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

Totino's Party Pizza is a popular frozen pizza product that can be cooked in an air fryer. It is a convenient and tasty option for those looking for a quick snack or meal. The pizza is known for its thin and crispy crust, achieved by the even and rapid cooking process of the air fryer. The cooking time is significantly reduced compared to a conventional oven, making it a fast and efficient option for satisfying pizza cravings.

How to cook Totino's pizza in an air fryer

Totino's Party Pizzas are a great snack for any occasion, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy a crispy and delicious pizza. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook Totino's Pizza in an air fryer:

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (193°C). Preheating ensures that the pizza cooks evenly, and you get that desirable crispy crust. Some recipes suggest preheating the tray as well.

Prepare the Pizza:

Take the Totino's Party Pizza out of its packaging and remove any plastic wrap. You can also add some extra toppings at this stage, such as shredded mozzarella cheese, to enhance the flavor.

Cut into Slices (optional):

If you prefer your pizza sliced, you can cut it into portions before cooking. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter for this step.

Place the Pizza in the Air Fryer:

Place the pizza directly into the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure it is in a single layer and not overlapping to ensure proper air circulation. You can also add parchment paper or aluminium foil to prevent sticking, but this is optional.

Cook the Pizza:

Set the cook time for 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the crust, so keep an eye on it!

Check for Doneness:

After the set time, open the air fryer and use tongs to lift the pizza slightly to check the crust. It should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the pizza is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer, as it will be hot. Allow it to cool slightly, then slice and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for the 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 enough.
• If cooking multiple pizzas, cook them in batches to maintain proper air circulation and 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 Leftovers:

You can easily reheat leftover pizza in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and cook the pizza for 2-3 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Now you know how to cook Totino's Pizza in an air fryer! Enjoy your delicious and crispy pizza, perfect for a quick snack or an easy weeknight dinner.

The history of Totino's pizza

Totino's has a long history in the world of pizza, dating back to the early days of the dish's popularity in the United States. Here is a brief history of Totino's Pizza:

In 1951, Jim Totino founded a takeaway pizzeria in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which was soon transformed into a full-service restaurant by his wife, Rose Totino. The restaurant became a neighbourhood favourite, with Rose and Jim making up to 500 pizzas a day.

A decade later, in 1962, they started Totino's Finer Foods, mass-producing and selling frozen pizzas for customers to bake at home. This venture quickly propelled the Totino's brand to national fame, becoming the first big name in the frozen pizza industry. Their success was due in part to Rose Totino's innovative "Crisp Crust" technology, patented in 1979, which kept the pizza crust crispy during freezing, thawing, and baking.

In 1975, Totino's was acquired by the Pillsbury Company, which was then bought by General Mills in 2001. This acquisition allowed Totino's to expand its reach even further. By the time of the sale, Totino's had become the country's top-selling frozen pizza brand, with annual sales of $50 million in 1974.

Rose Totino played a pivotal role in the company's success and was named Pillsbury's first female corporate vice president. She worked closely with the company's food scientists to perfect the frozen pizza recipe. Sadly, Jim Totino passed away in 1981, and Rose followed in 1994. In recognition of her contributions, Rose was inducted into the Minnesota Inventor's Hall of Fame in 2008.

Today, Totino's remains a popular choice for pizza lovers, known for its convenience, taste, and affordability. The brand has expanded its offerings to include various flavours, such as cheese, pepperoni, combination, supreme, and triple cheese. Totino's Pizza Rolls, introduced in 1993, have also become a favourite snack item, contributing significantly to the brand's success.

The benefits of cooking Totino's pizza in an air fryer

Totino's Party Pizzas are a convenient and tasty treat, perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or a quick bite. Cooking them in an air fryer has several benefits, and it's a great way to enjoy a crispy and delicious pizza without the fuss of using an oven. Here are some advantages of using an air fryer for Totino's pizzas:

Quick and Easy

Air fryers offer a fast and efficient way to cook Totino's pizzas. There is no need to preheat the air fryer, and the cooking time is significantly reduced compared to a conventional oven. You can have your pizza ready in just a few minutes, making it a convenient option when you're short on time or craving a quick snack.

Crispier Crust

The air fryer's circulating hot air ensures an even and rapid cooking process, resulting in a perfectly golden-brown and crispy crust. You can achieve that desirable crunch in a matter of minutes without the sogginess that can sometimes occur with oven-baked pizzas.

Healthier Option

Air fryers are known for their ability to create crispy dishes with little to no oil. When cooking Totino's pizzas in an air fryer, you can use healthier oils like olive or avocado oil, or even opt for an oil spray. This allows you to indulge in your pizza cravings without the added calories and unhealthy fats associated with deep-frying.

Customization and Versatility

Cooking Totino's pizzas in an air fryer opens up a world of customization. While the classic flavors are delicious on their own, you can add your favorite toppings, extra cheese, or even season the crust to create your own unique pizza. The air fryer's versatility ensures that each pizza can be tailored to your taste preferences.

Easy Cleanup

Another advantage of using an air fryer is the minimal cleanup required afterward. Air fryers are generally easy to clean, and using parchment paper or foil during the cooking process makes cleanup even more effortless.

Perfect for Small Gatherings

Totino's Party Pizzas are an excellent option for small gatherings, game nights, or social events. They are perfectly sized for individual servings, and with the convenience of an air fryer, you can quickly prepare multiple pizzas to satisfy your guests' pizza cravings.

How to prevent Totino's pizza from sticking to the air fryer basket

Totino's Party Pizza is a convenient and tasty snack that can be made in an air fryer. The pizza is a great option for those looking for a quick bite, as it cooks in just a few minutes without the need for preheating the appliance.

However, one potential issue is the pizza sticking to the air fryer basket. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with an air fryer-safe cooking spray. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil. Avocado oil is a good option due to its high smoke point.
• Use parchment paper or aluminium foil: Lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil can help prevent sticking. This is a good option if you want to avoid using oil.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket: Ensure proper air circulation by not overcrowding the basket with too many pizzas. Cook them in batches if necessary.
• Don't thaw the pizza before air frying: The Totino's Party Pizza should be cooked directly from frozen. Thawing the pizza before air frying can affect the cooking process and increase the chances of sticking.
• Monitor the cooking process: Keep an eye on the pizza while it's cooking, especially towards the end of the cooking time. This will help you prevent overcooking, which can lead to sticking.
• Experiment with cooking times: Every air fryer is different, so you may need to experiment with the cooking time to find the perfect balance for your appliance.

How to reheat Totino's pizza in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat Totino's pizza in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (177°C). Preheating ensures that your pizza reheats evenly.
• Prepare the Pizza: Take the leftover Totino's pizza out of the refrigerator. If you have multiple slices, you can reheat them all at once, but make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
• Place Pizza in the Air Fryer: Put the pizza slices in the air fryer basket or tray. You can line the basket with parchment paper or aluminium foil to prevent sticking, but it is not necessary.
• Reheat the Pizza: Air fry the pizza for 2-3 minutes at 350°F. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook. You can add an extra 2-3 minutes if needed, until the slices are heated through and the crust is crunchy.
• Serve: Carefully remove the hot pizza from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow it to cool slightly, then serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• If you want a crispier crust, you can air fry for an additional minute or two.
• You can also reheat frozen Totino's pizza using the same method. Simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes, until the pizza is heated through and the crust is crispy.
• For best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Leftover pizza slices can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in tin foil in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Reheating Totino's pizza in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy your leftovers with a crispy crust, just like freshly cooked pizza!

Frequently asked questions