Air Fryer Pizza: A Better Microwave Alternative?

Pizza is a versatile dish that can be cooked in various appliances, including microwaves and air fryers. Both methods have their advantages: air fryers are praised for producing crispier crusts, while microwaves are convenient for quick meals. But what happens when you want to combine these two cooking techniques? Can you put a microwave pizza in an air fryer? This article will explore the possibilities and provide a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect pizza, regardless of the cooking method.

Reheating pizza in an air fryer

How to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175-180°C).
• If you want to prevent sticking, line your air fryer basket or tray with aluminium foil, parchment paper, or disposable air fryer liners.
• Place your pizza slices in the air fryer, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each slice so that hot air can circulate and create a crisp crust.
• Reheat for around 3-4 minutes for thin crusts, and 5-6 minutes for thicker crusts. Keep an eye on the pizza to ensure it doesn't burn.
• For easy clean-up, consider using perforated liners or spraying your basket or liner with oil to prevent sticking.
• If you're reheating a pizza with lots of toppings, consider removing those that might burn easily and adding them back on for the last minute or two of cooking.

• It's faster than a conventional oven, which takes longer to heat up.
• It's more hands-off than using a stovetop, which requires constant attention.
• It produces the same results as an oven but in a fraction of the time.
• It's perfect for reheating just a few slices of pizza without having to heat up an entire oven.
• It won't dry out your pizza like a conventional oven can.
• It gives a better texture than a microwave, which can make pizza soggy and rubbery.

So, the next time you have leftover pizza, give your air fryer a go!

Air fryer pizza rolls

Pizza rolls are a perfect snack for any occasion, and making them in an air fryer is much quicker and easier than baking them in the oven or microwaving them. Here is a detailed guide on how to make delicious air fryer pizza rolls.

Ingredients:

• Frozen pizza rolls (e.g. Totino's pepperoni pizza rolls, Aldi's Mama Cozzi's pizza snacks)
• Optional: Ranch dressing, extra pizza sauce, or any other dipping sauce of your choice
• Optional: Mozzarella cheese for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer if your specific air fryer brand requires it.
• Place the frozen pizza rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is okay if they touch or overlap slightly. For larger quantities, you may need to cook in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the pizza rolls at 375-380°F for 5-9 minutes. Shake the basket or flip the rolls halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Check the pizza rolls regularly, especially after the 4-minute mark, to ensure they don't explode.
• Once the pizza rolls are crispy and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
• Serve with your choice of dipping sauce, or top with melted mozzarella cheese for extra cheesiness.

Tips:

• There is no need to thaw the pizza rolls before air frying. Cooking them directly from frozen will give you that crispy texture.
• To prevent sticking, you can use a light coating of oil spray, but this is not necessary for most air fryer baskets.
• If you want to line your basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup, ensure you don't block airflow by punching holes in the paper.
• Different brands of pizza rolls may vary in size, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy air fryer pizza rolls!

Air fryer frozen pizza

Air-fried frozen pizza is a quick and easy way to enjoy a hot and crispy pizza without using an oven. It's faster than a conventional oven, doesn't heat up the whole kitchen, and gives a better texture than a microwave.

How to Air Fry Frozen Pizza:

First, let the pizza thaw for about 10-15 minutes before cooking. This will help it cook more evenly.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F for 2-8 minutes. This creates a stable temperature, helping the pizza cook evenly.

Brush a little olive oil or cooking oil around the crust. This enhances the flavour, creates texture, and adds crispness, making the pizza more fragrant when cooked.

Place the pizza inside the air fryer and cook for 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pizza and your desired level of crispness. Check the pizza occasionally to ensure it's not burning, and adjust the temperature if needed.

Once the cheese has melted and the crust is golden brown, remove the pizza from the air fryer using heat-resistant gloves or tongs. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• You can add fresh cheese or extra toppings before cooking for a more personalised pizza.
• Spices like oregano and basil enhance flavour and offer health benefits.
• Parchment paper or foil can be used, but they may affect airflow and crispness. If using parchment paper, buy the kind designed for air fryers with holes for airflow.
• Reheat any leftovers in the air fryer to maintain crispness.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer:

• Faster cooking and easier cleanup than a conventional oven.
• More energy-efficient than an oven.
• Doesn't heat up the whole kitchen.
• Gives a crispy crust and melts cheese effectively.
• No need to defrost pizza before cooking.
• Great for cooking other frozen foods like chicken nuggets, french fries, and pizza rolls.

Air fryer pizza recipe

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil
• Pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, or a mix of your choice)
• Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, vegetables, basil, oregano, etc.)

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

• Cut the pizza dough into two equal halves and roll them out into thin, round shapes to make two personal-sized pizza crusts.
• If you're using frozen pizza dough, let it thaw for about 10-15 minutes before rolling it out.

Step 2: Cook the Crust

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place the pizza dough in the air fryer and prick it with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming.
• Cook the crust for 3 minutes, then flip it over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it's crispy and golden.

Step 3: Add Toppings

• Remove the crust from the air fryer and spread a layer of pizza sauce over it.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and your desired toppings on the pizza.
• You can also add a sprinkle of dried basil and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Pizza

• Place the pizza back into the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 7-10 minutes.
• If your toppings are light and may blow away, place an air fryer rack on top of the pizza to hold them down.
• The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Remove the pizza from the air fryer using heat-resistant gloves or tongs.
• Let the pizza cool down for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
• Enjoy your freshly made, crispy, and delicious air fryer pizza!

Baking frozen pizza with a microwave

Baking frozen pizza in a microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy a hot pizza at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:

Step 1: Thaw the Pizza

Remove the pizza from the freezer and let it thaw for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This step is important as it helps the pizza cook more evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Microwave

Place a baking plate or tray inside the microwave. If your microwave has a grilling mode, make sure to switch it on. If not, simply use the high setting.

Step 3: Bake the Pizza

Before placing the pizza on the baking plate or tray, brush a little olive oil around the crust. This enhances the flavor, adds texture, and helps achieve a crispier crust. It also improves the color of the cheese. Set the microwave timer for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pizza and the power of your microwave. Keep an eye on the pizza after 5 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 4: Check and Serve

Once the cheese has melted and the pizza is golden, use oven gloves to remove it from the microwave. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for a Better Pizza:

• Add a layer of fresh cheese on top of the frozen pizza before baking for enhanced flavor and richness.
• Sprinkle additional spices such as oregano and basil to boost flavor and add health benefits.
• Brushing olive oil on the crust improves crispiness, enhances flavor, creates an appealing color, and adds nutritional value.

Frequently asked questions