Olivia Carter
If you’re a pizza lover, you know that there’s hardly anything better than a hot and crispy slice of homemade pizza. And what if we tell you that you can achieve that perfect slice using an air fryer? Yes, you read it right! Making homemade pizza in an air fryer is not only quick and easy, but it also gives you that irresistible golden crust.
Using an air fryer to make pizza allows you to control the cooking temperature and time, ensuring that your pizza is cooked to perfection every time. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional oven-baked pizza as it requires less oil for that crispy texture. Whether you prefer a classic margherita or loaded with all your favourite toppings, making pizza in an air fryer is a game-changer.
So, ready to embark on a culinary adventure and learn how to make homemade pizza in an air fryer? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to achieve a mouthwatering pizza that will leave you wanting more.
Preparing the Dough
Before you can start making your homemade pizza in an air fryer, you will need to prepare the dough. Follow these steps to make the perfect dough:
- Gather all the ingredients needed for the dough, including flour, yeast, salt, sugar, water, and olive oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix them together until they are well combined.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the water and olive oil. Starting from the center, gradually mix the wet and dry ingredients together until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a clean, floured surface and knead it for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into smaller portions, depending on the size of pizza you want to make.
Now that your dough is ready, you can move on to the next steps of making your homemade pizza in an air fryer.
Mixing the Ingredients
Before you can start making your homemade pizza in the air fryer, you need to mix the ingredients for the dough. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 1 cup of warm water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
To start, combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with the flour mixture. Using a spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until a sticky dough forms.
Kneading the Dough
Once the dough is mixed, it’s time to knead it. Start by lightly flouring a clean surface, such as a countertop or cutting board.
Transfer the dough onto the floured surface and begin kneading it with your hands. Fold the dough in half, then use the palms of your hands to firmly press it down and away from you. Rotate the dough 90 degrees and repeat this folding and pressing motion for about 5-7 minutes.
The dough should become smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If it feels too dry, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time. If it feels too wet, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
Letting the Dough Rise
Once the dough is kneaded, shape it into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours.
During this time, the dough will double in size. This process allows the yeast to ferment the dough and create air bubbles, giving the pizza dough a light and fluffy texture.
Kneading the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and yeast, and make a well in the center. Gradually add warm water to the well and mix it with a fork or your hands. As the dough starts to come together, add salt and any optional spices or herbs.
Once the dough begins to form a shaggy mass, turn it out onto a floured surface and begin kneading. Push the dough away from you with the heel of your hand, and then fold it back over itself. Give the dough a quarter turn and repeat the process. Continue this kneading process for about 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Note: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water. The dough should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
After kneading, shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, it’s ready to be shaped into individual pizza crusts and topped with your favorite ingredients before cooking in the air fryer.
Making the Sauce
One of the crucial elements of a perfect homemade pizza is the sauce. Making your own sauce from scratch will give your pizza a fresh and authentic flavor. Here’s how to make a delicious pizza sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Once the sauce is ready, let it cool down before spreading it onto the pizza dough. This homemade sauce will add a burst of flavor and freshness to your air fryer pizza.
Choosing the Right Tomatoes
When making homemade pizza in the air fryer, the type of tomatoes you choose can greatly impact the flavor and texture of your pizza sauce. Here are a few things to consider when selecting tomatoes:
- Variety: There are several types of tomatoes to choose from, including plum, beefsteak, cherry, and heirloom. Plum tomatoes, such as San Marzano, are popular for making pizza sauce due to their sweet, tangy flavor and low water content.
- Ripeness: It is important to use ripe tomatoes to ensure a rich and flavorful sauce. Look for tomatoes that are bright red and slightly soft to the touch. Avoid using unripe or overly ripe tomatoes, as they may result in a bland or watery sauce.
- Freshness: Whenever possible, opt for locally grown or vine-ripened tomatoes. These tend to have a more pronounced flavor and better texture than commercially grown tomatoes that are picked before fully ripe.
- Consistency: For a smooth and consistent sauce, choose tomatoes that have fewer seeds and a meatier texture. This will help prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
Experiment with different tomato varieties to find the flavor and texture that you prefer for your homemade pizza sauce. Whether you prefer a tangy and robust sauce or a mild and sweet one, the right tomatoes can make all the difference in creating a delicious pizza in the air fryer.
FAQ
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food using hot air circulation. It requires little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.
Can you make pizza in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make pizza in an air fryer. It allows you to cook pizza quickly and with a crispy crust.
How do I make homemade pizza in an air fryer?
To make homemade pizza in an air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pizza dough and place it in the air fryer basket. Add your desired toppings and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
What type of pizza dough should I use for the air fryer?
You can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own homemade pizza dough. The important thing is to make sure the dough is not too thick, as it may not cook well in the air fryer.
Can I use frozen pizza in an air fryer?
Yes, you can use frozen pizza in an air fryer. Simply preheat the air fryer, place the frozen pizza in the basket, and cook according to the package instructions. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the pizza.
