Air Fryer Tombstone Frozen Pizza

Air Fryer Tombstone Frozen Pizza Recipe: A Crispy Classic with Ease

Tombstone frozen pizzas have been a classic for years, with their bold flavors and crunchy crust. Cooking one in the air fryer takes the beloved flavor to a whole new level, making the crust extra crispy while keeping the toppings perfectly melted. Follow this detailed guide to cook your Tombstone pizza to perfection in no time!

Ingredients:

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

• Olive oil or nonstick spray (optional, for added crispiness)

• Optional toppings:

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

  • Sliced fresh jalapeños or banana peppers

  • A sprinkle of dried oregano or crushed red pepper flakes

  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Equipment:

• Air fryer (large enough for your pizza or slices)

• Pizza cutter or sharp knife

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

• Tongs or a spatula

Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat it for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures the air fryer is evenly heated and delivers consistent cooking results.

2. Prepare the Pizza:

   • Remove the Tombstone pizza from its packaging. If it’s too large for your air fryer basket, slice it into halves or quarters. This makes it easier to fit and ensures even airflow.

   • For a golden crust, lightly spray the pizza edges with olive oil or cooking spray. This step is optional but enhances the texture and color.

3. Customize the Pizza (Optional):

   • Add a layer of shredded cheese for an extra gooey texture.

   • Sprinkle dried oregano or garlic powder over the top for a flavor boost.

   • If you love a little heat, toss on some sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.

Cooking Steps:

1. Arrange the Pizza:

   • Place the pizza (or slices) into the air fryer basket. If using parchment paper, ensure it’s perforated to allow proper airflow and doesn’t block the sides of the basket.

   • Leave some space between slices or edges to allow hot air to circulate evenly.

2. Cook the Pizza:

   • Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8–12 minutes. The cook time varies depending on the thickness of the pizza and your specific air fryer model.

   • Halfway through cooking, pause the air fryer and rotate the pizza or rearrange the slices for even cooking.

3. Check for Doneness:

   • At around 8 minutes, check to see if the crust has turned golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

   • If the crust isn’t crispy enough or the cheese isn’t perfectly melted, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for 1–2 more minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Serving:

1. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully remove the pizza from the basket. The air fryer and pizza will be hot, so handle with care.

2. Let the pizza rest on a cutting board for 2 minutes. This prevents the toppings from sliding off and makes slicing easier.

3. Slice into wedges or squares with a pizza cutter. Serve hot with your favorite condiments like ranch dressing or hot sauce.

4. Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, or a sprinkle of parmesan for a gourmet touch.

Pro Tips:

• Reheating Leftovers: Tombstone pizzas reheat beautifully in the air fryer. Place a slice in at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes to restore its crispy crust and gooey cheese.

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

• Thin-Crust Tombstone Variants: Thin-crust pizzas cook faster. Check for doneness around the 6-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Additional Ideas:

• Mini Pizzas for Variety: Try smaller Tombstone pizzas or cut your larger pizza into smaller wedges for easy snacking or a pizza party vibe.

• Family-Friendly Tip: Let kids customize their portion of the pizza before cooking by adding their favorite toppings.