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

Yes, you can make homemade pizza in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to make a pizza, and you can use store-bought or homemade dough. The air fryer also doesn't need to be preheated for long, if at all, and it keeps your kitchen cool. You can make the pizza your own by choosing your favourite toppings and type of crust.

Precooking the crust

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer. Most recipes recommend a temperature between 375°F and 400°F. Preheat for about 1-5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model.
• Prepare the Crust: Roll out your pizza dough to fit the size of your air fryer basket. You can use store-bought or homemade dough, usually about 12 inches in diameter, which can be divided into two personal-sized pizzas.
• Oil and Poke Holes: Lightly brush or spray the dough with olive oil. Then, use a fork to prick the dough in several places. This step helps prevent the formation of air bubbles and ensures even cooking.
• Initial Crust Cooking: Place the prepared crust in the air fryer basket and cook for about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy base.
• Flipping the Crust: After the initial cooking, you may need to flip the crust. This step depends on your air fryer model and the desired doneness of the crust. Flipping the crust ensures even browning on both sides.
• Poking Air Bubbles: If you notice any air bubbles forming during the cooking process, simply poke them with a fork or spatula. This will help maintain an even crust.
• Checking for Doneness: Keep an eye on the crust during the cooking process. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your crust, as well as the model of your air fryer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking or burning.

By precooking the crust, you create a stable base for your toppings and ensure that the crust is cooked through without overcooking the toppings. This step is essential for achieving the perfect air-fried pizza with a crispy, golden-brown crust.

Choosing toppings

If you want to stick to a classic pizza, you can add some sliced onions, fresh basil, or even some red pepper flakes for a little kick. You could also try a white pizza with an Alfredo sauce base, or a pesto base, and top it with mozzarella, Parmesan, or a mix of both. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add some unique toppings such as eggplant, zucchini, asparagus, or even seafood.

For a more indulgent option, you could try a beer-caramelized onion and Brussels sprout pizza, or a three-cheese roasted grape pizza. If you're a fan of fruit on pizza, you might enjoy a pear and gorgonzola pizza, or a beet pesto pizza with goat cheese and kale.

No matter which toppings you choose, the key is to add them after the crust has been partially cooked, to ensure they don't burn. You can also add more cheese on top of your other toppings to help anchor them and prevent them from flying off during cooking.

Cooking the pizza

Now that you've gathered all your ingredients, it's time to cook your pizza!

First, preheat your air fryer. If you're using a basket-style air fryer, preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for one to two minutes. If you're using an oven-style air fryer, preheat it to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes.

Next, place your pizza dough in the air fryer basket or on a small square pan that fits in the air fryer. If you're using a basket-style air fryer, brush the dough with olive oil. Air fry the dough for three minutes without any toppings. This step helps to cook the dough thoroughly, as it needs more cooking time than the toppings. If you're using an oven-style air fryer, you may need to flip the dough halfway through this step to ensure even cooking.

Once the dough is lightly browned, remove it from the air fryer and prick it with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming. If you're using a basket-style air fryer, you can add your toppings directly to the dough while it's still in the air fryer. If you're using an oven-style air fryer, it's easier to assemble the pizza outside of the air fryer and then transfer it back in.

For your toppings, start with a layer of pizza sauce, followed by your choice of cheese, and then any desired toppings such as pepperoni, vegetables, or herbs. Be careful not to overload the pizza with too many toppings, as this can affect cooking time and evenness.

Now it's time to cook your pizza! Place the assembled pizza back into the air fryer and air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about six to eight minutes for a basket-style air fryer, or seven to nine minutes for an oven-style air fryer. The pizza is ready when the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.

Finally, remove the pizza from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula, as it will be hot. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade air fryer pizza!

Reheating pizza

How to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer:

First, place your leftover pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You can use parchment paper underneath to make cleanup easier and catch any cheese that melts off the sides.

Then, set your air fryer to 350°F (176°C) and cook for around 3-4 minutes. The time will depend on the thickness of your crust. Thin crusts will cook faster, while thicker crusts may need an extra minute or two. For a deep-dish pizza, lower the temperature to 330°F and cook for around 6 minutes to avoid burning the cheese.

Tips for Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer for the best results and a nice, quick reheat.
• If your pizza starts to brown too much, especially near the crust, turn the heat down by 25-30°F.
• Each piece of pizza may reheat differently depending on its size and thickness.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone liner for easy cleanup.
• For a crispier crust, use an air fryer with a burner on the top and bottom, like the Dual Blaze Cosori Air Fryer.

Using an air fryer to reheat your pizza is faster than an oven and doesn't leave you with soggy, chewy pizza like a microwave might. It's also more energy-efficient than an oven, as you're only heating a small area. You'll get a crispy crust and gooey, melted cheese in just a few minutes.

Advantages of air fryer pizza

Air fryer pizza is a convenient, tasty, and quick way to make homemade pizza. It is a great alternative to using a traditional oven, especially in hot weather, and offers several benefits.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers are much smaller than regular ovens, so they use less energy. You also don't need to preheat an air fryer for an hour, as you would with a standard pizza recipe, saving on your electric bill and conserving resources.

Cool Kitchen

Air fryers give off almost no heat, so you can use them as much as you like without raising the temperature of your kitchen. This is especially useful in hot weather when you want to avoid turning on the oven.

No Special Equipment Needed

Unlike traditional oven pizzas, air fryer pizzas require no special equipment like pizza stones, peels, or special pans. All you need is a piece of parchment for thin crusts or a cake pan for thicker Sicilian-style pizzas.

Quick and Easy

Air fryer pizzas are quick and easy to make. The cooking time is short, often around 10 minutes or less, and you can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough, as well as a variety of toppings.

Customizable

Like oven-baked pizzas, air fryer pizzas can be customized with your favorite toppings. You can make personal pan pizzas, thicker Sicilian-style pizzas, or thin-crust pizzas, and the air fryer will handle any thickness of crust.

Reheating

The air fryer is also perfect for reheating leftover pizza. Simply place a slice or two in the air fryer, set it to the maximum temperature, and heat through for a few minutes until crispy and hot.

Frequently asked questions