Air-Fryer Pizza: Crispy Crust, Cheesy Perfection

Making pizza in an air fryer is a quick and simple way to enjoy hot and crispy pizza at home. It is also a great way to reheat leftover pizza. The air fryer cooks the crust to perfection, and the whole thing comes out hot and fresh. The best part is that the personal size lets your family customize the pizzas with their own topping preferences.

Pre-cook the crust for a few minutes

Pre-cooking the pizza crust is an essential step in achieving the perfect crispy texture for your pizza in an air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for this step:

Firstly, prepare your air fryer by preheating it to 350°F/180°C for a few minutes. You can also spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step ensures that your crust doesn't stick to the basket and makes cleanup easier.

Next, prepare your pizza dough by shaping it into a circle that fits snugly into your air fryer basket. You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough, rolled-out crescent rolls, or even a tortilla. A 12-inch piece of dough is usually enough to make two personal-sized pizzas.

Now, carefully transfer the pizza crust into the air fryer basket. To ensure even cooking and a crispy texture, it is recommended to prick the dough with a fork several times. Then, lightly brush the crust with olive oil, which will enhance the browning and crispiness of the crust.

Finally, pre-cook the crust in the air fryer for 3 minutes. Pre-cooking helps you achieve a crispy base without overcooking the toppings. Don't forget to flip the crust over after the initial 3 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent a soggy bottom.

Once the crust is pre-cooked, you can proceed to add your desired toppings and continue with the final cooking stage. Remember, each air fryer is unique, so adjust the timing and temperature slightly based on your air fryer's performance.

Add sauce, cheese, and toppings

Once you've cooked your pizza base, it's time to add your sauce, cheese, and toppings. For a classic pizza, use tomato sauce, but if you're feeling adventurous, you could swap it out for BBQ or pesto sauce. Spread the sauce evenly across the base, leaving a gap around the edge for the crust.

Next, add your cheese. Mozzarella is a popular choice, but you could also use cheddar, parmesan, or a mix of several cheeses. If you like a lot of cheese on your pizza, add a thick layer. If you prefer just a hint of cheese, add a lighter layer.

Now for the fun part: toppings! You can add whatever you like, but some popular options include pepperoni, chicken, steak, red onions, green peppers, black olives, basil, oregano, and goat's cheese. If you're using fresh herbs, it's best to add them after cooking, as the fan in the air fryer might blow them off during cooking. If you're using heavier toppings, like meat or vegetables, it's a good idea to add a layer of cheese first to help hold them in place.

Finally, drizzle your pizza with a little olive oil. This will help the crust brown and add a little extra flavour.

Cook for 7-12 minutes

Now that your pizza is assembled, it's time to air-fry it! Place the basket into the air fryer and air fry for 7-12 minutes. It is recommended to start checking your pizza at around 7 minutes to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn. The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melty.

Different air fryers will have different cooking times, so it's important to keep an eye on your pizza. If it's browning too quickly, lower the temperature by 25 degrees. If it's not done after 12 minutes, you can add more time as needed.

Once your pizza is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket and let it cool before digging in! Remember, it will be very hot, so be patient before enjoying your delicious, crispy air-fried pizza!

Reheat any leftovers

If you have any leftover pizza, you can reheat it in the air fryer and it will taste just as good as the first time around. Reheating pizza in the air fryer is a foolproof method that will give you a perfectly crispy crust and melted cheese in a matter of minutes.

To reheat your pizza, first preheat your air fryer to 325°F–350°F. Place the pizza slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. You can place the pizza directly into the basket or line the basket with a disposable parchment paper liner or a reusable silicone liner for easy cleanup.

Cook the pizza for 3–4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. Keep an eye on the pizza and check on it occasionally to make sure it's not browning too quickly. If it's getting too dark, lower the temperature by 25°F. If it's not done after 4 minutes, you can add more time as needed.

Your leftover pizza will be hot and crispy in no time, and you'll never want to reheat pizza in the microwave or oven again!

Use store-bought dough to save time

If you're short on time, you can always opt for store-bought dough to make your pizza in an air fryer. This is a great option if you're craving a quick and easy pizza night without sacrificing taste and texture.

Most grocery stores carry pre-made dough in their deli section, so it should be easy to find. Look for a 12-inch piece of dough, which is the perfect size to make two personal pizzas. If you're making pizzas for a larger group, simply buy more dough or make your own if you have the time.

Once you've got your store-bought dough, it's time to start prepping. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and line the basket with parchment paper or spray it with a non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure your pizza doesn't stick and make cleanup a breeze.

Now it's time to shape your dough. Divide it into four equal parts (or two if you prefer larger pizzas) and roll each piece into a thin, round shape. You can also use cornmeal or semolina to stretch the dough and prevent sticking. Just sprinkle a little on your work surface before you start rolling.

After shaping, carefully transfer your dough to the air fryer basket. It's best to cook the crust first, so brush it lightly with olive oil and prick it with a fork to prevent air bubbles. Cook for 3 minutes, then flip the crust over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Once your crust is nice and crispy, it's time to add your toppings. Start with a layer of tomato sauce, then sprinkle on some shredded mozzarella cheese. Feel free to add any toppings you like, such as pepperoni, onions, or green peppers. Just remember not to overload your pizza, or it might get messy.

Place an air fryer rack on top of your pizza to hold down the toppings and prevent them from blowing away. Then, cook your pizza for an additional 4-5 minutes at 375°F. Keep a close eye on it to make sure nothing burns. And that's it! You now have a delicious, crispy pizza made with store-bought dough in just a few simple steps.

Frequently asked questions