Cody Casey
Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens for cooking frozen pizza. They can cook frozen pizza in under 10 minutes, with minimal preparation required. The circulating hot air in an air fryer produces a crispy crust and melted cheese. However, the air circulation may blow away loose toppings, such as pepperoni, and the pizza may need to be sliced to fit in the air fryer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking Method | Preheat the air fryer to 350°F-400°F (180°C-206°C) for 5-15 minutes. Place the frozen pizza in the air fryer basket or on the wire rack and cook for 5-15 minutes. |
| Pizza Type | Thin crust, deep dish, mini pizzas, full-size pizzas, French bread pizza, pepperoni pizza sliders, and tortilla pizzas. |
| Pizza Size | Most air fryers can fit 2-4 mini pizzas, a couple of personal-sized pizzas, or a 10-16 inch pizza. |
| Toppings | Toppings may blow away or cook faster than the underside of the pizza. |
| Timing | Much quicker than baking in the oven. |
| Clean-up | Minimal mess. |
| Taste | Crispy crust, gooey cheese, and tasty toppings. |
| Leftovers | Wrap leftover pizza in foil and store in the fridge for up to 2-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or using the air fryer's reheat setting. |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat your air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the pizza-making process. It ensures the appliance is hot enough to cook your pizza evenly, resulting in a crispy crust and melted cheese. The ideal temperature and timing for preheating vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the type of pizza you're cooking.
For example, if you're cooking a small, personal pizza, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (180-200°C). For French bread pizza, preheat to 350°F (180°C). The preheating time can range from 2 to 15 minutes. If you're cooking multiple batches, you may need to reduce the timing by a few minutes.
During the preheating process, you can prepare your frozen pizza. Remove any plastic wrappings or packaging, and if desired, add any extra toppings, ensuring they are thinly sliced and not piled on too thickly. If your pizza is too big to fit in the air fryer, you can slice it into wedges or smaller pieces.
Once your air fryer is preheated, place the frozen pizza directly on the air fryer tray or basket for a crispier crust. If you prefer a softer crust, you can place some parchment paper underneath the pizza, although this may affect the cooking of the cheese. Avoid using aluminium foil or a silicone basket as these can interfere with the cooking process.
Now that your air fryer is preheated and your pizza is prepared, you're ready to move on to the cooking stage.
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Avoid soggy crusts
To avoid soggy crusts when cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer, it is important to ensure proper air circulation. This can be achieved by maintaining adequate spacing between the pizza slices and the sides of the air fryer basket. Overloading the basket can obstruct airflow, leading to uneven cooking and a soggy crust.
Preheating the air fryer is essential to ensure the pizza cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispness. Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) or 375°F (190°C) and preheat for at least 5 minutes. Some sources recommend preheating for up to 15 minutes for best results.
The type of pizza you choose also matters. Thick-crust pizzas may not cook evenly in an air fryer, leading to a soggy crust. Opt for thin-crust pizzas or adjust the dough recipe to make it thinner for better results.
Brushing the pizza crust with a small amount of olive oil before cooking can create a barrier against moisture and enhance crispiness. Additionally, poking holes in the crust with a fork can help release moisture and prevent sogginess.
Cooking time and temperature play a crucial role in achieving a crispy crust. Avoid cooking for too long at a low temperature or too short at a high temperature, as this can impact the crust's texture. Adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your air fryer model, the thickness of the pizza, and your desired level of crispness.
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Different pizza types
Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer. It is a quick and convenient way to cook a pizza, without heating up your kitchen. The air fryer's compact size and efficient airflow mean that it cooks faster than a traditional oven, and the circulated hot air helps to create a crispy crust.
Now, let's explore some different types of pizza that you can cook in your air fryer:
Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan pizza is a thin-crust pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. It is typically baked in a wood-burning oven at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a cooking time of just 70-90 seconds. There are three official variants: Pizza Marinara, Pizza Margherita, and Pizza Margherita Extra. The typical toppings include fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil. Due to its thin crust, Neapolitan pizza is usually eaten with a fork and knife and cannot handle too many toppings.
New York Pizza
New York-style pizza is one of America's most famous regional pizza types. It features a thin, foldable crust and is often served with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. New York pizza can accommodate a wide range of toppings, from pepperoni and sausage to mushrooms and anchovies. It is commonly topped with condiments like oregano, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
Sicilian Pizza
Sicilian pizza, also known as sfincione, stands out with its thick, airy square or rectangular crust. The dough rises in an oiled pan, resulting in a crunchy exterior and a soft, springy middle. The traditional toppings include a tomato-based sauce cooked with onions, anchovies, and herbs, along with goat or sheep's milk cheese, and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs. However, when adapted to American tastes, the toppings often morph into a simpler tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
Chicago deep-dish pizza is a style that originated in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno in Chicago. It is baked in a deep metal pan, resulting in a decadent, slightly fried crust. The rich crust is more similar to pie dough than chewy bread. The pan allows for a larger volume of sauce, cheese, and fillings, while also increasing the surface area for even cooking.
California-Style Pizza
California-style pizza is a nebulous category that is not defined by a specific crust, topping, or construction. It emerged in the 1980s when chefs in California began integrating local ingredients into classic dishes like pizza.
These are just a few examples of the many pizza types that exist. Whether you're cooking frozen or fresh, an air fryer can be a great way to enjoy a variety of pizzas with a crispy finish.
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Reheating pizza
First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176-180°C). While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your pizza. If your pizza has a lot of cheese, consider placing a piece of parchment paper underneath to catch any cheese that might melt off. You can also place a silicone mat in the basket to make clean-up easier.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place your pizza slices in a single layer in the basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can affect how evenly the pizza cooks. Depending on the thickness of your pizza crust, air fry for 3-6 minutes. For thin crust pizza, air fry for 3-4 minutes, and for thick crust, air fry for 4-6 minutes. Keep an eye on your pizza while it is cooking to ensure that it doesn't burn. If your pizza starts to burn, you can cover it with aluminium foil.
And that's it! With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy reheated pizza from your air fryer.
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Alternative cooking methods
If you don't have an air fryer, there are several other ways to cook a frozen pizza. Here are some alternative cooking methods:
- Toaster oven: Preheat your toaster oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Place the frozen pizza on a heated tray and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is crispy.
- Countertop electric oven: If you don't have a conventional oven, a countertop electric oven, or toaster oven, is a great alternative. Many of these ovens are compact, affordable, and can fit in a small space.
- Grill: Use a pizza grill pan to keep the dough intact while cooking. Heat your gas grill to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, or use a charcoal grill with an even burn. Prepare your dough and brush both sides with oil. Place the dough on the grill and cook for three minutes without closing the lid. Then, flip the dough, add your sauce, cheese, and toppings, close the grill, and cook for an additional three minutes.
- Microwave: While it won't produce the same results as an oven or grill, you can also reheat or cook frozen pizza in a microwave.
- Stovetop: If you don't have access to any appliances, you can cook pizza on a stovetop. Use a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan and cook the pizza over medium heat until the cheese melts and the crust is crispy.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer.
Cooking time depends on the type, size, and thickness of your pizza, as well as your specific air fryer. On average, it takes 5-15 minutes to cook a frozen pizza in an air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180-206°C) for 2-15 minutes. If your pizza starts to burn before it is fully cooked, cover it with aluminium foil.
No, you can cook frozen pizza straight from frozen. However, if you are reheating leftover pizza, it is recommended to thaw it first for more even cooking.
Preheat your air fryer for the best results. Avoid using parchment paper or aluminium foil as they can interfere with air circulation and affect the crispiness of the crust. Keep an eye on your pizza to avoid overcooking or burning.
