Air Fryer Totino's Pizza: Can You Do It?

Totino's Party Pizza is a popular frozen pizza option, perfect for a quick snack or a family meal. But can you cook it in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Cooking Totino's pizza in an air fryer is a convenient and easy way to enjoy a crispy and delicious pizza in just a few minutes. It's a great alternative to using an oven, especially when you're short on time or don't want to heat up your kitchen.

The air fryer's rapid circulation of hot air ensures an even and quick cooking process, resulting in a golden-brown and crispy crust. You can also experiment with different toppings and cheeses to create your own unique pizza. So, if you're looking for a fast, tasty, and crunchy pizza, give Totino's Party Pizza in the air fryer a try!

Preheat settings

Firstly, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This temperature setting is consistent across different brands of air fryers, such as Cosori, Ninja Foodi, and Instant Vortex. Preheating ensures that your pizza cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispiness. It is also suggested to preheat the air fryer tray or basket along with the appliance itself.

During the preheating process, you can prepare your Totino's Party Pizza by taking it out of its packaging. There is no need to thaw the pizza, as it can be cooked directly from frozen. If desired, you can add extra toppings, such as shredded mozzarella cheese, at this stage.

The preheating time may vary depending on your air fryer model, but it generally takes a few minutes. Once your air fryer reaches the desired temperature, you can proceed to the next steps of cooking your Totino's pizza.

It is worth noting that while preheating is recommended by some sources, others suggest that it is not necessary for most air fryers. However, preheating can help improve the cooking results and ensure a crispier crust.

Additionally, when cooking multiple pizzas, it is advisable to cook them in batches to maintain proper air circulation and even cooking. Experimenting with cooking times and temperatures can also help you find the perfect balance between crispiness and avoiding a burnt crust.

In summary, preheating your air fryer to 400°F is generally recommended to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust for your Totino's pizza. During preheating, you can prepare your pizza by adding any desired toppings. Remember to allow sufficient preheating time and cook your pizzas in batches if making more than one.

Pizza preparation

Totino's Party Pizzas are a great, budget-friendly option for a quick and easy snack, family lunch, or even a gathering. They are a convenient size and can be cooked in an air fryer in a matter of minutes.

Step-by-Step Guide

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy crust. Preheat the tray as well if you have the option.

Prepare the Pizza:

Take the Totino's Party Pizza out of its packaging. There is no need to thaw the pizza; you can cook it directly from frozen. At this stage, you can also add your desired toppings or extra cheese.

Place the Pizza in the Air Fryer:

Place the frozen pizza, with any added toppings, in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Ensure there is enough space for proper air circulation. You can use parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking if needed.

Cook the Pizza:

Cook the pizza for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep a close eye on it. Check the pizza after 5 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Check for Doneness:

Open the air fryer basket and use tongs to lift the pizza slightly to inspect the crust. The crust should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Serve and Enjoy:

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

Tips for Best Results:

• Avoid using too much oil as Totino's Party Pizzas already have a thin layer of oil on the crust. A light spritz of cooking spray or a small amount of brushed-on oil should be sufficient.
• If cooking multiple pizzas, cook them in batches to maintain proper air circulation and ensure even cooking.
• Experiment with cooking times to find the perfect balance between a crispy crust and avoiding burning.
• Get creative with toppings and add your favorite ingredients to customize your pizza.

Reheating and Leftovers:

• To reheat leftover pizza, place it back in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes until the slices are crunchy.
• If you have leftover slices, store them in an airtight container or wrap them in tin foil and refrigerate for 3-5 days.

Now you're ready to enjoy your Totino's Party Pizza, hot and crispy straight from your air fryer!

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking Totino's pizza in an air fryer vary depending on the desired level of crispiness, the air fryer model, and personal preference. Here are some general guidelines and tips for achieving the best results:

• Preheat the air fryer: It is recommended to preheat the air fryer at a higher temperature, such as 400°F (204°C), for about 4 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy crust. Remember to also preheat the tray if using a tray-style air fryer.
• Air fry temperature: After preheating, lower the temperature to cook the pizza. The ideal temperature range seems to be between 370°F and 400°F (193°C). You can increase or decrease the temperature within this range depending on your desired level of crispiness. For a crispier crust, cook at a higher temperature, and for a softer crust, cook at a lower temperature.
• Air fry time: The cooking time for Totino's pizza in an air fryer typically ranges from 6 to 11 minutes. Keep in mind that the cooking time will depend on the model of your air fryer and your personal preference for doneness. Start checking your pizza around the 5-minute mark to avoid overcooking. If you prefer a softer crust, you may want to reduce the cooking time by a minute or so.
• No need to thaw: It is important to note that you should not thaw the frozen pizza before air frying it. Cook the pizza directly from frozen for the best results.
• Customization: You can experiment with different toppings and ingredients to customize your pizza. Add your favorite toppings or extra cheese, or try seasoning the crust for a unique twist.
• Oil usage: Totino's Party Pizzas already have a thin layer of oil on the crust, so you don't need to use much additional oil. A light spritz of cooking spray or a small amount of brushed-on oil should be sufficient. If you want a crispier crust, you can lightly coat the air fryer basket or tray with olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil.
• Batch cooking: If cooking multiple pizzas, it is best to cook them in batches to maintain proper air circulation and ensure even cooking.
• Leftovers: If you have any leftover pizza, store it in an airtight container or wrap it in foil and refrigerate it for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, return the pizza to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes until the crust is crunchy again.

Adding toppings

Totino's Party Pizza is a great option for a quick snack or a weeknight dinner. The best part is that you can add your favourite toppings to the pizza!

• It is recommended to add toppings after the pizza has been cooked. This ensures that the toppings do not burn or overcook.
• You can add a variety of toppings such as chopped basil, arugula, fresh tomatoes, and sautéed vegetables. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms are great options to elevate your pizza.
• If you want to add cheese as a topping, it is best to choose a variety that melts well, such as mozzarella or cheddar. You can sprinkle the cheese on top of the pizza after it has been cooked and then put it back in the air fryer for a minute or two until the cheese melts.
• For meat lovers, you can add pepperoni, sausage, or bacon as toppings. Just make sure that any meat toppings are fully cooked before consuming.
• Be mindful of the cooking time when adding toppings. The pizza may need a few extra minutes in the air fryer to ensure that the toppings are heated through and the crust remains crispy.
• If you want to get creative, you can try different combinations of toppings to find your favourite flavour profile. For example, you could try a pizza with sautéed mushrooms and onions, or pepperoni and extra cheese.

Remember to keep an eye on your pizza while it's in the air fryer to ensure that it doesn't overcook or burn. Enjoy your delicious, customised Totino's Pizza straight out of your air fryer!

Reheating and storing leftovers

Totino's pizzas are designed to be eaten straight after cooking, but if you do have leftovers, wrap them in tin foil and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep for 3-5 days.

When it comes to reheating, the air fryer is your best friend. Simply place the slices back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes, until the crust is crunchy again. You can also continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also reheat the pizza in a pan on the stovetop. Heat the pan over medium heat and cook the slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.

Alternatively, you can reheat the pizza in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and cook the pizza for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.

It's important to note that the key to reheating pizza is to ensure that it doesn't become soggy. So, whichever method you choose, be sure to keep an eye on it and adjust the timing as needed.

Frequently asked questions