Can Pizza Be Baked in a Convection Oven: Tips for Crispy Crust and Even Cooked Toppings
Pizza is a dish that is loved across the world and for good reason. After all, a slice of freshly-baked pizza is one of life's greatest pleasures. But how can you get that perfect pizza crust? The answer might surprise you: you can bake pizza in a convection oven.
Opting for a Convection Oven for Baking Pizza
Convection ovens are a fantastic choice for baking pizzas because they cook food quickly and evenly. The circulating hot air helps to achieve a crispy crust and evenly cooked toppings, making it a perfect fit for pizza. However, there are a few tips you should follow to ensure your pizza turns out perfectly.
Tips for Baking Pizza in a Convection Oven
Temperature: Preheat the convection oven to a temperature about 25°F (14°C) lower than you would use in a conventional oven. For example, if you typically bake pizza at 475°F (245°C) in a conventional oven, set the convection oven to around 450°F (230°C).
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pizza as it may bake faster in a convection oven. Check for doneness a few minutes earlier than the recommended baking time. This will help prevent the pizza from overcooking or burning.
Placement: Position the pizza on a baking stone or a baking sheet and place it in the center of the oven for the best results. The baking stone or sheet will help to distribute the heat evenly, ensuring the crust gets that perfect crispy texture.
Use of Fan: If your convection oven has a fan setting, it’s generally best to use it for even cooking. The fan helps to circulate the hot air, ensuring the pizza cooks evenly throughout.
Personal Experience with Convection Ovens
Many experienced cooks, including myself, prefer using the convection feature when baking pizza. It cooks more evenly and the crust comes out crisper. However, it's important to note that when cooking with convection for the first time, you should not cook the full time, as convection cooks a little faster than normal baking.
Additional Tips for Perfectly Baked Pizza
Not only can you bake pizza in a convection oven, but there are other dishes you can try. Many ovens like Unox have pre-set recipes, which are great for consistent results. However, it's important to use a stone shelf, which is sold separately, to get that texture on the bottom as if it was done in a traditional oven. This will give you that perfect pizza base with a crispy and chewy crust.
In conclusion, whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, a convection oven can be a great tool for baking pizza. By following these tips and experimenting with different techniques, you can achieve that delicious, crispy crust every time. Enjoy your pizza and happy baking!