Air Fryer Totino's Pizza: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Totino's Party Pizza is a convenient and tasty snack that can be cooked in an air fryer. It is a popular choice for those looking for a quick and easy meal or snack with minimal cleanup. The air fryer cooks the pizza evenly and efficiently, resulting in a crispy crust and melted cheese. The cooking time is also significantly reduced compared to a conventional oven, making it a fast and convenient option for satisfying pizza cravings.

Preheat settings

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in ensuring your Totino's pizza cooks evenly and that you get the desired crispy crust. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer to is 400°F (200°C). Depending on the make and model of your air fryer, preheating can take up to 4 minutes.

Some air fryers, such as the Power XL air fryer, do not require preheating. However, most air fryers will benefit from preheating, as it helps to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust. It is also worth noting that preheating an air fryer is significantly faster than preheating a traditional oven, so you can have your pizza ready to eat in no time!

If you are using a Cosori or Ninja Foodi air fryer, preheating is recommended. The Ninja Air Fryer, in particular, has been known to fit Totino's pizzas perfectly, so you can be sure of an even cook.

For best results, preheat your air fryer at a higher temperature than you will use to cook the pizza. This will allow for more even cooking and help you achieve the desired crispiness.

Pizza preparation

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make Totino's Pizza in an air fryer:

• Totino's Frozen Pizza (any variety – cheese, pepperoni, or a combination of different pizzas)
• Olive oil (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Parchment paper (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy crust.
• Take the Totino's Frozen Pizza out of its packaging. You can add or rearrange toppings as desired.
• If using, lightly brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder.
• Place the pizza directly into the air fryer basket, ensuring it's in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Air fry the pizza at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on it after 5 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Once the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown, carefully remove the pizza from the air fryer using a spatula.
• Place the pizza on a cutting board or plate and slice it into portions.
• Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can cook multiple pizzas at once if your air fryer basket is large enough, but ensure they don't overlap.
• There is no need to flip the pizza during cooking as the air fryer circulates hot air evenly.
• Feel free to add extra toppings, but avoid overloading the pizza as it may affect cooking.
• For extra crispy pizza, brush the crust with olive oil before cooking.
• Totino's Pizza goes well with a side of marinara sauce, mozzarella sticks, or garlic bread.

Storage and Reheating:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To freeze, wrap slices in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until hot and crispy.

Cooking time and temperature

Preheating the Air Fryer:

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before cooking Totino's pizza. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for optimal results. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve the desired crispy crust. Preheat the tray or basket as well to promote even heat distribution.

Cooking Temperature:

Maintain the air fryer temperature at 400°F (200°C) during the cooking process. This higher temperature is key to achieving the desired crispiness and browning of the crust.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for Totino's pizza in an air fryer can vary depending on the model and your desired level of crispiness. As a general guideline, cook the pizza for approximately 6 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on the pizza, especially after the 5-minute mark, to prevent overcooking. The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Adjusting Cooking Time for Crispiness:

If you prefer a softer crust, reduce the cooking time by a minute or so. For an extra crispy crust, air fry the pizza for a few additional minutes at 400°F. Experiment with the cooking times to find the perfect level of crispiness that suits your taste.

Cooking Multiple Pizzas:

When cooking multiple Totino's pizzas, it's best to cook them in batches to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. In some air fryers, like the Vortex, you may be able to cook two pizzas at once by switching their positions halfway through. Always ensure proper spacing between pizzas to allow hot air to circulate effectively.

Reheating Pizza:

To reheat leftover pizza, simply place it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until the crust becomes crunchy again. Continue cooking in 2-3 minute intervals if needed.

Serving suggestions

Totino's Party Pizzas are a convenient, tasty, and budget-friendly snack. They are a great option for a quick bite, especially when you're cooking for a crowd or a bunch of hungry kids. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Totino's pizza experience:

Dipping Sauces

Take your taste buds on an adventure by pairing your pizza with various dipping sauces. Try extra pizza sauce, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce for a flavourful kick.

Side Dishes

For a heartier meal, serve your Totino's pizza with some Air Fryer Frozen French Fries or Air Fryer Onion Rings. These sides will complement the pizza perfectly and satisfy even the biggest appetites.

Customise Your Pizza

Totino's Party Pizzas are a blank canvas for culinary creativity. Experiment with different toppings to make them your own. Add chopped basil, arugula, fresh tomatoes, or sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also sprinkle on some extra cheese for an extra indulgent treat.

Drinks

Offer a selection of refreshing drinks to accompany the pizza. Sodas, iced tea, or even a cold beer for the adults can help wash down the delicious slices.

Dessert

Don't forget to satisfy your sweet tooth after all that savoury goodness! Offer some light and fruity options like ice cream, sorbet, or fresh fruit salad. Alternatively, continue the indulgent theme with chocolate brownies or cookies.

Reheating and storing

Totino's Pizza can be reheated in an air fryer in just 2-3 minutes until the slices have a crunchy crust. You can continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes at a time if necessary.

To reheat pizza in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 350°F for a few minutes. Place the pizza slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping or stacking them. You can place the pizza directly into the basket or line the basket with a disposable parchment paper liner or a reusable silicone liner for easy cleanup.

Cook for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. You can open the basket and check the pizza occasionally to see if it has warmed to your liking. If it's browning too quickly, lower the temperature by 25 degrees. If it's not done after 4 minutes, you can add more time as needed. Carefully remove the hot pizza from the air fryer with a spatula or tongs and repeat with any remaining slices.

For optimal flavour and texture, Totino's Pizza Rolls should be consumed within 3-4 months of purchase. Once cooked, any leftover pizza should be refrigerated and eaten within 3-4 days to ensure both safety and flavour. Leftover pizza slices can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in tin foil in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Frequently asked questions