Can I Cook a Frozen Pizza in the Air Fryer Here Is How

Yes, you can cook a frozen pizza in the air fryer—and it turns out crispy, evenly cooked, and ready in under 15 minutes. No thawing or preheating needed; just place the pizza in the basket, set the temperature to 360–400°F, and let the air fryer work its magic for perfectly golden crust and melty cheese.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer—it’s faster and crispier than an oven.
• Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and better crust texture.
• Use a liner or parchment paper to prevent cheese from sticking to the basket.
• Cook at 360°F–400°F for 10–15 minutes, depending on pizza size and thickness.
• Check halfway through to avoid burning and ensure even browning.
• Let it rest 1–2 minutes after cooking for optimal melt and sliceability.

Can I Cook a Frozen Pizza in the Air Fryer? Here Is How

Let’s face it—there’s something magical about frozen pizza. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a quick fix for hunger, and a go-to for lazy nights when cooking feels like climbing a mountain. But here’s the thing: while the oven is the traditional method, more people are asking, “Can I cook a frozen pizza in the air fryer?” And honestly, it’s a great question.

As someone who’s experimented with everything from reheating leftovers to making full meals in my air fryer, I’ve tried my fair share of frozen pizzas—thin crust, deep dish, stuffed crust, you name it. Some came out crispy and perfect. Others? Well, let’s just say I’ve had a few kitchen disasters. But through trial, error, and a few burnt edges, I’ve learned that yes, you absolutely can cook a frozen pizza in the air fryer—and often, it turns out better than the oven. The key is knowing how to do it right. So if you’ve been wondering whether your air fryer can handle that frozen pepperoni pizza sitting in your freezer, keep reading. I’m sharing everything I’ve learned, from prep tips to cooking times, so you can enjoy a delicious, crispy pizza without the wait.

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

If you’ve ever used an air fryer, you know it’s not just a trendy kitchen gadget—it’s a lifesaver. It heats up fast, uses less energy than an oven, and delivers crispy results without the need for extra oil. But when it comes to frozen pizza, the benefits go way beyond convenience.

Faster Cooking Time

Let’s be real: preheating the oven can take 10–15 minutes. By the time it’s ready, your hunger has gone from “I could eat” to “I might eat the cardboard box the pizza came in.” With an air fryer, you’re looking at a 3–5 minute preheat (if you even need one at all). Then, depending on the pizza, it’s ready in 8–12 minutes. That’s half the time of a conventional oven.

Crispy Crust Without Sogginess

One of the biggest frustrations with frozen pizza in the oven? The crust gets soggy in the middle while the edges burn. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation solves this. It crisps the bottom and top evenly, giving you that perfect bite—crispy outside, tender inside—without the dreaded “wet center” problem.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers use less electricity than ovens, especially for small meals like a single pizza. If you’re cooking for one or two, it’s a more eco-friendly (and wallet-friendly) choice. Plus, your kitchen stays cooler in the summer—no more sweating over a hot oven.

Smaller Footprint, Bigger Results

Not everyone has a huge oven. If you’re in a dorm, tiny apartment, or just don’t want to heat up a whole appliance for one meal, the air fryer is your best friend. It fits on the counter, takes up minimal space, and delivers big flavor in a small package.

Personal tip: I once made a frozen pizza in my air fryer during a power outage scare. The oven was out, but my air fryer (plugged into a portable battery) saved dinner. That’s when I realized how versatile it really is.

What Types of Frozen Pizza Work Best in the Air Fryer?

Not all frozen pizzas are created equal—and some work better in the air fryer than others. The key is size, thickness, and crust type. Here’s what you need to know.

Best Fit: 7–10 Inch Pizzas

Most air fryers have baskets between 4 and 6 quarts. A 7 to 10-inch pizza fits perfectly, with about 1 inch of space around the edges. This allows hot air to circulate evenly. If your pizza is too big (like a 12-inch family size), it won’t cook properly—the center will be undercooked, and the edges may burn.

For example, I tried a 12-inch deep-dish pizza in my 5.8-quart air fryer once. The crust stuck to the sides, the cheese bubbled over, and I ended up with a mess. Lesson learned: stick to personal or small pizzas.

Crust Type Matters

• Thin crust: These are ideal. They cook fast and get super crispy. Think classic pepperoni or veggie thin crusts. They usually fit well and crisp up in 8–10 minutes.
• Regular crust: Works great too. You might need to extend the cooking time by 1–2 minutes, but the result is still crispy and satisfying.
• Deep dish or stuffed crust: Trickier. These are thicker, so they need more time. But if you love them, you can still make them work—just adjust the time and temperature (more on that later).
• Gluten-free or cauliflower crust: These can be fragile. They cook faster, so keep an eye on them. I recommend lowering the temperature by 10–15°F and checking at 6 minutes.

Toppings: Less Is More

Heavily loaded pizzas (think: triple cheese, sausage, bacon, peppers, onions, mushrooms) can be a problem. Too many toppings mean more moisture, which can lead to a soggy center. I’ve found that light to medium toppings work best. If your pizza is loaded, consider removing a few toppings or pre-cooking the meat.

Pro tip: I once made a “kitchen sink” pizza—everything but the kitchen sink on it. The air fryer struggled. The bottom was perfect, but the center was still frozen. I had to finish it in the microwave. Now, I keep loaded pizzas for the oven and save the air fryer for simpler ones.

Brands That Work Well

From my experience, these brands perform great in the air fryer:

• DiGiorno (especially the thin & crispy line)
• Red Baron (personal pan and thin crust)
• Tombstone (original and thin crust)
• California Pizza Kitchen (individual size)
• Newman’s Own (vegan and thin crust options)

Just check the size before you buy. Most personal pizzas are 7–9 inches, which is perfect.

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

Now that you know which pizzas work best, let’s get into the nitty-gritty: how to actually cook a frozen pizza in the air fryer. This method is simple, fast, and foolproof—once you know the steps.

Step 1: Preheat (Optional but Recommended)

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3–5 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start. Some models don’t require preheating, but I find it helps—especially for thicker crusts.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza

Remove the pizza from the box and plastic wrap. Do not thaw. Cooking it straight from frozen is key. If the pizza has a cardboard base, remove it—it can burn and smoke.

If your pizza has a lot of toppings or a thick crust, consider these tweaks:

• For deep dish: place it on a small oven-safe rack or trivet to elevate it slightly. This helps air circulate under the crust.
• For loaded pizzas: gently pat down excess moisture with a paper towel (especially from wet veggies or pre-cooked meats).

Step 3: Place in the Air Fryer

Put the pizza in the basket in the center, leaving at least 1 inch of space around the edges. If it’s too big, don’t force it—use the oven instead.

Tip: If you have a non-stick basket, you’re good. If not, lightly spray the basket with cooking oil or use a parchment paper liner (just make sure it doesn’t block airflow).

Step 4: Set Time and Temperature

This is where things get personalized. Here’s a general guide:

• Thin crust: 360°F for 8–10 minutes
• Regular crust: 360°F for 10–12 minutes
• Deep dish/stuffed crust: 350°F for 12–15 minutes
• Gluten-free/cauliflower: 350°F for 7–9 minutes

Start at the lower end of the range. You can always add more time.

Step 5: Check at the Halfway Mark

After 4–5 minutes (for thin crust) or 6–7 minutes (for thicker), open the basket and check:

• Is the crust browning evenly?
• Are the toppings hot and bubbly?
• Is the cheese melted?

If the top is browning too fast but the center isn’t done, lower the temperature by 10–20°F and continue cooking.

Step 6: Final Check and Rest

When the time is up, check the center with a fork or knife. The crust should be golden, the cheese fully melted, and the toppings hot. If the center is still soft, add 1–2 more minutes.

Once done, let it rest for 1–2 minutes before removing. This helps the cheese set and prevents burns.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Use tongs or a spatula to lift the pizza out. Slice and serve immediately. Pro tip: pair it with a side salad or garlic knots for a full meal.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common mistakes I’ve made (and seen others make)—and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Cooking a Too-Big Pizza

Forcing a 12-inch pizza into a 5-quart air fryer? Disaster. The edges burn, the center stays frozen, and you end up with a mess. Solution: Stick to pizzas under 10 inches. If you only have a large pizza, cut it in half or use the oven.

Mistake 2: Not Leaving Space Around the Edges

Hot air needs to circulate. If the pizza touches the sides, it won’t cook evenly. Solution: Always leave at least 1 inch of space. If your basket is small, consider using a smaller pizza or cooking in batches.

Mistake 3: Overcooking the Top

Air fryers can crisp fast. I once left a thin-crust pizza in for 12 minutes and ended up with a charcoal crust. Solution: Check at the halfway point. If the top is browning too fast, lower the temperature or cover the top with a small piece of foil (just don’t cover the whole pizza).

Mistake 4: Forgetting to Remove the Cardboard

That little cardboard base? It can smoke and smell bad. Solution: Always remove it before cooking. If you forget, turn off the air fryer immediately and ventilate the kitchen.

Mistake 5: Not Adjusting for Crust Type

Thin crust and deep dish need different times. Using the same time for both leads to overcooked or undercooked results. Solution: Follow the time guidelines above, and adjust based on your pizza.

Mistake 6: Not Letting It Rest

Cutting into a hot pizza right away can cause molten cheese to spill and burn you. Solution: Let it rest 1–2 minutes. It’s worth the wait.

Real talk: I’ve made all these mistakes. But each one taught me something. Now, I rarely have a bad pizza.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: Which Is Better for Frozen Pizza?

This is the million-dollar question. Let’s break it down honestly.

Speed

Air fryer wins. No contest. Oven: 15–20 minutes (with preheat). Air fryer: 8–12 minutes (with minimal preheat). If you’re in a hurry, the air fryer is the clear winner.

Crispiness

Air fryer wins again. The hot air circulates 360 degrees, crisping the top, bottom, and edges evenly. Ovens often rely on radiant heat, which can lead to uneven results. I’ve had oven pizzas where the bottom was soggy and the top was dry. With the air fryer, it’s consistently crispy.

Capacity

Oven wins. If you’re cooking for a family or want to make multiple pizzas, the oven is better. Air fryers are small. You’re limited to one pizza at a time.

Energy Use

Air fryer wins. It uses less electricity and heats up faster. For a single meal, it’s more efficient.

Cleanup

Tie. Both are easy. Air fryer baskets are non-stick and wipe clean. Oven racks can get messy, but they’re also easy to wash. Just don’t let cheese drip onto the heating element—that’s a pain to clean.

Flavor

Subjective, but air fryer edges out. The crispiness enhances the flavor. The cheese gets that perfect “pull,” and the crust has a satisfying crunch. Ovens can be good, but they often lack that texture.

Feature	Air Fryer	Oven
Cooking Time	8–12 minutes	15–20 minutes
Crispiness	Excellent	Good (can be uneven)
Capacity	1 pizza (7–10 inches)	Multiple pizzas
Energy Use	Low	High
Prep Time	3–5 minutes	10–15 minutes
Best For	Quick meals, small households	Large groups, thick crusts

So which should you choose? It depends. If you’re cooking for one or two and want speed and crispiness, go air fryer. If you’re feeding a crowd or have a thick, loaded pizza, use the oven.

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer the Future of Frozen Pizza?

After countless experiments, taste tests, and a few kitchen mishaps, I can confidently say: yes, you can cook a frozen pizza in the air fryer—and it’s often better than the oven. The speed, crispiness, and energy efficiency make it a no-brainer for quick meals.

But it’s not magic. You need to pick the right size, adjust the time for crust type, and avoid common mistakes. Once you get the hang of it, though, it becomes second nature. I now reach for my air fryer first when I want pizza—not just because it’s fast, but because it tastes better.

So next time you’re staring at that frozen pizza in your freezer, don’t default to the oven. Grab your air fryer. Preheat it, pop in the pizza, and in under 15 minutes, you’ll have a hot, crispy, delicious meal. And if it’s not perfect the first time? That’s okay. Cooking is a journey. Every mistake is a lesson.

Happy air frying—and even happier pizza eating. You’ve got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook a frozen pizza in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a frozen pizza in the air fryer. It’s a quick and convenient way to achieve a crispy crust and melted toppings in under 15 minutes.

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

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), place the frozen pizza in the basket, and cook for 8–12 minutes, checking halfway to avoid burning. No oil or preheating the pizza is needed.

Does cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer make it crispy?

Yes, the air fryer’s circulating hot air creates a crispy crust similar to a traditional oven but faster. For extra crispiness, lightly spray the crust with oil before cooking.

Can I cook multiple frozen pizzas in the air fryer at once?

It’s not recommended, as overcrowding reduces air circulation and leads to uneven cooking. Cook one pizza at a time for best results, even if it takes a little longer.

Do I need to thaw frozen pizza before air frying?

No, you can cook frozen pizza directly from frozen. Thawing isn’t necessary and may make the crust soggy. Just adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer model.

What temperature should I use for frozen pizza in the air fryer?

Most frozen pizzas cook well at 375°F (190°C) for 8–12 minutes. Check the pizza halfway and adjust time or temperature if needed to prevent overcooking.