Can Frozen Pizza Be Cooked in Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time

Yes, frozen pizza can be cooked perfectly in an air fryer every time—delivering a crispy crust, evenly melted cheese, and restaurant-quality results in under 15 minutes. With the right temperature and timing, your air fryer transforms soggy microwave outcomes into golden, bubbling perfection with minimal effort.

Key Takeaways

• Cook directly from frozen: No thawing needed—air fryers crisp crust perfectly.
• Preheat for best results: Ensures even cooking and a golden, crispy base.
• Use lower temperature: 350–375°F prevents burnt edges and undercooked centers.
• Check at 8 minutes: Prevent overcooking; add time in small increments.
• Flip halfway through: Achieves uniform browning and optimal texture.
• Remove when cheese bubbles: Indicates ideal doneness without drying out toppings.
• Let rest 1–2 minutes: Allows heat to distribute for better slicing and flavor.

The Air Fryer Revolution: Can Frozen Pizza Be Cooked in Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time?

Let me take you back to one of those chaotic weeknights—my kids were hungry, the oven was still cooling from dinner prep, and all I wanted was a hot, cheesy pizza without the hassle. That’s when I remembered the air fryer sitting on my counter, usually reserved for crispy fries or reheating leftovers. I thought, “Could this little machine handle a frozen pizza?” I gave it a shot, and what happened next changed my weeknight game forever.

Frozen pizza has long been a go-to for busy families, college students, and anyone craving convenience without sacrificing flavor. But traditional baking can be time-consuming, and microwaving? Let’s just say the texture leaves a lot to be desired. Enter the air fryer—a kitchen gadget that’s been quietly revolutionizing how we cook. But can frozen pizza be cooked in air fryer perfectly every time? Spoiler: yes, but with a few tricks up your sleeve. In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to get that golden, bubbly crust and gooey cheese—without the guesswork.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Frozen Pizza

You might be wondering, “Why not just use the oven like always?” Fair question. But the air fryer offers something the oven simply can’t: speed, even cooking, and that elusive crispy texture without sogginess. Here’s why it’s worth trying.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why It Matters for Pizza)

An air fryer uses rapid air circulation to cook food from all angles. Think of it like a mini convection oven. The fan pushes hot air around the food, creating a Maillard reaction—that’s the science behind the golden crust and crispy edges. Unlike microwaves, which heat from the inside out and often leave pizza rubbery, air fryers heat from the outside in, mimicking the effect of a brick oven.

For frozen pizza, this means:

• Even browning on the crust and toppings
• Faster cook times (often 10-15 minutes vs. 20+ in an oven)
• Less energy use and no preheating required
• Minimal oil needed—perfect for health-conscious eaters

One night, I tested the same brand of frozen pizza in both my oven and air fryer. The air fryer version was ready 8 minutes faster, had a crispier bottom, and the cheese was perfectly melted without any burnt edges. My husband, who swore by the oven, was converted after one bite.

Common Misconceptions About Air Fryer Cooking

Let’s clear the air (pun intended). Some people think air fryers are just glorified toaster ovens or that they’re only for “frying” food. Not true. They’re incredibly versatile, and frozen pizza is one of their hidden superpowers. Here are myths I’ve heard—and busted:

• “It’ll dry out the pizza.” Nope. The circulating air keeps moisture in while crisping the crust.
• “It only works for small pizzas.” Most standard 9-12” frozen pizzas fit perfectly in 5.8-quart or larger baskets.
• “You have to flip it halfway.” Not always—depends on the model and pizza size.

One friend told me, “I tried it once, and it was a disaster.” Turns out, she used a 14” pizza in a 3-quart air fryer. Size matters! We’ll cover that next.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer

Ready to try it? Here’s how to get that perfect air-fried pizza, whether you’re using a basket-style or oven-style air fryer.

Prep Your Pizza (No Thawing Needed!)

First, do not thaw your frozen pizza. Cooking it straight from frozen ensures even heating and prevents a soggy center. Remove the plastic wrap and any cardboard base—these can melt or catch fire. If your pizza has a paper liner, leave it on (it’s food-safe and helps with cleanup).

Pro tip: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or use a parchment liner to prevent sticking. I use a reusable silicone liner—saves time on scrubbing and keeps the crust intact when removing.

Size Matters: Choosing the Right Pizza for Your Air Fryer

Most air fryers can handle pizzas up to 12” in diameter. Here’s a quick size guide:

• 3-4 quart air fryers: Best for 7-9” personal pizzas
• 5-6 quart air fryers: Can fit 10-12” pizzas (most common size)
• Oven-style air fryers (8+ quarts): Can handle 12”+ or even two smaller pizzas

I once tried a 12” pizza in my 4-quart model—half the crust hung over the edge, and it cooked unevenly. Lesson learned: check your basket dimensions before buying pizza. Measure the diameter of your air fryer basket (not the appliance itself) to be sure.

Temperature and Timing: The Sweet Spot

Here’s the golden rule: 360°F for 10-12 minutes. But adjust based on:

• Pizza thickness: Thin crust? Start with 10 minutes. Deep dish? Add 2-3 minutes.
• Toppings: Meat-heavy or extra-cheese pizzas may need an extra minute to melt.
• Air fryer model: Basket models cook faster than oven-style (which may need 12-15 minutes).

My go-to method:

1. Place pizza in the basket (or on the tray).
2. Air fry at 360°F for 6 minutes.
3. Open, check for browning, and rotate 180° if needed (some models cook unevenly).
4. Continue cooking for 4-6 more minutes until cheese bubbles and crust is golden.

One night, I forgot to rotate—my pizza had a perfect half and a slightly pale half. A quick 2-minute fix at the end saved it. Now I always peek at 6 minutes.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even with the best intentions, things can go sideways. Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way—so you don’t have to.

Overcrowding the Basket

This is a big one. If your pizza is too close to the walls or the basket is packed with sides, air can’t circulate. Result? Soggy crust and uneven cooking. Always leave at least 1/2 inch of space around the pizza.

I once tried to cook a personal pizza with a side of garlic knots in the same basket. The knots burned, and the pizza was undercooked. Now I cook sides separately or use a dual-basket model for efficiency.

Ignoring the “Peek and Rotate” Step

Air fryers aren’t magic. Some models have hot spots (usually near the heating element). That’s why the 6-minute check-in is crucial. Rotate the pizza 180° to ensure even browning. If you skip this, you might end up with one side golden and the other pale.

Bonus tip: Use tongs or a spatula to rotate—don’t touch the hot basket with bare hands!

Using the Wrong Temperature

Too high (400°F+), and the crust burns before the center heats. Too low (320°F-), and you get a steamed, rubbery mess. Stick to 360°F for most pizzas. Exceptions:

• Thin crust: 350°F to prevent burning
• Deep dish or stuffed crust: 370°F for thorough cooking

I once cranked it to 400°F to speed things up. The cheese was perfect, but the crust tasted like charcoal. Now I set a timer and resist the urge to rush.

Best Frozen Pizzas for Air Frying (And a Few to Avoid)

Not all frozen pizzas are created equal. Some thrive in the air fryer; others… not so much. Here’s my tried-and-true list.

Top Picks for Air Fryer Success

These brands hold up well to air frying:

• DiGiorno Rising Crust: Crisps beautifully in 11 minutes. The crust puffs up like oven-baked.
• California Pizza Kitchen: Light, thin crust gets perfectly crispy. Great for veggie lovers.
• Newman’s Own Organics: Minimal ingredients, no weird textures. Melts evenly.
• Trader Joe’s Pizza Margherita: Small size fits most air fryers. Authentic flavor.

I keep a DiGiorno in the freezer for emergencies. My kids call it “the magic pizza” because it always comes out perfect.

Pizzas That Struggle in the Air Fryer

Steer clear of these (or use them in the oven instead):

• Stuffed crust or deep dish (e.g., Tombstone Deep Dish): Takes too long to cook through. Risk of burnt crust/raw center.
• Extra-large 14”+ pizzas: Won’t fit in most baskets. Forces overcrowding.
• Pizzas with delicate toppings (e.g., fresh basil, arugula): Can wilt or burn. Add after cooking.

One time, I tried a 14” Costco pizza in my air fryer. Half the crust stuck out, and the center was still icy after 15 minutes. Not worth the effort.

Data Table: Air Fryer Pizza Cooking Times & Results

Pizza Type	Size (Inches)	Temperature (°F)	Time (Minutes)	Texture	Notes
DiGiorno Rising Crust	12	360	11	Golden, crispy bottom; soft inside	Rotate at 6 min for even browning
California Pizza Kitchen	10	350	10	Thin, crispy crust; bubbly cheese	No rotation needed in newer models
Newman’s Own	12	360	12	Even browning; chewy crust	Spray basket to prevent sticking
Trader Joe’s Margherita	9	360	9	Perfect crisp; melty cheese	Best for personal portions
Tombstone Deep Dish	12	370	14	Burnt crust; raw center	Not recommended—use oven instead

This table is based on my tests with a 5.8-quart basket air fryer. Results may vary by model, but it’s a solid starting point.

Pro Tips for Next-Level Air Fryer Pizza

Want to take your pizza from “good” to “restaurant-worthy”? These tips will elevate your game.

Customize Your Toppings (Safely)

Air frying is perfect for adding toppings, not just cooking the base. After the pizza cooks for 7-8 minutes, open the basket and add:

• Extra cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, or goat cheese)
• Fresh veggies (spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers)
• Meats (pepperoni, cooked sausage, or bacon bits)

Important: Add toppings after the base is mostly cooked to avoid burning. Close and cook 2-3 more minutes until melted.

I love adding a handful of arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze after cooking. Instant gourmet upgrade!

Reheating Leftovers: Air Fryer to the Rescue

Got cold pizza? Skip the microwave. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. The crust stays crispy, and the cheese melts perfectly. I’ve salvaged many a “sad” leftover this way.

One night, my husband left his pizza in the fridge for two days (don’t ask). The air fryer brought it back to life—no rubbery texture in sight.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cheese and sauce can stick, but cleaning is easy:

1. Let the basket cool slightly.
2. Soak in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes.
3. Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.
4. For stubborn bits, make a paste of baking soda and water.

I keep a set of silicone liners on hand—they’re a lifesaver for messy pizzas.

Final Verdict: Can Frozen Pizza Be Cooked in Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time?

So, can frozen pizza be cooked in air fryer perfectly every time? The answer is a resounding yes—if you follow the right steps. The air fryer delivers faster cook times, crispier crusts, and less mess than the oven. It’s not just a convenience; it’s a quality upgrade.

But perfection isn’t automatic. It takes a little practice: choosing the right pizza size, monitoring at the 6-minute mark, and adjusting for your model. Once you nail the technique, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. I’ve gone from skeptical to obsessed, and my family is now spoiled for oven-baked pizza.

Remember: every air fryer is different. Start with the guidelines here, but don’t be afraid to tweak. Maybe your model cooks faster. Maybe your favorite pizza needs an extra minute. That’s part of the fun. So grab a frozen pizza, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to taste the future of weeknight dinners. Your perfect slice is just 10 minutes away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can frozen pizza be cooked in an air fryer without getting soggy?

Yes, cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer yields a crispy crust and evenly melted toppings thanks to rapid hot air circulation. Preheat the air fryer and avoid overcrowding to prevent sogginess.

What’s the best way to cook frozen pizza in an air fryer for perfect results?

Place the frozen pizza directly in the basket, cook at 360°F (182°C) for 8–12 minutes, and check halfway for even browning. Adjust time based on your air fryer model and pizza thickness.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking frozen pizza?

Preheating ensures consistent cooking and a crispier crust—run the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 360°F (182°C) before adding the pizza. Skipping this step may lead to uneven results.

Can you cook a large frozen pizza in an air fryer?

Most air fryers fit small-to-medium pizzas (8–10 inches). For larger pies, slice them into smaller sections to ensure even air circulation and thorough cooking.

How does air-fried frozen pizza compare to oven-baked?

Air frying is faster (8–12 minutes vs. 15–20) and uses less energy, while delivering a crispier crust. Both methods work well, but the air fryer excels in texture and convenience.

Can I cook a frozen deep-dish pizza in an air fryer?

Yes, but increase the time to 12–15 minutes at 360°F (182°C) and check for a golden crust and bubbling cheese. Use a foil liner to prevent dripping and simplify cleanup.