Air Fryer Pizza Subs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens when it comes to making pizza subs. Not only do they speed up the cooking process, but they also ensure a perfectly crispy bottom crust, which can be challenging to achieve in a conventional oven. Pizza subs in an air fryer are easy to make, customizable, and can be ready in just a few minutes.

Pizza dough options

There are several options for pizza dough when making pizza in an air fryer. You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough, crescent roll dough, or even a tortilla. A 12-inch piece of dough will yield two personal-sized pizzas.

If you're using a thin baguette French bread, slice it lengthwise. If you prefer a wider, softer loaf, cut thick slices, ensuring you have enough surface area to spread the sauce and add toppings.

For a quick and easy option, you can also use naan as your dough.

If you want to get creative, you can even make your own pizza dough from scratch. Here's a basic recipe:

Basic Pizza Dough Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
• Add 2 cups of flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions for personal-sized pizzas. Roll out each portion into your desired shape and thickness.
• Place the dough in the air fryer, brush it with olive oil, and prick it with a fork. Cook for 3 minutes, then flip it over.
• Add your desired toppings and continue cooking for about 7 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese has melted.

Feel free to experiment with different types of flour, such as bread flour or whole wheat flour, to create unique flavours and textures for your pizza dough.

Toppings and sauces

Pizza toppings and sauces are a very personal choice, and the beauty of making pizza subs in an air fryer is that you can adapt and personalise your pizza to your tastes.

The most popular sauce is a red tomato-based sauce, but you could also try a white sauce such as a simple, creamy Alfredo sauce. You could make this yourself or buy it ready-made.

For toppings, the classic choice is mozzarella cheese, which is known for its creamy texture, rich flavour, and gooey, stretchy cheese pulls. However, other cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, and parmesan also work well. You could even add a layer of sliced provolone to take your pizza sub to the next level.

Meat toppings could include pepperoni, salami, ham, bacon, sausage, or hard salami. For vegetables, try onions, peppers, mushrooms, olives, or tomatoes. You could also add herbs such as basil and red pepper flakes, or even a sprinkle of parmesan and pepper flakes to finish.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could try a beer caramelized onion and Brussels sprout pizza, a three-cheese roasted grape pizza, a gorgonzola pear pizza, or a beet pesto pizza with goat cheese and kale.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Preheating:

Before placing your pizza in the air fryer, it's important to preheat the appliance. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer between 375°F and 380°F (190°C to 195°C). This step ensures that your pizza cooks evenly and efficiently.

Cooking Time and Temperature for Fresh Pizza:

The cooking time and temperature for fresh pizza in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of your crust and the toppings you choose.

For a thin crust pizza, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the crust for about 3 minutes, then flip it over and add your desired toppings. Air fry for an additional 7 to 8 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

If you're making a thicker crust pizza, you can follow a similar process. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the crust for about 3 minutes. Flip the crust, add toppings, and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the pizza, and if the toppings start to brown too quickly, you can tent the pizza with foil.

Cooking Time and Temperature for Frozen Pizza:

The cooking time and temperature for frozen pizza in an air fryer will depend on the size and thickness of the pizza, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. As a general guideline, set your air fryer between 360°F and 380°F (180°C to 195°C) and cook your frozen pizza for 6 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on the pizza, as you may need to adjust the timing based on your desired level of crispness.

Reheating Pizza in the Air Fryer:

If you're looking to reheat leftover pizza, the air fryer is an excellent option. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F to 350°F (165°C). Place your pizza slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Use parchment paper or a silicone liner in your air fryer basket to facilitate easy removal of your pizza and minimize sticking.
• If using frozen pizza, do not thaw it before placing it in the air fryer. Cook straight from frozen for the best results.
• If your air fryer doesn't have a bottom heating element, you may need to flip your pizza halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
• If your pizza has a thick crust and you want to enhance the browning of the bottom crust, consider finishing it off in a hot frying pan for a couple of minutes after air frying.
• When reheating pizza, there's no need to spray oil on the slices, as the cheese already contains enough oil.

Remember, the specific timing and temperature settings may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the type of pizza you're cooking. Always refer to your air fryer's user manual for additional guidelines and safety instructions.

Avoiding a soggy pizza

Pizza subs can be made in an air fryer, and there are several ways to avoid a soggy pizza. Here are some tips to ensure your pizza subs come out crispy and delicious:

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Before placing your pizza subs in the air fryer, make sure to preheat the appliance. This helps to ensure even cooking and can prevent sogginess. Allow the air fryer to heat up for about 2-3 minutes.

Use the Right Temperature:

Cook your pizza subs at the right temperature to avoid sogginess. For most air fryers, a temperature of 350°F to 375°F is ideal. However, if your air fryer tends to cook faster, you can try a lower temperature, such as 320°F or 330°F.

Avoid Overcrowding:

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the pizza subs in a single layer, ensuring there is enough space between them for proper air circulation. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy crust.

Prepare the Crust:

To prevent sogginess, it is crucial to prepare the crust properly. Brush the crust lightly with olive oil before adding any toppings. This creates a barrier that helps prevent moisture from soaking into the dough. Additionally, pre-cooking the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings can help it become crispier.

Choose Toppings Wisely:

When selecting toppings for your pizza subs, be mindful of their moisture content. Ingredients like fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, or fresh mozzarella can make the crust soggy. To prevent this, pat these ingredients dry or precook them slightly to reduce their moisture content.

Let it Rest:

After cooking your pizza subs, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the crust to set and maintain its crispiness.

Use Parchment Paper:

When reheating pizza subs, consider placing a piece of parchment paper under the slices in the air fryer. This prevents any cheese from sticking to the basket and helps to absorb any excess moisture.

Check for Doneness:

Don't rely solely on the timer. Keep an eye on your pizza subs and check for doneness frequently to avoid overcooking or sogginess. The crust should be golden brown and crispy, and the cheese should be melted.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, crispy pizza subs straight from your air fryer!

Reheating and storing pizza

Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer

The air fryer is a great way to reheat leftover pizza, giving you a crispy crust and melted cheese in just a few minutes. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for achieving the best results:

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most sources recommend preheating to around 350°F (176-180°C), but the ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on the type of crust. For thin-crust pizza, preheat to 325°F (160-165°C). For thick-crust or deep-dish pizza, a lower temperature of 300°F (150°C) is recommended to ensure the pizza heats through without drying out.

Arrange the Pizza Slices:

Place the leftover pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. This allows for even cooking and proper air circulation. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to heat the slices in batches. You can also use parchment paper, aluminium foil, or silicone liners underneath the slices for easier cleanup and to prevent cheese from sticking to the basket.

Air Fry:

Close the basket and set the timer. For thin-crust pizza, air fry for 2-4 minutes. For thick-crust or deep-dish pizza, air fry for 4-7 minutes. Check on your pizza regularly to prevent burning and adjust the time as needed.

Remove and Serve:

Use tongs to carefully remove the reheated pizza from the air fryer and enjoy!

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even heating and cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow for proper air circulation and prevent sogginess.
• Choose the right temperature based on the type of crust to avoid scorching or underheating your pizza.
• Pay attention to the thickness of your pizza and adjust the timing accordingly. Thin-crust pizzas will cook faster, while deep-dish pizzas may need a few extra minutes.
• Keep an eye on your pizza during the reheating process to avoid overcooking and burning.

Storing Leftover Pizza:

If you have leftover pizza that you plan to consume within a few days, proper storage is essential. Here's how to store it:

• Arrange the pizza slices in an airtight container, using paper towels between each slice to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
• Refrigerate the container to keep the pizza fresh and ready for reheating. This helps retain moisture and prevents the slices from drying out.
• You can also freeze pizza slices if you don't plan to eat them within a few days. Frozen pizza slices can be reheated in the air fryer by cooking at 350°F for 8-12 minutes.

Frequently asked questions