Using Pizza Stones In Air Fryers: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are great. Pizza is great. So, can you use a pizza stone in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Pizza stones are a solid baking surface made from ceramic, stone, or salt, and they mimic the effects of cooking a pizza in a traditional masonry oven. They can be used in both air fryer ovens and basket-style air fryers, but the size of the stone and the fryer are important factors to consider. For example, a pizza stone needs to be at least 13 inches in length and width to fit in an air fryer oven, and a basket-style air fryer needs to have a capacity of at least 6 quarts. Additionally, it's important to preheat the pizza stone adequately, which can take up to an hour due to its heat-resistant nature.

Pizza stone vs cast iron

Pizza stones are a solid baking surface made from ceramic, stone, or salt. They are used to mimic the effects of cooking a pizza in a traditional masonry oven. Pizza stones absorb moisture from the pizza dough, resulting in a crispier crust.

Pizza stones can be used in air fryers, but it is recommended to use them in an air fryer oven rather than a basket-style air fryer. This is because the pizza stone may obstruct the airflow in a basket-style air fryer, which is essential for even cooking. When using a pizza stone in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the stone adequately, which can take up to an hour due to its heat-resistant nature.

Now, let's compare pizza stones to cast iron:

Pizza Stone vs. Cast Iron

Both pizza stones and cast iron can be used to cook pizzas, but there are some key differences to consider.

Pizza stones are typically made from ceramic or stone, while cast iron is a type of metal. Cast iron skillets or pans can be used to cook pizzas on the stove or in the oven.

Advantages of Pizza Stones:

• Produce an ultra-crispy crust due to their moisture-absorbing properties.
• Come in a variety of shapes and sizes, offering options for different needs and budgets.

Disadvantages of Pizza Stones:

• Require a long preheating time, usually at least 30 minutes, and up to an hour for thicker stones.
• Can be difficult to clean.
• May be more fragile and prone to cracking or breaking.

Advantages of Cast Iron:

• Heats up quickly, reducing the overall cooking time.
• Easier to clean than pizza stones.
• Cast iron pans often have handles, making it easier to manoeuvre them in and out of the oven.
• More durable and less likely to break or crack.

Disadvantages of Cast Iron:

• Cast iron is heavy, which can make it cumbersome to work with.
• Some cast iron pans have a lip that may interfere with pizza cooking or be undesirable to some users.
• The recommended temperature for the Lodge cast iron pizza pan is only up to 400°F, which is cooler than the ideal temperature for cooking pizza at home.

In summary, pizza stones and cast iron have their own advantages and disadvantages. Pizza stones are great for achieving a crispy crust but require longer preheating times and are more fragile. On the other hand, cast iron heats up quickly, is easier to clean, and is more durable, but it may be heavier and have temperature limitations. The choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Preheating the stone

Preheating your pizza stone is essential to achieving the perfect pizza. The stone acts as a heat battery, absorbing and radiating energy into your pizza, cooking it evenly and thoroughly. However, due to the stone's heat-resistant nature, it requires a long preheating time—up to an hour. This is significantly longer than the time needed to preheat a metal baking tray, which can be ready in a matter of minutes.

The optimal temperature for cooking pizza is around 800° Fahrenheit (427° Celsius), though a good result can be achieved in a standard home oven at 550° F (288° C). Air fryers, however, typically have a maximum temperature of 510° F, and so require a longer preheating time to ensure the pizza stone is hot enough. For this reason, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer with the pizza stone inside for 45-60 minutes at the highest possible temperature setting.

When using a pizza stone in an air fryer, it is important to consider the size and type of air fryer you have. Basket-style air fryers are much smaller, and a pizza stone can obstruct the airflow, which is essential for even cooking. Therefore, it is recommended to use an air fryer oven, which provides more space for the stone and better airflow. Additionally, ensure that your pizza stone fits inside your air fryer with enough room for adequate airflow. The stone should be at least 1/2 to 1 inch smaller than the internal dimensions of the air fryer.

To use a pizza stone in a basket-style air fryer, it is crucial to ensure that the basket dimensions are at least 9 inches wide and that the air fryer has a capacity of at least 6 quarts. Parchment paper is also recommended when using a basket-style air fryer. Place the parchment paper under the pizza stone to prevent scratching the coating of the basket. The parchment paper should be large enough to allow you to grab and remove the pizza stone after cooking.

In conclusion, preheating your pizza stone in an air fryer is a crucial step in achieving the perfect pizza. By following the recommended preheating times and temperatures, and ensuring your air fryer is suitable for a pizza stone, you can cook delicious, evenly cooked pizzas with a crispy crust.

Air circulation

To address this concern, it is recommended to use an air fryer oven rather than a basket-style air fryer. Air fryer ovens provide more space for the pizza stone and better accommodate the required air circulation. Look for air fryer ovens that offer a minimum of 13 inches in length and width to ensure adequate space for the pizza stone.

Additionally, consider the size of the pizza stone in relation to the basket dimensions. For basket-style air fryers, ensure that the basket dimensions are at least 9 inches to accommodate a standard 9-inch pizza stone. Aim for air fryers with a capacity of at least 6 quarts to ensure sufficient space for the pizza stone to fit inside.

Another suggestion to enhance air circulation is to create a custom pizza stone with holes. This design allows for airflow through the holes, preventing the obstruction of hot air circulation. If you plan to make a custom pizza stone, consider adding small holes to improve airflow within the air fryer.

By following these recommendations, you can optimize air circulation when using a pizza stone in an air fryer. Remember to choose the right type of air fryer, consider the dimensions, and explore custom options to ensure effective airflow during the cooking process.

Pizza dough

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pre-made raw pizza dough
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded gouda cheese
• 18-20 slices of pepperoni
• 1 cup natural or Greek yoghurt (for a 2-ingredient dough)
• 350 g self-raising flour (for a 2-ingredient dough)

Method

First, decide if you want to make your own dough or use a pre-made one.

For a 2-Ingredient Dough

Mix the self-raising flour and yoghurt together. You may need to add a little extra flour to get the right consistency. This recipe makes enough dough for two pizza bases, so split the dough in half before rolling it out.

For a Traditional Dough

Combine warm water and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add yeast and stir. Let the mixture sit until the yeast foams.

Add 1/2 a cup of flour at a time to the yeast mixture, stirring until smooth after each addition. With each addition, add a little bit of olive oil and salt. If the dough is very sticky, you may need more flour.

Once the dough is coming together, place it on a lightly floured surface and knead 5-6 times.

Cooking the Pizza

Preheat your air fryer to 380-390°F.

Roll out your dough to about 1/4 inch thick and about 8 inches in diameter. Place the dough in the air fryer basket and poke a few holes in it with a fork.

Air fry for 2-4 minutes, then flip the crust over and air fry for another 2-4 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.

Spread your sauce over the pizza crust, then add cheese and your preferred toppings. Spray the top of the pizza with a light coat of oil.

Air fry the pizzas for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the toppings are heated through.

Remove the pizza from the air fryer and allow to cool for a minute or two before serving.

Pizza toppings

• Freshness and quality are key: Always opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients when it comes to toppings. This will ensure your pizza tastes delicious.
• Classic options: If you're a fan of traditional pizza flavours, go for toppings such as pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, black olives, and sliced mushrooms.
• Meat lovers: For those who enjoy a meat feast, try combinations like seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, and lots of cheese, or even BBQ chicken with red onion and BBQ sauce.
• Vegetarian delights: Vegetarians can enjoy tasty options like sliced olives, bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms. You can also get creative with options like beet pesto pizza with goat cheese and kale, or a three-cheese roasted grape pizza.
• Seafood delights: For something different, try a seafood pizza with shrimp or other seafood options.
• Spicy kick: Add some spice to your pizza with jalapeños, spicy sausage, and red pepper flakes.
• Less is more: Remember that air fryer pizzas cook quickly and have limited space. Avoid overloading your pizza with too many toppings to prevent sogginess and ensure even cooking.
• Pre-cooking: Some toppings, like ground beef or sausage, should be pre-cooked before adding them to your pizza to ensure they're safe to eat.
• Fresh herbs: Finish your pizza with fresh herbs like basil for an extra burst of flavour and a beautiful presentation.

Remember to prepare your toppings before you start cooking your pizza, as the cooking process is quite quick in an air fryer. Happy topping and enjoy your delicious air fryer pizza creations!

Frequently asked questions