Air Fryer Frozen Pizza: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Cooking a frozen pizza in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, crispy pizza. It's a convenient option for a short lunch break or a quick snack, and it's ready in less than 10 minutes! You can use any kind of frozen pizza, from thin crust to deep dish, and even add your own toppings. The key to getting that perfect crispness is preheating your air fryer and ensuring good airflow. So, get ready to enjoy a pizzeria-style pizza in the comfort of your own home!

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the pizza-making process. It ensures that your pizza will cook evenly and that the timing in your recipe will be accurate. Think of your air fryer like a mini oven: you always preheat it before placing food inside.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding your food. The ideal temperature and time will depend on the type of pizza you are cooking and the model of your air fryer. For example, if you are cooking a pizza with a thicker crust, you may need to preheat your air fryer for a little longer to ensure that the inside of the pizza gets fully cooked and hot.

Some sources recommend preheating your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes. Others suggest 380°F for 2-3 minutes. If you are cooking a larger pizza, you may need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. It is important to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer model and the cooking directions for your pizza.

While preheating your air fryer is generally recommended, it is not always necessary. If you are short on time, you can still cook your pizza in the air fryer without preheating, and it will turn out delicious.

Place the pizza inside

Now it's time to place the pizza inside the air fryer. If you are cooking a personal-sized pizza, you should have no problem fitting it inside. However, if you are cooking a larger pizza, you may need to slice it into pieces first. Most air fryers will not fit a full-size pizza, so it is recommended to opt for mini pizzas or slice a larger pizza into portions.

When placing the pizza inside the air fryer, do not use any parchment paper or aluminium foil underneath. This is because the air fryer's heat source is at the top, and you want to maximise the amount of hot air that reaches the bottom of the pizza to create a crispy crust. Using parchment paper will result in a softer crust.

If you are adding your own toppings to the pizza, now is the time to do so. You can add any meats, extra cheese, or other toppings of your choice. Just be mindful that the cook time may vary depending on the type and amount of toppings you add.

Once the pizza is inside the air fryer, you are ready to start cooking.

Add toppings

Adding toppings to your frozen pizza is a great way to customize and elevate your air-fried pizza experience. Here are some tips and suggestions for adding toppings:

• Preparation: Before you start adding toppings, it's essential to gather all your desired ingredients. Chop, slice, or grate any fresh toppings you plan to use. This can include vegetables like onions, peppers, mushrooms, or tomatoes, as well as meats such as pepperoni, sausage, or ham. Having everything ready beforehand ensures a smooth and efficient process.
• Timing: The ideal time to add toppings to your frozen pizza is after you've preheated your air fryer and before you place the pizza inside to cook. This way, you can ensure the toppings are cooked properly and the crust doesn't become soggy from the added ingredients.
• Topping Ideas: The possibilities for toppings are endless. You can go with classic options like pepperoni, sausage, or extra cheese. Or, you can get creative and experiment with different combinations. Try adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach for a nutritional boost. If you're a meat lover, consider options like ham, bacon, ground beef, or Canadian bacon. You can also add unique ingredients like pineapple, jalapenos, or olives to give your pizza a tropical or spicy twist.
• Amount of Toppings: Be mindful not to overload your pizza with too many toppings, especially if they are moist or heavy. Excessive toppings can weigh down the crust and affect the cooking process, resulting in an unevenly cooked or soggy pizza. It's best to add a moderate amount of toppings to ensure the pizza cooks properly and still allows the original flavors of the frozen pizza to shine through.
• Personalization: Adding toppings is a great way to cater to different dietary preferences or restrictions. If you're cooking for vegetarians, offer meat-free options like vegetable toppings and dairy-free cheese. For those who prefer a lighter option, you can provide fresh herbs, arugula, or spinach as toppings, adding flavor and nutrients without the heaviness of traditional pizza toppings.
• Experimentation: Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with unique topping combinations. Try drawing inspiration from different cuisines or your favorite restaurant pizzas. You can even create a build-your-own pizza night, where everyone gets to customize their pizzas with their choice of toppings. It's a fun way to discover new flavor profiles and make pizza night more exciting.

Cook for 6-10 minutes

Now it's time to cook your pizza! Place your frozen pizza in the air fryer and cook it for 6-10 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the type of pizza you are cooking and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn. If you are cooking a thicker crust pizza, it will likely take 8 minutes or more. If you are cooking a thinner crust pizza, it may be done in 6 minutes.

If your pizza starts to burn before it is fully cooked, you can cover it with aluminium foil. Fold the foil underneath the pizza to ensure the hot air cannot lift it. If your pizza is not burning but you want to prevent the cheese from browning too much, you can also cover it with foil.

While your pizza is cooking, you can start preparing any sides or salads you want to go with it. You could also use this time to clean up any utensils or dishes you have used so far.

Remove and let it cool

Once your pizza is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool. The cooking time will vary depending on the type, size, and thickness of your pizza, as well as the model of your air fryer. For example, a thicker crust pizza may take up to 8 minutes or more to cook. After removing the pizza, let it cool for about 2 to 3 minutes. This will ensure that the cheese is not too hot and melty, making it easier to slice and serve.

While you wait for the pizza to cool, you can prepare any desired toppings or sides. For example, you can add extra cheese, pepperoni, sausage, ham, Canadian bacon, ground beef, or bacon to your pizza. You can also use this time to set the table or prepare any necessary condiments, such as red pepper flakes or parmesan cheese.

If you are cooking multiple pizzas, you can use the cooling time to prepare the next pizza for cooking. This may include removing the plastic, slicing the pizza, or adding any desired toppings. By preparing the next pizza while the first one cools, you can ensure that your pizzas are served hot and fresh.

Additionally, during the cooling time, you can clean up any mess made during the preparation and cooking process. This includes wiping down countertops, putting away ingredients, and washing any dishes or utensils used. By the time you finish cleaning up, your pizza should be cooled and ready to slice and serve.

Frequently asked questions