Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthier alternative to deep frying. Their convection heating technology uses hot air to crisp and cook food with little to no oil. This makes them excellent for cooking frozen convenience foods like french fries, chicken nuggets, etc. But can you use an air fryer to cook a full pizza?
Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely cook pizza in an air fryer! While air fryers don’t have quite the same capabilities as traditional ovens, they can be used to cook smaller personal-sized pizzas effectively. The circulating hot air will crisp up the crust nicely while melting and browning the cheese on top. Just be sure to keep an eye on it and adjust cooking times as needed based on the size and toppings.
How Does Cooking Pizza in an Air Fryer Work?
Cooking pizza in an air fryer relies on the appliance’s convection heating technology. A fan circulates hot air around the food at high speeds, essentially mimicking the heat transfer effects of deep frying. This rapid air circulation cooks the food evenly while also promoting browning and crisping of the exterior.
For pizza, the circulating hot air heats up and cooks the crust, browning the bottom and edges nicely. The toppings are heated through and any cheese melts smoothly. Air fryers can reach temperatures up to 400°F, which is plenty hot enough to cook pizza dough and melt mozzarella or other cheeses.
Using an air fryer allows you to cook pizza without any oil. The results end up crispier and less greasy than traditional oven baking. However, air fryers do have less power and airflow than full sized convection ovens. So there are some limitations in terms of pizza size and quality.
What Size Pizza Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?
Most standard air fryers have an approx. 6-8 quart basket size. This allows you to cook a personal sized pizza up to 7 inches in diameter. Smaller 4 quart models could fit a pizza around 5 inches wide. Placing the pizza directly on the fryer basket gives the best results.
Trying to cook a large pizza in a small air fryer is not recommended. There won’t be enough room for proper air circulation, which could lead to uneven cooking. The crust likely won’t get crisp enough either. You’re better off sticking to single serve pizzas in an air fryer.
Air Fryer Pizza Capacity
| Air Fryer Basket Size | Pizza Capacity |
|---|---|
| 4 quart | 5 inch diameter pizza |
| 6-8 quart | 7 inch diameter pizza |
How to Cook Pizza in an Air Fryer
Cooking pizza in an air fryer takes a bit of experimenting to get the crust crispy without burning the cheese. Here is a simple process to follow:
- Prepare your pizza dough and shape into a small round that fits your air fryer basket.
- Par-bake the crust for 3-5 minutes at 350°F to help it hold its shape better.
- Add your pizza sauce and toppings.
- Cook at 350°F for 6-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the pizza rest 1-2 minutes before slicing and serving.
Keep in mind that cooking times can vary based on the thickness and density of the crust and the amount of toppings. Start checking frequently after 6 minutes for doneness. If the crust needs more time after the cheese has browned, tent foil loosely over the top for the remainder of the cooking time.
Air Fryer Pizza Tips
- Use a thinner, flatter crust that will get crispier than a thick crust.
- Brush crust with oil or butter before cooking for extra browning and flavor.
- Keep toppings light. Too many moist toppings make the crust soggy.
- Preheat air fryer before adding pizza.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup.
Best Air Fryer Pizza Recipes
There are lots of great air fryer pizza recipes out there! Here are a few of the best to try:
1. Air Fryer Pizza Margherita
This simple classic pizza has tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. The minimal toppings let the air fryer work its magic on the crust without making it too soggy.
2. Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza
Pepperoni is always a crowd-pleaser! Be sure to get mini pepperonis so they crisp up nicely instead of steaming the crust.
3. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Pizza
Top your pizza with grilled bbq chicken, red onion, cilantro, and just a sprinkle of cheese for a saucy, protein-packed pizza.
4. Air Fryer Breakfast Pizza
Cook up a breakfast version in your air fryer! Use scrambed eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats for a quick and easy morning meal.
Pros and Cons of Air Fryer Pizza
Cooking pizza in an air fryer has several advantages but also some downsides to consider:
Pros:
- Makes crispier crust without oil
- Heats and browns cheese evenly
- Can add numerous flavorings to crust
- Personal pizzas cook quickly
- Less mess and easier cleanup than oven
Cons:
- Only works for small individual pizzas
- Crust edges may dry out and burn
- Toppings may not get as hot as crust
- Hard to monitor cooking progress
- Loose toppings may get blown around
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pizza can I cook in a 6-quart air fryer?
A 6-quart air fryer, which is one of the most common sizes, can accommodate a personal pizza up to 7 inches in diameter.
How long does it take to cook pizza in an air fryer?
Cooking times can range from 6-12 minutes depending on the size, crust thickness, and toppings. Start checking often after 6 minutes for doneness.
Do you preheat the air fryer for pizza?
Yes, it’s best to preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at your desired cooking temperature before adding the pizza. This helps ensure even cooking.
Should the air fryer pizza be flipped halfway through cooking?
Flipping is not necessary. The circulating hot air will cook the pizza crust evenly as long as you keep it in a single layer.
Can you cook frozen pizza in an air fryer?
Yes, frozen pizzas designed for the oven or microwave can work in an air fryer. You may need to extend the cooking time slightly to account for frozen toppings.
Conclusion
While air fryers can’t fully replicate the results of a brick oven, they can absolutely be used to cook pizza! The circulating hot air makes for a crispy crust along with melted, browned cheese. Just stick to smaller personal-sized pizzas and experiment with cooking times. Toppings should be kept minimal for best results. Follow the tips and recipes in this article, and your air fryer pizza will turn out deliciously.