Can I Bake a Pizza in an Air Fryer Get Crispy Results Fast

Yes, you can bake a pizza in an air fryer and achieve crispy, golden results in under 10 minutes. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation cooks the crust evenly while creating a perfectly crisp exterior and gooey, melted cheese—ideal for quick weeknight meals or personal-sized pies. No preheating, no mess, just delicious results every time.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake pizza in an air fryer for crispy results quickly.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a golden crust.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup effortlessly.
• Limit toppings for best results to avoid soggy or unevenly cooked pizza.
• Cook in batches if needed to maintain crispiness and proper air circulation.
• Check at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking, as air fryers vary in speed.

Why You Should (and Shouldn’t) Bake Pizza in an Air Fryer

Let’s be honest—pizza is one of those foods that hits differently when it’s hot, crispy, and fresh. Whether you’re craving a classic margherita or a loaded pepperoni, the idea of whipping up a homemade pie without waiting for the oven to preheat is pretty tempting. That’s why so many of us have asked: “Can I bake a pizza in an air fryer?”

The short answer? Yes, you absolutely can. But it’s not as simple as tossing a frozen pizza into your air fryer basket and calling it a day. I’ve tried it—more than once—and I’ve learned a few things along the way. Some were delicious wins. Others? Well, let’s just say I’ve had my fair share of soggy crusts and burnt cheese. But here’s the good news: with the right approach, your air fryer can deliver crispy, golden pizza in under 10 minutes, all while using less energy than your oven. And if you’re short on time or space (looking at you, dorm dwellers and small kitchens), this method is a total game-changer.

How Air Fryers Work and Why They’re Great for Pizza

The Science Behind Air Frying

Air fryers aren’t actually “frying” anything. Instead, they use rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly and create a crispy exterior—kind of like a mini convection oven. A powerful fan blows hot air around the food at high speeds, creating the Maillard reaction (that browning effect we love on pizza crusts and cheese). This process mimics deep frying but with little to no oil.

Compared to a traditional oven, air fryers heat up faster and cook food more quickly because of their compact size and intense airflow. That’s why they’re perfect for small-batch cooking—like a single personal pizza or two small slices.

Why Air Fryers Excel at Crisping Pizza

Pizza is all about texture: a crispy crust, bubbly cheese, and a slightly charred edge. The air fryer delivers all of that—fast. Here’s why:

• Direct heat exposure: Unlike an oven where heat radiates from above and below, the air fryer surrounds the pizza with hot air, crisping every side evenly.
• Quick cooking time: Most pizzas cook in 5–8 minutes, depending on size and thickness.
• Less moisture retention: The fan helps evaporate excess moisture from the cheese and toppings, preventing a soggy center.
• Energy efficiency: Air fryers use less electricity than ovens, especially for small meals.

I remember the first time I tried a frozen mini pizza in my air fryer. I set it for 6 minutes at 375°F (190°C). When I opened the basket, I was stunned—golden edges, perfectly melted cheese, and a crust that snapped when I bit into it. No preheating. No waiting. Just hot, delicious pizza in under 10 minutes. That’s when I knew this method was legit.

Choosing the Right Pizza for Your Air Fryer

Frozen Pizzas: The Easy Win

Frozen pizzas are the lowest-effort, highest-reward option for air fryer baking. Brands like DiGiorno, Tombstone, and Newman’s Own make personal-sized or mini pizzas that fit perfectly in most air fryer baskets. But not all frozen pizzas are created equal.

Here’s what to look for:

• Size: Aim for 7–9 inches in diameter. Anything larger won’t fit or will cook unevenly.
• Crust type: Thin and crispy crusts do best. Rising crusts (like DiGiorno’s) can work, but they need more time and attention to avoid burning the edges.
• Toppings: Avoid overly wet toppings (like fresh mozzarella or pineapple) unless you’re willing to blot them first. Too much moisture = steam buildup = soggy crust.

Pro tip: If your frozen pizza has a cardboard base, remove it before air frying. It’s a fire hazard and can block airflow.

Homemade Dough: Fresh and Customizable

If you’re feeling adventurous, making your own dough is a fantastic way to personalize your pizza. I’ve used store-bought dough (from Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods) and even my grandma’s recipe. The key is rolling it thin—about 1/4 inch thick—so it cooks evenly without drying out.

Here’s my go-to air fryer homemade pizza process:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.
2. Roll out dough into a circle that fits your basket (usually 6–8 inches).
3. Par-cook the crust for 2 minutes to prevent sogginess.
4. Add sauce, cheese, and toppings.
5. Cook for another 5–6 minutes, checking halfway.

The par-cooking step is crucial. It sets the crust so the sauce doesn’t soak in. I learned this the hard way—my first homemade attempt was a saucy, floppy mess. But after par-cooking, it came out perfect.

Pre-Made Crusts: A Great Middle Ground

Don’t want to make dough from scratch? No problem. Pre-made crusts like Boboli, Pillsbury, or even naan bread work great in air fryers. They’re already cooked through, so you just need to heat them and add toppings.

Example: I once used a store-bought whole wheat crust, topped it with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and goat cheese. Air fried at 370°F (188°C) for 6 minutes. The result? A gourmet-style pizza in under 15 minutes total. My roommate still talks about it.

Step-by-Step: How to Bake Pizza in an Air Fryer (Without Ruining It)

Prep Your Pizza for Air Frying

Before you even think about hitting “start,” prep is everything. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Use parchment paper or a liner: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Cut it to fit your basket—don’t let it hang over the edges, or it could block airflow.
• Pat dry wet toppings: Fresh veggies, mushrooms, or mozzarella? Blot them with a paper towel first. Less moisture = better crisp.
• Don’t overload with cheese: Too much cheese pools in the center and can make the crust soggy. A thin, even layer is best.
• Lightly oil the crust (optional): A quick brush of olive oil helps it brown faster and adds flavor.

Setting the Right Temperature and Time

Temperature and timing depend on your pizza type. Here’s a general guide:

Pizza Type	Temperature	Cook Time	Notes
Frozen mini pizza (7″)	375°F (190°C)	6–7 minutes	Check at 5 min to prevent burning
Frozen rising crust (8″)	360°F (182°C)	8–10 minutes	Lower temp to avoid burnt edges
Homemade (thin crust)	375°F (190°C)	5–6 minutes (after par-cook)	Par-cook crust 2 min first
Pre-made crust (e.g., Boboli)	370°F (188°C)	5–7 minutes	Watch for cheese bubbling
Naan or flatbread	365°F (185°C)	4–5 minutes	Great for quick snacks

Pro tip: Always preheat your air fryer for 2–3 minutes. It makes a huge difference in how evenly your pizza cooks.

Monitoring and Flipping (When to Do It)

Most air fryers cook evenly, but larger pizzas might benefit from a midway check. Here’s what to do:

• After 3–4 minutes, open the basket and peek. If the cheese is browning too fast, lower the temp by 10–15°F.
• If the top looks done but the bottom is pale, carefully flip the pizza using tongs or a spatula. This is rare with small pizzas but helpful for thicker ones.
• For frozen rising crusts, you might need to flip halfway to ensure even rise and browning.

I once ignored this step with a rising crust pizza. The top was golden, but the bottom was still doughy. Lesson learned: when in doubt, check it out.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Soggy Crust: The #1 Complaint

Soggy crust is the bane of air fryer pizza lovers. But it’s avoidable. Here’s why it happens and how to stop it:

• Cause 1: Wet toppings – Fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, or mozzarella release steam. Solution: Pat them dry or pre-cook them (sauté mushrooms, drain tomatoes).
• Cause 2: Too much sauce – Thick, wet sauce sinks into the crust. Solution: Use a thin layer of sauce or spread it only on the outer edges.
• Cause 3: No par-cooking for homemade dough – Raw dough absorbs moisture. Solution: Bake the crust for 2 minutes before adding toppings.

I used to drown my pizzas in sauce—until I tried a “sauce border” method. Now I spread sauce in a ring around the edge, leaving the center dry. The crust stays crispy, and the flavor is still there.

Burnt Cheese or Crust

Air fryers are powerful. If you’re not careful, cheese can turn from golden to charred in seconds. Here’s how to prevent it:

• Lower the temperature: If your model runs hot, drop the temp by 10–15°F.
• Use cheese sparingly: A little goes a long way. Shredded mozzarella melts evenly; avoid large chunks.
• Cover with foil (temporarily): If the top is browning too fast, tent it with foil for the last 2 minutes.

One time, I forgot to lower the temp for a thin-crust pizza. The cheese was black in spots. But the crust? Still perfect. I learned to trust the timer and check early.

Uneven Cooking or Hot Spots

Some air fryers have hot spots—areas that cook faster than others. To fix this:

• Rotate the basket: If you’re cooking for more than 5 minutes, rotate the pizza halfway through.
• Use a liner: Parchment paper or silicone mats help distribute heat evenly.
• Choose the right basket size: Don’t overcrowd. A pizza should sit flat with a little space around the edges.

I have a Ninja DualZone air fryer, and I’ve found that the back left corner cooks faster. Now I rotate my pizza 180 degrees after 3 minutes. Works like a charm.

Beyond Frozen: Creative Air Fryer Pizza Ideas

Mini Pizzas for Snacking or Kids

Air fryers are perfect for personal-sized pizzas. Try these fun ideas:

• English muffin pizzas: Split an English muffin, add sauce and cheese, air fry for 3–4 minutes. Kid-approved and ready in minutes.
• Tortilla pizzas: Use a large tortilla as a base. Top with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Cook for 4 minutes at 370°F.
• Bagel pizzas: Halve a bagel, add toppings, and air fry for 5 minutes. The chewy crust is addictive.

My niece loves “pizza bites”—I make her mini tortilla pizzas with turkey pepperoni and a sprinkle of parmesan. She eats them in two bites, and I get a break from cooking.

Global-Inspired Air Fryer Pizzas

Why stick to pepperoni and cheese? Get creative with flavors from around the world:

• Greek pizza: Top a pre-made crust with tzatziki, feta, olives, and grilled chicken. Air fry for 6 minutes.
• Mexican pizza: Use refried beans, salsa, cheddar, and jalapeños. Add ground beef if you like. Cook for 5–6 minutes.
• Thai-inspired: Spread peanut sauce, add mozzarella, shredded carrots, and cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of lime.

I tried a Thai pizza last week. It was unexpectedly amazing. The peanut sauce caramelized slightly, and the lime cut through the richness. My husband asked for seconds.

Sweet Pizzas for Dessert

Yes, you can make sweet pizzas in your air fryer. Try these:

• Chocolate chip cookie pizza: Press cookie dough into the basket, add chocolate chips, and air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes.
• Fruit pizza: Use a sugar cookie base, top with cream cheese frosting and berries. Air fry for 6 minutes.
• Cinnamon roll pizza: Unroll a cinnamon roll, flatten it, and air fry at 360°F for 7 minutes. Add icing after cooking.

My kids love the fruit pizza. It’s a fun way to get them to eat berries—and it’s ready in less time than it takes to argue about vegetables.

Final Thoughts: Is Air Fryer Pizza Worth It?

So, can you bake a pizza in an air fryer and get crispy results fast? Absolutely. But it’s not magic. It takes a little prep, the right settings, and a willingness to experiment.

The air fryer shines when you want a quick, small-batch pizza without the hassle of preheating an oven. It’s perfect for:

• Late-night cravings
• Single servings
• Small kitchens or dorm rooms
• Energy-conscious cooking

That said, it’s not ideal for:

• Large family pizzas
• Deep-dish or thick-crust styles (unless you have a large air fryer)
• People who hate cleaning baskets (yes, you’ll need to wash it after cheese drips)

I’ve used my air fryer for pizza at least twice a week for the past year. Some days it’s a frozen mini. Other days, it’s a gourmet creation with homemade dough and artisanal toppings. And every time, I’m reminded: this little machine can deliver big flavor—fast.

So go ahead. Try it. Start with a frozen pizza. Get the hang of the timing. Then level up with your own creations. Just remember: crispy crust, less mess, more pizza. And that’s a win in my book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake a pizza in an air fryer for crispy results?

Yes, you can bake a pizza in an air fryer and achieve crispy crusts quickly. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation ensures even browning and a deliciously crunchy texture in minutes.

What type of pizza works best in an air fryer?

Pre-made frozen pizzas, thin-crust varieties, or small personal-sized pizzas fit perfectly in an air fryer. Avoid thick, deep-dish styles, as they may not cook evenly due to space limitations.

How long does it take to cook a pizza in an air fryer?

Most pizzas cook in 8–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C) in an air fryer. Cooking time varies depending on crust thickness and toppings, so check for melted cheese and golden crust.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before baking pizza?

Preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures consistent results and a crispier crust. Skipping this step may lead to uneven cooking or a soggy bottom.

Can I bake a homemade pizza in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Use a small parchment paper liner or air fryer-safe pan to prevent sticking. Roll the dough thin for best results, and add toppings sparingly to avoid overcrowding.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover pizza in an air fryer?

To reheat pizza in an air fryer, cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. This method revives crispiness better than a microwave and avoids soggy reheated slices.