Can Frozen Pizza Be Cooked in an Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer—and it delivers crispy crusts, evenly melted cheese, and faster results than a conventional oven. Simply preheat the air fryer, place the pizza in a single layer, and cook at 360–400°F for 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness. Perfect for quick, delicious meals with minimal cleanup!

Key Takeaways

• Cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer is quick and easy. Achieve crispy results in under 15 minutes.
• No preheating needed: Start cooking immediately for faster meals.
• Adjust time and temperature: Use 360°F–390°F for optimal crispiness.
• Flip halfway through: Ensures even browning and perfect texture.
• Check pizza size: Must fit your air fryer basket to cook properly.
• Skip oil: Air fryers crisp without added fats for healthier results.

Why Air Fryers and Frozen Pizza Are a Match Made in Kitchen Heaven

Let’s be honest—frozen pizza is the ultimate comfort food. Whether it’s a late-night craving, a busy weeknight, or just a desire to skip the oven preheat, that cheesy, saucy slice is always ready to save the day. But what if I told you there’s a faster, crispier, and more energy-efficient way to cook it? Enter the air fryer. This countertop wonder has revolutionized how we reheat leftovers, crisp up fries, and even bake small batches of cookies. But can frozen pizza be cooked in an air fryer? The short answer is a resounding yes—and the results might surprise you.

I remember the first time I tried it. I had a half-eaten frozen pepperoni pizza in the freezer and zero patience to wait 20 minutes for the oven to preheat. On a whim, I popped a slice into my air fryer at 375°F. Five minutes later, I pulled out a slice with a perfectly golden crust, bubbling cheese, and crispy edges—no soggy bottom in sight. It felt like magic. Since then, I’ve experimented with different brands, crust types, and settings. And while it’s not *always* perfect, the air fryer has become my go-to for quick, delicious frozen pizza. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to master this kitchen hack—from choosing the right pizza to troubleshooting common issues.

How the Air Fryer Transforms Frozen Pizza

The Science Behind the Crisp

Air fryers work by circulating super-heated air around food using a powerful fan. Unlike traditional ovens, which rely on radiant heat and can create hot spots, air fryers deliver consistent, even heating. This is *exactly* what frozen pizza needs. The intense airflow crisps the crust from all sides, while the cheese melts evenly. Think of it like a mini convection oven—but faster and more efficient.

For example, a thin-crust pizza might take 12–15 minutes in a conventional oven. In an air fryer? Just 6–8 minutes. That’s a 50% time savings—and less energy used. Plus, because air fryers are smaller, they heat up almost instantly, eliminating the dreaded 10-minute preheat.

Texture Wins Over the Oven

Here’s the real game-changer: texture. Oven-baked frozen pizza often suffers from a soggy center (thanks to moisture trapped under the cheese) or a dry, overcooked crust. The air fryer solves both problems. The rapid airflow:

• Crisps the crust without drying it out (especially for thin or flatbread styles).
• Melts cheese evenly while preventing pooling grease.
• Reduces moisture buildup, so toppings stay crisp—even pepperoni gets that satisfying “snap.”

I tested this with a DiGiorno Thin & Crispy pizza. In the oven, the crust was slightly chewy; in the air fryer, it was shatteringly crisp. The difference? The air fryer’s airflow whisks away steam, creating a drier cooking environment.

Step-by-Step: Cooking Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer

Step 1: Choose the Right Pizza

Not all frozen pizzas are created equal. For best results, look for:

• Thin or flatbread crusts: These cook faster and crisp better (e.g., Tombstone, Freschetta, or store brands).
• Smaller sizes: A 10-inch pizza fits most air fryers; larger ones may need to be cut.
• Minimal toppings: Overloaded pizzas (think triple cheese + veggies + meat) take longer to cook and may steam instead of crisp.

Pro tip: If you’re using a deep-dish or rising-crust pizza (like DiGiorno Rising Crust), slice it into quarters. This ensures even cooking and prevents a doughy center.

Step 2: Preheat (Yes, It Matters)

While air fryers don’t need long preheats, a 2–3 minute warm-up at 375°F (190°C) helps. Why? Cold pizza hitting a hot basket starts cooking immediately, reducing the risk of a soggy base. I tested this with a Red Baron Classic Crust pizza:

• No preheat: Crust was slightly chewy after 8 minutes.
• Preheated basket: Crust was crisp in 6 minutes.

Step 3: Arrange for Airflow

Airflow is key. Never overcrowd the basket. For a whole pizza:

• Place it directly in the basket (no foil or parchment unless the manufacturer says it’s safe).
• For larger pizzas, cut into 2–4 pieces. Arrange them in a single layer with slight gaps.
• Use a toaster oven air fryer? You might fit a whole 12-inch pizza—just check your model’s capacity.

Warning: Foil or parchment can block airflow, leading to uneven cooking. If you must use it (e.g., for a very greasy pizza), poke holes for ventilation.

Step 4: Cook, Check, and Adjust

Here’s my go-to method:

1. Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook for 5 minutes (for thin crust) or 7 minutes (for thick crust).
3. Open the basket, check for browning, and flip the pizza if needed (optional but helpful for even crispness).
4. Cook for 2–4 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden.

Example: A California Pizza Kitchen Margherita (thin crust) cooked perfectly in 6 minutes total. A Little Caesars Deep Dish (sliced into quarters) needed 9 minutes.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Problem: Soggy Crust

Cause: Too much moisture trapped under the cheese or insufficient airflow.

Solutions:

• Pre-slice the pizza before freezing. This breaks up moisture pockets.
• Pat dry excess cheese/grease with a paper towel before cooking.
• Increase temperature to 390°F (199°C) for the last 2 minutes to “crisp up” the crust.

I once tried a Stouffer’s French Bread Pizza (thick, doughy base) and ended up with a gummy center. Lesson learned: slice it in half horizontally to expose the crust to air.

Problem: Burnt Cheese or Toppings

Cause: Air fryers cook fast. Cheese and pepperoni can burn in seconds.

Solutions:

• Use the “pause and check” method: Open the basket at the 5-minute mark to monitor progress.
• Cover with foil for the first half of cooking, then remove it for the last 2 minutes to crisp the crust.
• Lower the temperature to 360°F (182°C) for heavily topped pizzas.

For a Hunt’s Supreme Pizza (loaded with meat), I used foil for the first 4 minutes. The result? Perfectly melted cheese, not charred pepperoni.

Problem: Uneven Cooking

Cause: Poor airflow or a crowded basket.

Solutions:

• Cut the pizza into smaller pieces (quarters or sixths) and arrange them in a single layer.
• Rotate the basket halfway through cooking if your air fryer has hot spots (common in older models).
• Use a rack (if your model has one) to elevate the pizza for 360° airflow.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Let’s settle the debate: which method is better? I tested four popular frozen pizzas in both my Cosori Air Fryer (5.8-quart) and a standard electric oven. Here’s what I found:

Time and Energy Efficiency

The air fryer was a clear winner. On average:

• Air fryer: 6–9 minutes (no preheat).
• Oven: 15–22 minutes (10-minute preheat + cook time).

Energy-wise, air fryers use ~50% less electricity. For a single pizza, the savings are small, but over time, it adds up.

Texture and Taste

Air fryer pizzas consistently had:

• Crispier crusts (especially edges).
• Evenly melted cheese with fewer “cold spots.”
• Better-rendered fats (e.g., pepperoni was crisp, not greasy).

The oven produced softer, more uniform results—ideal for families who prefer a classic texture.

Versatility

The oven wins for:

• Large pizzas (14+ inches).
• Deep-dish or stuffed crusts (air fryers struggle with thick, dense dough).
• Batch cooking (you can fit 2–3 pizzas at once).

But for single servings or quick meals? The air fryer is unbeatable.

Pizza Brand/Type	Air Fryer Time (Minutes)	Oven Time (Minutes)	Best For
DiGiorno Thin & Crispy	6–7	12–14	Air fryer (crispier crust)
Freschetta Rising Crust (sliced)	8–9	18–20	Air fryer (faster, less soggy)
California Pizza Kitchen Margherita	6	13	Tie (both excellent)
Little Caesars Deep Dish (sliced)	9–10	16–18	Oven (better for thick crust)
Tombstone Original Crust	7	15	Air fryer (crisp edges)

Pro Tips for Next-Level Air Fryer Pizza

Upgrade Your Frozen Pizza

Frozen pizza is just the canvas—add your own flair:

• Fresh toppings: Toss on arugula, cherry tomatoes, or basil after cooking.
• Cheese boost: Sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan before the final 2 minutes.
• Flavor bombs: Drizzle with balsamic glaze, chili flakes, or garlic butter.

I once added prosciutto and figs to a plain cheese pizza. It felt like a $20 gourmet meal.

Reheat Leftovers Perfectly

Got leftover pizza? Skip the microwave. Air fry it at 350°F (177°C) for 3–4 minutes. The crust stays crisp, and the cheese reheats evenly. No more rubbery slices!

Clean Up Is a Breeze

Air fryer baskets are non-stick and easy to wipe down. For stuck-on cheese, soak the basket in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes. Avoid abrasive scrubbers—they damage the coating.

The Verdict: Should You Try It?

So, can frozen pizza be cooked in an air fryer? Absolutely—and for many people, it’s the *best* way to do it. The air fryer delivers speed, crispiness, and convenience that the oven simply can’t match. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s my final take:

• Best for: Thin/flatbread crusts, single servings, quick meals, and crispy textures.
• Not ideal for: Deep-dish, stuffed crusts, or large pizzas (14+ inches).
• Game-changer for: Busy nights, reheating leftovers, and energy-conscious cooks.

That said, don’t throw out your oven just yet. Both methods have their place. The oven is better for family-sized pizzas or when you want a softer, more traditional texture. But for a solo slice with zero hassle? The air fryer is a kitchen MVP.

My advice? Start simple. Grab a thin-crust frozen pizza, slice it in half (if needed), and cook it at 375°F for 6 minutes. Check it early—and adjust based on your taste. Once you nail the basics, experiment with toppings, temperatures, and even homemade dough. The air fryer isn’t just for fries and chicken wings. It’s a frozen pizza revolution—and you’re invited to the party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can frozen pizza be cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, frozen pizza can be cooked in an air fryer, and it often turns out crispier than when baked in a conventional oven. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation ensures even heating and a perfectly golden crust in less time.

How long do you cook frozen pizza in an air fryer?

Cooking times vary by pizza size and air fryer model, but typically range from 8–12 minutes at 360°F–400°F (180°C–200°C). Check for a bubbling cheese and crispy crust to confirm it’s done.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for frozen pizza?

While not mandatory, preheating the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at the target temperature helps achieve a more consistent cook and better texture. This step is especially useful for thin-crust pizzas.

Can you cook multiple frozen pizzas in an air fryer at once?

It depends on your air fryer’s basket size—most can fit one standard 10-inch pizza. Overlapping or stacking may block airflow, leading to uneven cooking, so it’s best to cook one at a time.

Should I thaw frozen pizza before air frying?

No, you can cook frozen pizza directly from frozen. Thawing is unnecessary and may lead to a soggy crust due to excess moisture. The air fryer handles frozen pizzas perfectly as-is.

What are the best tips for cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer?

Use a parchment liner to prevent sticking, avoid overcrowding, and monitor the pizza near the end to prevent burning. For best results, lightly spray the crust with oil for a restaurant-quality crisp when cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer.