Air Fryer Totino's Pizza: A Quick, Easy Treat

Totino's Party Pizza is a convenient and tasty snack, perfect for those busy weeknights or when you're craving something quick and easy. But can you make it in a Power Clean air fryer? The answer is yes! Totino's Pizzas are a great option for air frying as they fit nicely into the air fryer basket and cook evenly and quickly. The air fryer's rapid air technology cooks the pizza faster than a traditional oven, giving you a crispy and delicious treat in just a few minutes.

So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to satisfy your pizza cravings, give the Power Clean air fryer a go!

Preheat your air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in ensuring your Totino's pizza cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispiness. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for preheating your air fryer:

Preheat at a Higher Temperature

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer at a higher temperature than the cooking temperature. For example, you can preheat your air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for about 4 minutes. This initial high heat will help create a crispy crust and give your pizza a desirable texture.

No Need to Preheat for All Air Fryers

It is worth noting that not all air fryers require preheating. Some air fryer models, like the Power XL air fryer, have aluminum racks and do not need preheating. Always refer to your air fryer's instructions to determine if preheating is necessary.

Preheat the Tray or Basket

If you are using a tray or basket inside your air fryer, make sure to preheat that as well. This will ensure that your pizza cooks evenly and prevents any sogginess.

Monitor the Preheating Process

Keep an eye on the preheating process, especially if it is your first time using a particular air fryer model. Different air fryers will vary in terms of wattage, capacity, and other factors, which can affect the preheating time.

Prepare the Pizza While Preheating

To save time, you can take advantage of the preheating period by preparing your pizza. Take the Totino's Party Pizza out of its packaging and add any desired toppings or shredded mozzarella cheese. This way, your pizza will be ready to go as soon as the air fryer reaches the desired temperature.

Avoid Overcrowding

When placing the pizza in the air fryer, ensure you don't overcrowd the basket or tray. Proper air circulation is crucial for even cooking and achieving the desired crispiness. If cooking multiple pizzas, consider cooking them in batches.

Remember, preheating your air fryer is just one part of the process. The cooking temperature and time will also play a significant role in achieving the best results for your Totino's pizza.

Prepare your pizza

While the air fryer preheats, take your Totino's pizza out of its packaging. Totino's Party Pizza comes in a variety of flavours, including cheese, pepperoni, and combination. You can also add extra toppings to your pizza, such as extra cheese, pepperoni, or vegetables. However, be careful not to overload the pizza, as this may affect the cooking time and crispiness.

If you want an extra crispy crust, you can lightly spray the pizza with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil before cooking. This step is optional but can enhance the crispiness. You can also sprinkle some garlic powder on the pizza before cooking to add extra flavour.

Once you've prepared your pizza, it's time to place it in the air fryer basket. Ensure that there's enough space around the pizza to allow for proper air circulation. If your pizza is too large, you may need to cut it in half or choose a smaller size.

Place the pizza in the air fryer basket

To make Totino's pizza in an air fryer, you'll first want to remove the pizza from its packaging. It's important to keep the pizza frozen until you're ready to cook it. Do not thaw the pizza before placing it in the air fryer.

Now, place the pizza in the air fryer basket. You can lightly spray the basket with an air fryer-safe cooking spray first to prevent sticking, but this is not necessary. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent proper air circulation.

Once the pizza is in the basket, you can set the air fryer to 370-400°F and air fry for 6-11 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. You can increase the temperature to 400°F if you want a crispier crust. Check on the pizza after 5-9 minutes to ensure it's not burning or overcooking, as air fryer models vary.

When the pizza is done, use a large spatula to transfer it to a cutting board. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Set the cooking time and temperature

Setting the right cooking time and temperature is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness and avoiding overcooking or burning your Totino's pizza in the air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for getting it just right:

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust. Set your air fryer to around 400°F (204°C). Preheat the tray as well to ensure consistent results. The preheating time can vary depending on your air fryer model, so refer to your device's instructions.

Cooking Temperature:

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook your Totino's pizza. You can cook the pizza at a temperature between 370°F and 400°F (188°C and 204°C). A lower temperature within this range, such as 370°F, will cook the pizza thoroughly, while a higher temperature, like 400°F, will give you a crispier crust.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for Totino's pizza in an air fryer can range from 5 to 12 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness and the model of your air fryer. Keep a close eye on your pizza after the 5-minute mark to prevent overcooking. If you're using a Ninja Air Fryer, 10 minutes at 390°F is a good guideline, but remember to monitor your pizza as air fryers can vary in heating.

Checking for Doneness:

To check if your Totino's pizza is cooked to perfection, carefully open the air fryer basket and use tongs to lift the pizza slightly. Examine the crust's color—it should be golden brown and crispy when done. If it's not quite there yet, close the basket and continue cooking for another minute or two.

Serving:

Once your Totino's pizza is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer with caution as it will be hot. Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy the crispy, delicious treat!

Remember, every air fryer is unique, and cooking times can vary due to wattage, capacity, and other factors. Always monitor your pizza closely, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to ensure it's cooked just the way you like it.

Check for doneness

Checking for doneness is an important step in the cooking process to ensure your pizza is cooked to perfection. Here are some detailed instructions on how to check for doneness when making Totino's pizza in a Power Clean air fryer:

Firstly, it is crucial to understand the desired outcome. The pizza is considered "done" when it reaches a state of doneness that you find appealing. Some people prefer their pizza with a softer, less crispy crust, while others may enjoy a crispier, golden-brown base. Understanding your preference will guide your judgment when checking for doneness.

Now, let's get into the specific steps:

• Timing Guidelines: Refer to the cooking time guidelines provided by the air fryer manufacturer or recipe instructions. For Totino's pizza, the recommended cooking time is approximately 5 to 10 minutes in the air fryer. However, it's important to remember that cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer.
• Visual Inspection: After the suggested cooking time has elapsed, open the air fryer basket and use tongs to carefully lift the pizza and inspect the crust. The crust should appear golden brown and crispy when it's done. Additionally, check the cheese on top. It should be melted and slightly browned for a perfect finish.
• Touch Test: If you're unsure, gently touch the crust with a spatula or the back of a spoon. A crispy crust will feel firm to the touch, while a softer crust will yield slightly under gentle pressure.
• Overcooking Prevention: Keep in mind that air fryers can vary in power, and it's easy to overcook or burn your pizza. To avoid this, it's recommended to check on your pizza frequently during the last few minutes of the cooking process. This way, you can prevent overcooking and achieve your desired level of doneness.
• Customization: If you prefer a softer crust, you can reduce the cooking time by a minute or two. On the other hand, if you're aiming for an extra crispy base, you can extend the cooking time by a minute or so.

Remember, the key to checking for doneness is to trust your senses and use your best judgment. With a little practice, you'll be able to create delicious Totino's pizzas in your Power Clean air fryer with your desired level of crispiness. Enjoy your homemade treat!

Frequently asked questions