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A guide to air fryer pizzas
30.04.2024
8 MIN READ
8 MIN READ
Everything you need to know about cooking pizza in an air fryer
The culinary world is always evolving, and the pizza world is a key part of that. One of the most popular recent kitchen innovations is the art of cooking pizzas in an air fryer.
This game-changing method offers a quick, convenient, and tasty way to enjoy homemade pizzas – or re-enjoy takeaway pizzas. In this detailed guide, we'll delve into the benefits of using an air fryer for pizza, explore tips to ensure top-notch pizza quality, and highlight a few key considerations.
Can you cook pizza in an air fryer?
Yes, you absolutely can cook pizza in an air fryer! This versatile kitchen appliance, known for its ability to deliver crisply cooked foods with minimal oil, can produce pizzas that offer that crucial blend of perfectly crispy crust and gooey melted cheese.
The air fryer's rapid hot air circulation cooks a pizza evenly, allowing you to achieve a delightful texture reminiscent of traditional oven-baked pizzas.
Can you reheat takeaway pizza in an air fryer?
You sure can! Reheating leftover takeaway pizza in an air fryer is an excellent way to revive its freshness and crispiness. Here's how to go about it.
Preparation:
Remove the leftover pizza slices from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to reduce the temperature difference between the cold pizza and the air fryer's cooking environment.
Preheat the air fryer:
Your temperature for reheating a pizza is a little lower than cooking a pizza from scratch, so preheat to a more moderate temperature, around 325-350°F (160-175°C).
Preheating ensures that your takeaway pizza reheats evenly.
Reheating the pizza slices:
Place your pizza slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket or on the tray, ensuring they aren't overlapping. It's essential to reheat them evenly.
Reheat the pizza slices in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes. Monitor the slices closely to avoid overcooking. The goal is to warm them thoroughly while maintaining their texture.
After the initial reheating time, check the pizza slices. If they're not sufficiently crispy, you can continue reheating in 1–2-minute intervals until the desired cooking level.
Once reheated to perfection, remove the pizza slices from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Let them cool for a moment, then enjoy!
The benefits of reheating pizza in an air fryer
There are a range of benefits that come with air frying as your reheating option:
Retained crispiness:
The air fryer's circulating hot air helps maintain or restore the pizza's crispy crust, avoiding the sogginess often associated with microwaving.
Quick and even heating:
Reheating pizza in an air fryer is relatively quick and ensures even distribution of heat, preventing hot spots.
Elevated taste:
Incorporating an air fryer to reheat takeaway pizza not only saves time but also elevates taste and texture, providing a second life to your slices.
How to cook pizza in an air fryer
Preparing the pizza:
Start by selecting or preparing your pizza dough and shaping it to fit the air fryer basket or tray. Ensure the dough isn't too thick to allow for proper cooking throughout.
Apply a thin layer of olive oil to the air fryer basket or tray to prevent sticking.
Add your favourite sauce, cheese and toppings to the prepared pizza dough. Remember not to overload the pizza, as it might hinder proper cooking.
Preheating the air fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature for pizza (usually around 385-410°F or 195-210°C). Preheating is a key step towards achieving a crispy crust.
How long to cook pizza in an air fryer:
Carefully place your assembled pizza into the preheated air fryer basket or tray.
Cook the pizza for approximately 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the crust and your chosen toppings; shorter end for veg, longer end for meat.
It's crucial to keep an eye on the pizza during the cooking process to prevent burning.
Use tongs to lift the pizza and check the crust's bottom for desired crispiness. If the crust isn't crispy enough, return it to the air fryer for an additional minute or two.
Enjoy your takeaway pizza twice
Now you know that you can enjoy a takeaway pizza that’s almost as good second time around with an air fryer, why not go ahead and order?
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