Air Fryer Mini Frozen Pizza Recipe

Firing up my air fryer for some mini frozen pizzas feels like a small but triumphant culinary adventure. With a sprinkle of extra mozzarella and a touch of fresh basil, it’s the ultimate quick fix to satisfy my pizza cravings with zero fuss.

I enjoy a fast snack, and mini frozen pizzas in the air fryer are a revelation. Using the air fryer, they emerge just the right amount of crispy, with less oil, and thus a healthier nutrition profile.

My favorite part? You can easily customize them.

I like to add extra mozzarella, pepperoni, or even fresh basil.

Air Fryer Mini Frozen Pizza Recipe Ingredients

• Mini Frozen Pizzas: These are a convenient comfort food, offering a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
• Olive Oil Spray: Offers healthy unsaturated fats and helps achieve a crispy crust.
• Extra Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: A great source of calcium and protein, enhances the cheesy flavor.
• Sliced Pepperoni: Adds protein and a savory, spicy flavor to your mini pizzas.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Provides a fresh, aromatic boost and adds vitamins A and K.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Enhances flavor with heat and boosts metabolism slightly.

Air Fryer Mini Frozen Pizza Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 mini frozen pizzas
• Olive oil spray
• Optional: extra shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional: sliced pepperoni
• Optional: fresh basil leaves
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes

How to Make this Air Fryer Mini Frozen Pizza Recipe

1. Set the air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures that there is even cooking of the food.

2. Mist the basket of the air fryer with olive oil spray so your food doesn’t stick.

3. Arrange the mini frozen pizzas in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Leave space between them to allow air to circulate.

4. You can optionally add even more cheesiness to your pizza by mixing extra shredded mozzarella into the topping blend or, as previously mentioned, sprinkling it on top before the pizza goes into the oven.

5. For extra flavor, you can add any optional toppings, such as sliced pepperoni.

6. Pizzas should be air fried at a temperature of 360°F (182°C). They can be placed in the air fryer for a duration of 5-8 minutes; however, one must check them halfway through to make sure they are being heated evenly.

7. With tongs, remove the pizzas from the air fryer, taking great care, and serving them only to persons of good cheer. Unless you like melted cheese, reserve half the pizza slices for later use.

8. If you are adding fresh basil leaves, do so after cooking for a fresh burst of flavor.

9. Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes on top for a flavor boost, if you want one.

10. Before serving these quick and easy, crispy mini pizzas, allow them to cool for a few moments so that you can truly enjoy them.

Air Fryer Mini Frozen Pizza Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Olive oil spray
3. Tongs

FAQ

• Can I cook more than one mini pizza at a time in the air fryer?Indeed, you can prepare several mini pizzas simultaneously, provided they can comfortably fit in a single layer and without any of them overlapping.
• Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking?Preheating the air fryer is recommended for even cooking. For mini pizzas, though, this step can be optional.
• How long should I cook mini frozen pizzas in the air fryer?Bake the pizzas at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Do I need to flip the pizzas halfway through cooking?No, it is not necessary to flip the mini pizzas. They will cook just fine on one side.
• Can I add extra toppings before air frying?Absolutely, before cooking, you can sprinkle with extra cheese, pepperoni, or any other toppings to add flavor.
• What should I do if my air fryer smokes while cooking pizzas?If cheese or toppings drop to the bottom, this can occur. Clean the air fryer basket and attempt to use a parchment paper liner.
• Are there any gluten-free options?Indeed, you can locate many grocery stores that offer gluten-free frozen mini pizzas to fit your dietary desires.

Air Fryer Mini Frozen Pizza Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Cooking spray: Replace with any neutral cooking spray.
Shredded extra mozzarella cheese: Swap in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for a completely different flavor.

Cut pepperoni: Use cut salami or crumbled cooked sausage.
Basil leaves, fresh: For another herbal note, substitute with fresh oregano or parsley.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Replace with a bit of hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper if you want the same level of heat.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat for Even Cooking Always preheat the air fryer before placing the pizzas inside. This ensures the pizzas cook evenly and the crust becomes nice and crispy.

2. Customize Your Toppings Get creative with your toppings before air frying. Adding extra mozzarella or pepperoni can enhance the flavor, but consider experimenting with other ingredients like sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

3. Monitor Cooking Time Since air fryer models can vary, check the pizzas halfway through the cooking time to prevent overcooking. This also allows you to move them a bit if necessary for even browning.

4. Basil for Freshness Add fresh basil leaves just after removing the pizzas from the air fryer. The residual heat will slightly wilt the basil, releasing its aroma without compromising its fresh taste.

5. Serve with a Side Dip Enhance your mini pizza experience by serving them with a side of marinara or garlic butter dip. It adds an extra layer of flavor and makes for a delightful meal.