Air Fryer DiGiorno Frozen Pizza

Air Fryer DiGiorno Frozen Pizza Recipe: Perfectly Crispy and Delicious!

DiGiorno frozen pizzas are a household favorite, known for their fluffy crust and rich toppings. Cooking one in an air fryer takes it to the next level, giving you a crispier crust and gooier toppings in less time than a traditional oven. This detailed recipe will walk you through every step to create a pizza masterpiece right in your air fryer!

Ingredients:

• 1 DiGiorno frozen pizza (size based on air fryer capacity)

• Olive oil spray (optional, for extra crispiness)

• Optional toppings:

  • Extra shredded cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, or cheddar)

  • Crushed red pepper flakes

  • Fresh basil leaves

  • Garlic powder or Italian seasoning

Equipment:

• Air fryer (large enough for your pizza or one with a rotating basket)

• Pizza cutter

• Parchment paper or aluminum foil (optional, for easy cleanup)

• Tongs or a spatula for removal

Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheating is essential for even cooking. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. This step helps ensure your pizza cooks evenly from the start and gives you that signature crisp crust.

2. Prepare the Pizza:

   • Remove the DiGiorno pizza from all packaging. If the pizza is too large to fit in your air fryer basket, slice it into halves or quarters with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

   • For an extra golden crust, lightly spray the edges with olive oil or brush on a thin layer of melted butter.

3. Customize (Optional):

   • Add your personal flair to the pizza! Sprinkle extra cheese for added gooeyness, or layer on thinly sliced veggies, pepperoni, or pre-cooked sausage.

   • Avoid adding raw ingredients like mushrooms or onions as they may not cook fully in the short air fryer time. If you want fresh herbs like basil or arugula, save them for after cooking to preserve their flavor.

Cooking Steps:

1. Arrange the Pizza:

   • Carefully place the pizza in the air fryer basket. For easier cleanup, you can line the basket with perforated parchment paper or a layer of foil that doesn’t block the airflow.

   • Ensure there is space around the pizza or slices for the hot air to circulate evenly. This step is key for achieving that golden crust and perfectly melted toppings.

2. Cook the Pizza:

   • Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8–12 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and pizza thickness. Thin-crust pizzas may cook faster, so start checking at the 7-minute mark.

   • At the halfway point (4–6 minutes), pause the air fryer and rotate the pizza or rearrange slices for even cooking. This also prevents certain areas from becoming overly crispy or burnt.

3. Check for Doneness:

   • Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling, melted cheese. If your toppings need more browning or the crust isn’t quite crisp enough, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for an additional 1–2 minutes.

   • Test the crust’s firmness by gently tapping it with a fork—it should feel crispy but not hard.

Serving:

1. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully lift the pizza out of the basket. Be cautious—the air fryer basket and pizza will be extremely hot.

2. Allow the pizza to rest for 1–2 minutes on a cutting board. This helps the cheese settle slightly, so you don’t lose toppings when slicing.

3. Slice into wedges or squares, depending on your preference.

4. Garnish your pizza with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of grated parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil for a gourmet touch. For heat lovers, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes.

Pro Tips:

• Experiment with Timing: Every air fryer is different. If it’s your first time making frozen pizza, start with the lower end of the cooking range and add time as needed.

• Cleaning Made Easy: To avoid a sticky mess, line the basket with parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers or use a silicone mat that’s dishwasher-safe.

• Crispier Crust Hack: If you prefer an extra-crunchy crust, cook the pizza directly on the air fryer rack instead of using a basket.

• Storage Tip: If you’re cooking multiple pizzas in batches, keep the cooked slices warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest.

Additional Ideas:

• Mini-Pizza Party: If you have a smaller air fryer, consider cooking personal-sized DiGiorno pizzas so everyone gets their favorite toppings.

• Reheating Leftovers: Air fryers are also excellent for reheating pizza. Just pop a slice in at 350°F for 2–3 minutes, and it’ll taste as fresh as the day it was made!