Air Fryer Frozen Pizza: A Quick, Easy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen pizza, but can you do it? The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the size of your air fryer will determine the size of the pizza you can cook. Most air fryers can fit a small, personal pie or a few slices of pizza. Second, the cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pizza crust. For a thin crust, cook the pizza at 380-400 F for six to ten minutes. For a thicker crust, you may need to cook it for up to 15 minutes. Finally, it's important to preheat your air fryer before cooking your pizza, and avoid using parchment paper or foil as they can affect the airflow and prevent your pizza from getting crispy. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook a frozen pizza, an air fryer can definitely get the job done!

Preheat settings and temperatures

Firstly, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer, treating it like a mini oven. This ensures that your pizza cooks evenly and that you can follow the timing instructions accurately. Preheat your air fryer to around 380-400°F. Some sources recommend starting at a higher temperature and then reducing it to around 350°F halfway through the cooking process. This helps to ensure the toppings don't burn and the crust cooks through.

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the size and type of your air fryer, as well as the size and thickness of your pizza. Smaller personal pizzas or mini pizzas will take less time to cook than larger pizzas. Thin crust pizzas will cook faster, while deep dish or thick crust pizzas will take longer. As a general guideline, cook your pizza at 380-400°F for 6-10 minutes, checking regularly to ensure it doesn't burn. You may need to experiment with the timing and temperature settings for your first pizza, and then you'll have a better idea of the ideal settings for your air fryer.

If your pizza has a lot of toppings, consider spraying a light layer of oil on top to prevent burning. Additionally, if your air fryer tends to cook very hot, reduce the temperature to around 360°F and check on your pizza after the first 4 minutes, adding additional time as needed.

When cooking frozen French bread pizza, which is usually larger and thicker, cook at 350-380°F for about 5-7 minutes.

For gluten-free frozen pizzas with cauliflower crusts, a lower temperature and shorter cooking time are recommended. Cook at 380°F for 5-6 minutes, checking at the 5-minute mark and adding time as needed for extra crispness.

Remember to place the pizza directly into the air fryer basket without any parchment paper or aluminium foil, as this will affect how the heat circulates and can result in a softer crust.

Air fryer basket vs oven-style air fryer

Air fryer baskets and oven-style air fryers have their own pros and cons. Here is a detailed comparison between the two:

Air Fryer Basket:

• Air fryer baskets are easy to use, heat up quickly, and deliver good results.
• They are ideal for shaking and tossing food like French fries to get even browning.
• Most models are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
• The basket style is generally more affordable.
• The basket style is not suitable for cooking multiple items at once, as it lacks space.
• It does not have a window to monitor the cooking process.

Oven-Style Air Fryer:

• Oven-style air fryers offer more space, often with layered racks, making them suitable for cooking larger quantities of food or multiple items at once.
• They usually come with a glass door, allowing you to monitor the cooking process without opening the machine.
• They often include additional functions, such as a rotisserie attachment, which increases their versatility but also their cost.
• They are harder to clean and carry a higher risk of burning yourself when turning food over manually.

Both types of air fryers have their advantages, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you plan to cook for a large family or want to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously, an oven-style air fryer might be preferable. On the other hand, if ease of use, quick heating, and the ability to toss and shake food are more important to you, an air fryer basket could be the better option.

Reheating frozen pizza

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Most sources recommend preheating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while some suggest 380 degrees, and others suggest 400 degrees. If your air fryer has a reheat setting, you can use this instead.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza

If you are cooking a full pizza, check if it fits in your air fryer. If not, you will need to slice it into pieces first. You can add any extra toppings at this stage.

Step 3: Cook the Pizza

Place the pizza in the air fryer and cook for 2-4 minutes for reheating, or 5-10 minutes if cooking from frozen. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your pizza and the power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the pizza from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• If your pizza starts to burn before it is heated through, cover it with aluminium foil, folded underneath to keep it in place.
• Avoid using parchment paper or foil during cooking, as this can prevent the air from circulating and may make the crust softer. However, you can use parchment paper with holes designed for air fryers.
• If your air fryer has a silicone basket, start the temperature at 380 degrees and cook for a little longer.
• To get an even crispier crust, spritz the underside of the pizza with olive oil before cooking.
• If your pizza is burning on top but not cooking on the bottom, try poking holes in the crust with a fork before cooking.
• For best results, use a pizza cutter to slice the pizza after cooking.
• Store leftover pizza wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the microwave or air fryer. Do not refreeze.

Storing leftover pizza

Instead, it is recommended to stack and seal the leftover pizza. Here are two methods to do this:

Method 1: Stack in a Resealable Bag

Let the remaining slices cool down, then stack the slices into a resealable bag. Place the whole packet in the refrigerator. If you have an airtight container large enough to hold the slices, you can use that instead. This method works best for pizzas that are not too saucy.

Method 2: Layer and Wrap Tightly in Plastic Wrap

Place a single layer of slices on a dinner plate. Top with a layer of wax, freezer, foil, or parchment paper. Keep stacking, alternating pizza and paper, until all the pizza is on the plate. Wrap the stack tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. This method helps prevent the pizza from drying out and taking up too much space in the refrigerator.

Regardless of the method chosen, properly stored leftover pizza will retain its quality for three to four days in the refrigerator or up to two months in the freezer.

Customising frozen pizza

Meat lovers:

If you're a fan of pepperoni, sausage, ham, Canadian bacon, ground beef, or bacon, feel free to load up on those toppings. You can even mix and match to create your own meat lover's combo.

Veggie delight:

For a vegetarian option, mushrooms, onions, olives, peppers, and tomatoes are always great choices. You can also get creative with artichokes, spinach, or even pineapple if you're feeling adventurous.

Cheese, please:

Why stop at just cheese pizza? Add extra mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, or any other type of cheese you love. You can also sprinkle on some Italian seasoning, garlic salt, or onion salt to enhance the flavour.

Get spicy:

If you like it hot, add some pepperoni, jalapenos, or crushed red pepper flakes to your pizza. You can also sprinkle on some red pepper flakes after it's cooked for an extra kick.

Go fresh:

Don't forget that you can always add fresh herbs or greens to your pizza after it's cooked. Basil, oregano, arugula, or spinach can add a burst of flavour and colour to your slice.

When customising your frozen pizza in an air fryer, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Preheat your air fryer: Just like a regular oven, it's best to preheat your air fryer for the best results. This will ensure that your pizza cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy.
• Cook time: The cooking time will depend on the type of pizza you have. Frozen pizzas usually take around 6-10 minutes in an air fryer, but always keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
• Toppings: If you're adding fresh toppings, keep in mind that they may need less time to cook than the pizza itself. Add them towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
• Parchment paper: While it's best to cook frozen pizza directly in the air fryer basket, if you're adding lots of extra toppings, you may want to use parchment paper with holes to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.

So, get creative, experiment with different combinations, and enjoy your very own custom frozen pizza straight from your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions