Pinsa surprises with its versatility, and this also applies to the cooking process. The base you buy in stores is pre-cooked, meaning it has already undergone an initial baking process, but it still needs a few extra minutes to be completed and made perfect.

Since the pinsa base is originally baked in an oven, it’s natural that the oven (this time, your home oven) is the best choice to finish cooking it. However, an oven is not always available, or you might not have the time to preheat it—or simply don’t feel like using it. Think about hot summer days when turning on the oven seems unbearable or those moments when you need a quick solution for an improvised meal. Not to mention that sometimes you just want to experiment or make the most of your kitchen appliances, such as the air fryer or a grill pan.

Whatever the reason, there are practical and surprising alternatives that allow you to enjoy a perfectly cooked pinsa in any situation.

How to cook a pinsa in the oven

The oven is the most classic method for cooking a pinsa, and it’s also the easiest. You don’t need a professional oven—your home oven is enough to get a crispy crust on the outside and a soft interior in no time. So, how do you cook a pinsa in the oven?

• Preheat the oven to 240°C (465°F). A high temperature is essential to give the pinsa the right crispiness without drying it out.
• Prepare the base: top it with fresh ingredients, distributing them evenly.
• Bake directly on the oven rack. Avoid using a baking tray, as this allows the heat to circulate better, making the base even crispier.
• Bake for about 5 minutes. If you want a more golden crust, extend the cooking time by one more minute.

Why Choose the Oven?

Cooking a pinsa in the oven is the most practical method to achieve perfect results. The heat distributes evenly, allowing the base to become crispy without losing its light texture. Additionally, oven baking enhances the flour blend and long fermentation, making the pinsa even more digestible. Another advantage? With the oven, you can really experiment with toppings without worrying about them burning too quickly.

No oven? Try cooking a pinsa in a pan

Don’t have an oven or prefer not to use it? No problem—cooking a pinsa in a pan is an excellent alternative. The main advantage is convenience: no preheating time and super-fast cooking. Plus, direct contact with the hot surface creates a crispy base, similar to stone baking. The only trick is to monitor the heat to prevent the bottom from burning before the toppings are properly heated. Here’s how to cook a pinsa in a pan and get an amazing result.

1. Lightly grease the pan with a drizzle of oil and preheat it over medium heat.
2. Cook one side for 4 minutes, optionally covering it with a lid to trap the heat.
3. Flip the pinsa and cook for another 4 minutes to brown the base.
4. Top as desired and enjoy!

Pinsa in an air fryer: a perfect match

The air fryer has become a kitchen must-have, thanks to its ability to cook quickly and evenly while reducing fat use. It works by circulating high-speed hot air, making it perfect for achieving a crispy yet soft pinsa without needing to turn on the oven. It’s also an ideal solution for those looking for a quick and practical way to cook.

How to cook a pinsa in an air fryer?

1. Cut the pinsa in half to fit it into the air fryer basket.
2. Top the base before cooking, if using ingredients that need heating (such as tomato sauce and mozzarella). If using cold toppings like cured meats or fresh vegetables, add them after baking.
3. Place the pinsa in the air fryer and close the basket.
4. Cook for 5 minutes at 200°C (400°F), checking for the desired crispiness.

And there you have it—your crispy, light, and perfectly cooked pinsa in no time!

Grill pan and toaster: two underrated but effective options

If you don’t have an oven or an air fryer but still want a well-cooked pinsa, a grill pan or toaster can be surprisingly effective solutions. The grill pan ensures even cooking with a slight pressure, while the toaster is perfect for making bite-sized snacks, ideal for appetizers with different toppings.

Cooking a pinsa in a grill pan:

1. Preheat the grill pan for a few minutes over medium heat.
2. Top the pinsa before cooking if the ingredients need melting, or after if using fresh toppings.
3. Place the pinsa in the grill pan and close the lid gently, without pressing too hard.
4. Cook for about 5 minutes, making sure the base becomes crispy without burning.

Using a toaster for pinsa:

The main difference here is the initial preparation—you need to cut the pinsa into slices.

1. Slice the pinsa, ideal if you want to make small finger-food style appetizers.
2. Top the slices before or after cooking, depending on the ingredients.
3. Place the slices in the toaster and toast for about 5 minutes.
4. Add final toppings like fresh vegetables or cheese.

In just a few minutes, you’ll have a warm and crispy pinsa, ready to be served in a classic version or as an easy-to-eat snack!