Can I Cook a Pizza in an Air Fryer Discover the Crispy Truth

Yes, you can cook a pizza in an air fryer—and it delivers crispy, golden results in minutes. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation crisps the crust and melts cheese perfectly, making it ideal for frozen, homemade, or leftover pizza. Just avoid overcrowding and monitor cook time for optimal texture.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook pizza in an air fryer for a crispy, quick meal.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Monitor cook time closely—air fryers vary, typically 8-12 minutes.
• Fresh toppings work best; avoid excess moisture for a crisp crust.
• Reheat leftovers perfectly in the air fryer to revive crispness.

Can I Cook a Pizza in an Air Fryer? Discover the Crispy Truth

Picture this: It’s a Friday night. You’re tired, hungry, and craving a hot, cheesy pizza. The oven is still warm from dinner, and the thought of waiting 20 minutes for it to preheat feels like torture. Then it hits you—your trusty air fryer is right there on the counter, ready to go. But can you cook a pizza in an air fryer? That’s the question I asked myself one night when my oven seemed too slow and my stomach too impatient. Spoiler: Yes, you absolutely can. And honestly, it might just become your new favorite way to get that crispy crust without the wait.

Now, before you toss a frozen pizza into your air fryer and press “start,” there are a few things you should know. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around your food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist—think of it like a mini convection oven with a turbo boost. But pizzas? They’re a little more delicate. Too much heat, and the cheese burns. Too little, and the crust turns soggy. After testing dozens of methods, brands, and even homemade dough, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to get that perfect golden-brown finish every time. Whether you’re using a frozen pizza, a store-bought flatbread, or even a homemade creation, this guide will walk you through the ins and outs of air fryer pizza success.

How Does an Air Fryer Work for Cooking Pizza?

The Science Behind Crispy Crusts

Let’s start with the basics. An air fryer doesn’t actually “fry” anything. Instead, it uses a powerful heating element and a high-speed fan to circulate hot air (usually between 300°F and 400°F) around your food. This rapid airflow creates a Maillard reaction—the same chemical process that gives grilled meat, roasted veggies, and yes, pizza crust, their delicious browning and texture. The key to a great air fryer pizza lies in how well this hot air reaches every part of the pizza, especially the edges and underside of the crust.

Unlike a conventional oven, which heats from the top and bottom with slower, more passive airflow, an air fryer delivers heat from all angles. This means faster cooking and better browning—ideal for thin-crust and personal-sized pizzas. However, it also means you have less time to correct mistakes. Overcook by just two minutes, and your cheese could turn into a charred mess. That’s why timing and temperature matter so much.

Why Air Fryers Are Great (and Not So Great) for Pizza

Let’s be honest—air fryers aren’t perfect for every kind of pizza. But they do shine in specific scenarios. Here’s what I’ve found:

• Pros:
  • Speed: Most air fryer pizzas cook in 8–12 minutes, compared to 15–20 in a regular oven.
  • Crispiness: The circulating air gives you a beautifully crisp crust, especially on thin and pan-style pizzas.
  • Energy efficiency: Air fryers use less energy than ovens, making them a greener choice for small meals.
  • No preheating needed: Many models go from cold to cooking in under 3 minutes.
• Cons:
  • Size limitations: Most air fryers can only handle 6- to 8-inch pizzas. No family-sized pies here!
  • Risk of burning: High heat means you need to watch closely, especially toward the end.
  • Uneven cooking on thick pizzas: Deep-dish or stuffed crusts may cook faster on the outside than the inside.

So, can you cook a pizza in an air fryer? Absolutely—but it works best when you match the right pizza type to the right method. Think of it like choosing the right tool for the job: a hammer won’t fix a leaky faucet, and a large deep-dish pizza won’t cook evenly in a small air fryer basket.

Best Types of Pizzas to Cook in an Air Fryer

Frozen Pizzas: The Quick Fix

Frozen pizzas are the ultimate convenience food, and they’re surprisingly well-suited for air fryers—especially thin-crust and flatbread varieties. I’ve tried everything from DiGiorno’s “Rise Crust” to Trader Joe’s Margherita flatbread, and the results were consistently better than oven-baked versions.

Here’s my go-to method:

• Remove the pizza from the box and plastic wrap.
• Place it directly on the air fryer basket (no need for parchment paper unless it’s sticky).
• Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, checking at the 7-minute mark.
• If the cheese looks golden but the crust isn’t crispy enough, flip the pizza halfway through (use tongs or a spatula).

One night, I tried a frozen pepperoni pizza in my 5.8-quart air fryer. At 375°F for 9 minutes, it came out with a perfectly crisp crust, bubbling cheese, and even a slight char on the pepperoni edges—exactly what I wanted. The only downside? The center was slightly hotter than the edges, which is normal due to airflow patterns.

Store-Bought Flatbread & Naan Pizzas

These are my secret weapon for weeknight dinners. Brands like Stonefire or Trader Joe’s garlic naan make excellent bases. Just add sauce, cheese, and toppings. Because they’re already pre-baked, you only need to warm and crisp them.

My favorite combo: naan + pesto + cherry tomatoes + mozzarella + a drizzle of balsamic glaze. I cook it at 360°F for 6–7 minutes. The result? A gourmet-style pizza in under 10 minutes. The key is not to overload it—air fryers don’t handle heavy toppings well. Too much cheese or meat can drip onto the heating element and cause smoke.

Homemade Pizzas: From Scratch Success

If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade pizza in an air fryer is totally doable. I’ve used both store-bought dough and my own simple recipe (2 cups flour, 1 tsp yeast, 1 cup warm water, 1 tbsp olive oil, pinch of salt). Roll it out to fit your air fryer basket—usually 6–7 inches in diameter.

Tips for homemade success:

• Pre-cook the dough slightly: If your dough is thick, bake it at 350°F for 3–4 minutes before adding sauce and toppings. This prevents a soggy base.
• Use less sauce: Too much moisture can steam the crust instead of crisping it.
• Layer toppings wisely: Start with cheese, then meat, then veggies. This protects the crust from drying out.
• Brush the edges with olive oil: This helps the crust brown evenly.

One weekend, I made a mini Margherita with fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and buffalo mozzarella. After a 4-minute pre-bake, I added the toppings and cooked it at 370°F for 8 minutes. The crust was chewy with a crisp bottom, and the tomatoes burst with flavor. My kids asked for seconds—and that’s saying something!

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

Step 1: Choose the Right Pizza and Basket

Not all air fryers are created equal. Larger baskets (5.5 quarts or more) give you more space to work with, while smaller ones (3–4 quarts) are great for single servings. If your basket has a mesh design, you’re in luck—it allows hot air to circulate underneath the pizza. But if it’s solid, consider using a perforated parchment liner or a small rack to lift the pizza slightly.

For example, my 5.8-quart Ninja Air Fryer has a mesh basket, so I place the pizza directly on it. But my friend’s older model has a solid tray, so she uses a round cake rack to elevate the pizza. Either way, airflow underneath is key.

Step 2: Preheat (Or Don’t)

Some air fryers recommend preheating for 2–3 minutes. Others don’t need it. I’ve tested both, and honestly, it depends on your model and the pizza.

• Preheat if: Your air fryer has a “preheat” setting, or you’re cooking a thick crust.
• Skip if: You’re in a hurry or cooking a thin-crust or flatbread pizza.

When I preheat, I set it to 375°F for 2 minutes. When I don’t, I just start cooking at 375°F and add 1–2 minutes to the cook time. Both work—just be consistent.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Time

Here’s a general rule of thumb based on pizza type:

Pizza Type	Temperature	Cook Time	Notes
Frozen thin crust	375°F	8–10 min	Check at 7 min; flip if needed
Frozen pan-style	370°F	9–11 min	Lower temp to avoid burnt edges
Flatbread/naan	360°F	6–7 min	Light toppings only
Homemade (pre-baked crust)	370°F	7–9 min	Add toppings after pre-bake
Homemade (raw dough)	350°F (pre-bake), 370°F (toppings)	3–4 min + 7–9 min	Two-stage cooking

Remember: These are starting points. Your air fryer may run hotter or cooler. Use an oven thermometer to verify internal temps if you’re unsure.

Step 4: Monitor and Adjust

This is where most people go wrong. Air fryers cook fast, and pizzas can go from perfect to burnt in 60 seconds. Set a timer for the lower end of your cook time (e.g., 7 minutes for a 9-minute recipe), then check:

• Is the cheese melted and slightly golden?
• Are the edges crisp but not black?
• Are the toppings heated through?

If yes, pull it out. If not, add 1–2 more minutes and check again. I once left a pizza in for 12 minutes because I got distracted—and ended up with a charcoal disc. Learn from my mistake!

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Just like with oven-baked pizza, let it rest for 1–2 minutes after cooking. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to slice. I usually use this time to grab a drink or set the table.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake I see. People try to fit two pizzas or add too many toppings. But air fryers need space for air to circulate. If you block airflow, your pizza will steam instead of crisp.

Solution: Stick to one pizza at a time. If you’re making multiple, cook them in batches. And remember: Less is more with toppings. A simple Margherita often tastes better than a loaded meat lovers’ in an air fryer.

Ignoring the Crust

Many people focus on the cheese and toppings but forget about the crust. A soggy bottom is the worst. To avoid it:

• Use a rack or parchment liner to elevate the pizza.
• Brush the crust with olive oil before cooking.
• For homemade dough, pre-bake it lightly.

I once made a pizza with a thick, raw dough and skipped the pre-bake. The result? A crispy top but a doughy, uncooked center. Lesson learned: Always pre-cook thick doughs.

Setting and Forgetting

Air fryers are fast, but they’re not “set it and forget it” machines. Unlike slow cookers or rice cookers, they require attention. I’ve ruined more than one pizza by walking away.

Tip: Stay nearby during the last 2–3 minutes. Use the timer, but also keep an eye on it. And if your air fryer has a window, use it! My model has a clear lid, so I can peek without opening the basket.

Using the Wrong Pan or Liner

Metal pans can scratch your basket. Parchment without holes can block airflow. And silicone liners? Some are safe, but others can melt or catch fire at high temps.

My advice: Use perforated parchment liners or a heat-safe metal rack. Avoid anything that blocks the bottom vents. And never, ever use aluminum foil unless it’s specifically designed for air fryers (some brands sell foil inserts).

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pizza Every Time

Customize Your Crust

Want a garlic butter crust? Brush the edges with melted butter and garlic powder before cooking. Prefer a cheesy crust? Sprinkle Parmesan on the edges halfway through. The possibilities are endless.

I love making a “garlic knot” effect by brushing the crust with garlic oil and folding the edges inward slightly. It crisps up beautifully and adds extra flavor.

Experiment with Toppings

Air fryers handle most toppings well, but some need prep:

• Vegetables: Slice thin (e.g., mushrooms, bell peppers) or pre-cook (e.g., onions, broccoli).
• Meats: Use pre-cooked or thin slices. Raw bacon? Cook it first.
• Cheese: Mozzarella works best. Avoid low-melt cheeses like feta—they can burn.

One of my favorite combos: BBQ chicken pizza with red onions and cilantro. I pre-cook the chicken, then assemble and cook at 370°F for 8 minutes. The BBQ sauce caramelizes slightly, and the cilantro stays fresh.

Reheat Leftover Pizza Like a Pro

Got leftovers? Don’t microwave them—revive them in the air fryer! Place a slice in the basket and cook at 325°F for 3–4 minutes. It’ll come out with a crisp crust and melty cheese, almost like it’s fresh from the oven.

I’ve done this with both oven-baked and air fryer pizzas, and the air fryer wins every time. No soggy crust, no rubbery cheese.

Clean Up Smart

Grease and cheese can drip into the basket. To make cleanup easier:

• Use parchment liners (perforated).
• Wipe the basket with a damp cloth after cooling.
• Soak in warm, soapy water if needed.

I keep a pack of liners next to my air fryer. It saves me time and keeps the basket in great condition.

Final Thoughts: Is Air Fryer Pizza Worth It?

So, can you cook a pizza in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—but with a few caveats. It’s not going to replace your oven for large family pizzas or deep-dish creations. But for quick meals, personal-sized portions, or reheating leftovers? It’s a game-changer.

After months of testing, I’ve found that air fryer pizza delivers on speed, crispiness, and convenience. It’s perfect for busy nights, solo dinners, or when you just don’t want to wait for the oven to heat up. And while it has limitations—size, monitoring, topping balance—it’s surprisingly forgiving once you get the hang of it.

The key is to start simple. Try a frozen thin-crust pizza first. Follow the timing guide, watch it closely, and adjust based on your model. Then, experiment with flatbreads, homemade doughs, and your favorite toppings. Before you know it, you’ll be making restaurant-quality pizza in under 10 minutes—no delivery fee required.

So go ahead, grab your air fryer, and give it a try. Your taste buds (and your patience) will thank you. And who knows? You might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy that cheesy, crispy slice of heaven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook a pizza in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook a pizza in an air fryer! It’s a quick and convenient way to achieve a crispy crust without heating up your oven, especially for small or frozen pizzas.

What type of pizza works best in an air fryer?

Frozen pizzas, thin-crust personal pizzas, or homemade mini pizzas are ideal for air fryers. Their smaller size fits better and ensures even cooking with a crispy texture.

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

Most pizzas take 8–12 minutes in an air fryer at 360°F–400°F (180°C–200°C). Cooking time varies based on pizza thickness and your air fryer model, so check it halfway through.

Can I cook a frozen pizza in an air fryer without thawing?

Absolutely! Air fryers are perfect for cooking frozen pizzas straight from the freezer. Just add 1–2 minutes to the cook time for best results.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for pizza?

Preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures a crispier crust and more even cooking. It’s especially helpful if you’re aiming for that authentic “oven-baked” texture.

What are the best tips for air fryer pizza success?

Use parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking, don’t overcrowd the basket, and monitor cooking closely. For extra crispiness, lightly brush the crust with olive oil before cooking.