Crispy Digiorno Pizza: Air Fryer Magic In 15 Minutes!

Cooking a Digiorno pizza in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy a delicious, crispy pizza at home. This method allows you to achieve a similar texture to a traditional oven-baked pizza but in a fraction of the time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master this technique.

Preheat: Set air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes

To begin the cooking process, it's crucial to preheat your air fryer to the correct temperature. For this recipe, you'll want to set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to heat up for approximately 5 minutes. This initial step is essential as it ensures that the pizza cooks evenly and develops a crispy base. During the preheating process, the hot air circulates around the food, creating a faster and more efficient cooking environment compared to a conventional oven.

While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare the pizza by placing the Digiorno pizza on a baking sheet or a suitable air fryer-safe rack. This step is important to ensure that the pizza doesn't stick to the air fryer basket and allows for proper air circulation, resulting in a crispy texture.

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the pizza inside. Ensure it is positioned in the center of the air fryer basket to promote even cooking. The preheated air fryer will now cook the pizza, replicating the effects of a traditional oven but with the added benefit of the air-circulating function for a healthier, crispier finish.

The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, but a good starting point is 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the pizza, and if needed, adjust the time to achieve your desired level of doneness. Remember, the key to a delicious air-fried pizza is a well-preheated air fryer, ensuring a crispy base and a perfectly cooked Digiorno pizza.

Prepare: Place pizza on air fryer rack, brush with oil

To cook your Digiorno pizza in an air fryer, start by ensuring the pizza is at room temperature. This step is crucial as it allows the pizza to cook evenly. Place the pizza on the air fryer rack, making sure it is centered and stable. The rack is designed to allow hot air to circulate around the pizza, ensuring a crispy base and even cooking.

Next, prepare the pizza for cooking by brushing a thin layer of oil over the surface. This simple step can significantly impact the final result. Oil helps to create a crispy crust and prevents the pizza from sticking to the rack or the air fryer basket. Use a pastry brush or a clean kitchen towel to apply the oil evenly, ensuring every inch of the pizza is coated.

The amount of oil used should be minimal; a light brush is sufficient. Over-oiling can lead to a greasy pizza and may cause excess oil to drip into the air fryer, potentially creating a mess. If you're concerned about the oil, you can also lightly spray the pizza with cooking spray, which is a healthier alternative to traditional oil.

Once the pizza is oiled, it's time to preheat the air fryer. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to heat up for a few minutes. This step is essential to ensure that the pizza cooks evenly and quickly. The preheating process also helps to create a crispy base, as the hot air will react with the oil and the pizza's toppings.

After preheating, carefully place the pizza into the air fryer. Close the lid and set the timer for 8-10 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the pizza. The cooking time may vary, so it's important to keep an eye on the pizza to ensure it doesn't burn. For a more crispy base, you can flip the pizza halfway through the cooking process.

Cook: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway

To cook a Digiorno pizza in an air fryer, follow these steps for a delicious, crispy result. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's at the right temperature before you start. Place the pizza on a suitable air fryer-safe rack or baking sheet, ensuring it's centered and stable. This step is crucial to ensure even cooking.

Set the timer for 8-10 minutes, which is the ideal cooking time for a Digiorno pizza in an air fryer. The key to achieving a perfect, crispy base is to flip the pizza halfway through the cooking process. This simple step ensures that both sides of the crust cook evenly, resulting in a golden, crispy texture. Use a spatula or a wide spatula to carefully flip the pizza after 4 minutes. This action will also allow the toppings to cook through and the cheese to melt beautifully.

While the pizza is cooking, you can prepare any additional toppings or sides you'd like to serve with it. Once the timer goes off, check the pizza. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn. The pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

For an extra crispy base, you can lightly brush the pizza with oil before cooking, especially if you're using a frozen pizza. This simple step can make a big difference in the texture of the crust. After flipping, you can also lightly spray the top with cooking spray or brush it with oil to enhance the crispiness.

Finally, remove the pizza from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. This allows the toppings to set, and the pizza will be easier to handle. Serve it while it's still warm, and enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of a freshly cooked Digiorno pizza made in your air fryer!

Finish: Add toppings, broil for 2-3 minutes until melted

To finish cooking your Digiorno pizza in the air fryer, it's time to add your desired toppings and give it a final broil. This step will ensure a crispy, golden-brown crust and melted, gooey cheese. Here's a detailed guide:

Adding Toppings:

• Start by carefully removing the pizza from the air fryer basket. Use oven mitts or potholders to protect your hands from the hot crust.
• Carefully spread your chosen toppings evenly across the pizza. This could include classic options like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, or go wild with your favorite combinations.
• Be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you're using pre-made sauce. You don't want the toppings to overwhelm the crust and make the pizza soggy.

Broiling for a Golden Finish:

• Place the pizza back into the air fryer basket, ensuring it's positioned correctly for even heat distribution.
• Set your air fryer to the broil setting. The exact temperature and time will vary depending on your air fryer model and the desired level of browning. A good starting point is 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes.
• Keep a close eye on the pizza during broiling. The cooking time is crucial to achieving the perfect balance between melted cheese and a crispy crust.
• For a slightly crispier crust, you can increase the broil time by 30 seconds increments, checking frequently to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions:

• Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown, remove the pizza from the air fryer.
• Let it cool slightly before slicing to avoid burns.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of your air-fried Digiorno pizza!

Remember, the key to success is careful monitoring during the broiling process. Adjust the time and temperature as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness and melted goodness.

Serve: Let cool slightly, slice and enjoy

Once your Digiorno pizza is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it's time to serve it up! Here's a simple guide to ensure you get the best slices:

Let it Rest: After removing the pizza from the air fryer, let it cool for a few minutes. This step is crucial! Allowing the pizza to rest for about 5-10 minutes prevents it from becoming soggy. The heat will distribute evenly, ensuring a delicious, crispy base.

Slice with Care: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to carefully cut the pizza into slices. Digiorno pizzas often have a thin, crispy crust, so a sharp blade will help maintain the shape and texture. Aim for even slices to ensure everyone gets a taste of the delicious toppings.

Serve and Enjoy: Now, it's time to serve! Arrange the slices on a platter or individual plates. You can garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch. Serve the pizza warm, as the air-fried version retains its heat beautifully. Encourage your guests to dig in and enjoy the crispy, flavorful pizza.

Remember, the key to a successful serving experience is patience. Letting the pizza cool slightly ensures a better texture, and proper slicing will make each bite a delight. Serve it with a smile, and watch your guests savor every crunchy, cheesy bite!

Frequently asked questions