Air-Frying Pizza: Instant Pot Magic

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook frozen pizzas, and they can also be used to make pizzas from scratch. The circulating hot air in the air fryer cooks pizzas evenly, resulting in a crispy crust and melted cheese. The Instant Pot air fryer is a popular option for cooking frozen pizzas, and it can also be used to make pizza pasta. Making pizzas from scratch in an air fryer typically involves preparing the dough, adding toppings, and cooking for around 10-15 minutes at 400°F.

Instant Pot pizza pasta

This recipe is a fun twist on the traditional pizza and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends! It is a simple, quick, and budget-friendly dish that can be cooked in an Instant Pot in just 15 minutes. You can also make it in an electric pressure cooker or on a stovetop.

Ingredients:

• Sausage or Italian Sausage
• Onion
• Butter
• Garlic Italian seasoning
• Pasta Sauce (spaghetti and pizza sauce)
• Noodles or Pasta (short-form, like large elbow macaroni or gluten-free penne)
• Cheese (shredded mozzarella)
• Pepperoni (mini pepperoni or regular)
• Olives (optional)
• Any other pizza toppings of your choice

Instructions:

• Set the Instant Pot on "Sauté".
• Melt the butter, add the garlic Italian seasoning, and sausage or Italian sausage. You can also add onions at this stage if you want. Sauté until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink.
• Deglaze by scraping up any cooked bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon and a little water to prevent scorching.
• Add the pasta sauce (spaghetti and pizza sauce) to the sausage mixture and stir.
• Add in the pasta. You can cook the pasta separately beforehand or cook it directly in the sauce as per the package instructions, but for half the recommended time.
• Add water, give it a stir, and put on the lid. Make sure the toggle switch is set to "seal".
• Set the Instant Pot to Manual for 5 minutes. You can also increase the cook time to 15 minutes on a medium stove setting if cooking on a stovetop.
• Do a Quick Release and open the lid after the silver pin has dropped.
• Add half the cheese and half the pepperoni, and mix it into the pasta and meat mixture. You can also add in olives or any other desired toppings.
• Sprinkle the remaining cheese and pepperoni over the top of the mixture.
• Close the lid and let the cheese melt and the pepperoni warm through.
• For a pizza-style finish, top the pasta with an additional 1-2 cups of shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices. Add the Air Fryer Lid and hit "Broil" at 400°F for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned. Alternatively, place the pasta in a casserole dish and broil in the oven.

Feel free to get creative and add your favourite pizza toppings! You can also substitute the marinara sauce for vodka sauce or add mushrooms and onions to make it a supreme pizza. Enjoy your Instant Pot Pizza Pasta!

Air fryer temperature and cook time

The temperature and cooking time for an air fryer pizza depend on the type of pizza, the desired texture of the crust, and the air fryer model. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried pizza:

Frozen Pizza

For a quick and convenient meal, air fryers are ideal for cooking frozen pizzas. The high heat of the air fryer creates a crispy crust, while the circulated air ensures even cooking of the toppings. Most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to temperatures between 360°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C). If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, you can manually preheat it by setting it to the desired temperature and letting it run for about 3-5 minutes.

Once preheated, place the frozen pizza in the air fryer basket or on a tray. If your pizza is too big, you can cut it into slices to fit. Set the temperature to 370°F-400°F (190°C) and cook for 7-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your pizza. For a thinner crust, check your pizza after 8-10 minutes, and for a thicker crust, you may need to add an extra minute or two.

Fresh Pizza Dough

If you're making pizza from scratch with fresh dough, the process is slightly different. First, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Then, roll out your pizza dough to fit the size of your air fryer basket. Lightly brush the dough with olive oil and prick it with a fork. Place the dough in the air fryer and cook for about 3 minutes, then flip it over.

After flipping the dough, it's time to add your toppings. Start with a light layer of tomato sauce and sprinkle on some mozzarella cheese. You can also add other toppings of your choice. Once assembled, air fry your pizza for about 7-10 minutes, until the crust is crispy and the cheese has melted.

Customizing Your Pizza

The beauty of making pizza in an air fryer is that you can customize it to your taste. Experiment with different toppings, cheeses, and sauces to find your perfect combination. You can also adjust the temperature and cooking time to achieve your desired level of crispness for the crust.

Additionally, if you're short on time, you can use naan bread or flatbread as your pizza base instead of making dough from scratch. Simply top it with your favorite ingredients and air fry until melted and crispy!

Making pizza dough from scratch

Ingredients

First, gather your ingredients. The most basic pizza dough recipes call for just five or six ingredients: flour, water, sugar, yeast, oil, and optionally salt. You can use all-purpose flour or bread flour, depending on your preference for a crispy or softer crust. Bread flour tends to give a crispier crust, while all-purpose flour yields a softer one. You can also experiment with adding a dash of garlic powder, dried basil leaves, or dried oregano to your dough for extra flavour.

Mixing and Kneading

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients, including the flour, sugar, yeast, and any optional spices or herbs. Then, create a well in the centre and slowly add the water and oil. Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. You can do this by hand or using a stand mixer. Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading the dough helps develop the gluten, which gives the pizza crust its characteristic chewiness.

First Rise

Lightly oil a clean mixing bowl and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel to prevent the dough from drying out. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has almost doubled in size. This first rise is crucial as it allows the yeast to activate and gives the dough its airy texture.

Shaping and Second Rise

After the first rise, transfer the dough to a floured work surface and divide it into four equal pieces for individual pizzas. Shape each piece into a ball, handling the dough gently to avoid knocking out all the air. Cover the dough balls with a dish towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes. This second rise ensures your crust will be light and airy, not dense.

Rolling and Topping

Once the second rise is complete, it's time to roll out the dough. Use a rolling pin or your hands to flatten each dough ball into a circle or rectangle, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. If you want a thicker crust, you can fold over the edges of the dough before rolling. Transfer the shaped dough to a floured pizza peel or a cornmeal-dusted pizza pan. Brush the surface of the dough with olive oil and poke holes in the centre with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming during baking. Add your desired toppings, being mindful that saucier pizzas may take longer to cook.

Baking

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or follow your specific recipe's instructions. If using a pizza stone, be sure to preheat it as well. Slide the topped pizza onto your preheated pizza stone or baking pan. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on your pizza, as baking times may vary depending on the thickness of your dough and the amount of toppings.

Cooling and Serving

Remove the baked pizza from the oven using a pizza peel and place it on a wire cooling rack. Allow the pizza to cool for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the flavours settle and gives the cheese and sauce time to set, making for a more enjoyable dining experience.

Using frozen pizza

Frozen pizza can be cooked in an air fryer, and it is a quick and easy option for a busy weeknight dinner. The size of the air fryer will determine the size of the pizza that can be cooked. Most air fryers will have a specific setting for frozen pizza, so start there. If your air fryer does not have a specific setting, you can generally cook frozen pizza at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10–12 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the crust and the toppings. The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

For a crispy crust, cook the pizza at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes. If you prefer a softer crust, cook the pizza at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 minutes. Some air fryers have a preheat function, so be sure to use it before cooking the pizza. You can also cook frozen pizza in the air fryer without thawing it first. Just increase the cooking time by 2–3 minutes.

If your pizza has a thick crust, you can put it in the microwave for about 60 seconds first to warm it through, then finish it off in the air fryer. This will ensure your pizza is warm throughout the entire slice, but not overly cooked on the outside.

To reheat pizza in an air fryer, cook at 400 degrees for about four minutes to get the top brown.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the pizza-making process, as it ensures your pizza cooks evenly and efficiently. While some sources suggest that preheating is not necessary, especially when cooking frozen pizzas, it is generally recommended to preheat your air fryer to 400°F before cooking your pizza. This is the optimal temperature for achieving a crispy crust and evenly cooked toppings.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to 400°F. Most air fryers will have a specific setting for preheating, so you can use that. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can manually preheat it by setting it to 400°F for a few minutes before adding your pizza. Depending on the model of your air fryer, it may take anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes to preheat. It is important to refer to your air fryer's user manual to get the most accurate instructions for your specific model.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed with cooking your pizza. Place your prepared pizza, either fresh or frozen, onto the air fryer tray. If you are using a pan, ensure that it is compatible with your air fryer and place the pizza in the pan before inserting it into the air fryer. Remember to spray the pan or tray with a non-stick spray to prevent the pizza from sticking.

The preheating step is particularly important if you are using an Instant Pot air fryer lid, such as the Duo Crisp, to finish off your pizza after cooking it in a pressure cooker. In this case, you would preheat the air fryer lid to 400°F before placing the pizza inside. This ensures that your pizza gets the full benefit of the hot air circulation, resulting in a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.

Frequently asked questions