Air-Fryer Pizza Bites: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Pizza bites cooked in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and delicious snack. Requiring minimal preparation and cooking time, they are perfect for game days, after-school snacks, or even as a meal. The air fryer's ability to produce crispy results without the need for additional oil makes it an attractive option for those seeking convenience and taste. With a cooking time of around 6 to 15 minutes, depending on the quantity and desired crispness, air-fried pizza bites are a great choice for a quick bite.

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the pizza bites-making process. By preheating your air fryer to 380°F, you create the ideal temperature for cooking your pizza bites, ensuring they turn out crispy and delicious. This step also helps to ensure even cooking, so your pizza bites are cooked thoroughly and consistently.

Different air fryers may have different preheating mechanisms, but the goal is to reach and maintain a temperature of 380°F. This temperature is hot enough to cook the pizza bites through while achieving the desired crispiness. It is important to allow your air fryer to reach this temperature before adding the pizza bites.

When preheating, you may choose to spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray or brush it with cooking oil or olive oil. This step is not mandatory, but it can help prevent sticking and ensure the pizza bites release easily after cooking.

Once your air fryer reaches 380°F, you can proceed to the next step of adding the pizza bites. Remember to place them in a single layer to allow for even cooking and crispiness. Overcrowding the air fryer basket may result in uneven cooking and prevent the desired crisp texture.

By preheating your air fryer to 380°F, you create the optimal environment for cooking pizza bites, ensuring they turn out perfectly crispy and cooked through. This step sets the foundation for the rest of the cooking process, so it is important to give it the attention it deserves.

Place pizza bites in the air fryer basket

When placing pizza bites in the air fryer basket, it's important to ensure they are in a single layer. This is to allow the hot air to flow more easily, making them crispier. It also helps to prevent overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking. You should also make sure that the air fryer has been preheated to the desired temperature before placing the pizza bites inside.

For frozen pizza bites, there is no need to defrost them first. Simply place them straight into the air fryer from frozen. It is also not necessary to add any extra oil to the pizza bites as they will crisp up on their own. Just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer so that the bites can get nice and crispy.

The cooking time for pizza bites in the air fryer can vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, but generally, they will need to cook for around 6-8 minutes for regular-sized bites and slightly less for mini bites. It is recommended to gently shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Once the pizza bites are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool down before serving. They will be very hot, so it is important to let them cool for a few minutes to avoid burning your mouth. Then, you can serve them with your preferred dipping sauce and enjoy!

Cook for 6-8 minutes

Now it's time to cook your pizza bites! Place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not stacked or overcrowded. This will allow the hot air to flow more easily, making them crispier. Close the air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes.

Halfway through the cooking time—at the 4-minute mark—remember to gently shake the air fryer basket. This will ensure the pizza bites cook evenly.

Your pizza bites are ready when they are crispy on the outside and golden. Depending on your air fryer, this may take a minute or two longer, so keep an eye on them. When they are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They will be very hot!

Remove and let cool

Once the pizza bites are done cooking in the air fryer, remove them and let them cool down. This is an important step as the bites will be extremely hot, and letting them cool will prevent you from burning your mouth. Depending on the recipe, you should let the pizza bites cool for at least two to three minutes, or even up to ten minutes. You can then serve them with your preferred dipping sauce, such as ranch, marinara, or buffalo sauce.

While the pizza bites are cooling, be sure to gently shake the air fryer tray to prevent the bites from sticking. It is also important not to overcrowd the air fryer during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Leftover pizza bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to five days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are crispy again.

Serve with a dipping sauce

Pizza bites cooked in an air fryer are a great snack, especially when served with a tasty dipping sauce. There are so many sauces to choose from, and you can easily adapt them to your personal preference.

For a classic option, you can serve your pizza bites with a side of marinara sauce. This tangy tomato sauce is a perfect pairing for pizza-flavoured bites, and it's a great way to add some extra flavour to your snack. If you want to elevate this sauce, you can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for an extra kick.

Another popular choice is ranch dressing. This creamy sauce is a great option if you're looking for something a little more indulgent and it pairs well with the pizza flavour. If you want to add a bit of spice, you could opt for a buffalo sauce or honey sriracha sauce. These sauces offer a nice contrast to the crispy texture of the pizza bites.

For those who enjoy cheese, a simple pizza dipping sauce or cheese dip can be a great option. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top of your pizza bites before serving to create a gooey, cheesy delight.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different sauces like blue cheese, BBQ sauce, honey garlic sauce, or even salsa. These sauces will surely take your pizza bites to the next level, offering a variety of flavours and textures to enjoy.

Don't be afraid to get creative and try out different combinations. You can even set up a sauce bar with various options so that everyone can customise their pizza bites to their liking. Enjoy your crispy, golden pizza bites with your favourite dipping sauce!

Frequently asked questions