Air-Fryer Pizzas: Homemade, Quick, And Easy!

Yes, you can make a homemade pizza in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to make a delicious, crispy pizza in under 30 minutes. The best part is that you can personalise your pizza any way you like.

To make a pizza in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (190°C). Prepare your air fryer basket with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray, and a parchment paper liner to prevent sticking. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to a size that fits your air fryer basket. Place the dough in the basket, brush with olive oil, and pre-cook for around 3 minutes.

Next, add your toppings. It's best to add the cheese last, as lighter toppings may blow off while cooking. Once you've added your toppings, cook the pizza for around 7 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Choosing a pizza base

The base of your pizza is a crucial component, as it will determine how well your pizza cooks in the air fryer, as well as the overall taste and texture. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a pizza base for your air fryer pizza:

Type of Dough

You can opt for store-bought pizza dough, usually found in the refrigerated section, or make your own from scratch. If you're short on time, pre-cooked pizza dough is also an option, which you can place directly into the air fryer without any additional preparation. Alternatively, you can use other types of dough, such as rolled-out crescent rolls or tortillas, for a thinner and crispier base.

Thickness

For an even cook, it's important to roll out your pizza dough to an even thickness. Most recipes recommend rolling the dough to less than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick. This ensures that the base cooks through and gives you a crispy texture. If you prefer a thicker crust, you can roll the dough a bit thicker but be mindful that it may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Size

The size of your pizza base should be considered in relation to the size of your air fryer basket. You want to ensure that the base fits comfortably inside with a bit of space for airflow. A standard 12-inch (30 cm) dough ball can usually be divided into two personal-sized pizzas for an air fryer. However, you can also make mini pizzas by dividing the dough into four or eight pieces, which is great for kids' parties or as an appetizer.

Pre-Baking

Some pizza dough recipes, especially homemade ones, may require pre-baking the crust before adding toppings. This helps ensure that the base is cooked through and prevents a soggy crust. Place the prepared dough in the air fryer and cook for around 3 minutes at a higher temperature, such as 400°F (200°C), before removing it and adding your toppings.

Toppings

When choosing a pizza base, consider the toppings you plan to use. If you're using heavier toppings, a thicker crust may be more suitable to handle the weight. Additionally, some recipes recommend adding cheese both under and on top of the toppings to help hold them in place and prevent them from blowing around in the air fryer.

Preparing the toppings

Choosing the Toppings

The beauty of making a homemade pizza is that you have the freedom to select your favourite ingredients and create unique flavour combinations. The most popular pizza toppings include pepperoni, onions, green peppers, olives, mushrooms, and cooked shredded chicken. However, you can also think outside the box and experiment with different options like sirloin steak, red peppers, black olives, or even beet pesto with goat cheese and kale. If you're making pizza for a group, you can set up a pizza bar with various toppings, allowing everyone to personalise their pizzas.

Preparing Meat Toppings

If you plan to use meat toppings, such as pepperoni, cooked ground beef, ham, or Italian sausage, it's essential to cook them beforehand. Make sure the meat is thoroughly cooked and drained of excess grease before placing it on your pizza. This step ensures that the meat is safe to eat and doesn't release excess moisture into your pizza, making the crust soggy.

Chopping and Slicing

For toppings like vegetables, meats, or even fresh herbs, it's important to chop or slice them into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the toppings cook evenly and don't weigh down the pizza. Finely chopped or sliced toppings will also make it easier to eat your pizza and create a more balanced distribution of flavours.

Layering the Toppings

When it comes to layering the toppings, it's best to start with a light layer of sauce. Spread the sauce evenly across the pizza base, creating a flavourful foundation. Then, add your cheese. A combination of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese is a popular choice, as it melts well and provides a gooey, stretchy texture. You can also add other cheeses like cheddar or goat cheese, depending on your preference.

Securing the Toppings

Before placing the pizza in the air fryer, consider using a light layer of cheese or sauce on top of your other toppings to help secure them. This extra step will prevent the toppings from blowing or flying around inside the air fryer, ensuring that your pizza stays intact during the cooking process.

Final Touches

Once your pizza is cooked to perfection, with a golden-brown crust and melted cheese, you can add some final touches. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of reduced balsamic vinegar can enhance the flavours and colours of your pizza. These final garnishes will take your homemade creation to the next level!

Remember, the key to preparing toppings for your air fryer pizza is to be creative, choose high-quality ingredients, and have fun with the process. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your signature pizza style!

Cooking the base

To cook the base of your pizza in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 375–400 °F (190 °C). You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough, but make sure it's rolled out thinly (less than ¼ inch). If you're using a pre-made base, place it straight into the air fryer. If you're using homemade dough, prick the base all over with a fork first—this will help it bake flat.

Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the basket with parchment paper, which makes it easier to get the pizza in and out.

Place the base in the basket and cook for 1 minute, then flip it over and cook for another minute. Repeat this process with any remaining bases. If your air fryer has a front-opening door, you may find it easier to assemble the pizza on the outside and then place the whole pizza in the basket.

Now you're ready to add your toppings!

Adding toppings

Firstly, it is recommended to precook the crust for 3 minutes, and then flip it over. This will help you achieve a crispy bottom without overcooking the toppings.

When it comes to choosing toppings, the possibilities are endless. You can go for the classic combination of tomato sauce and cheese, or get creative with different meats, vegetables, and herbs. Here are some popular options:

• Pepperoni
• Onions
• Green peppers
• Olives
• Mushrooms
• Basil
• Parmesan
• Red pepper flakes
• Ham
• Bell pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Banana peppers
• Pepperoncini peppers
• Chicken
• Beef
• Salami
• Anchovies
• Pineapple
• Jalapenos
• Spinach
• Eggplant
• Artichoke

When adding your toppings, it is important to note that lighter toppings like pepperoni may blow off while cooking. To prevent this, you can add the cheese first and then place the toppings on top, pressing them gently into the cheese. This will help anchor the toppings and keep them from flying off. Additionally, you can use an air fryer rack to place on top of the pizza while it cooks, which will help hold down the toppings.

Once you have added your desired toppings, simply place the pizza back into the air fryer and cook until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted.

Reheating and freezing

Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer

The air fryer is a great way to reheat leftover pizza. It is faster than a conventional oven, and gives better results than a microwave. It can give you a crispy crust and gooey, melted cheese in a matter of minutes.

To reheat your pizza, first prep your air fryer by lining the floor of the basket or the rack/tray with perforated aluminium foil or parchment paper. This will allow airflow to crisp up the crust and prevent sticking. Place your slices in a single layer, with a little space between them to ensure even cooking. You can spray the tops of the slices with oil to prevent toppings from burning, or remove any fresh toppings that might burn.

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (176-180°C). For thin-crust pizza, air fry for 3 minutes; for thick-crust pizza, air fry for 4-5 minutes. Check on the pizza occasionally to ensure it is heating as desired. If it is browning too quickly, lower the temperature by 25°F. If it is not heating quickly enough, add more time in 1-minute increments. Once the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy, remove the pizza from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute before serving.

Reheating Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer

You can also reheat frozen pizza in an air fryer. This will take about double the time of reheating leftover pizza. Cook at 350°F for 8-12 minutes, checking on the pizza after 8 minutes and adding more time as needed.

Freezing Pizza

If you have leftover pizza that you want to freeze for later, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the best results when reheating. Allow the pizza to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container. Consume frozen pizza within 2-3 months.

Frequently asked questions