Air Fryer Pizza: Emeril Lagasse's Quick-Fire Recipe

Making pizza in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to enjoy a quick meal. The Emeril Lagasse Power Air Fryer 360 XL is a popular choice for this, with its ability to fit a 12-inch pizza and its preset pizza function. To make pizza in this air fryer, you can follow the steps outlined in a recipe by Emeril Lagasse for the perfect pizza dough, which includes mixing and kneading the dough, letting it rise, and then shaping and baking it. The air fryer can be preheated with the pizza rack placed on level 5, and the temperature and time dials set to the recommended settings. Once preheated, the pizza is placed on the rack and cooked until done, with a pause to spin the pizza halfway through.

Pizza dough recipe

This pizza dough recipe by Emeril Lagasse is perfect for those who want a thick crust with thin and crispy elements. It is easy to make and works well, whether you are making one large pizza or two smaller ones.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (110F)
• 1 (1/4 ounce) envelope active dry yeast
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Salt

Method:

Stir together the water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a bowl. Let the mixture sit until it becomes foamy, which should take about 5 minutes.

Add 1 1/2 cups of flour, the oil, and a pinch of salt to the yeast mixture. Combine until the mixture is smooth, using a paddle attachment if you have one.

Switch to a dough hook if you have one, or use a spoon. With the machine running at low speed, gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, making sure each addition is incorporated before adding more.

Once all the flour is mixed in, increase the speed and let the machine knead the dough for about 3 minutes. The dough should be smooth and maybe a little sticky. You can add an extra minute or two of kneading if you like.

Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil. Remove the dough from the machine, form it into a ball, and place it in the bowl, turning it over to coat all sides with oil.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free area to rise. The dough should almost double in size, which will take about 60 to 90 minutes.

When the dough is ready, lightly press it down and knead it a little in the bowl. Lightly flour your work surface and place the dough on it, letting it rest for 10 minutes.

Now you are ready to roll out the dough and make your pizza! If you want to make one large pizza, form the dough into a 16-inch round. For two smaller pizzas, cut the dough in half and form it into two 8-inch rounds.

The key when stretching out the dough is to not get frustrated. If the dough is resistant and elastic, just let it rest for a few minutes, and you'll find it will stretch more easily.

You can bake your pizza on a baking stone or a pizza pan in your oven. Emeril suggests baking at 475F for 8 to 10 minutes, but you can also use a lower temperature for a longer time.

Oven settings

The Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360 has a temperature range of 75° F – 500° F (25° C – 260° C). When cooking pizza, the temperature dial should be set to 375° F, or the temperature recommended for your frozen pizza. The pizza function on the air fryer should be selected.

If you are making the pizza dough yourself, Emeril Lagasse recommends baking the pizza at 475° F for 8 to 10 minutes. However, a lower temperature for a longer period of time will also work.

For a frozen pizza, the time dial should be set to 21 minutes. After half of the cooking time has passed, pause the air fryer, spin the pizza, and continue cooking.

Pizza rack placement

When it comes to placing the pizza rack in your Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure optimal cooking results. Firstly, the placement of the rack will depend on the size of your pizza. For a 12-inch pizza, which is the maximum size that fits in the Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer 360 model, you'll want to use the designated pizza rack level. This level is typically marked as level 5 on the rack.

Now, here's a step-by-step guide on how to place the pizza rack for perfect pizza cooking:

Step 1: Identify the Pizza Rack Level

Locate the pizza rack level in your Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer. As mentioned, it's usually level 5 on the rack. This level is specifically designed for even cooking of pizzas.

Step 2: Adjust the Rack Height

If your air fryer allows you to adjust the rack height, make sure to set it to the recommended level. In the case of the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360, the pizza rack is placed on level 5. This level is optimized for even heat distribution and cooking your pizza thoroughly.

Step 3: Place the Pizza on the Rack

Once you've identified and adjusted the rack height, carefully place your pizza on the rack. Ensure that your pizza size matches the capacity of your air fryer. For the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer, a 12-inch pizza is the ideal size.

Step 4: Close the Air Fryer and Start Cooking

After placing the pizza on the rack, carefully close the air fryer door. Refer to your Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer manual for specific instructions on cooking time and temperature. Typically, you'll need to preheat the air fryer, set the temperature, and then start the cooking process.

Remember to follow the safety guidelines provided with your air fryer, and always use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling the pizza rack to avoid any burns. By following these instructions, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, perfectly cooked pizza straight from your Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer!

Cooking time

The cooking time for pizza in the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer depends on the type of pizza you are cooking. For a frozen pizza, the air fryer needs to be preheated first. Place the pizza rack on level 5 and turn the selection dial to pizza. Set the temperature to 375° F or the temperature recommended for your frozen pizza. Turn the time dial to 21 minutes and press the start button. Once the air fryer is preheated, press the start/pause button and turn the time dial back to 21 minutes. Place the pizza on the rack and close the air fryer. Press the start/pause button to start the cooking process. After half the cooking time has passed, pause the air fryer, spin the pizza, and continue cooking.

If you are making the pizza from scratch, the cooking time will be shorter. After preparing the dough and adding your desired toppings, bake the pizza for 8 to 10 minutes at 475°F. You can also use a lower temperature and bake the pizza for a longer time if needed.

Toppings

Once your dough is ready, it's time to add your toppings. You can use your favourite toppings, but here are some ideas to get you started.

For a classic Margherita pizza, keep things simple with sliced fresh mozzarella, chopped tomatoes, and basil leaves. If you're feeling adventurous, add some sliced garlic and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

If you prefer a more robust flavour, try a combination of sautéed mushrooms, sliced onions, and crumbled sausage or ground beef. You can also add some sliced black olives and green peppers for extra colour and texture.

For a vegetarian option, how about a spinach and artichoke pizza? Simply combine cooked spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, and feta cheese. You can also add some sliced sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts for a unique twist.

If you're feeling creative, you can even experiment with more unusual toppings. Why not try a dessert pizza with a sweet twist? Top your pizza with sliced apples or pears, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar.

Remember, the beauty of making pizza at home is that you can customise it to your taste. So feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings until you find your perfect pizza.

Frequently asked questions