Air Fryer Pizza: A Uk Guide To Perfection

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens for cooking pizzas. They can produce pizzas with crispy crusts and melted cheese in a short amount of time. The air fryer's confined space and hot air allow the crust to puff up and achieve a pizza-oven-like finish. The preparation and cooking process is simple and can be completed in 30 minutes or less. Air fryers are also versatile, allowing for the use of various dough types and toppings to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Cooking Pizza in an Air Fryer

Air fryer pizza recipes

Air fryer pizzas are personal-sized and easy to make, with a cooking time of around 7 to 12 minutes. They are also a great way to achieve a crispy bottom crust, which can be difficult in a traditional oven.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Pizza sauce/tomato sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, basil, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, sirloin steak, onions, red peppers, black olives)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Flour

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare your pizza dough by rolling it out to the size of your air fryer basket. You can also use substitutes like naan, pita, or French bread, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid burning.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Transfer the dough to the air fryer basket, brush with olive oil, and prick the surface with a fork.
• Pre-cook the dough for about 3 minutes, then flip it over.
• Spread a layer of pizza sauce onto the crust and add your desired toppings, including cheese.
• Air fry for about 7 to 9 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted.
• Top with fresh basil or other herbs, if desired.
• For reheating leftovers, set the air fryer to 325°F (165°C) and cook for about 4 minutes.

Tips:

• To prevent a soggy pizza, pat the mozzarella dry with paper towels before adding it to the pizza.
• If using frozen pizza, increase the cooking time by 3 to 5 minutes.
• If your air fryer basket is non-stick, you may not need to spray it with oil.
• For an extra crispy crust, brush the edges of the dough with olive oil before cooking.
• You can assemble your pizzas ahead of time, freeze them, and then air fry when ready to eat.
• To prevent toppings from flying around, add a layer of cheese over the toppings before cooking.

Air fryer pizza dough

Air fryers are a great way to cook pizza, especially if you want a crispy crust. They are also a good option if you want to make a pizza that serves one or two people.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough
• Pizza sauce
• Cheese
• Toppings of your choice
• Olive oil
• Flour

Method

• First, prepare your pizza dough. Cover it in flour and let it rest for at least 30 minutes outside of the fridge. This will make the dough more pliable and easier to roll out.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F–400°F (190°C–204°C).
• Roll out your pizza dough to about 8" in diameter, or to the size of your air fryer basket. If you want a thin crust, roll the dough out to less than 1/4 inch.
• Place the dough in the air fryer basket. Prick it in a few places with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming and to help it bake evenly.
• Pre-bake the crust for 3–4 minutes. Then, flip the dough over and cook for another 1–3 minutes.
• Remove the crust from the air fryer and add your toppings. Start with a light layer of pizza sauce, then add your cheese and other toppings.
• Place the pizza back in the air fryer and cook for 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the pizza from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips

• If you don't have fresh dough, you can use substitutes like naan, pita, or French bread.
• To prevent toppings from flying off, add a light layer of cheese first, then add your toppings, and finish with another sprinkling of cheese to help anchor everything in place.
• If using pepperoni, press the slices down into the sauce to prevent them from flying off.
• To reheat leftovers, set your air fryer to 325°F–350°F (165°C) and cook for 3–4 minutes.

Air fryer pizza toppings

Air fryers are perfect for making personal-sized pizzas. They cook more quickly than traditional ovens and can give you a perfectly crispy bottom crust.

When it comes to toppings, you can get creative and choose your favourites. Here are some ideas for air fryer pizza toppings:

Topping Ideas

• Fresh basil leaves
• Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Pepperoni
• Cooked ground beef
• Ham
• Bell pepper
• Onion
• Mushrooms
• Olives
• Italian seasoning
• Sirloin steak
• Green peppers
• Black olives
• Fresh garlic infused olive oil
• Pecorino cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Hot honey drizzle
• Crescent rolls
• Tortilla
• Mozzarella cheese
• Tomato sauce
• Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese
• Pizza rolls
• French bread

Tips for Toppings

• Use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese to prevent the pizza from becoming too greasy and soggy.
• Add cheese both under and on top of the toppings to hold them down.
• Use a liner of parchment paper to keep the pizza easy to serve and the pan clean.
• Pre-cook the crust in the air fryer for 3 minutes to achieve a crispy bottom without overcooking the toppings.
• Flip the crust over after the initial 3 minutes to prevent a white bottom.
• If you don't have fresh dough, you can use substitutes like a bagel, naan, pita, or French bread.

Air fryer pizza cooking times

Air fryers are a great way to cook pizza, especially if you want to make personal-sized pizzas. They are also perfect for reheating leftover pizza. The cooking time for pizza in an air fryer varies depending on the type of pizza you are making and the brand and size of your air fryer.

Cooking Times for Fresh Pizza

If you are making a fresh pizza with dough, the cooking time will depend on the type of crust you are using. If you are using fresh dough, it is recommended to pre-cook the crust for about 3 minutes, and then cook the assembled pizza for about 7-9 minutes. The total cooking time is about 10-12 minutes.

However, if you are using an alternative crust such as naan, pita, or French bread, the cooking time may be shorter, and you may only need to cook the assembled pizza for 5-7 minutes.

Cooking Times for Frozen Pizza

If you are cooking a frozen pizza in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook it for an additional 3-5 minutes after the initial cooking time of 10-12 minutes.

Reheating Leftovers

To reheat leftover pizza in an air fryer, set the temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and cook for about 4 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, so it is recommended to check on your pizza frequently to ensure it does not overcook or burn.

Air fryer pizza vs. oven pizza

Air fryer pizza is a convenient alternative to oven-baked pizza, offering a quick and easy way to enjoy a hot and crispy slice. While both methods have their advantages, there are several notable differences between air fryer pizza and oven pizza in terms of preparation, cooking time, and the overall result.

One of the biggest advantages of air fryer pizza is its speed and convenience. Air fryers require no preheating, and pizzas can be cooked in as little as 7 to 12 minutes, making them a perfect option for a quick snack or family dinner. The air fryer's confined space and hot air circulation create a pizza oven-like finish, resulting in a crispy base and evenly cooked toppings. Additionally, the absence of preheating means less waiting time, making it ideal for those who want their pizza fix without the lengthy preparation.

In terms of preparation, air fryer pizzas typically start with a pre-cooked or par-baked crust. This initial cooking step ensures a crispy bottom without overcooking the toppings. After the crust is cooked, toppings are added, and the pizza is returned to the air fryer for a final cook. This two-step process allows for better control over the cooking of the crust and toppings. However, it's important to note that not all air fryers are structured the same, and some may require assembling the pizza outside the fryer due to space constraints.

Oven-baked pizzas, on the other hand, offer a more traditional approach. While they may take longer to cook, typically around 10-15 minutes, they can accommodate larger pizzas, making them suitable for feeding a crowd. Ovens also provide a more even cooking environment, allowing for multiple pizzas to be cooked simultaneously. Additionally, with an oven, you have the option to bake the pizza directly on a pizza stone, which can contribute to a crispier crust.

When it comes to the overall result, both air fryer and oven pizzas have their unique characteristics. Air fryer pizzas are known for their crispy crusts and evenly melted toppings. The intense heat and circulation of hot air in the air fryer create a puffed-up crust and ensure toppings are cooked to perfection. On the other hand, oven pizzas may offer a more classic texture, with a chewier crust and a slightly softer base, depending on the oven temperature and cooking time.

In conclusion, air fryer pizza and oven pizza each have their advantages and distinct characteristics. Air fryer pizzas excel in speed, convenience, and crispy finish, making them ideal for quick meals or smaller servings. Oven pizzas, meanwhile, offer a more traditional approach, accommodating larger groups and providing a more even cooking environment. Ultimately, the preference for air fryer or oven pizza may depend on individual needs, time constraints, and personal taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions