Air Fryer Pizza: A Quick Fix?

Yes, you can cook pizza in an air fryer! Whether you're making it from scratch or reheating a leftover slice, an air fryer can give you a perfectly crispy crust and gooey, melted cheese in a matter of minutes.

To make pizza in an air fryer from scratch, you can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough, rolled-out crescent rolls, or a tortilla. You can also experiment with different toppings and sauces. The cooking process involves cooking the crust first, adding your desired toppings, and then cooking the pizza for a few more minutes.

If you're reheating leftover pizza, simply place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer and heat them up for a few minutes. You can also use parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Reheating leftover pizza

Air fryers are a great way to reheat leftover pizza. They can give you a hot, crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese in a matter of minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect reheated pizza:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). You can place a disposable parchment paper liner or a reusable silicone liner in the basket for easy cleanup. However, this is optional.

Step 2: Arrange the Pizza Slices

Place the leftover pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. The number of slices you can fit will depend on the size and type of your air fryer. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to heat the slices in batches.

Step 3: Air Fry the Pizza

Close the basket and set the timer. For thin-crust pizza, set the timer for 3-4 minutes. For thick-crust or deep-dish pizza, set the timer for 5-7 minutes. Check on your pizza occasionally to ensure it is heating to your liking. If it is browning too quickly, lower the temperature by 25°F (about 4°C). If it needs more time, simply add another minute.

Step 4: Remove and Serve

Carefully remove the hot pizza from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Enjoy your freshly reheated pizza!

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even and quick heating.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow for proper air circulation.
• Adjust the temperature and timing based on the thickness of your pizza. Thin crusts require less time, while deep-dish pizzas may need up to 7 minutes.
• Keep an eye on your pizza to avoid overcooking. Don't rely solely on the timer.

By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy your leftover pizza with a crispy crust and melted cheese, just like it's fresh out of the oven!

Using store-bought vs. homemade dough

There are several options for the dough base of your air fryer pizza. You can use store-bought dough, make your own, or even use a tortilla wrap or naan bread.

Store-Bought Dough

Store-bought dough is a convenient option if you're short on time or don't want the hassle of making your own. It's also a good choice if you're feeding a large group, as it's easy to buy multiple packs of dough. Look for dough that is designed for pizza ovens, as this will work best in an air fryer.

Homemade Dough

Making your own dough can be a rewarding experience, and many people find it more fulfilling than using store-bought dough. It's also usually cheaper and allows you to experiment with different recipes and methods. However, it can be time-consuming, especially if you're making dough in bulk.

Other Options

If you're looking for a quick and easy option, you can use a tortilla wrap or naan bread as your pizza base. These options cook quickly and can be a fun way to change up your pizza night.

Tips for Using Store-Bought Dough

• Pre-cook the dough first: This is essential to getting a crispy crust. Air fry the dough for a few minutes on both sides before adding your toppings.
• Roll the dough thinly: A thinner crust will cook more quickly and evenly in the air fryer.
• Use an air fryer rack: This will help keep your toppings from flying off the pizza as the hot air circulates.

Tips for Making Homemade Dough

• Use the right type of flour: A high-protein flour like tipo 00 or bread flour works best for pizza dough.
• Give it time to rest: Homemade dough often needs time to rest and rise, so plan ahead.
• Experiment with different recipes: There are many different methods and recipes for pizza dough, so find one that works for you.

Whether you use store-bought or homemade dough, the key to success with an air fryer pizza is to pre-cook the crust and ensure it's thin enough to cook through evenly. With a little trial and error, you'll be able to make delicious, crispy pizzas in no time!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer pizza will depend on the type of pizza you are making, the toppings you are using, and the model of your air fryer.

If you are making a fresh pizza, you will need to cook the dough first. Preheat your air fryer to between 375 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pizza dough in the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until crispy. Then, add your sauce, cheese, and toppings. Place the pizza back in the air fryer and cook for another 4-8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the crust is golden brown.

If you are cooking a frozen pizza, you will need to reduce the temperature and cooking time from what is suggested for a conventional oven. For example, if the package suggests cooking at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, cook the pizza in your air fryer at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes.

If you are reheating leftover pizza, preheat your air fryer to 320-325 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 4-5 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand and size of your air fryer, so be sure to check on your pizza frequently to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.

Toppings and customisation

The beauty of making pizza in an air fryer is that you can easily customise your pizza to your liking. The sky's the limit when it comes to toppings!

Topping Ideas

• Fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and pepper flakes
• Beer caramelised onion and Brussels sprout
• Three-cheese roasted grape
• Gorgonzola pear
• Beet pesto with goat cheese and kale
• Canadian bacon and pineapple
• Bell peppers, olives, and fresh basil
• Sirloin steak, onions, and red peppers
• Black olives

Customisation Tips

• Use store-bought or homemade pizza dough, rolled-out crescent rolls, or a tortilla. A 12-inch piece of dough will typically make two personal pizzas.
• For a creamy texture and rich flavour, use buffalo mozzarella cheese. Regular mozzarella also works!
• Brush the crust with olive oil to make it extra crispy and golden brown.
• Use store-bought tomato sauce or make your own homemade marinara sauce.
• Precook the crust in the air fryer for about 3 minutes to achieve a crispy bottom without overcooking the toppings. Remember to flip the crust over after the initial cook to prevent a white bottom.
• If you're using a lot of cheese, consider placing a piece of parchment paper underneath to catch any cheese or oil that melts off the sides. Punch a few small holes in the parchment paper directly under the crust to ensure proper air circulation.
• If you want to prevent toppings from burning, you can lightly spray the top of the pizza with oil. However, fresh toppings like basil and tomatoes are harder to prevent from burning since they are usually added after cooking.
• If you're making multiple pizzas, keep the first one warm while cooking the second one by placing it in the oven at the lowest temperature.

Air fryer type and size

Air fryers come in various types and sizes, and the right one for you will depend on your needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an air fryer for making pizza:

Type of Air Fryer

There are two main types of air fryers: bucket-style and oven-style. Bucket-style air fryers typically have a bucket-shaped or cylindrical cooking chamber and a removable drawer for placing food. Oven-style air fryers, on the other hand, resemble a small convection oven with a front-opening door. Both types can be effective for cooking pizza, but the structure may affect how you assemble your pizza. With bucket-style air fryers, it may be more difficult to assemble the pizza inside the cooking chamber due to limited space. In this case, you may need to pre-cook the crust, then add the toppings outside the air fryer before finishing it off. Oven-style air fryers, with their larger doors, may allow you to assemble the pizza directly inside the chamber.

Size of Air Fryer

The size of your air fryer will determine the size of the pizza you can make. Check the dimensions of the cooking chamber or basket to ensure it can accommodate the size of pizza you want to make. If you have a specific pizza recipe in mind, calculate the surface area of the pizza to determine if it will fit in your air fryer. For example, if your recipe yields a 12-inch round pizza, but your air fryer can only fit an 8-inch pan, you may need to adjust the amount of dough used or cook multiple smaller pizzas. Additionally, consider the number of people you typically cook for. If you often cook for a large group, a larger air fryer may be more suitable.

Additional Features

When choosing an air fryer, consider additional features that may enhance your pizza-making experience:

• Temperature settings: Ensure your air fryer can reach temperatures suitable for cooking pizza, typically around 350°F to 400°F.
• Preheat function: Look for an air fryer with a preheat function to ensure even cooking.
• Adjustable racks: Some air fryers have adjustable racks that can be moved up or down, allowing for better control over the distance between the pizza and the heating element.
• Accessories: Certain air fryers come with accessories like pizza pans or parchment paper liners specifically designed for cooking pizza.
• Heating element placement: If you want to achieve an evenly browned crust, consider an air fryer with a bottom heating element. Alternatively, you can flip the pizza halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

In summary, when choosing an air fryer for making pizza, consider the type, size, temperature settings, and additional features that will best suit your pizza-making needs. Remember to always consult the user manual for specific instructions and guidelines for your chosen air fryer model.

Frequently asked questions