Air Fryer Frozen Pizza: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy, gooey, and crunchy slice of pizza. It's a convenient alternative to turning on the oven, especially during hot summer months. Air fryers can cook a variety of frozen pizzas, from thin crust to deep dish, mini pizzas to full-size pizzas, and even gluten-free pizzas. The cooking time and temperature settings may vary depending on the type, size, and thickness of the pizza, as well as the specific air fryer model. However, preheating the air fryer, placing the frozen pizza inside, and air frying for 5 to 15 minutes are the basic steps to achieve a delicious, crispy frozen pizza without the hassle of oven baking.

Cooking Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking frozen pizza. While some air fryers do not require preheating, most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F for at least 5 minutes. One source recommends preheating to 380°F for a few minutes.

The preheating temperature and duration may vary depending on the type of pizza you are cooking and the specifications of your air fryer. For example, if you are cooking a gluten-free pizza, you may want to preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 5-6 minutes. If you are cooking a larger pizza, you may need to preheat your air fryer for a longer duration to ensure the appliance reaches the desired temperature.

It is important to note that different air fryer brands have varying power and convection levels, so the preheating temperature and duration may need to be adjusted based on your specific air fryer model. Additionally, the thickness and size of your pizza can also impact the preheating requirements. For example, a thinner crust pizza may require a shorter preheating duration to prevent overcooking, while a thicker crust pizza may require a higher temperature to ensure even cooking.

By preheating your air fryer to the appropriate temperature and duration, you can ensure that your frozen pizza cooks evenly and efficiently, resulting in a crispy and delicious final product.

Gluten-free crust pizzas

Cooking a frozen pizza in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy and tasty pizza. This method is especially useful if you don't want to turn on the oven during hot summer months.

When it comes to gluten-free crust pizzas, there are a few options to consider. You can either make your own dough or buy a pre-made crust.

Making Your Own Dough

If you want to make your own dough, you only need two simple ingredients: Greek yoghurt and gluten-free self-raising flour. You can also use natural yoghurt, but you may need to adjust the amount of flour as it is runnier. To make the dough, simply mix the yoghurt and flour until well combined. This dough can also be used to make naan bread and pitta bread in the air fryer.

Once you have your dough, you can follow these steps:

• Prepare a 7-inch springform pan or a sheet of foil by spraying it with olive oil cooking spray.
• Place the dough on the foil or pan and shape it to your desired size.
• Top with pizza sauce, your chosen toppings, and cheese.
• Place the pan or foil with the pizza into the air fryer and bake at 375°F for 8 minutes. If you are using an already cooked crust, check on the pizza after 4-5 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Using a Pre-made Crust

If you prefer to use a pre-made crust, there are a few options available. Sprouts carries a gluten-free pizza crust called Wholly Gluten-Free Pizza Crust, which comes in a pack of three. You can also find pre-made pan pizza crusts at Walmart, Target, and Sprouts.

For a pre-made crust, follow these steps:

• Place the crust on a sheet of foil or a pan and add your desired toppings.
• Once topped, place the pizza in the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Tips for Success

• Thinner crust pizzas tend to cook quicker and crisp better in an air fryer, so look for gluten-free options with a thinner crust.
• If you're cooking a full-size pizza, you may need to lower the temperature and increase the cooking time.
• If your pizza starts to burn before it's fully cooked, cover it with aluminium foil to prevent burning.
• If you're cooking multiple pizzas, it's best to cook them one at a time in the air fryer.
• If you have leftover pizza, you can reheat it in the air fryer at 380°F for 2-3 minutes.

Reheating pizza

If your pizza starts to burn before it's cooked through, you can cover it with aluminium foil, folded underneath the pizza to keep it in place. You can also use parchment paper or a silicone liner for easy cleanup.

The final cook time will depend on the model of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of your pizza crust. Thin crust pizzas will cook faster, while thick crust or deep-dish pizzas will take longer. If you're reheating a deep-dish pizza, try air frying at 330°F for about 6 minutes.

You can also reheat frozen pizza in the air fryer. Reheat at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on the size of your slices.

The air fryer is a great way to revive leftover pizza and get that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste and texture.

Pizza toppings

When it comes to pizza toppings, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Veggies:

Add your favourite vegetables to your frozen pizza before air frying. Some popular options include onions, peppers, mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, spinach, and artichokes. You can also get creative with toppings like eggplant, zucchini, or asparagus. Just make sure to cut the veggies into thin slices or chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.

Cheese:

Who doesn't love extra cheese on their pizza? You can add shredded mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, or any other cheese of your choice. If you're feeling adventurous, try something unique like goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist.

Meats:

If you're a meat lover, there are plenty of options to choose from. Pre-cooked meats like pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, or salami can be added to your pizza. Just remember to add them halfway through the cooking process to prevent overcooking. You can also experiment with different types of cured meats like prosciutto or capicola.

Herbs and Spices:

Don't forget to add some flavourful herbs and spices to your pizza. Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can take your pizza to the next level. You can also sprinkle on some red pepper flakes or garlic powder for an extra kick.

Other Toppings:

The possibilities for pizza toppings are endless. You can add pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist, or experiment with unique ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, jalapeños, or anchovies. Get creative and customise your pizza to your taste preferences.

Remember, when adding toppings to your frozen pizza, it's best to add them before air frying. This ensures that the toppings cook evenly and the crust gets crispy. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and creating your own signature pizza!

Pizza sizes

Pizza size is an important consideration when cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer. The size of your pizza will determine the cooking time and temperature required. Most air fryers cannot accommodate a full-size pizza, so you may need to cut it into slices or opt for mini pizzas. Personal pizzas or pizzas with a diameter of 5-6 inches are typically a good fit for air fryers. If you have a larger toaster oven-style air fryer, you may be able to fit a bigger pizza, but you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

To ensure your pizza cooks evenly and reaches the desired level of crispness, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer. The preheating temperature and time may vary depending on your air fryer model, but a general guideline is to preheat at 350°F (180°C) for 3-5 minutes. Some sources suggest a higher preheating temperature of 380°F (190°C).

Once preheated, place your frozen pizza in the centre of the air fryer basket. If you are cooking a crustless pizza or prefer a softer crust, you can place parchment paper or aluminium foil under the pizza. However, for a crispier crust, place the pizza directly on the air fryer tray or basket.

The cooking time for your frozen pizza will depend on its size and thickness, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. A good starting point is to cook at 350°F (180°C) for 5- 8 minutes, checking regularly to avoid overcooking. For a personal-sized pizza, you may need to cook for 6-8 minutes until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted. If your pizza starts to burn before it is fully cooked, you can cover it with aluminium foil to protect the toppings and allow the crust more time to crisp.

In summary, when cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer, consider the size of your pizza and your air fryer model to determine the appropriate preheating temperature and cooking time. Most air fryers accommodate personal-sized pizzas or pizzas with a diameter of 5-6 inches. By preheating, using parchment paper or foil, and adjusting cooking times, you can ensure your frozen pizza turns out crispy and delicious.

Frequently asked questions