If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal, Totino’s pizza is a top pick. But have you ever considered making it in an air fryer? Cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer not only saves you time but also enhances the pizza’s texture and flavor, giving it a perfectly crisp crust and evenly melted cheese. The air fryer has become one of the most popular kitchen appliances, and for good reason: it makes preparing frozen food easier, faster, and healthier.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of cooking Totino’s pizza in the air fryer, provide detailed tips for getting the best results, and answer some frequently asked questions. We’ll also discuss why the air fryer is the best choice for cooking frozen pizza and how you can cook other Totino’s products, such as pizza rolls, with ease.
Why Cook Totino’s Pizza in an Air Fryer?
The air fryer offers several key advantages over other cooking methods, particularly when it comes to frozen food like Totino’s pizza. Let’s break down the main benefits:
1. Faster Cooking Time
One of the biggest perks of cooking with an air fryer is that it significantly reduces the time it takes to make Totino’s pizza. Traditional ovens take several minutes to preheat, and once the pizza is inside, you’re looking at 10-15 minutes or more of baking time. By contrast, the air fryer reaches cooking temperature almost immediately, and your pizza will be ready to eat in just 6-10 minutes.
The quick cooking time makes the air fryer an ideal option for busy weeknights or when you need a fast snack. You can pop a frozen Totino’s pizza in your air fryer, and within minutes, you’ll have a hot, crispy meal ready to go.
2. Healthier Option
Air fryers are known for making foods crispier without the need for excessive oil. Unlike deep frying or even baking, the air fryer uses hot air to cook the food evenly, meaning you won’t need to add extra oil to achieve that crispy crust.
Using an air fryer to cook frozen pizza is a healthier alternative to oven-baking or microwaving, especially if you’re conscious of reducing oil and fat in your diet. Since the air fryer uses a convection method, circulating hot air around the pizza, you get a satisfying crunch without additional calories from oil.
3. Better Texture and Flavor
One of the biggest complaints about cooking frozen pizza in a microwave is the soggy texture of the crust. Even though microwaving may be fast, it just doesn’t deliver that classic crispy pizza experience. When you cook Totino’s pizza in the air fryer, you get a texture that is closer to a freshly baked pizza, with a crispy crust and evenly melted cheese.
The air fryer’s powerful circulation of hot air ensures that the pizza is evenly cooked, eliminating the need to worry about undercooked or overly soggy areas. This makes a huge difference in the final taste and texture of your pizza.
For the best results, always make sure to preheat your air fryer before placing the pizza inside. Preheating helps to create that ideal balance of a golden-brown crust with perfectly melted toppings.
How to Cook Totino’s Pizza in the Air Fryer
Now that you know why the air fryer is the best tool for cooking frozen pizza, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to get the perfect Totino’s pizza every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 2-3 minutes. Preheating ensures that the pizza starts cooking at an even temperature, which will help create a crispy crust.
- Place the pizza in the air fryer basket: Lay your frozen Totino’s pizza flat in the basket. Make sure there is enough space around the pizza for the air to circulate properly. If you are cooking multiple pizzas, cook them one at a time to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook for 6-10 minutes: The cooking time for Totino’s pizza in the air fryer can vary depending on the model of your air fryer and how crispy you like your pizza. Start by cooking for 6 minutes, then check the pizza. If it needs more time, continue cooking for an additional 2-4 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Check for doneness: The pizza is ready when the crust is crispy, and the cheese is fully melted. If you prefer a softer crust, you can reduce the cooking time slightly, but if you love a crunchy finish, leave it in for the full 10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove the pizza from the air fryer basket using tongs or a spatula. Be cautious, as the pizza will be hot. Slice and serve your perfectly air-fried pizza!
Pro Tip: Adding Extra Toppings
If you want to customize your pizza with additional toppings like extra cheese, pepperoni, or vegetables, add these before placing the pizza in the air fryer. The toppings will cook along with the pizza, giving you that restaurant-quality finish. Just be mindful that extra toppings might slightly extend the cooking time.
Adjusting Cooking Time Based on Air Fryer Models
Not all air fryers are the same, so the cooking time for your Totino’s pizza may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer. Here are a few tips for adjusting the cooking time based on your air fryer model:
- Smaller air fryers: These typically cook faster due to their compact size. If you have a smaller air fryer, check your pizza after 6 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Larger air fryers: Larger models might require closer to 10 minutes of cooking time to achieve the perfect level of crispiness. Always start by checking at the 6-minute mark, but be prepared to cook for longer if necessary.
Signs Your Pizza is Ready
- The cheese is melted and bubbly.
- The crust is golden brown with no burnt spots.
- The pizza feels crispy to the touch, but it isn’t too hard or dry.
If you prefer your pizza with a softer crust, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. For a crunchier crust, leave it in for an additional minute or two.
Cooking Other Totino’s Products in the Air Fryer
In addition to Totino’s pizza, the air fryer is an excellent tool for cooking other frozen foods like Totino’s Pizza Rolls and other snacks. Here’s a quick guide to air frying some of your other favorite Totino’s products.
Totino’s Pizza Rolls
Totino’s Pizza Rolls are another fan favorite, and the air fryer can cook them to crispy perfection.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 380°F.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes: Place the pizza rolls in the fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6 minutes, then shake the basket to ensure even cooking. If needed, cook for another 2 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
- Serve hot: Be cautious when biting into pizza rolls straight from the air fryer as the filling will be very hot.
Other Totino’s Frozen Pizzas
If you have larger Totino’s pizzas or different varieties, such as Party Pizzas, you can still use the same basic process. Just keep in mind that larger pizzas may require an additional 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
For a complete guide to cooking pizza rolls, check out how to cook pizza rolls in the air fryer.
Additional Tips for Cooking Totino’s Pizza in the Air Fryer
While cooking Totino’s pizza in the air fryer is straightforward, there are a few extra tips that can help you get even better results:
- Use parchment paper: If you’re worried about the pizza sticking to the fryer basket, you can place a small piece of parchment paper underneath the pizza. Just make sure the parchment paper is cut to size and doesn’t block the airflow.
- Lightly spray the crust with oil: For an extra crispy crust, consider giving the pizza a light spray of cooking oil before placing it in the air fryer. This helps achieve that golden-brown finish.
- Try seasoning the crust: For added flavor, sprinkle some garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or Parmesan cheese on the crust before cooking.
- Adjust based on toppings: If you add extra toppings like veggies or additional cheese, be aware that the added moisture may slightly affect the cooking time. Monitor the pizza closely and add a minute or two if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Totino’s Pizza in the Air Fryer
To make sure your Totino’s pizza comes out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:
1. Overcooking
It’s easy to overcook the pizza, especially if you’re using a smaller air fryer. Keep an eye on the pizza and check it after 6 minutes. The edges of the crust should be golden, but not burnt.
2. Not Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer is crucial for even cooking. Without preheating, the pizza may cook unevenly, leaving some parts soggy while others become overcooked. Make sure to preheat the air fryer to 400°F before adding the pizza.
3. Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket
While it may be tempting to cook multiple pizzas at once, this can lead to uneven cooking. The air needs to circulate freely around the pizza to ensure a crispy crust and melted cheese. Always cook pizzas in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket.
4. Not Adjusting for Air Fryer Size
As mentioned earlier, different air fryer models cook at different rates. Always adjust your cooking time based on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Smaller air fryers will require shorter cooking times, while larger ones may need the full 10 minutes.
FAQs: Totino’s Pizza and Air Frying
How long should I cook Totino’s pizza in the air fryer?
Answer: Totino’s pizza typically takes 6-10 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 400°F. Start checking after 6 minutes and adjust the time as needed for your preferred crispiness.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for frozen pizza?
Answer: Yes, preheating your air fryer is important for even cooking. It helps the pizza start cooking at the correct temperature, leading to a crispier crust and more evenly melted toppings.
Can I add extra toppings to a Totino’s pizza before air frying?
Answer: Absolutely! You can customize your Totino’s pizza by adding extra cheese, pepperoni, or veggies before placing it in the air fryer. Keep in mind that additional toppings may slightly increase the cooking time.
Is air frying Totino’s pizza healthier than oven-baking?
Answer: Yes, air frying uses less oil than traditional methods, making it a healthier option for preparing frozen pizza. The air fryer also produces a crispy crust without the need for extra oil or grease.
Can I cook Totino’s pizza rolls in an air fryer?
Answer: Yes! Totino’s Pizza Rolls are perfect for the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 380°F and cook the pizza rolls for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Conclusion
Cooking Totino’s pizza in the air fryer is one of the quickest, easiest, and tastiest ways to enjoy this beloved frozen snack. With just a few simple steps, you can have a crispy, delicious pizza ready in minutes. The air fryer not only saves time but also provides a healthier alternative to traditional cooking methods. Whether you’re preparing a meal for yourself or cooking for family and friends, the air fryer guarantees consistently great results every time.
By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to perfect your Totino’s pizza in the air fryer and explore new ways to enhance your frozen pizza experience. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and cooking times to find what works best for your taste. Happy air frying!