Air Fryer Pizza: The Perfect Timing For A Quick Bite

Air fryers are a great way to cook pizza, whether you're making it from scratch or reheating a leftover slice. They give you a crispy crust and melted cheese in a matter of minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pizza and the type of air fryer you're using, but generally, it takes around 3-7 minutes to cook or reheat a pizza in an air fryer.

Reheating leftover pizza in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat leftover pizza. They can give you a crispy crust and melted cheese in a matter of minutes, without drying out your pizza or making it soggy. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer

Turn your air fryer on and let it preheat for about 2-3 minutes. The ideal temperature for reheating pizza is 350°F (176-180°C). However, if you're reheating thin crust pizza, you may want to set it to a lower temperature of 325°F (160°C).

Step 2: Arrange the slices

Place your leftover pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to heat the slices in batches. You can place the slices directly into the basket, or you can line the basket with parchment paper, aluminium foil, or a silicone liner for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Air fry

Close the basket and set the timer for 3-4 minutes for thin crust pizza, or 4-5 minutes for thick crust pizza. Check on your pizza occasionally to see if it's warmed to your liking. If it's browning too quickly, lower the temperature by 25 degrees. If it's not done after the recommended time, you can add more time as needed.

Step 4: Remove and serve

Carefully remove the hot pizza from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula, and enjoy your freshly reheated slice!

Tips for optimal results:

• Avoid overcrowding the basket. Make sure each slice has enough space around it for optimal crispiness.
• Keep an eye on your pizza to avoid overcooking it. Don't assume it's ready just because the timer goes off.
• If you're reheating a pizza with lots of toppings, you can spray a light layer of oil on top to prevent burning.

How to get a crispy crust

Getting a crispy crust on your pizza using an air fryer is easy. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176°C-190°C). This is the optimal temperature for getting a crispy crust. Preheating is crucial, as it ensures your pizza cooks evenly and helps to get that desired crispiness.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Crust

Place your pizza crust in the air fryer basket. If you're cooking a frozen pizza, there's no need to thaw it first; cook it straight from frozen. For fresh dough, roll it out to fit your air fryer basket, then brush the crust lightly with olive oil. Prick the dough in a few places with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming.

Step 3: Cook the Crust

Now, it's time to cook your crust. Place it in the preheated air fryer for around 3 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a crispy base. Don't forget to flip the crust over halfway through to ensure even cooking and prevent a soggy bottom.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pizza

Once your crust is pre-cooked, it's time to add your toppings. Spoon on a light layer of tomato sauce and sprinkle with your favourite cheese. You can also add any other desired toppings, such as vegetables or meats. Just remember not to overload your pizza, as this can affect cooking times and crispiness.

Step 5: Cook the Pizza

Place your assembled pizza back into the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 7 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your crust. Your pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Let it Cool

Finally, remove your pizza from the air fryer and let it cool down slightly before digging in. It will be very hot, so be careful! Enjoy your delicious, crispy-crust air fryer pizza!

How long to cook pizza in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook pizza, whether you're making it from scratch or reheating a leftover slice. Here's a guide to help you get perfect results every time.

Cooking Fresh Pizza in an Air Fryer

The cooking time for fresh pizza in an air fryer will depend on the type of crust you're using and the size of your air fryer. Most recipes recommend pre-cooking the crust for about 3 minutes, then adding your toppings and cooking for an additional 7 to 9 minutes. However, it's important to keep an eye on your pizza, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.

For example, if you're using a tortilla as your crust, you may only need to cook your pizza for a total of 7 minutes. On the other hand, if you're making a thicker crust pizza, you may need to cook it for a bit longer, around 12 minutes.

Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer

When it comes to reheating leftover pizza, the air fryer is a great option. It will give you a crispy crust and melted cheese in just a few minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your crust and the type of air fryer you have.

For thin-crust pizza, reheat at 350°F (176°C) for about 3 minutes. For thick-crust pizza, reheat at the same temperature for about 4 minutes. If your pizza has a super-thin crust, keep a close eye on it, as it can go from crispy to burnt very quickly.

It's important to note that you should always preheat your air fryer before reheating pizza, and avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even heating.

Tips for Success

• Preheat your air fryer for best results.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone liner for easy cleanup.
• If your pizza has a lot of toppings, consider spraying a light layer of oil on top to prevent burning.
• Check your pizza frequently to avoid overcooking.

With these tips and guidelines, you'll be able to cook or reheat pizza in your air fryer to perfection!

Air fryer temperature for cooking pizza

Air-frying pizza is a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy crust and melted cheese. The optimal temperature for cooking pizza in an air fryer is between 350°F and 375°F (190°C).

Steps to Air-Fry Pizza:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is the optimal temperature for cooking pizza in an air fryer, ensuring a crispy crust and melted cheese.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza

Place your pizza crust on parchment paper or directly into the air fryer basket. If using parchment paper, this step will make it easier to get the pizza in and out of the air fryer. Spread your desired amount of pizza sauce over the crust, followed by cheese and any other toppings.

Step 3: Cook the Pizza

Place the pizza in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Tips for Air-Frying Pizza:

• Pre-cooking the crust for 3 minutes before adding toppings can help achieve a crispier crust.
• Using extra-virgin olive oil to brush the crust will add to the crispiness and give it a golden-brown color.
• For thin-crust pizzas, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness.
• Placing a silicone liner or parchment paper in the air fryer basket can make clean-up easier.
• If using a rack in the air fryer, place it over the pizza to prevent toppings from flying around.

Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer:

When reheating leftover pizza in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to a lower temperature of 350°F (176°C). Place the pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the crust.

Air fryer pizza toppings

The great thing about making pizza in an air fryer is that you can get creative with your toppings. You can use anything from pepperoni to bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Here are some classic combinations to try:

Classic

Pepperoni, bell peppers, and onions

Seafood

Try a seafood combination

Vegetarian

Sliced olives, bell peppers, red onion, and sliced mushrooms

Meat Lovers

Seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, and lots of cheese

Hawaiian

Ham and pineapple chunks

BBQ Chicken

Pre-cooked chicken, red onion, and BBQ sauce

Margarita

Fresh basil, tomato slices, and a drizzle of olive oil

Four Cheese

Mozzarella, parmesan, gouda, and blue cheese

Spicy

Jalapeños, spicy sausage, and red pepper flakes

Other tips

To prevent your pizza from burning in an air fryer, use a parchment paper or a non-stick cooking spray, and avoid using too much cheese or toppings that can drip and cause burning. Also, remember that air fryer's fast cooking time means your toppings should be thinly sliced so they cook evenly and quickly.

Frequently asked questions