How To Cook Digiorno Pizza In Air Fryer [FULL GUIDE]

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In the realm of convenience cooking, frozen pizza has long held a place of comfort and quick satisfaction. Among the many brands available, Digiorno stands out for its promise of ’rising crust’ and restaurant-style taste, making it a favorite for those who crave a hot, cheesy, satisfying pizza without venturing out. While traditional oven baking is the standard method, air fryers have emerged as a game-changer, offering speed, efficiency, and a surprisingly crisp finish. The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air creates a texture that rivals oven baking while reducing cooking time. This guide dives deep into the optimal approach for achieving a perfectly cooked Digiorno pizza in an air fryer, covering everything from temperature and timing to troubleshooting and expert tips.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature To Cook Digiorno Pizza In Air Fryer

Temperature control is crucial when cooking pizza in an air fryer. Unlike an oven, the confined space of an air fryer can quickly turn the crust from golden brown to burnt if the heat is too high. For a Digiorno pizza, the ideal temperature is 370°F (188°C). This strikes a balance between melting the cheese evenly, heating the toppings thoroughly, and achieving a crisp, slightly golden crust without overcooking the edges.

Some air fryers run hotter than others, so it’s wise to monitor your first batch closely. Too low of a temperature (below 350°F / 177°C) can result in a soggy crust and underheated toppings, while temperatures above 400°F / 204°C may burn the cheese before the crust is fully cooked.

How Long To Cook Digiorno Pizza In Air Fryer

Time is equally important as temperature. Most Digiorno pizzas-typically 12-inch single-serving varieties-cook optimally in an air fryer for 8 to 12 minutes. Smaller, personal-sized pizzas may only need 6-8 minutes, while extra-large pizzas might require 12-15 minutes.

Because air fryer models vary in power and airflow efficiency, the key is to check periodically, starting around the 6-minute mark. Frequent observation prevents overcooking and allows for a perfectly golden, bubbling pizza.

How To Tell If It Is Done

Determining doneness is a combination of visual cues, tactile checks, and minor testing:

1. Crust Color and Texture: The edges should be golden brown and firm to the touch. A doughy or pale crust indicates it needs more time.
2. Cheese Melt: Cheese should be fully melted, bubbly, and lightly browned in spots.
3. Topping Heat: Toppings should be hot and slightly caramelized, not cold or raw in the center.
4. Bottom Check: If possible, carefully lift the pizza with a spatula to ensure the bottom is crisp and not undercooked.

Ingredients Needed

Cooking Digiorno pizza in an air fryer requires minimal prep beyond the pizza itself. You will need:

• 1 Digiorno frozen pizza (any variety)
• Cooking spray or a thin layer of oil (optional, for preventing sticking)
• Air fryer parchment paper or a perforated liner (optional, for easier cleanup)

Optional additions: extra cheese, fresh herbs, or extra toppings if desired.

How To Cook Digiorno Pizza In Air Fryer

Step-by-step guide:

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 370°F (188°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking.
2. Prepare Pizza: Remove packaging and frozen plastic. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray if needed.
3. Place Pizza in Basket: Position the pizza flat in the basket, ensuring it does not touch the heating element. If the pizza is larger than the basket, you may need to cut it into sections.
4. Cook: Air fry at 370°F (188°C) for 8-12 minutes. Check around 6-8 minutes to gauge progress.
5. Monitor and Rotate: Some air fryers cook unevenly. Rotate the pizza halfway through cooking for uniform crisping.
6. Check for Doneness: Follow the visual and tactile cues described earlier.
7. Remove and Serve: Use a spatula to carefully remove the pizza. Allow it to rest 1-2 minutes before slicing to let the cheese set slightly.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Temperature?

• Lower Temperature (below 350°F / 177°C): The pizza may cook unevenly, resulting in a soft, undercooked crust. Cheese may melt slowly and toppings may remain cold.
• Higher Temperature (above 400°F / 204°C): The crust can burn before toppings are adequately heated, and the cheese may brown too quickly, creating an overly dry or scorched pizza.

Adapting the cooking time can help compensate, but extreme temperature deviations generally compromise texture and flavor.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Cooking Time?

• Shorter Time: The pizza will likely remain cold in the center, with toppings not fully cooked and a doughy crust.
• Longer Time: Overcooking can dry out the crust and burn cheese and toppings. Cheese may become greasy, and edges too hard to eat comfortably.

Precision is key: the combination of 370°F and 8-12 minutes is calibrated for optimal balance between melted toppings and crispy crust.

When Things Go Wrong

Even with careful attention, mishaps can happen:

• Soggy Bottom: Likely due to undercooking or overcrowding the basket. Remove pizza and cook a few more minutes.
• Burnt Edges: Check temperature calibration and reduce heat slightly. Using a lower rack can prevent direct contact with the heating element.
• Uneven Cooking: Rotate pizza halfway through cooking or adjust basket placement. Consider slicing larger pizzas to ensure even air circulation.
• Cheese Not Melting Properly: Increase temperature slightly or extend cooking time in 1-2 minute increments while monitoring closely.

Expert Tips

1. Use Parchment Paper: Perforated air fryer parchment allows airflow while preventing sticking.
2. Avoid Overcrowding: Air needs space to circulate for even cooking. If your pizza is large, slice it into portions.
3. Check Early and Often: Unlike an oven, air fryers cook quickly, so start monitoring a few minutes before the minimum recommended time.
4. Extra Crisping: For an even crispier crust, lightly brush the edges with olive oil before air frying.
5. Cheese Boost: Add a sprinkle of extra cheese in the last 1-2 minutes for a bubbly, melty finish.

FAQs

Can I Cook A Whole DiGiorno Pizza In An Air Fryer?

Most standard air fryers have limited basket size, so a whole DiGiorno pizza may not fit. It’s recommended to use a smaller personal-size pizza or cut a larger pizza into slices or halves to fit the basket comfortably.

What Temperature Should I Set My Air Fryer To For DiGiorno Pizza?

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the crust to become crispy while ensuring the cheese and toppings heat evenly.

How Long Should I Cook DiGiorno Pizza In The Air Fryer?

Cook the pizza for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness and size. Check halfway through to ensure it doesn’t overcook, and add extra time in 1-2 minute increments if necessary.

Do I Need To Preheat The Air Fryer Before Cooking Pizza?

Yes, preheating ensures even cooking and a crisp crust. Most air fryers take 3-5 minutes to preheat to 375°F (190°C).

Should I Remove The Pizza From The Cardboard Or Plastic Wrap Before Air Frying?

Absolutely. Remove all packaging, including cardboard or plastic, before placing the pizza in the air fryer. Only the pizza itself should go in the basket to prevent fire hazards and uneven cooking.

Can I Cook Frozen DiGiorno Pizza Directly Without Thawing?

Yes, air fryers are excellent for cooking frozen pizza directly. Simply adjust the cooking time toward the higher end, around 10-12 minutes, and check for doneness before removing.

How Can I Prevent The Pizza Crust From Getting Soggy In The Air Fryer?

To avoid soggy crust, place the pizza directly in the air fryer basket without overlapping or stacking. Using a perforated air fryer tray or cooking at 375°F (190°C) ensures air circulates well, keeping the crust crisp.