Air Fryer Party Pizza: Can You Cook It?

If you're looking for a quick and convenient way to cook a party pizza, an air fryer might be your best bet. Totino's Party Pizza, a popular frozen pizza brand, can be cooked in an air fryer without any modifications. The air fryer's rapid circulation of hot air reduces cooking time by almost half compared to a conventional oven, so you can have your pizza ready in just 10 to 12 minutes. Additionally, the air fryer ensures an even and rapid cooking process, resulting in a perfectly crispy crust without the need for preheating. However, some people have expressed mixed results with cooking pizza in an air fryer, with a few mentioning that the bottom of the pizza can sometimes turn out soft instead of crunchy. Nevertheless, with the right temperature and timing, you can enjoy a delicious and crispy party pizza cooked in the convenience of your air fryer.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process, as it ensures your pizza cooks evenly and becomes crispy. However, some sources suggest that preheating is not necessary for most air fryers, and that cold-starting can help the pizza heat evenly.

If you do choose to preheat your air fryer, it is recommended that you set the temperature to 350°F (176°C) for thin-crust pizza, and 300°F (150°C) for thick-crust pizza. You should preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes before placing your pizza slices inside. It is important to note that the temperature and timing may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have and the thickness of your pizza crust.

When placing your pizza slices in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer, ensuring that they do not overlap. This allows for even heating and prevents soggy spots. You can place the slices directly in the air fryer basket or on a piece of parchment paper for easier cleanup.

By preheating your air fryer and following the recommended temperature and timing guidelines, you can ensure that your pizza reheats evenly and quickly, resulting in a crispy and delicious final product.

Preparing the pizza

Totino's Party Pizza is a popular choice for cooking pizza in an air fryer. It comes in a variety of flavours, including pepperoni, sausage, and cheese, as well as Supreme, Combination, and Triple Meat. You can find these frozen pizzas in the frozen foods aisle of your grocery store.

First, take the pizza out of its packaging and remove any plastic wrap. Place it on a plate or a cutting board. If you prefer to have your pizza sliced before cooking, you can cut it into smaller portions using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter.

Next, place the pizza directly into the air fryer basket. Make sure it is in a single layer and not overlapping. You may need to cut the pizza in half to ensure it fits in the air fryer. If you want to prevent the pizza from sticking, you can lightly spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray, or use parchment paper or an air fryer liner.

Some people recommend preheating the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) before cooking to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust. However, others suggest that preheating is not necessary for most air fryers.

Once you have prepared the pizza and the air fryer, you can cook the pizza for 10-12 minutes at 380°F (193°C) or 400°F, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of the crust, so be sure to check regularly to get the perfect pizza.

Finally, carefully remove the pizza from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. It will be very hot, so do not touch it with your hands. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can serve it with your favourite dipping sauce or condiments.

Slicing the pizza

If you are cooking a large pizza, you may need to slice it in half to ensure it fits in your air fryer. This is a practical solution if you are working with a smaller air fryer model or if you want to cook multiple pizzas at once. However, it is generally recommended to cook one pizza at a time in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.

Once your pizza is cooked to perfection, you will need to remove it from the air fryer carefully using tongs or a spatula. It will be extremely hot, so be sure to protect your hands. Place the pizza on a cutting board or a serving platter and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This step is essential for two reasons: firstly, it ensures that the pizza is not too hot to handle, and secondly, it allows the cheese and toppings to set slightly, making it easier to slice through.

When slicing the pizza, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to create your desired slice size. If you are serving the pizza as an appetizer or a snack, you might consider cutting it into strips, which can be easily picked up and dipped into your favourite sauce. For a more traditional approach, you might opt for triangular slices, creating a classic pizza experience.

Finally, it is worth noting that some people prefer to slice their pizza before it is completely frozen. This technique can result in crispier edges and more even cooking, especially if you plan to cook the slices in the air fryer. Experiment with different slicing techniques to discover which method produces your desired level of crispiness and flavour.

Cooking the pizza

Totino's Party Pizza is a popular choice for those looking to cook a pizza in an air fryer. It comes in a variety of flavours, including pepperoni, cheese, triple meat, supreme, and even hamburger. The pizza is square-shaped and can be cooked straight from frozen.

Firstly, remove the pizza from its packaging and discard any plastic wrap. You can then cut the pizza into slices if you prefer, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Place the pizza into the air fryer basket, ensuring it is in a single layer and not overlapping. It is recommended to cook one pizza at a time to ensure even cooking.

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). The preheating step is not essential, but it helps to achieve a crispy crust. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of the crust, but generally, the pizza should cook for around 10-12 minutes at 400°F, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Once the pizza is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before serving, as it will be very hot. You can serve the pizza with your favourite dipping sauce or condiments.

Some tips for achieving a crispy crust include avoiding the use of cooking spray, vegetable oil, or any other type of oil, as this can make the pizza greasy or soggy. Additionally, avoid using parchment paper or aluminium foil, as this can also affect the crispiness of the crust.

Serving the pizza

Once your pizza is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Be sure to exercise caution as the pizza will be very hot. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning yourself. You can then slice the pizza and serve it with your favourite dipping sauce or condiments.

If you are cooking multiple pizzas, it is best to cook them one at a time to ensure even cooking. Cooking multiple pizzas at once may result in uneven cooking or a less crispy crust.

Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the pizza back into the air fryer, ensuring that it does not burn.

When serving the pizza, you can cut it into strips and serve it as an appetiser or a snack. Totino's Party Pizza is perfect for sharing with friends and family during parties, game nights, or any social gathering.

Frequently asked questions