Pizza Stuffers are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. They are essentially mini calzones filled with your favorite pizza toppings. One of the best ways to cook Pizza Stuffers is by using an air fryer. This method guarantees a crispy and evenly cooked crust without the need for excessive oil or lengthy cooking times. In this article, we will guide you through a quick and tasty recipe on how to cook Pizza Stuffers in an air fryer. So, put on your apron and let’s get cooking!
Gather Your Ingredients
Pizza Dough
To begin, you will need pizza dough. You can either make your own dough from scratch or purchase pre-made dough from the store. If you’re short on time, the store-bought option is perfectly fine.
Pizza Fillings
The beauty of Pizza Stuffers is that you can fill them with whatever pizza toppings you prefer. Some popular options include pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, and cheese. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations.
Optional Additions
To enhance the flavor of your Pizza Stuffers, you can add some optional ingredients such as garlic powder, dried herbs like oregano or basil, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Prepare Your Pizza Stuffers
Step 1: Roll out the Dough
Start by rolling out your pizza dough into a thin, rectangular shape. Make sure the dough is not too thick, as it will puff up during cooking.
Step 2: Cut into Squares
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into squares or rectangles. The size of the squares will depend on how big you want your Pizza Stuffers to be.
Step 3: Add the Fillings
Now comes the fun part! Place your desired pizza fillings onto one half of each dough square. Be careful not to overfill them, as it may cause the Stuffers to burst during cooking.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
Fold the dough squares in half diagonally, creating a triangle shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal the Stuffers. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. This will ensure that the Pizza Stuffers cook evenly and become crispy.
Step 6: Grease the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This will prevent the Pizza Stuffers from sticking to the basket.
Step 7: Cook in Batches
Place the prepared Pizza Stuffers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as it may affect the cooking process. Cook the Stuffers in batches if necessary.
Step 8: Air Fry
Set the air fryer to cook at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the Pizza Stuffers turn golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Step 9: Repeat
Once the first batch of Pizza Stuffers is cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Then, repeat steps 7 and 8 for the remaining batches until all the Pizza Stuffers are cooked to perfection.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your Pizza Stuffers are done, it’s time to dig in and enjoy your delicious creation. Serve them warm with a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dip. The golden and crispy crust, along with the flavorful fillings, will surely satisfy your pizza cravings.
The beauty of Pizza Stuffers is that they can be customized to suit your taste buds. Feel free to experiment with different fillings, herbs, and spices to create your own unique combinations. You can even make them ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and convenient meal or snack option.
In conclusion, cooking Pizza Stuffers in an air fryer is a quick and tasty way to enjoy a mini calzone-like dish. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can achieve a crispy crust and perfectly cooked fillings. So, gather your favorite pizza toppings, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to indulge in these delicious Pizza Stuffers. Happy cooking!