Crispy, Gooey, Delightful.

You’re tired and hungry. You want pizza and you want it now. I’m here to tell you that by following these pro pizza tips, you’ll be saying hello to some perfectly crispy and gooey slices in no time!

It’s simple, you’ll just need to grab the right za, cut it up, cook, flip, cook, sauce, and serve. (NOTE: Amy here, Luke is writing this article but we disagree about the “flip” part of this recipe so I will pipe up in that section to express my disapproval of his wanton ways…okay, back to Luke!)

Both your wallet and your stomach will be thanking you. Your frozen pizza perfection is only 10 minutes away (including cleanup)! The trusty Air Fryer is here to save your day.

Step 1: Selecting the Best Frozen Pizzas

First things first, you’ll need a frozen pizza. Pro Tip: Depending on where you shop, fresh & ready to bake pizzas at grocery stores (pictured above) can be half the cost and IMO are usually better than the frozen aisle offerings. It is just one step closer to fresher ingredients, and one step further than flash-frozen pizzas that sit in the freezer aisle for an undetermined amount of time. If you can find a grocery store that offers this ready-to-bake option, it is definitely worth a try (and as we said, just as cost-efficient, which we are ALL about over here!)

Step 2: Prepping Your Pizza

We recommend cutting your pizza into eight equal slices before cooking. This will also allow you to cook two to four slices at a time, perfect for a quick snack or meal for one or two. Leave it in the plastic so they don’t get freezer burn and take slices out as you need em.

Step 3: Air Frying Your Pizza: The Perfect Technique

The key to getting a crispy crust and gooey cheese when cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer is to use a two-step process: first, cook the pizza with the crust side down, and then flip it and cook with the crust side up. If you’re making a meal for two, simply use both air fryer baskets to cook four slices instead of two.

(NOTE: Hi, I’m backkkkk. I am Amy and I stand up against people flipping their pizzas toppings side down. Some people who live in this household think that crispy crust is the most important thing, to which I say, NO! Down with the patriarchy!! Put just your pizza face up like a normal person and once sliced, cook for 11 minutes. Don’t listen to their misguided ways, they know not what they do! If you like less clean up and don’t mind a paler crust, join us at Team No Flip! Ahh, Luke is coming back so, just remember us over here when you are fighting the good pizza fight. No flip, no problem!!)

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to air-fry your frozen pizza slices:

Step 4. Cook crust side down:

Place two pizza slices in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook them with the crust side down for 5 minutes. This will help the crust become crispy and firm, giving you the perfect foundation for your pizza.

Step 5. Flip and cook crust side up:

After 5 minutes, use a pair of tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the pizza slices, so they are now crust side up. Cook for an additional 3 minutes. This will allow the toppings and cheese to cook through and become perfectly gooey.

Step 6. Check for doneness:

After the 3 minutes are up, carefully remove one slice from the air fryer and check for doneness. The crust should be crispy and golden brown, while the cheese should be melted and bubbly. If necessary, cook for an additional 1-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on the pizza to prevent overcooking.

Step 7: Dig in!

When the cooking time is up, give the basket a good shake to loosen the pizza then transfer the sizzling hot pizza slices onto a serving plate. Allow the pizza to cool slightly before enjoying it, as the cheese and toppings can be very hot.

If you’re still hungry, continue cooking the remaining pizza slices in batches, following the same process of cooking crust side down for 5 minutes, then flipping and cooking crust side up for 3-6 minutes.

As you savor your perfectly air-fried pizza, take note of the crispy crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings that come together in harmony. This cooking method not only saves time and energy but also provides a convenient and delicious way to enjoy pizza in the comfort of your own home.

For a complete meal, consider serving your air-fried pizza with a simple mixed green salad, some garlic bread, or a refreshing glass of your favorite beverage. You can also try experimenting with different pizza toppings, sauces (like our very own BBQ sauce recipe), and cheeses to create a variety of tasty combinations.

Step 8: Quick and Easy Cleanup

While the air fryer basket is still hot, clean it using our “no wet hands” method, which only takes 30 seconds. This method is perfect for those who don’t want the hassle of hand washing dishes. Follow the steps outlined in our previous blog post on air fryer cleaning techniques, and you’ll have a spotless basket in no time. You can even clean two baskets at once by using one in each hand.

To start, while the basket is still hot, give one squirt of soap into the dirty basket.

Next, fill the basket with a small amount of water.

Then, swirl/jiggle/slosh the water in the basket until it foams.

After than, pour out the soap foam and briefly rinse the basket in the basket.

Finally, insert the basket back into the air fryer. No need to dry the basket with a towel – residual heat in the air fryer will do the trick!

The post Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Perfection: Dinner Hack appeared first on The Air Fryer Gourmets.

Oven-fired pizza

Oven-fired pizza, with its perfectly crisp crust and bubbling, golden cheese, has become a beloved food around the world. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, and its journey from humble beginnings to modern-day culinary icon is a fascinating tale of cultural exchange and culinary innovation. In this blog post, we will explore the captivating history of oven-fired pizza, delving into its early beginnings, the emergence of the iconic Margherita pizza, and the global spread of this delectable dish.

Ian Alexander, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Early Beginnings of Flatbreads:

To understand the history of oven-fired pizza, we must first examine the origins of flatbreads, the precursor to the modern pizza crust. Flatbreads have been a staple in many cultures throughout history, dating back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all had their own versions of flatbreads, often using them as edible plates to hold other foods.

The concept of flatbreads topped with various ingredients likely originated in the Middle East, where simple pieces of bread were adorned with olive oil, herbs, and spices. As these pieces of bread made their way to the Mediterranean region, they became a popular and accessible food option for people of all social classes.

(Photo) Civica Raccolta delle Stampe « Achille Bertarelli » 1830, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Birth of Pizza in Naples, Italy:

While flatbreads with toppings can be traced back to numerous ancient cultures, the dish we recognize as pizza today has its roots in Naples, Italy. Naples, a bustling port city, was known for its diverse population and vibrant street food culture in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was here that the simple flatbread began to evolve into the pizza we know and love.

Neapolitan pizzaiolos, or pizza makers, would create their dough from a mixture of water, yeast, salt, and local wheat flour. The dough would be stretched by hand, then topped with ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, olive oil, and garlic. These early pizzas were cooked quickly in wood-fired ovens, resulting in a perfectly crisp, slightly charred crust.

The Margherita Pizza: A Royal Creation:

One of the most famous and enduring pizza varieties is the Margherita pizza, a simple but delicious combination of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. The story behind the creation of this iconic pizza is a fascinating slice of culinary history.

In 1889, Queen Margherita of Savoy, the queen consort of Italy, visited Naples with her husband, King Umberto I. To honor her visit, a local pizzaiolo named Raffaele Esposito created a special pizza featuring the colors of the Italian flag: red tomatoes, white mozzarella cheese, and green basil leaves. The queen was so delighted by the dish that she sent Esposito a letter of thanks, and the Margherita pizza was born.

This royal endorsement solidified the Margherita pizza’s place in Italian culinary history and helped to establish the reputation of Neapolitan pizza as a dish of exceptional quality and flavor.

The Global Spread of Pizza:

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a wave of Italian immigration to the United States and other parts of the world. These immigrants brought with them their culinary traditions, including the art of pizza making. As Italian communities grew in cities like New York, Chicago, and Buenos Aires, so too did the demand for authentic, oven-fired pizza.

In the United States, pizza quickly gained popularity as an affordable and delicious food option. Pizzerias began to open in major cities, with each region putting its own spin on the classic Neapolitan pizza. New York-style pizza, known for its thin, foldable crust, and Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, characterized by its thick, buttery crust and layers of toppings, are just two examples of the regional variations that emerged in response to local tastes and preferences.

As the 20th century progressed, pizza continued to spread across the globe, finding its way to countries like Australia, Japan, and Brazil. Each new destination adapted the classic oven-fired pizza to incorporate local ingredients and flavors, resulting in a diverse array of pizza styles and toppings.

Wood-Fired Ovens: The Traditional Way to Cook Pizza:

Throughout pizza’s long history, the use of wood-fired ovens has remained a constant. Traditional Neapolitan pizza, in particular, is known for its distinctive charred crust and smoky flavor, both of which are achieved through the use of a wood-fired oven.

Wood-fired ovens are designed to cook pizza quickly at extremely high temperatures, typically ranging from 800 to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This rapid cooking process results in a perfectly crisp crust and a deliciously melted, bubbly cheese topping. The use of wood as fuel also imparts a subtle smokiness to the pizza, adding an extra layer of depth and flavor.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional wood-fired pizza ovens, both in restaurants and for home use. This renewed appreciation for time-honored cooking techniques is a testament to the enduring appeal of oven-fired pizza.

Modern Innovations and the Future of Oven-Fired Pizza:

As pizza has spread across the globe, so too has the spirit of culinary innovation that has long defined this beloved dish. New technologies, such as electric and gas pizza ovens, have made it easier than ever to achieve restaurant-quality pizza at home. These modern appliances offer precise temperature control and the ability to cook pizza quickly and evenly, ensuring a perfect crust and topping every time.

In addition to technological advancements, the world of pizza has also seen a surge of creativity in terms of toppings and flavor combinations. From sushi-inspired pizzas in Japan to gourmet, artisanal creations featuring ingredients like truffle oil and goat cheese, pizza continues to evolve and adapt to the tastes and preferences of its global audience.

Despite these modern innovations, the heart and soul of pizza remain rooted in the traditional techniques and ingredients that have defined the dish for centuries. As the culinary landscape continues to change and grow, there is no doubt that oven-fired pizza will remain a beloved and enduring classic for generations to come.

The history of oven-fired pizza is a fascinating journey that spans continents, cultures, and centuries. From its humble beginnings as a simple flatbread in ancient civilizations to its evolution into the delicious, diverse dish we know today, pizza has captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers around the world.

As we look to the future, the enduring popularity of oven-fired pizza is a testament to the power of culinary tradition and the universal appeal of a perfectly cooked, mouthwatering slice. So the next time you savor a piece of oven-fired pizza, take a moment to appreciate the rich, delicious history behind every bite.

The post Oven-Fired Pizza: A Slice of Culinary History appeared first on The Air Fryer Gourmets.