Crispy Totino's Pizza: Air Fryer Magic In 15 Minutes!

Looking to elevate your pizza game with a quick and easy twist? Totino's pizzas are a convenient and tasty option, and cooking them in an air fryer can give you a crispy, golden-brown crust and a perfectly melted cheese topping. Here's a guide on how to transform your Totino's pizza into a delicious, air-fried masterpiece.

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. Set your 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 your pizza cooks evenly and develops a crispy base. Preheating also helps to eliminate any excess moisture that might be present in the air fryer, which can affect the texture of your pizza.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your Totino's pizza. Take the pizza out of its packaging and place it on a suitable air fryer-safe rack or directly on the air fryer basket, ensuring it is centered and not overlapping with any other food items. This step is important to allow for proper air circulation, which will contribute to a crispy and evenly cooked pizza.

Once the air fryer has reached the desired temperature, carefully place your Totino's pizza inside. Ensure that the pizza is not touching the sides of the air fryer basket to promote even cooking. If you're using a rack, make sure it is stable and secure to prevent any accidents. At this point, you can also add any desired toppings, but keep in mind that adding toppings after preheating might slightly reduce the crispiness of the base.

The cooking time will depend on your air fryer model and the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. As a general guideline, cook the pizza for approximately 8-10 minutes. This duration allows the cheese to melt and the crust to become golden and crispy. Always keep an eye on your pizza during the cooking process to ensure it doesn't burn.

Remember, preheating is a critical step in achieving the perfect Totino's pizza in your air fryer. It sets the stage for a delicious, crispy, and evenly cooked meal. By following these simple instructions, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a hot and tasty pizza right from your kitchen counter.

Prepare: Place frozen pizza on air fryer rack

To prepare your Totino's pizza in an air fryer, start by ensuring you have a suitable air fryer rack or a wire rack that can fit inside your air fryer. This rack will help promote even cooking and prevent the pizza from sticking to the basket. Place the frozen Totino's pizza on the rack, making sure it is centered and secure. The pizza should be in its original packaging or a suitable air-tight container to prevent any mess.

For optimal results, it's important to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to heat up for a few minutes. This initial step ensures that the pizza cooks evenly and quickly. While the air fryer is heating up, you can also prepare any desired toppings or sides to serve with your pizza.

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the rack with the frozen pizza inside. Close the air fryer door and set the timer for approximately 10-12 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the pizza, so it's essential to keep an eye on it. Aim for a golden-brown crust and melted cheese as the desired outcome.

During the cooking process, you can flip the pizza halfway through to ensure even browning. If you notice any excess oil or grease building up, gently wipe it away with a paper towel to maintain a crispy texture. Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the pizza from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before slicing.

Remember, air frying is a quick and convenient method for cooking frozen pizzas, but it may not achieve the same level of crispiness as baking in a traditional oven. Adjust the cooking time as needed to suit your personal preference for pizza texture. Enjoy your freshly cooked Totino's pizza!

Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway

To cook a Totino's pizza in an air fryer, follow these steps for a delicious and crispy result:

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a golden, crispy crust while keeping the toppings and cheese melted and bubbly. Place the frozen Totino's pizza directly onto the air fryer rack or basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded. If you have multiple pizzas, cook them in batches to maintain the desired cooking time.

Set a timer for 10-12 minutes. This duration is crucial to ensure the pizza is cooked through and the cheese is melted to perfection. During this time, the air fryer's hot air circulation will cook the pizza evenly. After 6 minutes, carefully flip the pizza using tongs or a spatula. This step is essential to promote even cooking and prevent any burnt spots.

When flipping, be cautious as the pizza will be hot. Use a pair of tongs or a spatula to turn it over gently. Place it back into the air fryer, and continue cooking for the remaining 4-6 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the pizza. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Once the timer goes off, remove the pizza from the air fryer. It should have a beautiful, golden-brown crust and melted cheese. If desired, you can add some additional toppings like herbs, spices, or extra cheese for a personalized touch. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. This method of cooking in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy a hot, crispy pizza without the need for a traditional oven.

Finish: Broil for 2-3 minutes until golden

To finish cooking your Totino's pizza in the air fryer, you'll want to ensure it's crispy and golden. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving that perfect finish:

Preparation: Before broiling, make sure your pizza is ready. If you've just taken it out of the air fryer, it might still be a bit soft in the center. Use a spatula to carefully transfer the pizza to a baking sheet or a heat-resistant plate. This step is crucial to ensure even cooking during the broil.

Broiling Technique: Place the pizza under a preheated broiler. Set the broiler to high heat. Keep a close eye on the pizza; the cooking time will vary depending on your broiler and the thickness of the crust. As a general rule, broil for 2-3 minutes. The goal is to get the cheese melted and bubbly, and the crust golden brown. Watch the pizza carefully to avoid burning. You might need to adjust the broiler's position or use the broiler's front and back elements to get an even cook.

Checking for Doneness: After the initial broil, check the pizza. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned, and the crust should be crispy. If the crust is still soft, you might need to broil for a little longer. If it's too brown, you can cover the pizza with a small piece of aluminum foil to prevent further browning.

Final Touches: Once you're satisfied with the color and texture, remove the pizza from the broiler. You can add any final toppings or garnishes at this point. Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing, as it will be very hot.

Tips: Remember, air fryers and broilers can vary, so always keep an eye on your pizza. The key to a perfect finish is to avoid overcooking, which can happen quickly under high heat. Adjust the broiling time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.

Serve: Let cool slightly, then slice and enjoy

Once your Totino's 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 the pizza cool down for a few minutes. This might seem obvious, but it's crucial! Air-fried pizzas can be hot, and cutting them immediately after cooking might result in a messy situation. By letting it cool slightly, you'll be able to handle the slices with ease and avoid any potential burns. Aim for a 2-3 minute wait; this brief period will allow the heat to distribute evenly, making the pizza more enjoyable to eat.

While the pizza cools, grab a sharp knife or pizza cutter. You want to ensure clean and precise slices. Place the knife at a slight angle and carefully cut through the pizza, following the direction of the crust. For even slices, make sure to cut all the way through the crust and any toppings. If you're serving a group, consider cutting the pizza into more manageable pieces to avoid overloading plates.

Now, serve the slices and watch them disappear! Totino's pizzas are known for their crispy, cheesy goodness, so be prepared for a delicious treat. You can serve them as is or with a side of your favorite dip. Some popular choices include marinara sauce, garlic butter, or even a simple blend of herbs and spices. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings or sauces to suit your taste.

Remember, the key to serving a great Totino's pizza is to let it cool and then slice it carefully. This ensures a tidy and enjoyable dining experience. Enjoy your homemade, air-fried pizza creation!

Frequently asked questions