Air Fryer Party Pizza: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook Totino's Party Pizzas, with the added bonus of a crispier crust. This guide will take you through the steps to make your own delicious air-fried pizza.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the pizza-making process. It ensures that your pizza cooks evenly and that the crust turns out crispy and golden brown. The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer is 380-400°F (193°C).

Different air fryer models may have specific instructions for preheating, so be sure to refer to your air fryer's manual for detailed instructions. In general, however, the preheating process is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Set the temperature: Adjust the temperature of your air fryer to 380-400°F (193°C). This temperature range is optimal for cooking pizzas and achieving that desired crispiness.
• Allow time for preheating: Give your air fryer sufficient time to reach the set temperature. The preheating time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended duration.
• Preheat the tray (optional): If your air fryer comes with a removable tray, it is advisable to preheat it along with the air fryer. This helps ensure that your pizza cooks evenly and that the heat is distributed effectively.
• Monitor the preheating process: Keep an eye on your air fryer during the preheating process. Some models may have an indicator light or a beep to signal when the desired temperature is reached.
• Adjust as needed: Depending on your air fryer's performance and your experience, you may need to make slight adjustments to the preheating temperature or duration. For example, if you notice that your pizzas tend to cook faster or slower than expected, you can adjust the preheating temperature accordingly.
• Safety first: Always exercise caution when working with high temperatures. Remember that the air fryer and its components will be hot after preheating, so use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling any parts.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, evenly cooked pizzas with that perfect crispy crust that air fryers are known for. Remember to refer to your air fryer's manual for any model-specific instructions, and always put safety first when working with high temperatures.

Prepare the pizza

Take the Totino's Party Pizza out of its packaging and remove any plastic wrap. Place it on a plate or a cutting board.

If you prefer to have your pizza pre-sliced, you can cut it into smaller portions now, before cooking. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

If you want to add extra toppings, now is the time to do it. You can add shredded mozzarella cheese or your favourite toppings to enhance the flavour. For example, you could add chopped basil, arugula, fresh tomatoes, or sautéed vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Place the pizza directly into the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure to place it in a single layer and avoid overlapping.

If you are cooking multiple pizzas, cook them in batches to maintain proper air circulation, ensuring even cooking.

Cook the pizza

Now that you have your Totino's Party Pizza and your air fryer ready, it's time to cook your pizza!

First, place your pizza directly into the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure it's in a single layer and not overlapping with any other pizzas. You can cook more than one pizza, but it's best to do them in batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.

The cooking time will depend on your air fryer model and the thickness of the crust. As a guide, set the timer for 8-10 minutes. Check your pizza after 10 minutes to see if it's done to your liking. Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese. If you prefer a crispier crust, you can add a few more minutes to the cooking time.

Once the pizza is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Allow it to cool for a minute or two—this is an important step to avoid burning yourself! Then, slice and serve your pizza.

Your pizza is now ready to enjoy! You can serve it with your favourite dipping sauce or condiments. Some popular options include marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter.

Adjust cooking time

The cooking time for your party pizza in the air fryer will depend on a few factors, so it's important to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. The exact time will vary depending on the air fryer model, the thickness of the crust, and the wattage and capacity of the air fryer. As a general rule, the cooking time for a Totino's Party Pizza in an air fryer is between 5 and 15 minutes.

For a single pizza, the recommended cooking time is 8 to 10 minutes at 380°F (193°C). However, if you prefer a crispier crust, you can cook it for a few extra minutes or increase the temperature to 400°F. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer crust, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.

It's important to note that every air fryer is different, and cooking times can vary. Therefore, it's a good idea to monitor the pizza and check on it a few minutes before the recommended cooking time elapses. This is especially important if you're cooking multiple pizzas, as you may need to adjust the time or cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.

Additionally, if you're adding any extra toppings to your pizza, this may also affect the cooking time. It's best to add any extra toppings after the pizza has finished cooking to avoid sogginess.

Remember, the key to a perfect party pizza in an air fryer is to keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.

Check for doneness

Checking for doneness is an important step in ensuring your pizza is cooked to perfection. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

After the recommended cooking time of around 8 to 10 minutes, open the air fryer basket. Use tongs to carefully lift the pizza and inspect the crust. The crust should be golden brown and crispy when done. If it's not quite there yet, you can always put it back in for a little longer.

The cheese should be bubbling, and the crust should look dry, not soggy. If you're happy with the colour and texture of the crust, it's time to take the pizza out. Remember, the air fryer basket and pizza will be very hot, so use caution when handling them.

Once you've removed the pizza, let it cool for a minute or two. This will prevent you from burning yourself when slicing and serving. It's a good idea to let the pizza rest for a few minutes before digging in, as the cheese and toppings tend to be extremely hot straight out of the air fryer.

If you're cooking multiple pizzas, it's important to cook them in batches to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. By giving each pizza its own space in the air fryer, you'll achieve that desirable crispy crust.

Different air fryers may have slight variations in cooking times, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your pizza after the initial 5 minutes of cooking. This way, you can avoid overcooking or burning. Experiment with the cooking times to find the perfect level of crispiness that suits your taste.

Finally, serve your pizza with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or garlic butter. Enjoy the crispy, delicious treat you've just air-fried to perfection!

Frequently asked questions