Air Fryer Pizza: Freshly Baked Perfection

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens when it comes to cooking fresh pizza. They are faster, convenient, and deliver a perfectly crispy crust. The process is simple: preheat the air fryer, prepare the dough, add toppings, and cook for a few minutes. However, there are some challenges to be aware of, such as the size and shape of the air fryer basket, and the potential for toppings to blow around during cooking.

Pre-cooking the crust

Prepare the Dough:

Start by preparing your pizza dough. You can use store-bought dough or make your own from scratch. If you're making your own, consider preparing it in advance and freezing it for future use. When you're ready to cook, roll out the dough to fit the size of your air fryer basket. Aim for a thin crust, less than 1/4 inch thick, as this will ensure even cooking.

Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to 375°F (190°C) or 400°F, depending on your preference and the type of dough you're using. Spray the air fryer basket generously with oil to prevent sticking. You can use olive oil or a non-stick spray.

Cook the Crust:

Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared air fryer basket. Brush the top of the crust lightly with olive oil for added flavour and texture. Use a fork to prick the dough in several places, avoiding the outer crust area. This step helps the crust bake evenly and prevents air bubbles from forming.

Pre-Cooking Times:

Close the air fryer basket and pre-cook the crust for 3 minutes. Keep in mind that different air fryers may vary in cooking times, so it's important to monitor your crust to avoid overcooking. After 3 minutes, open the basket and flip the crust over to ensure even cooking on both sides. You may need to cook the flipped crust for an additional 2-3 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

Adding Toppings:

Once the crust is pre-cooked to your liking, it's time to add your toppings. You can keep the crust in the air fryer while assembling your pizza for efficiency. Start by spreading a layer of tomato sauce or your preferred pizza sauce onto the crust. Then, sprinkle grated or chunked mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Finally, add your desired toppings, such as pepperoni, vegetables, or fresh herbs.

Remember, pre-cooking the crust is the key to achieving a crispy, golden base for your air fryer pizza. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious, perfectly cooked pizza straight from your air fryer!

Toppings and assembly

The great thing about making pizza in an air fryer is that you can get creative with your toppings. The possibilities are endless! You can set up a pizza bar with lots of different options and let everyone make their own personal pizza.

Some classic toppings include tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, onions, green peppers, black olives, and basil. If you want to get more creative, you can add fresh garlic-infused olive oil, pecorino or cheddar cheese, red onion, hot honey drizzle, red pepper flakes, or even use pita bread or naan as your dough.

When it comes to assembling your pizza, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it's important to pre-cook the crust for about 3 minutes before adding your toppings. This will help you achieve a crispy bottom without overcooking the toppings. After pre-cooking the crust, you can add your sauce, cheese, and other toppings. It is recommended to add the cheese both under and on top of the toppings to hold them down. The fan in an air fryer is strong and can blow lightweight toppings around, so you may want to place a rack over your pizza to prevent this from happening.

Once you've added your toppings, it's time to cook your pizza. Air fry it at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 7 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, so be sure to check on your pizza frequently to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.

With these tips in mind, you're ready to assemble and cook your delicious air fryer pizza!

Cooking the pizza

First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). You can use a variety of bases for your pizza, including homemade dough, store-bought dough, pre-cooked dough, flatbread, pita bread, or naan. If you're using homemade or store-bought dough, roll it out to a thin, round shape (roughly the size of your air fryer basket), and prick it in several places with a fork. This will help it bake flat. If you're using pre-cooked dough, you can cut it into four equal parts to make four pizzas.

Spray the air fryer basket with oil, and carefully place your base inside. Brush the base lightly with olive oil, and cook for 3 minutes. Then, flip the base over and cook for another 2-3 minutes. You can now add your toppings. It's recommended to add the cheese first, as this will help to hold down the rest of your toppings. Common toppings include tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, onion, green peppers, olives, fresh basil, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. However, the possibilities are endless!

Once you've added your toppings, cook the pizza for another 4-5 minutes at 375°F. The pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted. This usually takes around 7-9 minutes in total, but cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, so be sure to keep an eye on it.

If you're cooking multiple pizzas, you can keep the first one warm by placing it in the oven at a low temperature while you cook the second one.

Finally, enjoy your freshly cooked air-fryer pizza!

Reheating pizza

First, preheat your air fryer to 320-350°F (165-176°C). If your pizza has a lot of cheese, consider placing a piece of parchment paper underneath to catch any cheese or oil that melts off the sides and make cleanup easier. Then, place your leftover pizza slices in the air fryer in a single layer. Reheat the pizza for 3-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the crust and the model of your air fryer. For thin crust, air fry for 3-4 minutes, and for thick crust, air fry for 4-6 minutes.

The final cook time will depend on your air fryer model and the crust thickness, so keep an eye on your pizza to ensure it doesn't burn. You may need to adjust the temperature or time to get the desired results.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly reheated pizza that tastes just like it's fresh out of the oven!

Freezing and storing pizza

Freezing pizza dough is a great way to ensure you always have a delicious homemade pizza ready to go. It can be a game-changer for busy pizza lovers who want to have dough ready whenever the craving strikes. It is a common misconception that freezing pizza dough will degrade its quality. However, when done correctly, freezing can actually enhance your pizza experience. By freezing the dough, you allow the yeast to go dormant, which, in turn, maintains the integrity of the gluten and results in a strong pizza crust.

To freeze your pizza dough, first, activate and incorporate the yeast and give it time to rise. Then, take the dough and roll it into a ball or several balls if you are freezing more than one. Next, add a light coat of non-stick cooking spray or olive oil to the dough and wrap each ball in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped dough in a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. The dough will last up to three months in the freezer if stored properly.

When you are ready to use your frozen dough, transfer the dough ball from the freezer to the fridge the night before you plan to make pizza. This allows the dough to thaw slowly and evenly. If you are in a hurry, you can thaw the dough at room temperature, which will take approximately 4 hours. The next day, take the dough out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This step is important as it allows the dough to relax and makes it easier to shape.

You can also freeze leftover pizza to save it for another day and prevent it from going stale. It is best to freeze leftover pizza within two days to maintain its quality.

Frequently asked questions