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

Pizza bites are a popular snack option, and using an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook them. The cooking time will depend on the type and size of pizza bites, the temperature of the air fryer, and whether you are cooking them from frozen. Typically, pizza bites will take between 5 and 8 minutes to cook in an air fryer, and it is recommended that you cook them in a single layer to ensure they crisp up evenly.

How to cook pizza bites in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen pizza bites
• Cooking oil or vegetable oil (optional)
• Dipping sauce (optional)

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Air fryer basket or tray
• Knife (optional)

Method:

First, decide how many pizza bites you want to cook and remove them from the freezer. You don't need to defrost them first. Place them in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are in a single layer with plenty of space around them. Do not overcrowd the air fryer, as this will prevent them from cooking and crisping up evenly.

Next, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 380-400°F. If your air fryer does not require preheating, simply set it to the desired temperature. Once it's hot, put the pizza bites inside and air fry for 5-8 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking or bursting. If using an air fryer oven, flip the bites at the 4-minute mark, or give the basket a shake if using an air fryer with a basket.

Once they're done, remove the pizza bites from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They will be very hot, so be careful! The bites are now ready to be enjoyed as is, or with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking oil or brush it with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
• For extra flavour, sprinkle some cheese or Italian spices on top of the bites before serving.
• To check if the bites are cooked through, insert a thin knife into one of them after the designated cooking time. If they need more time, put them back in the air fryer for an additional minute or two.
• For crispier pizza bites, add a minute or two to the cooking time.
• To reheat any leftover pizza bites, put them back in the air fryer for a few minutes.

How long to cook pizza bites in an air fryer

Pizza bites are a great snack to cook in an air fryer, and they're ready in minutes! Here's a step-by-step guide on how long to cook pizza bites in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Pizza Bites

First, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 380-400°F (198-204°C). It's important to note that not all air fryers require preheating, so be sure to check your air fryer's instructions. While the air fryer is heating up, take out the desired number of pizza bites from the freezer. Place the frozen pizza bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Step 2: Air Fry the Pizza Bites

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the pizza bites. Air fry the pizza bites at the set temperature for 5-8 minutes. For some air fryers, you might need to flip the pizza bites halfway through the cooking process, or simply give the air fryer basket a shake. Keep a close eye on the pizza bites during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking or bursting.

Step 3: Cool and Serve

After air frying, remove the pizza bites from the air fryer and let them cool down. This step is crucial, as the pizza bites will be extremely hot. Allow them to cool for at least 2-3 minutes before serving. You can also let them cool for up to 10 minutes, especially if serving to children, to avoid any burns.

Tips for the Best Results

• No additional oil is needed for the pizza bites. They will crisp up nicely without any extra oil.
• The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so adjust the time as needed.
• For extra crispiness, you can cook the pizza bites for an additional minute or two, but be careful not to overcook them.
• Serve the pizza bites with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, marinara, or garlic sauce.
• For an extra tasty treat, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the pizza bites while they are still hot.

The best temperature to cook pizza bites in an air fryer

Pizza bites are a quick and easy snack that can be made in an air fryer. The best temperature to cook pizza bites in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F.

Air Fryer Settings

The ideal temperature range for cooking pizza bites in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F. Most recipes recommend setting your air fryer to 380°F for cooking pizza bites. However, if your air fryer tends to cook very hot, you may want to reduce the temperature to 360°F to prevent burning.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for pizza bites in an air fryer is generally around 6 to 7 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on them during cooking, as they can burn or explode if left for too long.

Preheating

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer before cooking pizza bites. This helps ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

Layering

For optimal cooking, it is best to place the pizza bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. This allows the hot air to circulate easily and makes the bites crispier.

Dipping Sauces

Pizza bites can be enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces. Popular options include pizza sauce, nacho cheese, marinara sauce, buffalo sauce, blue cheese, ranch, BBQ sauce, and honey garlic sauce.

Reheating

Leftover pizza bites can be reheated in the air fryer at 400°F for about 3 minutes. This helps restore their crispy texture.

Brands

When it comes to brand recommendations, Totino's frozen pizza rolls are specifically mentioned as being ideal for this cooking method.

Customization

You can customize your pizza bites by adding extra cheese or Italian spices on top before cooking. For a crispier texture, you can also extend the cooking time by a minute or two.

How to stop pizza bites from exploding in an air fryer

Pizza bites are a delicious snack, but it can be frustrating when they explode in your air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer

It is important to place the pizza bites in a single layer with some space around them. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can cause uneven cooking and increase the chances of the pizza bites exploding. By giving each pizza bite enough space, you ensure that hot air can flow freely and cook them evenly.

Control the Temperature and Timing

Using the correct temperature and timing for cooking pizza bites is crucial. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually between 360°F to 400°F, and cook the pizza bites for 5 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during the cooking process, and be prepared to adjust the timing as needed. Remember that it's better to use a lower heat setting and cook for a longer time to prevent explosions.

Use Aluminum Foil or Paper Towels

Covering the pizza bites with aluminum foil while cooking can help contain any explosions. However, keep in mind that this may cause them to cook faster, so you should open up the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the outside. Alternatively, if you're cooking in a microwave, use a paper towel to cover the pizza bites. The paper towel will absorb extra moisture and help prevent explosions.

Poke Holes in the Pizza Bites

Poking a few holes in each pizza bite with a fork or toothpick can help release steam and prevent them from exploding. This simple step can make a big difference in containing the filling inside the bites.

Avoid Overcooking

Always follow the recommended cooking times for pizza bites. Overcooking is a common cause of explosions, as the filling builds up pressure and eventually bursts through the seams. Be mindful of the cooking time and keep a close eye on your pizza bites to prevent overcooking.

Thaw Frozen Pizza Bites Before Cooking

If your pizza bites are frozen, let them thaw before cooking. Frozen pizza bites are more prone to bursting and can result in uneven cooking. By thawing them beforehand, you reduce the chances of explosions and improve the overall cooking experience.

What to serve with pizza bites

Pizza bites are a versatile snack that can be served as a fun party appetiser, a game day bite, or even a quick and easy meal for kids. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

Dipping Sauces

Pizza bites are often served with a dipping sauce. Here are some options:

• Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Buffalo sauce
• Blue cheese
• Honey sriracha sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Honey garlic sauce

Side Dishes

If you want to make your pizza bites part of a more substantial meal, here are some side dish options:

• Salads: Simple garden salad, Caesar salad, Greek salad, Caprese salad
• Soups: Tomato soup, Italian sausage soup, Minestrone, Pasta e Fagioli
• Finger foods: Chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, breadsticks, chicken fingers, fries
• Drinks: Fun drinks can complement your pizza bites, especially if it's date night

Desserts

For a sweet finish to your pizza bite feast, try one of these dessert options:

• Ice cream or sorbet
• Sundaes
• Rice Krispie treats
• Cookies
• Dessert pizzas
• Cinnamon sticks
• Cannoli
• Tiramisu
• Bundt cakes

Frequently asked questions