Emilie Meyer
Deep-dish pizza is a beloved dish, but cooking it can be a hassle. Traditional oven methods can take up to 30 minutes and may result in an unevenly cooked pizza. However, with an air fryer, you can achieve a perfectly cooked deep-dish pizza in under 15 minutes. The air fryer's hot air circulation ensures a crispy crust and gooey, melted cheese. This method is also healthier, as it requires little to no oil. To cook a deep-dish pizza in an air fryer, you'll need to consider the size and power of your air fryer, and whether you're cooking from frozen or preparing the dough yourself.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat air fryer | 3 minutes at 400°F |
| Air fryer temperature | 350°F-360°F |
| Air fryer timer | 10 minutes |
| Air fryer type | Large, powerful, non-stick basket, digital touchscreen |
| Pizza type | Frozen, thick crust |
| Pizza toppings | Cheese, spinach, sliced olives, bell peppers, onions, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, olive oil |
| Pizza dough | Bread maker dough, rolled out |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right air fryer
Capacity and Size:
Determine the size of the air fryer you need based on how much food you typically cook and the available counter space in your kitchen. Air fryers come in various sizes, from compact single-basket models to larger oven-style designs. Consider whether you want a larger capacity for cooking family-sized meals or a smaller, more portable option.
Functionality and Features:
Air fryers offer different cooking functions and features. Some basic models have simple air-frying capabilities, while others include additional functions such as baking, roasting, dehydrating, and reheating. Decide which functions are most important to you and look for a model that suits your cooking needs.
Temperature Control and Settings:
Look for an air fryer with a wide temperature range and adjustable settings. This will allow you to experiment with different cooking techniques and recipes. Precise temperature control ensures that you can cook various dishes, from crispy fried foods to roasted vegetables, perfectly.
Ease of Use and Cleaning:
Choose an air fryer with intuitive controls that are easy to understand and operate. Removable, dishwasher-safe parts, and non-stick coatings can make cleaning more accessible and less time-consuming. Consider models with features like automatic shut-off, cool-touch handles, and adjustable racks for added convenience.
Price and Reviews:
Air fryers vary in price, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Determine your budget and compare prices across different brands and retailers. Read reviews from other customers and trusted sources to assess the quality, performance, and durability of the air fryer before making your purchase.
By considering these factors and reading air fryer buying guides, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right air fryer for your needs.
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Preparing the dough
When rolling out the dough, use a rolling pin to apply gentle, even pressure, working from the centre of the dough outwards. If you don't have a rolling pin, a clean, empty wine bottle can work in a pinch! Aim for a circular shape with a diameter that fits your air fryer basket, leaving some space for the crust.
Once the dough is rolled out, it's time to shape it. Deep-dish pizza is known for its thick crust. To achieve this, create a thicker border around the edge of the dough, about 1 inch wide. This can be done by tucking the corners of the dough under and then pressing the edges upwards to form a rim. Make sure the thickness of the crust is consistent to ensure even cooking.
After shaping the dough, it's important to prepare the air fryer basket. Cut a circle of cooking parchment paper that fits snugly in the bottom of the basket. Spray the parchment and the sides of the basket with cooking spray or olive oil. This step ensures that your pizza won't stick and makes it easier to remove once it's cooked.
Place the prepared dough into the air fryer basket, pressing it down gently to fit snugly. At this stage, you can add your desired toppings, starting with the sauce and then layering on cheese and other ingredients of your choice. However, for the purposes of this section, we are just focusing on the preparation of the dough.
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Adding toppings
When it comes to toppings, you can let your imagination run wild. Whether you're making a pizza from scratch or using a frozen pizza, you can add extra toppings to your deep-dish pizza before air frying.
If you're making your pizza from scratch, load your pizza dough with pizza sauce, followed by your favourite toppings. You could try toppings such as grated gouda, quartered cherry tomatoes, small spoons of soft cheese, or even pepperoni. If you're using frozen pizza, Red Baron Deep Dish Singles pizzas are a great option as they come with a variety of topping options. You can add extra toppings to these frozen pizzas, but be mindful of not overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
For toppings, you can add sliced olives, bell peppers, or onions. You can even add spinach for some greenery. It is not recommended to add raw garlic as it can burn, but you can add garlic powder for flavour. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes, or drizzle olive oil over the top for added richness.
If you're a fan of cheese, you can sprinkle some parmesan on top of your pizza after cooking.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for deep-dish pizza in an air fryer depend on whether you are cooking a frozen pizza or making it from scratch.
If you are cooking a frozen pizza, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180°C) for 3 minutes. Then, place the frozen pizza in the air fryer basket and adjust the temperature to 350-360°F (180°C). Set the timer for 7-10 minutes. If the bottom of the pizza is not cooked after 7 minutes, add another 2 minutes to the cooking time.
If you are making a deep-dish pizza from scratch, the cooking time and temperature will differ slightly. First, prepare your pizza dough and shape it to fit your air fryer basket. Then, set the air fryer to 325°F (160°C) and cook the crust for 10 minutes. Remove the crust from the air fryer and brush the sides and top with olive oil. Place the crust back in the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model, so be sure to check your pizza regularly to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
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Serving suggestions
When it comes to serving your deep-dish pizza, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the size of your pizza and the number of servings it yields. A typical serving size for a deep-dish pizza is one slice, but this can vary depending on the size and thickness of the pizza. If you have cooked more than one pizza or have thicker slices, your pizza may serve more people.
It is also important to think about the temperature at which you will be serving the pizza. Deep-dish pizza can be enjoyed hot, cold, or at room temperature. If you prefer your pizza hot, it is best to serve it immediately after cooking. If you are serving it cold or at room temperature, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Additionally, you can enhance your deep-dish pizza by adding extra toppings just before serving. For example, if you love cheese, sprinkle some extra parmesan on top. You can also pair your pizza with sides or a salad to make it a full meal.
Finally, consider the occasion and the people you are serving. If it is a casual gathering with family or friends, a simple serving of pizza with some sides may be perfect. However, if it is a more formal occasion, you may want to consider plating the pizza in a more elegant manner, perhaps with a garnish or a drizzle of reduced balsamic vinegar.
By following these suggestions, you can ensure that your deep-dish pizza is served in a way that is both enjoyable and suitable for the occasion.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 10-15 minutes to cook deep dish pizza in an air fryer. This is significantly less time than cooking pizza in a conventional oven, which can take upwards of 30 minutes.
The temperature depends on the type of pizza you are cooking. Frozen pizzas are cooked at a higher temperature of around 350-400°F (176-204°C), while homemade pizzas are cooked at a lower temperature of around 325-360°F (162-182°C).
Cooking deep dish pizza in an air fryer is quicker, healthier, and more convenient than cooking it in a conventional oven. Air fryers use little to no oil, resulting in a healthier pizza. They also cook food more evenly and consistently, reducing the risk of overcooked or undercooked pizza. Additionally, air fryers are a low-mess option as they contain the mess within the fryer, making cleanup easier.
First, preheat your air fryer for around 3 minutes. If cooking a frozen pizza, remove it from its packaging and place it directly into the air fryer basket. If cooking a homemade pizza, prepare your dough and place it into an air fryer-safe pan, spreading it out to fit the pan. Add your desired toppings, such as sauce, cheese, and other ingredients. Place the pan in the air fryer and cook for 7-10 minutes, checking regularly to ensure the pizza is cooked to your desired level.
