Are you tired of soggy pizza crusts or unevenly cooked toppings when trying to whip up a quick meal at home? You’re not alone! Many home cooks are discovering the magic of air fryers for making delicious, crispy pizza. But what’s the best air fryer setting for pizza to truly get that restaurant-quality finish? It’s a common question, and getting it right can transform your pizza night!
Air fryers, with their super-heated circulating air, are fantastic for achieving that desirable golden-brown crispness that traditional ovens often struggle with for smaller items. From frozen pizzas to delightful homemade creations, finding the optimal settings can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll dive into the ideal temperatures and times, plus review some top air fryer models that truly shine when it comes to pizza, ensuring you nail the best air fryer setting for pizza every single time.
Getting the Best Air Fryer Setting for Pizza: Tips & Tricks
Before we jump into specific models, let’s talk general strategy for pizza perfection. While exact settings can vary by air fryer model and pizza type, here’s a solid starting point for the best air fryer setting for pizza:
- Temperature: Aim for 350-400°F (175-200°C). Lower temperatures might result in a less crispy crust, while too high can burn the toppings before the cheese melts.
- Time: For a standard frozen pizza or a pre-made crust with toppings, start with 8-12 minutes. Smaller, personal pizzas might be ready in 6-8 minutes. Always keep an eye on it, especially the first time!
- Preheat is Key: Just like a conventional oven, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at your chosen temperature ensures consistent cooking from the get-go.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t try to cram a large pizza into a small air fryer. If your pizza doesn’t fit flat, consider cutting it into slices before cooking for even results.
- Use the Right Accessories: If your air fryer comes with a pizza pan or a crisper tray, use it! It helps with airflow and crust crisping. For frozen pizzas, some people like to place them directly on the air fryer basket if it’s sturdy enough, but a pan can prevent drips.
- Reheating Leftovers: For day-old slices, 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes works wonders, bringing them back to life with a perfectly crispy crust.
Now, let’s explore some fantastic air fryer toaster oven combos and dedicated air fryers that make achieving pizza perfection a breeze.
Top 7 Air Fryers Perfect for Pizza
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This Emeril Lagasse model isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a full-fledged kitchen powerhouse designed to handle almost any culinary task, including a perfect pizza. With its impressive 26-quart capacity and elegant French doors, it can comfortably fit a 12-inch pizza, making it ideal for families or entertaining. The 25 cooking presets, including a dedicated “Pizza” function, take the guesswork out of finding the best air fryer setting for pizza, while the dual-speed fan ensures even, golden-fried crisping all around.
- Key Features:
- Versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo
- 25 cooking pre-sets, including a specific Pizza mode
- Dual-speed fan for 360º superheated air circulation
- Extra-large 26-quart capacity (fits 12” pizza, 6-lb chicken)
- Stainless steel exterior with elegant French doors and interior light
- Pros:
- Excellent large capacity for family-sized pizzas
- Dedicated pizza preset simplifies cooking
- Dual-speed fan ensures even crisping
- Elegant design with practical French doors
- Cons:
- Larger footprint might take up significant counter space
- Higher price point compared to smaller models
- User Impressions: Users frequently praise its versatility and large capacity, noting that it’s a fantastic all-in-one appliance. The pizza preset is a standout feature for many, consistently delivering well-cooked pizzas with crispy crusts. While big, its multi-functionality often justifies the space.
- See it on Amazon here
Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
The Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Toaster Oven offers the best of both worlds, combining the convenience of an air fryer with the classic functions of a toaster oven. It’s perfectly sized for daily use, capable of fitting a 9-inch pizza with ease. The Sure-Crisp air fry convection function powerfully circulates air, ensuring your pizza crust gets that lovely golden-brown finish with little to no oil. It’s an accessible option for those looking to explore the best air fryer setting for pizza without breaking the bank.
- Key Features:
- Sure-Crisp air fry convection for even browning
- 4 versatile cooking options: air fry, toast, bake, broil
- 4 slice capacity, fits up to a 9″ pizza
- Includes metal air-fry basket, bake pan, and broil rack
- Precise temperature control from 200° to 450°F
- Pros:
- Compact size suitable for smaller kitchens
- Affordable and versatile for multiple cooking needs
- Good for crisping smaller pizzas and snacks
- Comes with essential accessories
- Cons:
- Capacity limited to 9″ pizzas
- No specific “Pizza” preset, requires manual setting
- User Impressions: Customers appreciate its straightforward operation and how effectively it crisps food, especially fries and chicken wings, making it a reliable choice for smaller pizzas. Many highlight its value for money and the convenience of having an air fryer and toaster oven in one.
- See it on Amazon here
Hamilton Beach Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo with Large Capacity
Stepping up in size from its Sure-Crisp sibling, this Hamilton Beach Air Fryer Toaster Oven boasts a larger capacity, easily accommodating a 12-inch pizza. Its Easy Reach oven door is a thoughtful design touch, providing easier access to your food and freeing up counter space. With 4 cooking functions and 1400 watts of power, it’s designed to deliver efficient cooking, making it simpler to find the ideal air fryer settings for pizza without constant adjustments.
- Key Features:
- Sure-Crisp air fry function for even cooking and browning
- Easy Reach oven door for convenient access
- Large cooking space: fits 6 slices of toast or a 12″ pizza
- 4 cooking functions: toast, air fry, bake, broil
- 30-minute timer with stay-on setting and auto shutoff
- Pros:
- Spacious interior fits standard 12″ pizzas
- Unique Easy Reach door design is practical
- Combines air frying with traditional toaster oven functions
- Good power for quick cooking
- Cons:
- Still no dedicated “Pizza” preset
- Timer is only 30 minutes, might require re-setting for longer cooks
- User Impressions: Users love the larger capacity for pizzas and baking, praising the Easy Reach door for its convenience. They often note that it performs well for air frying, producing crispy results for various foods, including pizza. It’s considered a solid workhorse for daily kitchen tasks.
- See it on Amazon here
Panasonic FlashXpress Family Size Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The Panasonic FlashXpress is a versatile powerhouse, building on its renowned toaster capabilities to offer air frying and more. It boasts dual heating elements for rapid heat, meaning your pizza will be ready in a flash. With 11 cook settings, including a “Pizza” option, it takes the guesswork out of finding the best air fryer setting for pizza. Its sleek stainless steel design and easy-clean interior make it a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen, capable of fitting a 12″ pizza.
- Key Features:
- Dual heating elements for rapid heat and quicker meals
- 11 cook settings, including dedicated “Pizza” and “Airfry”
- Versatile functions: Toast, Airfry, Reheat, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Roast, Air Roast, Bagel, Pizza, Steak, plus manual Mode
- Spacious interior fits a 12″ pizza
- PFAS-Free interior for peace of mind
- Pros:
- Extremely fast preheating and cooking
- Dedicated pizza setting for optimal results
- Wide range of cooking functions for versatility
- PFAS-free interior is a significant health benefit
- Cons:
- Might be a premium price point
- Digital controls might have a learning curve for some
- User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by the speed and efficiency of this oven, especially for toasting and air frying. The “Pizza” setting is highly appreciated for delivering consistently good results, with many saying it makes meal prep incredibly quick and convenient.
- See it on Amazon here
Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer, Extra Large Airfryer
The Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer is a true innovation, recommended by America’s Test Kitchen and voted best large-capacity air fryer by Reviewed USA Today. Inspired by professional pizza ovens, it features 360° heating technology with dual top and bottom heating elements, ensuring your pizza is cooked evenly and up to 30% faster. With 15-in-1 multifunctional cooking, including a dedicated Pizza setting, and a unique self-cleaning mode, this whisper-quiet air fryer brings professional results and convenience right to your countertop.
- Key Features:
- 360° Heating Technology with dual top/bottom elements for even cooking
-
1 in Cooking Speed, up to 30% faster
- Whisper-Quiet Operation (55dB)
- 15-in-1 Multifunctional Cooking, including Pizza, Air Fry, Roast
- Unique Self-Cleaning Mode
- Non-Stick Ceramic Basket (PFAS-free)
- Pros:
- Exceptional cooking speed and even results for pizza
- Professional-grade heating technology
- Extremely quiet operation
- Self-cleaning feature is a major convenience
- Non-stick, non-toxic ceramic basket
- Cons:
- Higher-end price range
- Specific basket design might limit pan options (though it does pizza well)
- User Impressions: Users rave about its speed and the quality of cooking, especially how crispy it gets food without much effort. The quiet operation is a frequent highlight. Many find the self-cleaning function revolutionary, making maintenance much easier, cementing its status as a top-tier air fryer.
- See it on Amazon here
Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo with French Doors
Another impressive offering from Emeril Lagasse, this Dual Zone Air Fryer Oven Combo takes versatility to the next level with its unique dual-zone cooking. This means you can cook two different dishes at different temperatures simultaneously, or remove the divider for one massive 25-quart cooking space – perfect for an extra-large pizza or a full meal. QuickSync Technology ensures everything finishes at the same time, making it easier than ever to manage complex meals and find the perfect air fryer settings for pizza alongside other dishes.
- Key Features:
- All-in-one cooking with 10 kitchen tools in one
- Dual-Zone Mastery for simultaneous cooking at different temperatures
- QuickSync Technology for perfectly synced meal completion
- XL 25-Qt. capacity, can be used as one large zone
- Can cook frozen items to fabulous in minutes
- Pros:
- Unparalleled versatility with dual-zone cooking
- Large capacity fits big pizzas or multiple items
- QuickSync Technology is a game-changer for meal prep
- Fast cooking, even for frozen foods
- Cons:
- Premium price point
- Large footprint, requiring significant counter space
- User Impressions: Customers are amazed by the dual-zone functionality and its ability to simplify meal preparation for large families or gatherings. Its speed and consistent cooking results, particularly for crispy items like pizza and frozen snacks, receive high praise. Many consider it a worthwhile investment for its versatility and performance.
- See it on Amazon here
Cassia Countertop Electric Air Fryer Pizza Oven, 12″
If pizza is your absolute priority, the Cassia Countertop Electric Air Fryer Pizza Oven might be your perfect match. This appliance is specifically designed to excel at pizza, reaching incredibly high temperatures up to 400℃ (752℉) – far higher than most air fryers, mimicking a traditional pizza oven. With 9 heating elements, two powerful fans, and an included ceramic pizza stone, it promises a perfectly crispy crust and restaurant-quality pizza in as little as 5 minutes after rapid preheating.
- Key Features:
- High-Temperature Performance (up to 400℃/752℉)
- Spacious 20L capacity fits 12-inch pizza
- Advanced Heating System: 9 heating elements and two powerful fans
- Includes ceramic pizza stone for extra crispy crust
- 16 preset functions, including a professional pizza setting
- Rapid preheating (3-10 minutes) and fast cooking (5 min pizza)
- Pros:
- Specialized for superior pizza results with high temperatures
- Included pizza stone enhances crust crispiness
- Extremely fast cooking times for pizza
- Dedicated professional pizza setting
- Comes with a comprehensive set of accessories
- Cons:
- Less versatile than a multi-function air fryer toaster oven for other tasks
- Higher temperature might require more careful monitoring for non-pizza items
- User Impressions: Pizza lovers can’t stop raving about the Cassia’s ability to produce truly authentic, crispy-crust pizzas at home. Its speed and the quality of the crust, thanks to the high temperatures and pizza stone, are consistently highlighted as its strongest features. While it excels at pizza, users also find its other presets useful for specific cooking tasks.
- See it on Amazon here
FAQ: Your Air Fryer Pizza Questions Answered
Q1: What is the best temperature for cooking pizza in an air fryer?
A1: For most pizzas, a temperature range of 350-400°F (175-200°C) is ideal. If your air fryer has a dedicated “Pizza” preset, start with that! This range ensures the cheese melts perfectly while the crust gets delightfully crispy.
Q2: How long does it take to cook pizza in an air fryer?
A2: Cooking times vary based on pizza size and thickness, but generally, 8-12 minutes for a medium frozen or homemade pizza. Smaller personal pizzas might be ready in 6-8 minutes. Always check for golden-brown cheese and a crispy crust.
Q3: Can I cook frozen pizza in an air fryer?
A3: Absolutely! Air fryers are fantastic for frozen pizzas, often yielding a crispier crust than a traditional oven. Follow the recommended temperature (350-400°F) and check frequently after 8 minutes. Some air fryers even have a “Frozen” or “Pizza” preset that works wonders.
Q4: Do I need to preheat my air fryer for pizza?
A4: Yes, preheating is highly recommended. Preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at your desired temperature (e.g., 375°F) ensures the air fryer is at the optimal cooking temperature from the moment you place your pizza in, leading to more even cooking and a crispier crust.
Q5: Can I use parchment paper in an air fryer for pizza?
A5: Yes, you can use parchment paper in an air fryer, but only if it’s weighted down by the food. Never preheat an air fryer with just parchment paper, as it can fly up and hit the heating element, posing a fire risk. For pizza, it can help with cleanup, but make sure the pizza covers most of it. Alternatively, a small pizza pan or aluminum foil shaped to fit can also work.
Q6: What kind of pizza works best in an air fryer?
A6: Personal-sized pizzas, frozen pizzas designed for conventional ovens, and pre-made crusts with fresh toppings tend to work best due to their manageable size. Thin-crust pizzas are especially good as they crisp up beautifully. Just make sure the pizza fits without touching the heating element or sides.
Q7: How do I reheat leftover pizza in an air fryer?
A7: Reheating leftover pizza in an air fryer is a game-changer! Place slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket (no preheating needed for small amounts). Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crispy again. It tastes as good as fresh!
Final Slice
Finding the best air fryer setting for pizza truly depends on your specific air fryer model and the type of pizza you’re cooking. However, with the right temperature range (350-400°F), a bit of preheating, and a careful eye on the clock, you’re well on your way to pizza perfection. The air fryer models reviewed here offer fantastic features that make achieving that desired crispy crust easier than ever, whether through dedicated pizza presets or powerful air frying technology. So, go ahead, grab your favorite pizza, and let your air fryer do the magic!