Air Fryer Cooking: Digiorno Pizza Perfection

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook frozen pizza, and they can make the process even faster than using an oven. They're also more energy-efficient and won't heat up your kitchen. You can cook any kind of frozen pizza in an air fryer, including thin crust, deep dish, mini pizzas, and full-size pizzas, though you may need to cut larger pizzas in half first, depending on the size of your air fryer. To cook a frozen pizza in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to around 380-400°F (180-200°C), then place the pizza inside and cook for 6-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the pizza to get crispy on the outside and fully cooked and hot on the inside. It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F for 2-5 minutes. This will ensure that your pizza cooks evenly and that the recipe directions are accurate in terms of timing.

The preheating time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it is important to refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, the size of the pizza you are cooking may also impact the preheating time. For example, a small, personal pizza may require a shorter preheating time than a larger, family-sized pizza.

During the preheating process, you can prepare your DiGiorno pizza by adding any desired toppings. You can also use this time to gather any other ingredients or utensils you may need, such as a kitchen knife or a chopping board.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can place your DiGiorno pizza inside and set the timer according to the cooking instructions. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of your pizza crust. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your pizza to ensure it doesn't burn.

Cook for 6-10 minutes

Cooking a frozen pizza in an air fryer is a great way to make a quick, tasty, and healthy meal. It is important to keep an eye on your pizza as it cooks to ensure it doesn't burn. Frozen pizzas can burn very quickly, so be sure to check your pizza after 6-8 minutes before deciding to cook it for longer.

The cooking time will depend on the type of pizza you are cooking and the model of your air fryer. Most air fryers won't fit a full-size pizza, so you may need to slice the pizza in half or quarters before cooking. If your pizza is a personal-sized pizza, it will likely take 6-8 minutes to cook. If you have a thicker crust, it may take 8 minutes or more.

If your pizza starts to burn before it is fully cooked, you can cover it with aluminium foil. You can also use foil to make clean-up easier, but be aware that this will reduce the airflow in your air fryer, which may affect the cooking.

Some recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 380°F or 400°F for 2-5 minutes before cooking. However, this is not always necessary, and your pizza will still cook well without preheating.

Rotate halfway to avoid cold spots

To cook a DiGiorno pizza in an air fryer, it is important to rotate the pizza halfway through the cooking process to avoid cold spots. This is because air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it, and rotating the food ensures even cooking on all sides.

Air fryers are small, powerful convection ovens that use hot air and little to no oil to cook food. They are similar to mini ovens in that they need to be preheated before cooking to ensure the food is cooked properly and evenly.

When cooking a pizza in an air fryer, it is important to rotate it halfway through the cooking time to ensure that the heat circulates evenly around the pizza and that all sides cook uniformly. This helps to avoid cold spots and ensure that the pizza is cooked through.

To rotate the pizza, pause the air fryer halfway through the cooking time and use tongs to carefully turn the pizza in the basket. This will help to ensure that the pizza cooks evenly and that the crust gets crispy on all sides.

It is also important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and type of pizza, as well as the specific model of the air fryer. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to the recipe instructions and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Add toppings before cooking

While DiGiorno pizzas come pre-topped, you can always add your own toppings before cooking. There are no rules here, so get creative and add your personalized touch! If you're a cheese enthusiast, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or a gourmet cheese blend on top of your pizza before air frying. You can also add fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or olives for a fresh twist. Just make sure to cut them small so they cook through in the same time as the pizza.

If you're adding meat toppings, make sure they're cooked through and heated before serving. For example, pepperoni should be slightly crispy around the edges. If you're adding vegetables, they should be crisp-tender.

You can also sprinkle a pinch of dry Italian seasonings over the pizza before cooking to enhance the flavors. If you like your crust extra crispy, lightly brush it with olive oil before cooking. This will enhance the crispiness and add a golden-brown finish.

Be mindful not to overload the pizza, as too many toppings can lead to uneven cooking or a soggy crust.

Reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes

Reheating pizza in an air fryer is a great way to get that fresh-baked taste and texture. To reheat your DiGiorno pizza, set your air fryer to 350°F and leave it for 3-4 minutes. You can preheat the air fryer beforehand, but it's not always necessary. If you have time, preheating will help to ensure the pizza is cooked evenly.

If you're reheating a whole pizza, you may want to slice it into portions first. This will ensure that the pizza reheats evenly and efficiently. Place as many slices as will fit in a single layer in your air fryer basket and reheat for 3-4 minutes. If you're reheating a single slice, it will likely only take 3-4 minutes to reheat, and you won't need to preheat the air fryer.

Keep an eye on your pizza while it's in the air fryer, as you don't want it to burn. If your pizza starts to burn before it's heated through, you can cover it with aluminium foil. Fold the foil under the pizza to ensure the hot air can't lift it.

Frequently asked questions