If you love pizza but want a quick, easy way to make it at home without heating up your whole kitchen, cooking pizza in an air fryer is a game-changer. Air fryer pizza comes out crispy, cheesy, and perfectly cooked in a fraction of the time it takes in a traditional oven. Plus, it’s fun to customize with your favorite toppings! Here’s everything you need to know to make amazing pizza in your air fryer.
Why Cook Pizza in an Air Fryer?
– Speed: Air fryers cook pizza quickly-usually under 15 minutes-saving you time on busy days.
– Crispy Crust: The hot circulating air crisps the crust beautifully without drying out the toppings.
– Energy Efficient: You don’t need to heat a large oven, which is great for small meals or single servings.
– Customizable: Make individual pizzas just how you like them, from classic pepperoni to veggie-loaded masterpieces.
What You’ll Need
– Air fryer: Any standard air fryer with a basket or tray will work.
– Pizza dough: You can use pre-made refrigerated dough or homemade dough rolled out thinly.
– Pizza sauce: Store-bought or homemade.
– Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix cheeses.
– Toppings: Pepperoni, veggies, cooked sausage, fresh basil, or whatever you love.
– Olive oil or cooking spray: To prevent sticking and help crisp the crust.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Pizza in an Air Fryer
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to about 375°F to 380°F (190°C to 193°C). This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes depending on your model. Preheating ensures your pizza cooks evenly and the crust crisps up nicely.
2. Prepare the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the size of your air fryer basket. Thin crusts work best for air frying because they cook through quickly and become crispy. If you’re using pre-made dough, divide it into portions that fit comfortably in your basket.
3. Precook the Crust
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with a parchment paper liner made for air fryers. Place the rolled-out dough in the basket, spray the top lightly with oil, and prick it a few times with a fork to prevent bubbles. Cook the dough alone for about 3 minutes. This step helps the crust start cooking and prevents sogginess once toppings are added.
4. Add Sauce and Toppings
Remove the basket and flip the dough so the cooked side is down. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the crust. Sprinkle half of your shredded cheese evenly on top, then add your toppings. Finish with the remaining cheese on top to help hold everything together.
5. Cook the Pizza
Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 6 to 9 minutes, checking frequently. The pizza is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden and crispy. Cooking times vary by air fryer model and thickness of your pizza, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove your pizza from the air fryer. Let it cool for a minute or two so the cheese sets slightly, then slice and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pizza
– Don’t overload toppings: Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy or prevent even cooking.
– Use thinly sliced veggies: If adding vegetables like onions or peppers, slice them thinly or pre-cook to avoid sogginess.
– Cook in batches: If making multiple pizzas, cook them one at a time for best results.
– Experiment with crusts: Try cauliflower or zucchini crusts for a gluten-free option.
– Add fresh herbs after cooking: Basil or arugula added after cooking keeps them fresh and flavorful.
Variations to Try
– Classic Pepperoni: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and a sprinkle of oregano.
– Veggie Delight: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives.
– BBQ Chicken: Swap tomato sauce for BBQ sauce, add cooked chicken, red onion, and cheddar cheese.
– White Pizza: Olive oil base, ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and spinach.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Pizza
Making pizza in your air fryer is quick, easy, and customizable. It’s a perfect solution for solo meals, quick dinners, or fun pizza nights with the family. The crispy crust and melty cheese rival any pizzeria, and you get to control every ingredient. Plus, cleanup is a breeze compared to a full oven.
Enjoy your homemade air fryer pizza-crispy, cheesy, and ready in minutes!
Pizza night just got a whole lot easier and tastier.