Air Fryer Mini Pizzas: Quick Cooking Times Explained

Air fryers are a great way to cook mini pizzas, and it only takes a few minutes! You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough, and get creative with your toppings. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and how crispy you like your pizza, but typically it takes around 5-7 minutes to cook a mini pizza in an air fryer.

How to make mini pizzas in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough
• Pizza sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. pepperoni, vegetables, basil, Parmesan, red pepper flakes)

Optional Ingredients:

• Cornmeal
• Parchment paper
• Spatula

Steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360-380°F for at least 3 minutes.
• Cut the pizza dough into small circles or squares.
• Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil and place the dough in the basket.
• Prick the dough with a fork and pre-cook for around 3 minutes.
• Spread pizza sauce, cheese, and your desired toppings on the pre-cooked dough.
• Air-fry your mini pizzas at 375-400°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown. You may need to cook the pizzas in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Remove the pizzas from the basket using a spatula and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough, or alternatives such as tortillas or naan bread.
• Pre-cooking the crust will help achieve a crispy texture without overcooking the toppings. Remember to flip the dough over after the initial cook to prevent the bottom from remaining white.
• Assemble the pizzas directly in the basket, as it will be difficult to transfer the uncooked pizza into the basket once assembled.
• If you are cooking multiple pizzas, you may need to reduce the cooking time for the subsequent batches.

The best temperature to cook mini pizzas in an air fryer

Air fryer mini pizzas are a quick and easy meal or snack that can be made in just 10 minutes. The best temperature to cook mini pizzas in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time and Temperature

There are several factors that can affect the cooking time and temperature of mini pizzas in an air fryer:

• Size and thickness of the pizza: Smaller, personal-sized pizzas will cook faster than larger pizzas. Frozen pizzas with thicker crusts, such as deep dish or French bread pizzas, will also take longer to cook.
• Air fryer model and size: Different air fryer models and sizes can vary in cooking temperature and time. For example, a larger air fryer may require a lower temperature and longer cooking time to avoid burning the pizza.
• Toppings: Pizzas with a lot of toppings may require a lower temperature or a light layer of oil sprayed on top to prevent burning.

Tips for Cooking Mini Pizzas in an Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature before cooking the pizza.
• Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or use parchment paper to prevent the dough from sticking.
• Assemble the pizzas directly in the air fryer basket to avoid the toppings from falling off during transfer.
• Cook the pizza crust first without any toppings for 3 minutes, then flip it over and add your desired toppings.
• For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone or a perforated silicone mat or parchment paper in the air fryer.
• Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

How long to cook a frozen mini pizza in an air fryer

Cooking a frozen mini pizza in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty snack or light meal. The great thing about air fryers is that they can cook pizzas from frozen, so there's no need to defrost beforehand. Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking a frozen mini pizza in your air fryer.

Preparation

Before you start, it's important to note that air fryers can vary in terms of size and power, so you may need to adjust the timing and temperature settings accordingly. As a general rule, it's best to consult the manufacturer's instructions for your specific air fryer model.

Most air fryers will require preheating before cooking. So, start by preheating your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 360-380°F (180-190°C). This should take around 3-5 minutes.

Cooking the Pizza

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook your frozen mini pizza. Place the pizza directly into the air fryer basket. If you're cooking multiple pizzas, make sure they don't overlap or crowd each other. You may need to work in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.

The cooking time for your frozen mini pizza will typically range from 4-7 minutes at 360°F (180°C) or 6-10 minutes at 380°F (190-195°C). Keep an eye on your pizza, as you don't want it to burn. The pizza is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden brown.

Serving

Once your pizza is cooked to perfection, use tongs or a spatula to remove it from the air fryer basket. Allow the pizza to cool for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.

And that's it! You now have a delicious, crispy mini pizza cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Enjoy!

How to store leftover mini pizzas

Storing leftover mini pizzas is easy and can be done in a few different ways. Firstly, it is important to note that leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days or in the freezer for up to two months.

One method for storing leftover mini pizzas is to use a resealable bag. Allow the pizzas to cool down, and if they are not too saucy, simply stack them into the bag and seal. The bag can then be placed directly onto a refrigerator shelf. If you don't have a resealable bag, an airtight container can also be used.

Another method is to layer and wrap the mini pizzas. Place a single layer of mini pizzas on a dinner plate and cover with a sheet of wax, freezer, foil, or parchment paper. Keep stacking the pizzas and paper, alternating between the two, until all the pizzas are on the plate. Then, wrap the entire stack tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. This method helps prevent the pizzas from drying out.

Additionally, if you have made mini pizzas using a basket-style air fryer, you can store the leftovers in the fridge wrapped in aluminum foil for up to three days or in the freezer for up to six months.

What to serve with mini pizzas

There are many options for what to serve with mini pizzas, whether it be as an appetizer, a side dish, or a post-pizza treat. Here are some ideas:

Appetizers

• Mozzarella and spinach salad: A healthier option that complements any pizza, especially if drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette and tossed with salt and pepper.
• Buffalo wings: A classic, sporty finger food that will satisfy your guests while they wait for the main course.
• Parmesan zucchini sticks: A sneaky way to get your kids (or yourself) to eat veggies before the pizza arrives.
• Pasta salad: Easy to prepare and pairs well with any pizza, but you can also choose a type that complements your pizza's flavor.

Side Dishes

• Roasted vegetables: Cut up some seasonal veggies, drizzle them with oil and spices, and pop them in the oven alongside your pizzas. Good options include bell peppers, squash, and mushrooms.
• Greek salad: A healthy, flavorful option with olives, tomatoes, feta, olive oil, and cucumber. Adding couscous can give it an extra flavor boost.
• Garlic bread: A classic side that can be made even better with cheese.

Post-Pizza Treats

• Fruit: A healthier option to round out your meal, packed with digestive enzymes to help with fullness. Good options include pineapple, mango, and kiwi.
• Vanilla ice cream: A simple, sweet way to end your meal. To be extra fancy, opt for gelato instead.
• Coffee: A stimulating way to end a heavy meal, pairing well with any pizza flavor.

Additionally, here are some side dish ideas for specific pizza types:

• Cheese pizza: Caesar salad, roasted artichokes, meatballs, and jalapeño poppers.
• Pepperoni pizza: Kale salad, fried mozzarella sticks, antipasto salad, breadsticks, and arugula salad with parmesan.
• Mushroom pizza: Buffalo chicken meatballs, chicken wings, or garlic knots.
• Sausage pizza: Light spinach salad with balsamic vinegar, roasted broccoli, carrots, asparagus, hummus with vegetables, or a house salad.

Frequently asked questions