Air Fryer Pizza: A Quick, Crispy Oven Alternative

You can easily cook pizza in an air fryer, and it's a great way to save time and effort. While it won't give you the charred leopard spot crust of a traditional oven, it will deliver a golden brown, evenly baked pizza. The air fryer can handle any thickness of crust, and you can use a pizza pan, foil, or parchment paper to line the basket. You can also get creative with your toppings, from classic pepperoni to sirloin steak, onions, and red peppers. The key to success is to pre-cook the dough, add your sauce and toppings, and then cook until the cheese is melted and golden. So, if you're craving pizza but don't want to turn on the oven, give the air fryer a go!

Air fryer pizza recipe

Yes, you can cook pizza in an air fryer oven! Here is a recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Pizza sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, sirloin steak, onions, red peppers, basil)
• Olive oil
• Parchment paper or foil

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F–400°F (190°C).
• Prepare your pizza dough. Roll out the dough to fit the size of your air fryer basket or pan. You can also cut the dough into smaller pieces if you have a small air fryer.
• Place a piece of parchment paper or foil in the air fryer basket or pan. Spray or brush the parchment paper or foil with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Transfer the pizza dough to the air fryer and prick it with a fork. You can also brush the dough with olive oil at this stage for a crispier crust.
• Pre-cook the dough for 3 minutes.
• Remove the air fryer basket or pan from the air fryer. Spread a layer of pizza sauce onto the crust and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Add your desired toppings and another light layer of cheese to keep the toppings in place.
• Air fry at 400°F for 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
• Remove the pizza from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving.

You can also reheat any leftovers in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 325°F (165°C) and cook for about 4 minutes.

Air fryer oven types

Air fryer ovens are a popular kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulated by powerful fans to cook food with less oil than traditional frying methods. They are essentially small, fast convection ovens.

There are several types of air fryer ovens available on the market, including:

• Manual air fryer
• Air fryer toaster oven
• Rotisserie oven
• Pressure cooker
• Bowl or drawer-style air fryer
• Box-shaped air fryer with a large front window
• Barbecue-style air fryer with a large flat bottom and pull-up lid

Some air fryer ovens also offer additional cooking presets such as baking, roasting, re-heating, grilling, dehydrating, and steaming.

The type of air fryer oven that is best for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. For example, if you plan on cooking a lot of meat, a box-shaped air fryer with a large front window might be a good option, as it can accommodate larger items like a whole chicken. On the other hand, if you're looking for something that can handle a variety of tasks like grilling, slow-cooking, and baking, a barbecue-style air fryer might be a better choice.

Pizza toppings

When it comes to cheese, mozzarella is a popular choice due to its creamy texture and rich flavour, creating those famous gooey, stretchy cheese pulls. However, other cheeses like cheddar, pecorino, and parmesan can also be used. Adding a final sprinkling of cheese on top of your other toppings can help anchor them and prevent them from flying around the air fryer.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some unique toppings like fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or hot honey drizzle for a spicy kick. For a more plant-based option, you can load your pizza with vegetables and skip the cheese altogether.

No matter your topping choices, the key to success is to ensure that your toppings don't fly around the air fryer. Using a rack or an extra layer of cheese can help with this. Additionally, if you're making multiple pizzas, you can keep the first one warm in the oven at the lowest temperature while cooking the second one.

Pizza dough

A 12-inch piece of dough will yield two personal pizzas. You can cut the dough into four equal parts and roll them into thin, round shapes to make the pizza crusts. If you don't use all the dough, you can freeze it for later.

To cook the pizza in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about five minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then, place the dough in the basket, brush it with olive oil, and prick it with a fork. Pre-cook the dough for about three minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

Once the crust is pre-cooked, you can add your desired toppings. Start with a layer of tomato sauce and cheese, then add your favourite toppings. Finish with another light layer of cheese to help keep the toppings in place while the pizza cooks.

Reheating pizza in an air fryer

• Preheat your air fryer: Before placing your pizza in the air fryer, it is recommended to preheat it to ensure even cooking. Set the temperature to 350°F (180°C). If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, you can simply turn it on and let it run for a few minutes until it reaches the desired temperature.
• Prepare the pizza: Place your leftover pizza slices directly into the air fryer basket. If you have thick-crust or deep-dish pizza, you might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thicker pizzas will take longer to heat through.
• Reheat time: For best results, reheat your pizza at 350°F (180°C) for 3 to 6 minutes. Keep an eye on your pizza, as the reheating time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of your pizza. If your pizza is getting too dark, you can lower the temperature to 325°F (165°C).
• Serve and enjoy: Once the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy, your pizza is ready to be served! Enjoy your freshly reheated pizza with a crispy texture and melted cheese.

It is important to note that the reheating time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of your pizza crust. Always keep an eye on your pizza to avoid overcooking or burning. Additionally, there is no need to spray oil on the pizza before reheating, as the cheese already contains enough oil to prevent sticking.

Frequently asked questions