If you’re a fan of Totino’s Pizzas, you know how delicious they can be when cooked to perfection. But have you ever considered cooking them in an air fryer? This game-changing appliance can help you achieve that perfect crispy crust and melted cheese without the need for a traditional oven. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of air fryer pizza cooking and explore the best practices for cooking Totino’s Pizzas to perfection.
From cooking multiple pizzas at once to adding your own toppings and seasonings, we’ll cover it all. You’ll learn how to preheat your air fryer, use pizza pans and parchment paper, and even how to cook Totino’s Pizza rolls. We’ll also discuss the best ways to store leftover cooked pizza and reheat it in the air fryer. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer pro or just starting out, this guide is designed to help you get the most out of your appliance and enjoy delicious, homemade-style pizzas with minimal effort.
So, what sets cooking Totino’s Pizzas in an air fryer apart from traditional oven cooking? For starters, the air fryer’s rapid air circulation technology helps to crisp up the crust and melt the cheese more evenly, resulting in a crunchier, more flavorful pizza. Plus, the air fryer’s compact design and energy-efficient operation make it an ideal choice for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or anyone looking to reduce their energy consumption. With these benefits in mind, let’s dive into the key takeaways and explore the world of air fryer pizza cooking in more detail.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Cooking Totino’s Pizzas in an air fryer can help you achieve a crispy crust and melted cheese with minimal effort
- You can cook multiple Totino’s Pizzas in an air fryer at once, depending on the size of your appliance
- Preheating your air fryer before cooking is essential for optimal results
- Using a pizza pan or parchment paper can help with food release and cleanup
- You can add your own toppings and seasonings to Totino’s Pizzas before cooking for extra flavor
- Totino’s Pizza rolls can be cooked in an air fryer for a crispy, cheesy snack
- Leftover cooked pizza can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal
Cooking Multiple Pizzas at Once
When it comes to cooking multiple Totino’s Pizzas in an air fryer, the key is to leave enough space between each pizza to allow for even cooking. A good rule of thumb is to cook no more than two to three pizzas at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer. This will help prevent the pizzas from overlapping and ensure that each one cooks evenly.
To cook multiple pizzas, simply place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving about an inch of space between each pizza. You can also use a pizza pan or parchment paper to help with food release and cleanup. Cook the pizzas at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the pizzas during cooking, as the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the crust.
Preheating and Cooking Temperature
Preheating your air fryer before cooking is essential for optimal results. To preheat, simply set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let the air fryer run for 2-3 minutes. This will help the air fryer reach the optimal cooking temperature and ensure that your pizza cooks evenly.
Once the air fryer is preheated, you can cook your Totino’s Pizza at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also adjust the cooking temperature and time to suit your personal preferences. For example, if you like a crisper crust, you can cook the pizza at 425°F (220°C) for 3-5 minutes. Experiment with different temperatures and cooking times to find your perfect combination.
Using Pizza Pans and Parchment Paper
Using a pizza pan or parchment paper can help with food release and cleanup when cooking Totino’s Pizzas in an air fryer. A pizza pan is a great option if you want to cook a single pizza at a time, as it allows for easy food release and can help the crust cook more evenly. Simply place the pizza on the pan and cook as directed.
Parchment paper, on the other hand, is a great option if you’re cooking multiple pizzas at once. Simply place a sheet of parchment paper in the air fryer basket and cook the pizzas as directed. The parchment paper will help prevent the pizzas from sticking to the basket and make cleanup a breeze. You can also use parchment paper to cook Totino’s Pizza rolls, as it will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the basket.
Adding Toppings and Seasonings
One of the best things about cooking Totino’s Pizzas in an air fryer is that you can add your own toppings and seasonings to create a customized pizza. Simply add your desired toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, or mushrooms, to the pizza before cooking. You can also sprinkle on some seasonings, such as oregano or basil, to give the pizza an extra boost of flavor.
When adding toppings, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the toppings. For example, if you’re adding a lot of toppings, you may need to cook the pizza for an extra minute or two to ensure that the crust is cooked through and the toppings are heated through. Experiment with different toppings and seasonings to find your perfect combination.
Cooking Totino’s Pizza Rolls
Totino’s Pizza rolls are a delicious and convenient snack that can be cooked in an air fryer. To cook Totino’s Pizza rolls, simply place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
You can also cook Totino’s Pizza rolls in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Simply place a sheet of parchment paper in the basket and cook the rolls in batches, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the rolls during cooking, as the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the rolls.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Pizza
Leftover cooked pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal. To reheat, simply place the leftover pizza in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (180°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
You can also reheat leftover pizza rolls in the air fryer. Simply place the rolls in a single layer in the basket and cook at 350°F (180°C) for 1-2 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on the rolls during reheating, as the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the rolls.
Cooking Other Frozen Pizzas
While this guide is specifically focused on cooking Totino’s Pizzas in an air fryer, you can also use the same techniques to cook other frozen pizzas. Simply follow the same cooking instructions and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to suit the specific pizza you’re cooking.
For example, if you’re cooking a thicker crust pizza, you may need to cook it for an extra minute or two to ensure that the crust is cooked through. On the other hand, if you’re cooking a thinner crust pizza, you may need to cook it for a shorter amount of time to prevent the crust from burning. Experiment with different frozen pizzas and cooking times to find your perfect combination.
Cooking Homemade Pizzas
In addition to cooking frozen pizzas, you can also use an air fryer to cook homemade pizzas. Simply place a homemade pizza dough in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
You can also add your own toppings and seasonings to a homemade pizza before cooking. Simply sprinkle on some cheese, add some toppings, and cook the pizza in the air fryer. Keep an eye on the pizza during cooking, as the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the crust. Experiment with different toppings and seasonings to find your perfect combination.
Seasoning Your Pizza
Finally, don’t forget to season your pizza before cooking it in the air fryer. A sprinkle of oregano, basil, or garlic powder can add a boost of flavor to your pizza and take it to the next level. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as paprika or red pepper flakes, to add a smoky or spicy flavor to your pizza.
When seasoning your pizza, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount of seasoning and add more to taste, as you can always add more seasoning but it’s harder to remove excess seasoning from the pizza. Experiment with different seasonings and combinations to find your perfect flavor.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What if my air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function?
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, you can simply set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it run for 2-3 minutes before cooking your pizza. This will help the air fryer reach the optimal cooking temperature and ensure that your pizza cooks evenly.
Alternatively, you can also use the air fryer’s cooking time to preheat the appliance. For example, if you’re cooking a pizza at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, you can set the timer to 2-3 minutes before cooking to allow the air fryer to preheat. This will help the air fryer reach the optimal cooking temperature and ensure that your pizza cooks evenly.
Can I cook a Totino’s Pizza in the air fryer without the crust getting crispy?
While the air fryer is designed to crisp up the crust, you can cook a Totino’s Pizza without getting the crust crispy by cooking it at a lower temperature. For example, you can cook the pizza at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Keep in mind that cooking the pizza at a lower temperature may result in a softer crust, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature to suit your personal preferences. Experiment with different temperatures and cooking times to find your perfect combination.
What if I’m cooking multiple pizzas and one is done before the others?
If you’re cooking multiple pizzas and one is done before the others, you can simply remove the cooked pizza from the air fryer and continue cooking the remaining pizzas. To prevent the cooked pizza from getting cold, you can place it in a warm oven (200°F or 90°C) for a few minutes to keep it warm.
Alternatively, you can also use a pizza stone or baking sheet to keep the cooked pizza warm while the other pizzas finish cooking. Simply place the cooked pizza on the stone or sheet and cover it with foil to keep it warm. This will help keep the pizza warm and crispy while the other pizzas finish cooking.
Can I use an air fryer to cook pizza dough from scratch?
Yes, you can use an air fryer to cook pizza dough from scratch. Simply place the dough in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Keep in mind that cooking pizza dough from scratch in an air fryer may require some trial and error to get the crust just right. You may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature to suit the specific dough you’re using, as well as the toppings and seasonings you’re adding. Experiment with different dough recipes and cooking times to find your perfect combination.
What if my air fryer has a non-stick basket? Do I still need to use parchment paper?
If your air fryer has a non-stick basket, you may not need to use parchment paper to prevent the pizza from sticking. However, using parchment paper can still be beneficial in terms of cleanup and food release.
Parchment paper can help prevent the pizza from sticking to the basket, making it easier to remove the pizza after cooking. It can also make cleanup easier, as any food residue or cheese that melts during cooking can be easily wiped away with a paper towel. If you do choose to use parchment paper, simply place a sheet in the basket before cooking and cook the pizza as directed.