Having the ability to make pizza at home can be a game changer. With an air fryer that can accommodate a full-sized pizza, homemade pizza nights can become a regular occurrence. The PowerXL air fryer grill is one popular model that claims to be large enough for a 12-inch pizza. But will a typical 12-inch frozen or fresh pizza actually fit inside?
Quick Answer
Most 12-inch pizzas will fit in the PowerXL air fryer grill. However, extremely thick crusts or deep dish pizzas may not fit. The ideal pizzas to cook in the PowerXL are thin crust or hand tossed crusts around 1/2 inch thick or less. For best results, look for 12-inch pizzas specifically labeled as “air fryer pizzas” from brands like Red Baron.
Air Fryer Pizza Capacity
The PowerXL air fryer grill has a rectangular cooking chamber that measures approximately 12.8 inches x 12.8 inches. PowerXL claims this 9 quart air fryer can accommodate a 12-inch pizza.
Technically, a typical 12-inch round pizza should fit within those dimensions when positioned diagonally. However, the actual usable capacity may be slightly less once you account for the thickness of the walls and heating elements.
This means there is very little extra room, so the pizza cannot be too thick. Extremely thick, deep dish pizzas likely will not fit. But thin, medium, and hand tossed style pizzas around 1/2 inch thick or less should accommodate well.
Pizza Capacity By Style
| Pizza Style | Typical Thickness | Fits PowerXL? |
|---|---|---|
| Thin crust | 1/4 inch | Yes |
| Hand tossed | 1/2 inch | Yes |
| Stuffed crust | 1 inch | Borderline |
| Deep dish | Over 1 inch | No |
As shown in the table above, thin and hand tossed crust pizzas up to around 1/2 inch thickness should have no issues fitting in the PowerXL. Stuffed crust pizzas that are around 1 inch thick may be borderline and require some squishing. While true deep dish pizzas over 1 inch thick likely will not fit.
Choosing the Right Frozen Pizza
When shopping for frozen pizzas to cook in the PowerXL air fryer, pay close attention to the specifics on the packaging. Look for pizzas labeled as:
- 12 inches or less in diameter
- Thin crust or hand tossed style
- Made for air fryers
Some frozen pizza brands like Red Baron now sell varieties specifically made for air fryers. These pizzas are engineered with air circulation and crispness in mind. They are designed for the confined spaces of air fryer cooking chambers.
Recommended Air Fryer Pizzas
| Brand | Name | Size | Crust |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Baron | Brick Oven Cheese Trio | 12-inch | Thin crust |
| Caulipower | Margherita | 12-inch | Cauliflower crust |
| Screamin’ Sicilian | Bessie’s Revenge | 12-inch | Stuffed crust |
The table above shows some of the top recommended frozen pizzas for the PowerXL air fryer based on size and crust style. The thin and cauliflower crust pizzas will be guaranteed to fit and cook evenly. The stuffed crust may require some minimal squishing but should still accommodate.
Tips for Baking Homemade Pizzas
You can certainly bake fresh homemade pizzas in the PowerXL as well. Here are some tips for best results:
- Use a thin pizza dough around 1/4 inch thick.
- Shape dough into a circle about 11 inches diameter.
- Par-bake the crust before adding toppings.
- Do not overtop the pizza or use thick ingredients like meatballs.
- If dough puffs up excessively, gently press down with a spatula while cooking.
Rolling and stretching the dough nice and thin will prevent issues with fit. Par-baking helps set the structure before weighing down with sauce and toppings. Going light on wet ingredients can reduce steaming and puffing as well.
Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
Here is a simple homemade thin pizza dough recipe tailored for air frying:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bread flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Water | 3/4 cup |
| Olive oil | 1 Tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Yeast | 1 1/4 tsp |
Instructions:
- Mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a bowl.
- Make a well in the center and pour in the water and olive oil.
- Mix and knead dough for 5 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat PowerXL air fryer to 400°F.
- Stretch and roll dough into an 11 inch circle.
- Par-bake crust for 5 minutes.
- Remove and add toppings, then bake 5 more minutes.
This easy thin crust recipe bakes up crisp and delicious in the PowerXL air fryer.
Cooking Multiple Pizzas
Want to make pizzas for the whole family? You can actually fit 2 smaller pizzas in the PowerXL at once using the layered rack accessory.
Some options for double stacking pizzas include:
- 6-inch individual sized frozen pizzas
- Fresh pizzas around 8 to 9 inches wide
- Pizza snacks like bagel bites or breadstick minis
When layering 2 pizzas, opt for thinner crusts and minimal toppings. Place one pizza on the main basket, then put the layered rack on top and add the second pizza.
Tips for Cooking Pizzas in Batches
If cooking larger 12-inch pizzas for a crowd, you can work in batches:
- Completely bake the first pizza and remove it.
- Let the air fryer preheat again before adding the second pizza.
- Have the next pizza prepped and ready to go to streamline the process.
- Keep the first pizza warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
Letting the air fryer come fully back up to temp in between batches is key for getting the best results. With some efficient batching, you can make pizzas for the whole family.
Does Pizza Fit in Other Air Fryer Models?
The ability to cook full sized pizzas is not limited to just the PowerXL model. Many other air fryers boast this same capacity. For example:
Other Air Fryers for 12-Inch Pizzas
| Brand | Model | Basket Size |
|---|---|---|
| Ninja | AF101 | 12.6 x 12.6 inches |
| Cosori | CO130 | 12.5 x 12.8 inches |
| Instant | Vortex Plus | 12 x 12 inches |
Ninja, Cosori, Instant and others also make air fryer models with ~12.5 x 12.5 cooking chambers advertised to fit 12-inch pizzas. Just note that the actual usable capacity may be a bit less.
Tips for Pizzas in Other Air Fryers
No matter which machine you have, these general tips will set you up for air fryer pizza success:
- Use thin or hand tossed crusts only
- Pre-bake dough briefly before adding toppings
- Brush crust with oil or nonstick spray
- Follow recipe cooking temps and times
- Use a pizza or perforated pan for better airflow
As long as you account for the compact space, you can enjoy perfect pizzeria-quality results out of many different air fryer models.
Conclusion
The PowerXL air fryer can accommodate a standard 12-inch pizza with the right crust style and preparation. For the best fit, opt for thin or hand-tossed crusts around 1/2 inch thick or less. Par-bake fresh dough before topping and use air fryer-specific frozen varieties. With some smart shortcuts, you can enjoy homemade pizza for the family any night of the week thanks to the versatility of the PowerXL air fryer grill.