted as a healthier alternative to deep frying, as they require little to no oil. But how do they compare to traditional ovens when it comes to making pizza?

Size and Capacity

Air fryers are typically smaller than conventional ovens and have limited capacity. They are ideal for cooking for one or two people, but if you're cooking for a larger group or making multiple pizzas, you may need to work in batches. On the other hand, an oven allows you to cook multiple pizzas at once, making it more efficient for feeding a crowd.

Temperature

Pizza recipes often call for high temperatures of 250°C and above. While some air fryers can reach these temperatures, many ovens have higher maximum temperature settings, allowing for a crispier crust. However, air fryers with strong airflow can circulate the heat better, resulting in more even cooking.

Ease of Use and Cleanliness

Air fryers are generally easy to use, with clear displays, touchscreen controls, and audio reminders. They often require less cooking time than ovens, saving energy and reducing the risk of overcooking. Additionally, clean-up is usually simpler with air fryers, as they typically use fewer pots or baking trays.

Versatility

While air fryers are excellent for frying and baking, ovens offer more versatility in terms of cooking techniques. Ovens are better suited for grilling, roasting, and baking larger items. Air fryers may struggle with dishes that require a lot of space, such as a large roast or multiple trays of food.

Cost

Air fryers are generally more energy-efficient than ovens, helping to reduce energy bills over time. However, they may require the purchase of pre-cooked ingredients or specialised accessories, increasing the overall cost. Ovens, on the other hand, can be more cost-effective for larger families or when cooking in bulk.

Both air fryers and ovens have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to making pizza. Air fryers excel in convenience, ease of use, and energy efficiency, while ovens offer more capacity and versatility. Ultimately, the decision between an air fryer and an oven depends on your specific needs, the number of people you typically cook for, and the types of dishes you enjoy preparing.

Frequently asked questions