Air Fryer Red Baron Pizza: A Quick, Crispy Treat

If you're a fan of Red Baron pizzas, you'll be glad to know that they can be cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer is a great way to make a quick lunch, and it can cook up a frozen pizza in no time without having to turn on your oven. The result is a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese, ready in 15 minutes or less.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the pizza-making process. It ensures that your Red Baron pizza cooks evenly, resulting in a crispy crust and a perfectly melted cheese topping. While some sources suggest preheating at 350°F, others recommend a higher temperature of 400°F for 3 minutes before returning the temperature to 350°F or 360°F.

If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, you can simply let it cook at 350°F for 5 minutes without anything in the basket. This will ensure your air fryer is at the optimal temperature for cooking your pizza.

Once preheated, you can place your frozen pizza in the centre of the air fryer basket. It is important to note that you should not use parchment paper or aluminium foil as this can block air circulation and prevent even cooking.

Preheating your air fryer will also help reduce the overall cooking time, so it is an important step to ensure your pizza is cooked efficiently and effectively.

Remove pizza from packaging

To remove the pizza from its packaging, start by taking it out of the box. Then, unwrap the plastic packaging and discard it. If your pizza came with a silver cooking tray, you should also get rid of that as it won't be needed for cooking in the air fryer.

When removing the pizza from its packaging, be careful not to damage the pizza itself. Use a gentle touch to avoid tearing the dough or knocking off any toppings. It's also important to maintain the hygiene of your food, so make sure your hands are clean before handling the pizza.

Some people like to add extra toppings to their frozen pizzas before cooking. If you're planning to do this, now is the time to get creative! You can add things like sliced olives, bell peppers, onions, spinach, or a sprinkle of garlic powder. Just remember that extra toppings may increase the cooking time slightly and be cautious of adding raw meats or other ingredients that may not cook through in the time it takes to cook the pizza.

Once you've removed the pizza from its packaging and added any desired toppings, it's time to place the pizza in the air fryer. Simply put it in the centre of the air fryer basket and you're ready to start cooking!

Place pizza in the air fryer

Now that you've preheated your air fryer, it's time to place the pizza inside. If you're cooking a Red Baron Deep Dish Pizza, simply remove it from its packaging and place it in the air fryer basket. Make sure you don't overcrowd the basket, as this can affect how well your pizza cooks. If you're cooking more than one pizza, you may need to do this step in batches.

If you're cooking a Red Baron French Bread Pizza, the process is a little different. First, remove the pizza from its clear plastic wrap and discard the silver cooking surface tray. Then, place the pizza in the center of the air fryer basket.

Once your pizza is in the air fryer, you can move on to the next step of air frying!

Air fry the pizza

Air-frying your Red Baron pizza is a quick and convenient way to get a perfectly cooked pizza with a crispy crust and melted cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the best results:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer, especially if you want to reduce the cooking time. Preheat to around 350-400°F for 3-5 minutes. If your air fryer does not have a preheat function, simply let it cook at 350°F for 5 minutes without anything in the basket.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza

Remove the pizza from its packaging, including any plastic wrap and the silver cooking tray, which is not needed for air frying.

Step 3: Place Pizza in Air Fryer Basket

Place the frozen pizza in the air fryer basket. If you have a toaster-oven style air fryer with a tray, place the pizza in the centre position on the tray on the centre rack.

Step 4: Air Fry the Pizza

Step 5: Remove and Serve

Use a spatula to carefully remove the hot pizza from the air fryer basket. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy the perfectly cooked, crispy pizza!

Tips:

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Do not use parchment paper or aluminium foil as this can block air circulation and prevent even cooking.
• If you want to add extra cheese or toppings, it is recommended to add a few minutes to the cooking time.
• For reheating, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 2-4 minutes.

Remove pizza from the air fryer

Removing the pizza from the air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process, and it's important to do it carefully. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure you remove the pizza safely and effectively:

First and foremost, use caution when handling the air fryer and the pizza. The air fryer will be hot, and the hot air circulation it uses to cook the pizza means the pizza itself will be hot too. It's important to protect your hands when removing the pizza to avoid burns. Use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to handle the air fryer basket or tray, and always assume that any surfaces are hot to the touch.

When you're ready to remove the pizza, carefully open the air fryer. Most air fryers have a button or lever that you can press or pull to release the lid or door. Once it's open, you may need to use a spatula or tongs to lift the pizza out, especially if it's a softer variety like French bread pizza. Be gentle to avoid breaking or dropping the pizza. If you're using a toaster oven-style air fryer with a tray, simply slide the pizza off the tray and onto a plate or cutting board.

If your air fryer has a basket, you'll need to lift the basket out of the air fryer and then remove the pizza from the basket. Again, a spatula or tongs can be helpful here, especially if the pizza is soft or has a lot of toppings. Try to lift it out slowly and evenly to avoid any toppings sliding off. Place the pizza on a heat-resistant surface like a trivet or a wooden cutting board.

Once the pizza is out of the air fryer, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This is an important step, as it allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents burns when eating. It also gives you a chance to add any fresh toppings like basil leaves or arugula, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavour.

Finally, don't forget to clean your air fryer after removing the pizza. It's best to do this while the air fryer is still warm, as any food residue will be easier to wipe away. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside of the air fryer, including the heating element and any racks or trays. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before putting it away.

Frequently asked questions