Air-Fried Pizza: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can make pizza in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to make a pizza that's ready in less than 10 minutes. The air fryer is able to create a crispy crust and you can use store-bought or homemade dough, with your choice of toppings.

Pizza dough options

There are several options for pizza dough when making pizza in an air fryer. You can use store-bought pizza dough, such as Pillsbury Pizza Crust, or make your own homemade dough. If you're short on time, you can even use pre-cooked dough or a flatbread crust. For an even quicker option, you can use rolled-out crescent rolls or a tortilla as a base for your pizza.

If you're making your own dough, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. For example, you can make the dough the night before and let it rise in a covered bowl. This will save you time when it comes to preparing your pizza for cooking in the air fryer.

When it comes to shaping the dough, most recipes recommend rolling it out thinly, usually to a size similar to that of your air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and a crispy crust. You can also cut the dough into smaller portions to make mini pizzas or pizza bites.

Remember to prick the dough with a fork before placing it in the air fryer. This helps the dough bake flat and prevents it from puffing up or folding in on itself.

Air fryer temperature settings

The ideal temperature to cook pizza in an air fryer is around 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). However, this may vary depending on the type of pizza and your air fryer model. For example, frozen pizzas may require a slightly higher temperature of 380 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

When reheating pizza in the air fryer, a lower temperature of 320 to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (around 165 degrees Celsius) is recommended to prevent overcooking.

To achieve a crispy crust, it is important to preheat the air fryer for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on your model. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can set it to air fry for 3 to 4 minutes to achieve a similar effect.

Additionally, the cooking time will depend on the type of pizza and your desired level of doneness. For a fresh pizza with toppings, 7 to 10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit is usually sufficient. Frozen pizzas may take a little longer, ranging from 7 to 15 minutes or 7 to 16 minutes, depending on the size and thickness.

It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your pizza while it's cooking and adjust the temperature and time as needed. This will ensure that your pizza is cooked to your desired level of doneness without becoming overcooked or burnt.

Lastly, some air fryer models may have specific instructions or recommended settings for cooking pizza, so be sure to refer to your user manual for any additional information.

Pizza sauce options

Pizza sauce is an essential component of any pizza, providing a rich and flavourful base for your favourite toppings. While you can opt for a store-bought tomato or marinara sauce, making your own sauce from scratch can take your pizza to the next level. Here are some sauce options to consider for your air fryer pizza:

• Marinara Sauce: This classic Italian sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and onions. It's a great choice for pizza as it has a thick consistency and a robust flavour that pairs well with a variety of toppings.
• Tomato Sauce: A simple tomato sauce is a versatile option that can be made with fresh or canned tomatoes. You can season it with basil, oregano, or other herbs to add extra flavour to your pizza.
• Pizza Sauce: You can find specifically branded pizza sauces in stores, which often have a blend of herbs and spices already added. These sauces are designed to be used as a base for pizzas and can save you time in the kitchen.
• No-Cook Pizza Sauce: If you're short on time, a no-cook sauce is a great option. This usually involves blending fresh tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and basil to create a raw sauce with a bright, fresh flavour.
• Pesto Sauce: For a non-tomato option, pesto sauce made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil can be a delicious choice. It pairs well with toppings like chicken, vegetables, or even other cheeses like goat cheese.
• White Sauce: Also known as béchamel sauce, this creamy sauce is made with butter, flour, and milk. It's a less traditional option for pizza but can be a great base for white pizzas featuring toppings like spinach, chicken, or mushrooms.

When making your sauce, consider making a larger batch so you can store and use it for future pizza nights. You can also experiment with different ingredients and spices to find your perfect sauce combination.

Cheese options

Mozzarella is the most popular cheese option for pizzas cooked in an air fryer. It is known for its creamy texture and rich flavour, and it melts beautifully. You can use buffalo mozzarella, which has a higher moisture content, or regular mozzarella. Freshly shredded mozzarella is best as it melts better and keeps the pizza from becoming too greasy and soggy.

You can also use a combination of cheeses. For example, one recipe suggests using mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar. Another suggests sprinkling parmesan on top of the pizza just before serving for added flavour.

If you're making a four-cheese pizza, you could use mozzarella, gorgonzola, pecorino, and medium cheddar.

If you're looking for a non-dairy option, there are vegan mozzarella alternatives available.

Topping options

Pizza is a versatile dish, and you can top it with almost anything. The traditional tomato sauce and cheese combination is a classic, but you can get creative and experiment with different ingredients to find your favourite. Here are some topping options to consider for your air-fried pizza:

Vegetables

Vegetables add colour, flavour, and texture to your pizza. Some popular vegetable toppings include:

• Onions: sliced or chopped onions add a sharp flavour to your pizza. You can use red or white onions, or even caramelised onions for a sweet touch.
• Peppers: bell peppers, especially green, red, and yellow, are a common choice for adding a crunchy and slightly sweet element to your pizza. You can also use spicy peppers like jalapeños or pepperoncinis for a kick.
• Mushrooms: sliced mushrooms give your pizza a savoury, earthy flavour.
• Olives: black or green olives add a salty, briny taste and a distinct texture to your pizza.
• Tomatoes: fresh tomato slices or sun-dried tomatoes can be used as a topping, adding a burst of freshness and flavour.

Meats

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

• Pepperoni: a classic pizza topping, pepperoni adds a spicy kick and a savoury flavour.
• Italian sausage: crumbled or sliced Italian sausage is a tasty and hearty topping option.
• Ham: diced or sliced ham adds a salty, savoury element to your pizza.
• Ground beef: cooked ground beef is a versatile topping that goes well with various other ingredients.
• Chicken: shredded or diced cooked chicken is a lean protein option for your pizza.

Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices enhance the flavour of your pizza and can be added fresh or dried:

• Basil: fresh basil leaves add a bright, fresh flavour to your pizza.
• Oregano: dried oregano is a classic pizza seasoning that adds an aromatic touch.
• Red pepper flakes: a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a spicy kick to your pizza.
• Italian seasoning: this blend of herbs and spices adds an authentic Italian flavour to your pizza.

Cheeses

Cheese is a must-have on pizza, and there are many varieties to choose from:

• Mozzarella: shredded or sliced mozzarella is a classic choice, known for its stretchy, gooey texture and mild flavour.
• Parmesan: grated or shaved Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavour to your pizza.
• Cheddar: shredded cheddar cheese adds a sharp, creamy element to your pizza.
• Goat cheese: this tangy, creamy cheese can be crumbled over your pizza for a unique flavour.

Remember, the key to a great pizza is balance. Choose a combination of toppings that complement each other and don't overload your pizza, as too many toppings may make it difficult to cook evenly in the air fryer. Get creative, experiment with different combinations, and most importantly, enjoy your delicious, homemade air-fried pizza!

Frequently asked questions