Marianne Martinez
Frozen pizza is a convenient meal, but using a traditional oven can be a hassle. Fortunately, countertop appliances like air fryers and toaster ovens provide a faster alternative to baking pizza. However, due to their smaller size, they work best with thin-crust pizzas to prevent the toppings from burning before the crust is cooked.
How to cook pizza in an air fryer toaster oven
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 375°F (190°C) to 425°F |
| Preheat temperature | 400°F |
| Preheat time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cook time | 4-10 minutes |
| Pizza type | Frozen, thin-crust |
| Pizza size | 12-inch |
| Dough type | Store-bought, homemade, tortillas, crescent rolls, naan, pita bread |
| Toppings | Cheese, pepperoni, basil, Parmesan, red onion, red pepper flakes, fresh basil, sirloin steak, onions, red peppers, garlic-infused olive oil, pecorino cheese, cheddar cheese, hot honey drizzle |
| Other equipment | Pizza stone, parchment paper, pizza tray |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer toaster oven to 375°F to 400°F
Preheating your air fryer toaster oven to the right temperature is crucial for cooking pizza evenly and achieving the desired crust texture. Most sources recommend preheating to around 375°F to 400°F, with some variation depending on the type of pizza and your specific appliance.
For example, one source suggests preheating the air fryer to 400°F for 15 minutes before lowering the temperature to 375°F to cook the pizza for about seven minutes. This approach helps ensure that the toppings and crust cook evenly, preventing burnt toppings and a soggy or undercooked crust.
Another source recommends preheating the toaster oven, with the baking tray inside, to 400°F for 20 minutes. This creates an optimal environment for cooking frozen pizza slices, resulting in a crispy crust, browned toppings, and melted cheese.
It's worth noting that the preheating time and temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer toaster oven model. Some ovens may take longer to reach the desired temperature, and others may have a maximum temperature lower than 400°F. Always refer to your appliance's instructions for the best results.
Additionally, when cooking pizza in an air fryer toaster oven, it's important to consider the type of pizza you're cooking. For instance, thin-crust frozen pizzas are generally better suited for air fryer toaster ovens than thicker-crust pizzas, which may require longer cooking times to ensure the crust is cooked through.
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Use a pizza dough that is thin and crispy
When making pizza in an air fryer toaster oven, it's important to use the right type of pizza dough to achieve the desired thin and crispy texture. Here are some tips and instructions for using a thin and crispy pizza dough:
First, you can choose between store-bought or homemade pizza dough. If you're short on time or prefer convenience, you can opt for store-bought pizza dough, which is readily available in most supermarkets. On the other hand, if you want to customize your dough and have more control over the ingredients, you can make your own homemade pizza dough. Making homemade pizza dough allows you to adjust the thickness and shape according to your preferences.
For a thin and crispy crust, it's crucial to roll out the dough as thinly as possible. Aim for a thickness of less than 1/4 inch to ensure a crispy texture after baking. Additionally, you can use a rolling pin to ensure an even thickness throughout the dough.
When using store-bought pizza dough, look for smaller crusts or flatbreads that are designed for individual pizzas. These smaller crusts will ensure that your pizza fits comfortably in your air fryer toaster oven without overcrowding.
Before placing the dough in the air fryer toaster oven, preheat the appliance to the recommended temperature, usually around 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is important to ensure even cooking and to prevent the pizza from sticking to the cooking surface.
Once the air fryer toaster oven is preheated, carefully transfer the rolled-out dough into it. If desired, you can brush the dough lightly with olive oil or garlic spread to add flavor and promote browning. Prick the dough in several places with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during cooking.
Cook the dough for a few minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer toaster oven's settings and the thickness of your dough. Typically, cooking for 3-7 minutes should be sufficient for thin and crispy pizza dough.
After the initial cook, flip the dough over to ensure even cooking on both sides. This step is crucial to prevent the dough from being undercooked or white on the bottom.
Finally, add your desired toppings to the partially cooked crust. Keep in mind that air fryer toaster ovens have strong air circulation, so lighter toppings like shredded cheese or small pieces of pepperoni may blow away or burn. Consider using thicker or larger toppings that can withstand the air circulation.
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Precook the crust to get a crispy bottom
To get a crispy bottom on your pizza, precooking the crust is essential. This can be done by par-baking the crust, which involves partially baking the dough before adding any toppings. Par-baking helps to ensure that the crust is cooked through without overcooking the toppings. It is especially useful if you are using a thicker crust or a crust that requires more time to cook, such as homemade pizza dough.
To par-bake the crust, start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the air fryer basket generously with oil to prevent sticking. Roll out your pizza dough to fit the size of your air fryer basket, then transfer it carefully into the basket. Lightly brush the dough with olive oil and prick it in several places with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming. Cook the dough for about 3 minutes, then flip it over and cook for an additional 3 minutes on the other side.
Once the crust is par-baked, you can add your desired toppings. Start with a light layer of tomato sauce and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also add other toppings of your choice, such as vegetables, meats, or herbs. Just be mindful that heavier toppings should go on top to prevent lighter toppings from blowing off during cooking.
After adding your toppings, return the pizza to the air fryer and cook at 375°F for about 7 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and golden brown, and the cheese is melted. Keep a close eye on the pizza during this final cooking stage, as the high heat can cause the toppings to burn quickly.
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Use a light layer of toppings to avoid burning
When making pizza in an air fryer toaster oven, it is important to use a light layer of toppings to avoid burning. This is because air fryers tend to cook food faster on the outside compared to an oven bake, and the toppings can burn before the crust is fully cooked.
To prevent this, it is recommended to use a light layer of toppings and to cook the pizza at a lower temperature. For example, if cooking at 400°F, it is suggested to lower the temperature to 375°F after preheating. This will help ensure that the toppings do not burn while still cooking the crust thoroughly.
Additionally, it is important to note that some air fryers have a heat source located above the cooking area, which can cause the toppings to cook faster than the crust. In this case, it may be helpful to precook the crust or use pre-cooked dough, and then add the toppings towards the end of the cooking process. This will help ensure that the crust is cooked evenly and prevent the toppings from burning.
Furthermore, using a light layer of toppings allows for more even cooking of the pizza. Too many toppings can weigh down the crust and prevent it from rising and cooking properly. It can also make it difficult for the heat to penetrate and cook the pizza thoroughly.
By following these tips and using a light layer of toppings, you can avoid burning your pizza in an air fryer toaster oven and achieve a perfectly cooked, delicious slice.
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Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 325°F for 4 minutes
Reheating pizza in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy your favourite meal again. To reheat pizza in an air fryer, set the temperature to a low 325°F (165°C) and cook for around 4 minutes. This is a great way to ensure your pizza is warmed through without burning or drying out.
The key to reheating pizza is to ensure the crust doesn't burn or become too crispy, while also melting the cheese and warming the toppings. By setting the air fryer to a lower temperature, you avoid burning the crust and drying out the toppings.
When reheating, it is best to use a thin-crust pizza, as thicker crusts may burn before the cheese and toppings are warmed through. You can also add a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese to help anchor the toppings and keep them in place.
If you are cooking multiple pizzas, you can keep the first one warm in the oven at the lowest temperature while the second pizza cooks in the air fryer. This way, you can enjoy them together, straight from the oven, without the need to reheat.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your air fryer toaster oven to 400°F (204°C) and then cook your pizza for 20 minutes.
A standard, thin-crust frozen pizza works best in an air fryer toaster oven. Avoid medium or thick-crust pizzas as the crust may not cook evenly.
Use a liner of parchment paper to keep the pizza in place. You can also add a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese that will help anchor the toppings.
Set the temperature at 325°F (162°C) and cook for about 4 minutes.
