Pizza In The Air Fryer

How to Make Pizza in the Air Fryer

Making pizza in the air fryer is incredibly easy, and you can customize it to your liking. Follow these steps to create your own perfect pizza.

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps the air fryer reach the perfect temperature for cooking the pizza quickly and evenly.

2. Prepare the Pizza Dough

Roll out your pizza dough on a flat surface. If you’re using store-bought dough, you can either shape it into a round, oval, or square shape depending on the size of your air fryer basket.

• For personal-sized pizzas, you can easily divide the dough into smaller portions.
• If you’re using pre-made pizza crust (like flatbreads or naan), skip this step and move on to adding the sauce and toppings.

If you like a crispy crust, you can brush a thin layer of olive oil around the edges of the dough.

3. Add the Pizza Sauce

Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about an inch around the edges for the crust. If you prefer a saucy pizza, feel free to add a bit more.

4. Add the Cheese and Toppings

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella (or cheese of your choice) over the sauce. Then, top your pizza with your favorite toppings—whether it’s classic pepperoni, veggies, or a combination of both. Don’t overstuff the pizza with toppings, as the air fryer needs space for air circulation to ensure even cooking.

5. Air Fry the Pizza

Carefully place the prepared pizza into the air fryer basket. If your pizza is larger than the basket, you may need to cut the dough to fit, or make smaller pizzas.

• Set the air fryer to 370°F (190°C) and cook for 7-10 minutes. The cooking time can vary based on the size of your pizza, the thickness of your dough, and the toppings you’ve added.
• After about 5 minutes, check on the pizza to make sure the crust isn’t browning too quickly. If needed, you can lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue cooking.

6. Check for Doneness

Once the pizza is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted, your pizza is done! The crust should be crispy, and the cheese should be slightly browned.

If you want a crisper crust, you can cook the pizza for a minute or two longer, but be careful not to burn the edges.

7. Remove and Serve

Use tongs or a spatula to carefully remove the pizza from the air fryer. Let it cool for a minute or two before slicing, as the cheese may still be very hot.

Serve your pizza immediately and enjoy! You can add finishing touches like fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Pizza

• Don’t Overload the Toppings: Less is more when it comes to pizza in the air fryer. Overloading it with toppings can cause the pizza to cook unevenly or leave you with soggy crust.
• Use Parchment Paper: If you’re worried about the pizza sticking, place a piece of parchment paper in the air fryer basket before adding the dough. Just be sure to trim the paper so it doesn’t interfere with the air circulation.
• Preheat for Even Cooking: Preheating the air fryer ensures that the pizza cooks evenly from start to finish, so don’t skip this step!
• Keep the Pizza Small: Make sure your pizza fits comfortably inside the air fryer basket. If it’s too large, it won’t cook evenly. For larger pizzas, you can make two smaller ones instead.
• Try Different Crusts: Feel free to experiment with different types of crust, such as cauliflower crust for a low-carb option, naan bread for a quick base, or pita bread for an ultra-fast meal.
• Crispy Crust Tip: For an extra crispy crust, brush the edges of the dough with a little olive oil or garlic butter before cooking. You can even add some parmesan cheese to the crust for flavor.

Reheating Leftover Pizza in the Air Fryer

The air fryer isn’t just great for cooking pizza from scratch—it’s also perfect for reheating leftover pizza! If you have pizza that’s gotten cold or soggy in the fridge, the air fryer can restore it to its crispy, melty glory.

How to Reheat Leftover Pizza:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the pizza in the air fryer basket. You don’t need to wrap it in foil, and there’s no need for extra oil.
3. Heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crispy again.
4. Serve immediately for a pizza that tastes as good as fresh!

Variations and Fun Toppings

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative with your air fryer pizza. Here are a few variations and topping ideas to try:

1. Margherita Pizza

Top your pizza with fresh mozzarella, a drizzle of olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of sea salt for a simple, classic pizza.

2. BBQ Chicken Pizza

Use BBQ sauce in place of tomato sauce, and top with cooked chicken, red onions, and cilantro for a smoky, tangy twist.

3. Veggie Pizza

Pile on the bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives for a delicious vegetarian pizza. Add a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra flavor.

4. Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Top your pizza with shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, and add a drizzle of ranch dressing or blue cheese after baking for a spicy, creamy finish.

5. Breakfast Pizza

For a fun brunch option, top your pizza with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon bits, and bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.

6. Dessert Pizza

Try making a dessert pizza by spreading a thin layer of Nutella on your crust and topping with sliced bananas, strawberries, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Why You’ll Love Pizza in the Air Fryer

• Fast and Easy: In just 7-10 minutes, you can have a piping-hot pizza ready to enjoy—perfect for busy nights or impromptu pizza cravings.
• **C

rispy, Perfect Crust**: The air fryer’s circulation of hot air ensures that your pizza crust is crispy and golden, without needing to deep-fry.

• Customizable: Whether you like classic pepperoni, vegetarian toppings, or something more unique, the air fryer lets you experiment with your pizza creations.
• Healthier Option: With minimal oil and a faster cooking time, pizza in the air fryer can be a healthier choice compared to traditional oven-baked pizza.

Conclusion

Making pizza in the air fryer is a game-changer for pizza lovers everywhere. Whether you’re making a personal-sized pizza from scratch or reheating leftovers, the air fryer ensures a crispy crust, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked toppings every time. Quick, easy, and delicious—what’s not to love? Try making your next pizza in the air fryer and see just how simple and tasty it can be!