How to Defrost Pizza Dough in a Microwave?

Defrosting pizza dough is simple and easy, yet it can be challenging when it is not done perfectly. Using a microwave to defrost pizza dough is one of the quickest methods, but it is very tricky and needs proper knowledge for it.

In this guide, we will provide you with step-by-step guidelines for defrosting pizza dough in the microwave and let you know if it is safe to defrost it or not.  

Can You Defrost Pizza Dough in the Microwave?

Yes, you can defrost pizza dough in the microwave, although the process looks simple and easy, but its not easy to do. It is important to follow the proper procedure to ensure it defrosts evenly without partially cooking. 

How to Defrost Pizza Dough in a Microwave?

Microwaving pizza dough is a quick defrosting process, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes, and to do that, you can follow the steps down below.

• Apply some frying oil on a microwave-safe plate and plastic wrap. Then, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it on the microwave-safe plate. 
• Make the pizza dough into a large or smaller ball, and don’t put it all at a time, start by putting 2-3 balls each time. 
• Select the defrost option or the lowest strength setting on the microwave. 
• Microwave the smaller dough balls for 30-40 seconds, and the large ones for 1 minute. 
• After the timer goes off, flip the balls over, apply some frying oil again, and then microwave them for another 30-40 seconds for both smaller and larger pizza dough balls. 
• Once it’s done, remove them from the microwave oven and keep it at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. 

Please remember that, when the pizza dough is defrosted completely, it requires 1-2 hours for proofing. After that, you can shape it again.

Is It Safe to Defrost Pizza Dough in the Microwave?

Defrosting pizza dough in the microwave is completely safe if you follow the proper instructions. However, the process is quite tricky and complicated if you are not cautious and do not have the necessary equipment and instructions to follow.  

The microwave generates a good amount of heat, and if you are unaware, it can cause the pizza dough to be overproof by drying out the pizza dough. 

It is recommended to use a microwave-safe plate, set the option of defrosting during the defrosting process, and always keep track of your time so that it doesn’t exceed. 

How Long Does It Take to Defrost Pizza Dough in the Microwave?

To defrost pizza dough in the microwave, it generally takes around 2-3 minutes for larger portions. However, smaller dough portions may require less time, depending on your microwave’s defrosting capacity. 

Even though, it can take more than two hours to defrost the pizza dough completely. 

What Are the Other Methods to Defrost Pizza Dough?

The other methods to defrost pizza dough rather than in the microwave, include refrigerating it for longer hours, showering it in cold water, and placing it on the countertop. 

1. Refrigerating Pizza Dough for Longer Hours

Keeping the pizza dough in the refrigerator is one of the safest and most effective methods, but it’s a long time process and takes up to 8 hours or overnight. The process is very simple and easy, all you have to do is take a large bowl, large enough for the dough to get sufficient space during fermentation.

Then, cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest overnight for the yeast to activate. After that, when you are ready to use it, simply take it out of the refrigerator and keep it at the counter for 30 minutes. 

2. Showering Pizza Dough in Cold Water

Showering pizza dough in cold water is an alternative process for quick defrosting, and it can only take about 2 hours to complete. Start by placing the pizza dough in a sealed plastic bag, and make sure the water doesn’t go in.

Next, keep the sealed plastic bag in a large bowl and shower cold water all over it for an hour or two. Then, remove the pizza dough from the sealed bag and transfer it into a dry bowl for another 30 minutes. 

3. Placing Pizza Dough on the Countertop

Placing the pizza dough on the countertop for 2-3 hours in a large bowl can defrost the pizza dough at room temperature. Also, you can keep it near the sunlight for faster defrosting. 

Frequent Asked Questions

What Happens if My Dough Gets a Little Warm in the Microwave?

When the dough is a little warm in the microwave, the yeast will become active, causing the dough to rise. However, if the dough is too hot, it can burn the yeast, and the texture of the dough will be dense and tough. 

Therefore, it is important to defrost the dough carefully and cautiously to avoid such problems. 

Can I Refreeze Defrosted Pizza Dough?

No, you shouldn’t refreeze defrosted pizza dough after it has been defrosted once. Though it is not considered harmful, refreezing it again can make the dough hard and less chewy. Also, you are not going to get a taste like before. 

If you don’t want to waste it, you can cook the dough and then refreeze it, or you can take a portion from the frozen dough for defrost based on your needs and then cook it. 

Which Defrosting Method Is Safe for Pizza Dough?

All methods of defrosting pizza dough, whether in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave are generally safe. 

However, the most effective and safest method is to defrost pizza dough in the refrigerator, though it takes longer hours or possibly overnight, it maintains an ideal temperature of 40°F (5°C), which is ideal for pizza dough to keep its quality. 

How Long Does Pizza Dough Last After Defrosting?

Pizza dough can last up to 3 (three) days after it has been defrosted. 

How Do I Know if Pizza Dough Has Gone Bad?

When the pizza dough has gone bad, there will be an unpleasant smell or a sour smell from the pizza dough. Also, the color will be slightly greyish, and the texture will be excessively sticky and dry. 

It is recommended to throw it away in the trash bin and bake new pizza dough.