Air Fryer Pizza: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great alternative to cooking pizza in the oven. They are quicker, use less energy, and can be used all year round without heating up your kitchen. You can use store-bought or homemade dough, and load up your pizza with your favourite toppings. The only downside is that air fryers don't get hot enough to char the crust, but they will still give you a nice, golden brown base.

Pre-cooking the crust

Firstly, prepare your pizza dough by rolling it out to fit the size of your air fryer basket. You can use store-bought or homemade dough, but ensure it is rolled out evenly. Place the dough in the air fryer basket, and brush it lightly with olive oil. This will give your crust a golden, crispy texture. Then, use a fork to prick the dough in several places. This step is crucial as it prevents the dough from rising too much and creates a more even crust.

Now, it's time to pre-cook the crust. Set your air fryer to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit, and place the dough in the air fryer for about 3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn. After 3 minutes, flip the dough over to ensure even cooking. At this stage, you can also remove the crust from the air fryer and let it cool before adding toppings if you prefer. This can make it easier to handle, especially if you're making multiple pizzas.

If you're using a thicker crust recipe, you may need to increase the pre-cooking time by a minute or two. Keep in mind that air fryers can vary, so adjust the time and temperature as needed for your specific model. Additionally, if your air fryer doesn't have a bottom heating element, you can use tongs to flip the crust over once it's browned on top to ensure even browning.

Once the crust is pre-cooked, you can move on to the next step of assembling your pizza by adding sauce, cheese, and your desired toppings. Remember to leave some room around the edges for the crust, and be careful not to overload the pizza, as this can affect cooking times and the overall crispiness of the crust.

Toppings

When it comes to toppings, the sky's the limit! You can get creative and choose your favourites to customise your pizza. Here are some classic topping combinations to get you started:

Classic

Pepperoni, bell peppers, and onions

Seafood

Try this seafood pizza recipe

Vegetarian

Sliced olives, bell peppers, red onion, and sliced mushrooms

Meat Lovers

Seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, and lots of cheese

Hawaiian

Ham and pineapple chunks

BBQ Chicken

Pre-cooked chicken, red onion, and BBQ sauce

Margarita

Fresh basil, tomato slices, and a drizzle of olive oil

Four Cheese

Mozzarella, parmesan, gouda, and blue cheese

Spicy

Jalapeños, spicy sausage, and red pepper flakes

If you're making your own dough, you can also add toppings to it, such as cooked ground beef or pepperoni.

Reheating pizza

To reheat your pizza, simply place it in a preheated air fryer at 320-325°F (165°C) and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. This will give you a perfectly crispy pizza, just like it's freshly made.

If you're reheating frozen pizza, check the packaging for the recommended cooking time and temperature in a conventional oven. Then, reduce the temperature and time as you would for an oven recipe. For example, if the package suggests cooking at 450°F for 10-12 minutes, cook it at 380°F for 8-10 minutes in the air fryer.

So, the next time you have leftover pizza, don't hesitate to reach for your air fryer to enjoy a crispy and delicious slice, just like it's fresh out of the oven!

Frozen pizza in the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen pizzas. They are faster than conventional ovens, and can make pizzas healthier by reducing the oil content. They can also deliver a crispy crust and evenly cooked toppings.

Choosing a frozen pizza

Most air fryers are only 14 inches wide, so you'll need to choose a pizza that fits. Personal-sized pizzas are a good option, but if you want to cook a larger pizza, you can cut it into sections and cook it in batches.

Preparing the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. There's no need to add oil or spray to the air fryer, as the pizza will release oil during cooking.

Cooking the pizza

Place the frozen pizza in the air fryer, adding any extra toppings you like. Cook for 6-10 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the pizza. Check the pizza regularly to ensure it doesn't burn. You may need to cook the pizza for a further 2 minutes if you like your crust crispy.

Serving the pizza

Remove the pizza from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can add extra toppings such as Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.

Thick or thin crust?

The answer to this question depends on the type of pizza you are making and your personal preference.

Thick Crust Pizza

Deep-dish or thick-crust pizzas, such as Chicago-style or pan pizzas, require a little more care when cooking or reheating in an air fryer. You want to ensure the middle is hot and the cheese is melted without burning the crust.

To cook or reheat thick-crust pizza in an air fryer, it is recommended to:

• Preheat your air fryer to a lower temperature, around 300°F (150°C).
• Arrange the pizza slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
• Cook for 4-7 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the pizza.
• Check the pizza and add more time if needed.

Thin Crust Pizza

Thin-crust pizzas are known for their crispy texture, and reheating them incorrectly can result in a soggy mess. When cooking or reheating thin-crust pizza in an air fryer, it is important to:

• Preheat your air fryer to a higher temperature, around 350°F (176°C).
• Place the pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring no overlap.
• Cook for a shorter time, usually 2-3 minutes, as thin-crust pizzas heat up quickly.
• Check the pizza for desired crispiness and add more time if needed.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

It is important to note that the cooking or reheating time for pizzas in an air fryer can vary depending on several factors:

• The size and type of air fryer: Different models and sizes of air fryers cook at different speeds, so it is essential to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• The size and thickness of the pizza: Larger and thicker pizzas will take longer to cook or reheat than smaller, thinner ones.
• The amount of toppings: Pizzas with many toppings may take longer to cook or reheat, and it is important to monitor them to prevent burning.

Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Pizza

• Use parchment paper or aluminium foil: Placing parchment paper or aluminium foil under the pizza can make cleanup easier and help prevent cheese from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• Don't overcrowd the basket: Ensure there is space between the pizza slices to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Monitor the pizza: Keep an eye on the pizza while it cooks or reheats to prevent burning and add more time as needed.
• Adjust the temperature: If the pizza is browning too quickly, lower the temperature by 25°F to ensure it cooks evenly.

By following these guidelines and adjusting the settings based on your specific air fryer and pizza type, you can achieve the perfect thick or thin crust pizza using your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions