Marianne Martinez
Homemade pizza cooked in an air fryer is a quick and easy meal that can be made in less than 15 minutes. The air fryer's ability to crisp up the pizza base and toppings is a game-changer for those who want a golden crust and perfectly melted cheese. The cooking time for homemade pizza in an air fryer varies depending on the brand and size of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 7 to 13 minutes to cook.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 7-15 minutes |
| Temperature | 370-400°F |
| Crust | Pre-cook for 3 minutes, flip, then cook for another 2-3 minutes |
| Toppings | Add after pre-cooking crust |
| Cheese | Add last to prevent toppings from flying around |
| Racks | Use to prevent toppings from flying around |
| Leftovers | Reheat at 325°F for 4 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Pre-cooking the pizza dough
Prepare the Dough:
Start by preparing your homemade pizza dough or using store-bought dough. If you're making it from scratch, prepare the dough a day ahead of time and let it rest in the fridge overnight. This allows the dough to rise and develop flavour.
Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. For a crispier crust, roll it out quite thin, less than 1/4 inch thick. If you're making multiple pizzas, cut the dough into equal portions before rolling.
Prick and Season the Dough:
Use a fork to prick the dough all over. This step helps the dough bake evenly and prevents it from puffing up excessively. You can also brush the dough with olive oil or garlic spread for added flavour and to create a crispy exterior.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a crispier crust. However, some recipes suggest a higher temperature of 400°F for a shorter time to achieve the same result.
Place the Dough in the Air Fryer:
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the air fryer basket. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cut the dough into smaller portions to fit. You can also line the air fryer basket with parchment paper before placing the dough to make removal easier.
Cook the Dough:
Cook the dough for approximately 3 minutes on one side, then flip it over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side. This step ensures that the crust is partially cooked and provides a sturdy base for your toppings. Check on the dough periodically to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.
Once the dough is pre-cooked, you can proceed to add your desired toppings and continue cooking your pizza until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden and crispy.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for homemade pizza in an air fryer depend on the type of pizza you are making and the brand and size of your air fryer.
If you are making a pizza with a pre-cooked crust, such as pita or naan, you only need to cook the toppings. Place the pre-cooked crust in the air fryer basket, add your desired toppings, and cook for 4-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese has melted.
If you are making a pizza with a homemade or store-bought dough that requires pre-baking, the process is slightly different. First, preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Then, place the dough in the air fryer basket and pre-cook it for 3 minutes. Remove the partially cooked crust from the air fryer and add your desired toppings. Place the pizza back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the crust is golden brown.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so it is recommended to check on your pizza frequently to ensure it does not overcook or burn. Additionally, the fan in an air fryer can blow lightweight toppings around, so consider using a rack to keep them in place or adding cheese both under and on top of the toppings to hold them down.
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Using store-bought vs. homemade dough
When it comes to making pizza in an air fryer, you can use either store-bought or homemade dough. Both options have their advantages and can result in delicious, crispy pizzas.
Using store-bought dough can be a convenient and time-saving option, especially if you're short on time or don't want to go through the process of making dough from scratch. Store-bought dough is readily available and can be used immediately, eliminating the need for preparation. It's also consistent in terms of texture and taste, so you know what to expect with each purchase. Additionally, some store-bought dough options, like Boboli or flatbread crusts, can be used directly without the need for pre-baking, streamlining the pizza-making process.
However, it's important to note that store-bought dough may contain additives and preservatives, which some people prefer to avoid. These additives can affect the taste and nutritional value of the dough. Additionally, the cost of store-bought dough can add up, especially if you're feeding a larger group or making pizza frequently.
On the other hand, making homemade dough allows you to have more control over the ingredients, ensuring you know exactly what goes into your pizza. Homemade dough is typically more cost-effective, as you can make multiple pizzas with a small investment in ingredients. It also offers a sense of fulfillment and creativity, as you can experiment with different recipes and techniques to find your perfect dough. The process of making dough from scratch can be enjoyable and provide a sense of pride in your culinary accomplishments.
That being said, preparing homemade dough does require additional time and effort. It involves measuring and mixing ingredients, kneading the dough, and allowing it to rise, which can take several hours or even days for a cold proof method. Additionally, homemade dough may have a learning curve, and it might take a few attempts to perfect your preferred texture and flavor.
Ultimately, the decision between store-bought and homemade dough depends on your personal preferences, time constraints, and level of convenience desired. Both options can result in delicious pizzas, and you may find that combining them works best for your needs—perhaps using store-bought dough for quick weeknight pizzas and opting for homemade dough when you have more time to experiment and create a more elaborate pie.
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Pizza toppings
The cooking time for homemade pizza in an air fryer varies depending on the brand and size of your air fryer. On average, it takes around 7 to 9 minutes to cook a pizza in an air fryer. However, it is recommended to keep a close eye on the pizza while it cooks to ensure it doesn't burn.
Now, let's talk about pizza toppings. The beauty of making homemade pizza is that you can get creative and choose your favourite toppings. Here are some popular topping options to consider:
Cheese:
Cheese is a must-have topping for pizza. Mozzarella cheese is a popular choice due to its creamy texture and rich flavour, creating those delicious, stretchy cheese pulls. You can use freshly shredded mozzarella, which melts better and prevents the pizza from becoming greasy or soggy. Alternatively, you can use pre-shredded cheese or place slices of mozzarella on top. Other cheese options include Parmesan, Pecorino, and cheddar.
Meat:
If you're a meat lover, there are plenty of options to choose from. Pepperoni is a classic pizza topping and goes well with other ingredients. You can also add cooked ground beef, ham, or even get creative with sirloin steak.
Vegetables:
Vegetables add flavour, colour, and texture to your pizza. Onions, green peppers, and mushrooms are commonly used. If you like spicy food, you can add pepperoncini peppers or banana peppers. Olives are another tasty option, but remember to press them into the cheese to prevent them from flying off during cooking.
Herbs and Spices:
Fresh basil is a great way to add flavour to your pizza. You can sprinkle it on top just before serving, or add it during the cooking process. Red pepper flakes will also give your pizza a nice kick. Don't forget to season your pizza with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavour.
Sauces:
While store-bought tomato sauce is convenient, making your own marinara sauce can take your pizza to the next level. You can also experiment with other sauces like pizza sauce, tomato basil sauce, or any sauce of your choice.
Remember, the key to successful air fryer pizza toppings is to ensure they don't blow away during cooking. Adding cheese underneath and on top of the toppings can help anchor them. Additionally, using an air fryer rack or parchment paper can prevent the toppings from blowing around.
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Reheating pizza in an air fryer
To reheat your pizza, first, remove any toppings that might burn easily, such as pepperoni, fresh herbs, thinly sliced vegetables, sundried tomatoes, or olives. Set your air fryer to 375°F or 325°F and place your pizza slices flat in the middle of the air fryer. Thinner slices will take around 3-4 minutes to reheat, while thicker slices may take up to 5-6 minutes. Check your pizza regularly to ensure it is not burning, and remove it or continue cooking as needed.
If you want your pizza to be extra crispy, try spraying your pizza base with a light coating of cooking spray before placing it in the air fryer. You can also use perforated liners, such as aluminium foil or baking parchment, to improve airflow and help achieve a crispier crust.
Remember to leave room for the air to circulate around the pizza, and be cautious of preset buttons, as these are often calibrated for cooking frozen pizza and may be too hot or cook for too long.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 7-10 minutes to cook homemade pizza in an air fryer. The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted.
Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F. If you are cooking frozen pizza, you can cook it at 375°F.
Place an air fryer rack on top of the pizza to prevent the toppings from blowing away. You can also add cheese both under and on top of the toppings to hold them down.
Pre-cook the pizza dough for about 3 minutes before adding your toppings. This will help you achieve a crispy crust without overcooking the toppings.
