Air Fryer Pizza: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer pizza is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be made in less than 15 minutes. It's perfect for busy days when you want something tasty and hassle-free. The best part? You can make it your own by customising the toppings to suit your preferences.

The key to a great air fryer pizza is preparing the crust. You can use store-bought pizza dough, pre-made crusts, or make your own dough from scratch. The crust is partially cooked first to ensure it's nice and crispy, and then you add your sauce, cheese, and toppings.

So, if you're looking for a fun and simple way to enjoy pizza at home, give air fryer pizza a try! It's a great option for personal pan pizzas, and you can even make them ahead of time and freeze them for future cravings.

Choosing your pizza dough

The type of pizza dough you choose for your air fryer pizza will depend on your personal preferences, dietary requirements, and how much time you have. Here are some options to consider:

Pre-made pizza dough

Pre-made pizza dough, either store-bought or homemade, can be a convenient option if you're short on time or don't want to make your own dough from scratch. You can find pre-made pizza dough in most supermarkets, or you can make a batch ahead of time and freeze it for later use. This option allows you to focus more on the toppings and customisation of your pizza.

Store-bought pizza crusts

If you're looking for an even faster and more convenient option, you can opt for pre-made pizza crusts, such as Boboli pizza crusts or similar products. These crusts are typically sold in various sizes, flavours, and thicknesses, making them a versatile choice. Using a pre-made crust can significantly speed up the pizza-making process, as you won't need to worry about preparing and rolling out the dough.

Low-carb crust options

For those watching their carbohydrate intake, there are low-carb crust options available, such as low-carb tortillas, flatbreads, or pita bread. These alternatives can provide a satisfying pizza experience without the carb-heavy traditional dough. Experiment with different brands and types to find the one that best suits your taste and texture preferences.

Homemade pizza dough

If you're feeling adventurous and have some time to spare, you can make your own pizza dough from scratch. This option allows you to customise the ingredients, texture, and flavour of your dough to your exact preferences. There are numerous recipes available online for homemade pizza dough, ranging from classic dough to more specialised options like whole wheat pizza dough.

Regardless of the type of pizza dough you choose, the air fryer's ability to circulate hot air will help create a crispy, golden crust and melt your cheese to perfection. Don't be afraid to experiment with different dough options and find the one that best suits your taste and lifestyle!

Preparing the air fryer basket

Firstly, it is important to prepare the basket with a light coating of olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. This step helps prevent the pizza from sticking to the basket and makes it easier to remove once cooked. You can also line the basket with parchment paper, which can be helpful for easier cleanup.

If you are using a pizza dough base, roll it out on a floured surface to a size similar to your air fryer basket. Then, carefully transfer the dough to the prepared basket. It is recommended to poke holes in the centre of the dough with a fork to prevent it from ballooning up during cooking.

At this point, you can also brush the dough with olive oil and add any desired seasonings, such as garlic salt and Italian herbs, to enhance the flavour of your crust.

If you are using a pre-made crust, such as a pita bread or a store-bought pizza base, you can place it directly into the air fryer basket. It is recommended to warm both sides of the crust before adding any sauce or toppings to ensure a crispier base.

Once your dough or crust is prepared and in the basket, you can move on to the next step of adding sauce and toppings.

Adding sauce and toppings

Now for the fun part: adding your sauce and toppings! The great thing about making pizza is that you can get creative and choose whatever sauce and toppings you like. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sauce

• Pizza sauce
• Tomato sauce
• Marinara sauce
• Tomato basil sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Pesto
• Alfredo sauce
• Low-carb sauce

Toppings

• Mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)
• Parmesan cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Italian blend cheese
• Bocconcini (small mozzarella balls)
• Meat toppings: pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, salami, ham, cooked ground beef, pepperoni, cooked bacon, cooked diced ham, cooked chicken
• Vegetables: mushrooms, chopped tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, onions, bell peppers, black olives, pineapple, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, jalapeños, sliced mushrooms, onions, bell peppers
• Spices: dried oregano, dried Italian herbs, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, garlic
• Other: hot honey, red pepper flakes, fresh basil leaves

When adding your toppings, keep in mind that the fan in an air fryer is strong and can blow lightweight toppings around. To prevent this from happening, place an air fryer rack over the pizza while it cooks. You can also secure lightweight toppings like pepperoni with toothpicks or add cheese both under and on top of the toppings to hold them in place.

Cooking the pizza

Now that your pizza is assembled, it's time to cook it! Place your pizza back into the air fryer, ensuring that it sits on the parchment paper. Place an air fryer rack on top of the pizza to prevent the toppings from blowing around.

Cook the pizza at 375°F for 4-5 minutes. The timing may vary depending on your desired crispiness and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on it!

Once the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, your pizza is ready! Top with extra basil, cheese, and red pepper flakes to add a final burst of flavor.

If you're using a pre-cooked pizza base like pita bread or naan, simply place it in the air fryer with the toppings and cook until the cheese melts.

Enjoy your freshly made, delicious, and crispy air fryer pizza!

Storing and reheating

When you're ready to reheat your pizza, the air fryer is the ideal choice. It will give you a crispy crust and melted cheese in just a few minutes. Here's what you need to do:

Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (160-176°C).
• Place your pizza slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. You may need to heat the slices in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.
• Optionally, you can place a piece of parchment paper, aluminium foil, or a silicone liner underneath the slices to prevent cheese from sticking to the basket and to make cleanup easier. However, this is not necessary.
• Air fry for 3-5 minutes. Check on your pizza after 3 minutes and add more time if needed.

Tips for Perfectly Reheated Pizza:

• Thin-crust pizzas will reheat faster than thick-crust or deep-dish pizzas, so adjust the timing accordingly.
• If you're reheating thick-crust pizza, preheat your air fryer to a lower temperature (around 300°F/150°C) to ensure the middle of the pizza heats through without the crust drying out.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even heating.
• Always preheat your air fryer before adding the pizza slices.
• Don't set the temperature too high, as this can dry out the crust and make the cheese too runny.

Now you can enjoy your leftover pizza just like it's fresh out of the oven!

Frequently asked questions