Air Fryer Pizza Pops: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Pizza pops are a popular snack, but can you make them in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Air frying is a great way to cook frozen foods, and pizza pops are no exception. They come out crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, with perfectly melted cheese. The best part? They're ready in less than 20 minutes, making them a quick and easy snack or lunch option.

Pizza pops cooking time and temperature

Pizza pops can be cooked in an air fryer at either 350°F or 390°F for 10-15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your preferred level of crispiness and the type of air fryer being used. For example, one source recommends cooking pizza pops at 350°F for 11-13 minutes, while another suggests 10 minutes at 392°F.

If you are cooking two pizza pops, you may want to consider increasing the cooking time to 11 or 12 minutes. It is also recommended to let the pizza pops cool for at least 5 minutes after cooking, as they will be very hot.

For a crispier finish, you can brush or spray the pizza pops with cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer?

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your food will cook evenly and efficiently at the desired temperature. Here are some tips and guidelines for preheating your air fryer when making pizza pops:

Firstly, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. This temperature range will ensure that your pizza pops get crispy without burning. The exact temperature setting may vary depending on your air fryer model, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions or perform a small test batch to determine the ideal temperature.

When preheating, it is essential to ensure that your air fryer is set up correctly. Place an empty air fryer basket inside the unit and close the door. Then, set the temperature and timer according to your desired settings. Allow the air fryer to heat up for a few minutes before adding your pizza pops.

The preheating time can vary depending on your air fryer model. Some air fryers may take longer to reach the desired temperature than others. As a general rule, it is recommended to preheat for at least 3-5 minutes to ensure the air fryer reaches the set temperature. You can also look for visual cues, such as the air fryer basket turning a darker colour, to indicate that it is sufficiently preheated.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can carefully place your pizza pops into the basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect cooking performance and consistency. Close the air fryer door and set the timer according to the cooking instructions for your pizza pops.

Note that some recipes for pizza pops in an air fryer suggest skipping the preheating step. However, preheating is generally recommended to ensure optimal cooking results. Experiment with both methods to see which one works best for your specific air fryer and preferences.

Oil spray for extra crispiness

While air fryers can cook food with little to no oil, a light spray of oil can help achieve a golden, crispy exterior on your pizza pops. Using an oil spray can also help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

When selecting an oil spray for your air fryer, it's important to consider the smoke point, which is the temperature at which the oil starts to smoke and break down. Oils with high smoke points, generally above 400°F (204°C), are best suited for high-heat cooking in an air fryer. Some examples of oils with high smoke points include avocado oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and light olive oil.

It's recommended to use a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray or a refillable oil sprayer/mister with your air fryer. Avoid using nonstick cooking sprays like PAM, as they can damage the lining of the air fryer basket.

When applying the oil spray to your pizza pops, hold the bottle a few inches away and apply a light, even mist. You don't need to use a lot of oil, as this can lead to a greasy texture and defeat the purpose of air frying.

In addition to helping achieve the desired crispiness, using an oil spray can also enhance the flavour of your pizza pops and provide beneficial nutrients and healthy fats, depending on the type of oil you choose.

Some people who have cooked pizza pops in an air fryer recommend giving them a shot of avocado oil spray before cooking to get a bloody amazing result.

How to check if pizza pops are cooked

There are a few ways to check if your pizza pops are cooked. Firstly, you can look for a golden brown colour and a crispy exterior. You can also check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer—it should be 165°F or above to ensure they are cooked properly. If you are cooking more than one pizza pop, you can try one from the batch to see if it is cooked through.

Reheat and store pizza pops

Pizza pops can be reheated in an air fryer. To do this, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the leftover pizza pops in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for about 3-5 minutes or until heated through and crispy. The exact time can vary depending on the thickness of the crust and your specific air fryer model. For thin crust, air fry for 3 minutes, and for thick crust, air fry for 4 minutes.

It is important to note that different types of pizza require different reheating times. Thin crust might only need 3 minutes, while a deep-dish slice might need up to 7 minutes. Adjust the temperature and timing based on the pizza pops you have. Make sure each pizza pop has enough space around it for optimal crispiness.

Additionally, it is recommended to only reheat what you think you will eat. The more times pizza is reheated, the less good it tastes.

As for storing pizza pops, it is best to keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

Frequently asked questions