Can I Cook a Pizza in the Air Fryer Find Out Here

Yes, you can cook a pizza in the air fryer—and it delivers crispy crust, melty cheese, and fast results in under 10 minutes. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or single servings, the air fryer evenly heats both fresh and frozen pizzas with minimal oil. Just preheat, set the timer, and enjoy restaurant-quality pizza at home with ease.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook pizza in an air fryer—it’s quick and delivers crispy results.
• Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and optimal crust texture every time.
• Use parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup effortlessly.
• Cook in batches if needed—air fryers have limited space for best results.
• Monitor cooking time closely—air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens.
• Fresh or frozen, both work—adjust time for frozen pizzas accordingly.

Why the Air Fryer Might Be Your New Pizza Oven

Let’s be honest: who doesn’t love pizza? That golden, crispy crust, the bubbling cheese, the savory toppings—it’s comfort food at its finest. But here’s the thing: not everyone has the luxury of a brick oven, and even a standard oven can take forever to preheat. Enter the air fryer—a kitchen gadget that’s been making waves for its speed, convenience, and ability to deliver crispy, delicious results with minimal oil. So, can I cook a pizza in the air fryer? The short answer is yes, but the *how* is where it gets interesting.

I first tried making pizza in my air fryer on a rainy Tuesday night. I was craving a quick, crispy slice but didn’t want to wait for the oven to heat up or order delivery (again). After some trial and error, I discovered that the air fryer isn’t just a sidekick for fries and chicken wings—it’s a legit pizza-making machine. Whether you’re working with store-bought dough, frozen pizza, or a homemade creation, the air fryer can handle it. But like any kitchen tool, it has its quirks. In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to turn your air fryer into a pizza powerhouse, from prep to cleanup, and even a few hacks to make it taste like it came from your favorite pizzeria.

How the Air Fryer Works Its Pizza Magic

The Science Behind Crispy Crusts

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food at high speeds, creating a convection effect that crisps the exterior while cooking the inside evenly. This is perfect for pizza because it mimics the intense heat of a traditional oven but in a much smaller space. The rapid airflow ensures the crust gets that signature crispiness without drying out the toppings or cheese. Think of it as a mini convection oven with a turbo boost.

For example, I once made a thin-crust pizza with a layer of mozzarella and pepperoni. In the air fryer, it cooked in just 8 minutes at 375°F (190°C), and the crust was perfectly golden—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. The cheese bubbled and browned beautifully, and the pepperoni curled up just like it does in a restaurant oven. The key? The air fryer’s compact size means the heat is concentrated, so the pizza cooks faster and more evenly than in a standard oven, where hot spots can lead to uneven results.

Size Matters: What Pizzas Fit in an Air Fryer?

Most standard air fryers (around 3.5 to 5 quarts) can fit a 7- to 8-inch pizza. Larger models (6+ quarts) might accommodate a 10-inch pie, but you’ll need to check your air fryer’s basket dimensions. Here’s a quick tip: if you’re making your own dough, roll it out slightly smaller than your basket to leave room for the toppings and ensure even cooking. For frozen pizzas, look for mini or personal-sized options (like the 7-inch DiGiorno ones) or cut larger pizzas into quarters for single servings.

Pro tip: Use parchment paper or a silicone liner to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking. Just make sure it’s cut to fit the basket so it doesn’t block airflow. I learned this the hard way when my first pizza stuck to the basket—lesson learned!

Types of Pizza You Can Make (And How to Do It Right)

Frozen Pizza: Quick and Easy

Let’s start with the easiest option: frozen pizza. Yes, you *can* cook a frozen pizza in the air fryer, and it’s a game-changer for busy nights. Here’s how I do it:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes.
• Place the frozen pizza directly in the basket (no thawing needed).
• Cook for 10-12 minutes, checking halfway to rotate the pizza for even browning.

The result? A crust that’s crispier than oven-baked, with toppings that stay juicy. I tried this with a frozen Margherita pizza, and the basil stayed fresh and vibrant, while the cheese developed a lovely golden crust. Just be careful with thin-crust frozen pizzas—they can overcook quickly, so keep an eye on them after 8 minutes.

Homemade Pizza: From Dough to Delicious

Making pizza from scratch in the air fryer is surprisingly simple. Here’s my go-to method:

1. Prep the dough: Roll it out to 7-8 inches. Pro tip: Let it rest for 10 minutes after rolling so it’s easier to work with.
2. Pre-cook the crust (optional): Lightly bake it for 2-3 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to prevent a soggy bottom.
3. Add sauce and toppings: Less is more! Too many toppings can make the pizza heavy and slow down cooking.
4. Cook: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.

I once made a white pizza with ricotta, spinach, and garlic. The air fryer cooked it in 7 minutes, and the ricotta stayed creamy while the spinach crisped slightly at the edges. The secret? Spreading the ricotta thinly and pre-cooking the spinach to remove excess moisture.

Reheating Leftovers: Crispy, Not Soggy

Reheating pizza in the microwave is a crime—it turns the crust into a rubbery mess. But the air fryer? It brings leftovers back to life. Here’s how:

• Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the slice in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
• Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.

I reheated a slice of deep-dish pizza this way, and it tasted almost as good as fresh—crispy edges, gooey center, and no sogginess. Just avoid overcooking, or the toppings might dry out.

Pro Tips for Air Fryer Pizza Success

Don’t Overload the Toppings

This is a common mistake. The air fryer’s compact space means too many toppings can block airflow, leading to uneven cooking. Stick to 3-4 toppings max, and spread them thinly. For example, I once loaded my pizza with sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives. The result? The crust was undercooked, and the toppings were still raw in the center. Lesson learned: less is more.

Pre-Cook Heavy or Watery Ingredients

Vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach release moisture when cooked, which can make your pizza soggy. Pre-cook them first to remove excess water. I sauté mushrooms for 2-3 minutes before adding them to my pizza, and it makes a huge difference in texture. The same goes for meats like sausage or ground beef—pre-cook them to avoid greasy, undercooked toppings.

Use the Right Temperature and Timing

Air fryers vary in power, so don’t be afraid to adjust the time or temp. Start with the lower end of the range (e.g., 350°F/175°C for 6 minutes) and add more time as needed. For thicker crusts, lower the temp slightly (350°F/175°C) and extend the cook time to avoid burning the top while the center cooks through.

Pro tip: If your pizza has a lot of cheese, place a toothpick under the top layer to prevent it from sticking to the basket. This keeps the cheese from pulling off when you remove the pizza.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Forgetting to Preheat

Preheating ensures even cooking from the start. Without it, your pizza might cook unevenly, with a pale crust or undercooked toppings. I once skipped preheating and ended up with a lopsided pizza—half golden, half doughy. Now, I always preheat for 2-3 minutes, even if it’s just frozen pizza.

Using the Wrong Pan or Liner

Not all pans are air fryer-friendly. Avoid heavy metal pans that block airflow. Stick to parchment paper, silicone liners, or the basket itself. I tried using a small cake pan once, and the pizza cooked unevenly because the pan was too thick. Now, I use a perforated silicone liner—it’s reusable and lets air circulate perfectly.

Ignoring the Basket’s Capacity

Air fryer baskets have limited space. If you crowd the pizza or stack slices, they won’t cook evenly. Always leave a little room around the edges for airflow. For larger pizzas, cut them into quarters or cook in batches.

Comparing Air Fryer Pizza to Other Methods

Air Fryer vs. Oven: Speed and Crispiness

The air fryer wins on speed—most pizzas cook in 6-10 minutes, compared to 12-15 in a standard oven. But the real advantage is crispiness. The concentrated heat and rapid airflow give the crust a superior crunch, especially with thin-crust pizzas. In my side-by-side test, an air fryer pizza had a crispier crust and more evenly melted cheese than the oven-baked version.

Air Fryer vs. Microwave: Texture and Flavor

Microwaves are convenient but terrible for texture. They steam the pizza, making the crust soft and the cheese rubbery. The air fryer, on the other hand, restores crispiness and enhances flavor. I reheated the same leftover slice in both appliances, and the air fryer version tasted fresh, while the microwave one was a soggy disappointment.

Data Table: Cooking Times and Temperatures

Pizza Type	Size	Temperature	Cook Time	Notes
Frozen Pizza	7-8 inches	375°F (190°C)	10-12 minutes	Rotate halfway for even browning
Homemade Thin Crust	7-8 inches	375°F (190°C)	6-8 minutes	Pre-cook crust for 2 minutes if desired
Homemade Thick Crust	7-8 inches	350°F (175°C)	10-12 minutes	Cover with foil if top browns too fast
Reheated Leftovers	1-2 slices	350°F (175°C)	3-4 minutes	Don’t overcrowd the basket

The Verdict: Is Air Fryer Pizza Worth It?

So, can I cook a pizza in the air fryer? Absolutely. It’s faster, crispier, and more convenient than most traditional methods. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner, reheating leftovers, or experimenting with homemade creations, the air fryer delivers delicious results with minimal fuss. Sure, it has limitations—size constraints, the need for careful topping selection, and the occasional trial-and-error moment—but the payoff is worth it.

After countless experiments (and a few kitchen disasters), I’ve come to see the air fryer as my secret weapon for pizza nights. It’s not just a gadget for frozen fries and chicken tenders; it’s a versatile tool that can handle one of the world’s most beloved foods. So next time you’re craving pizza, don’t reach for the phone or wait for the oven to heat up. Grab your air fryer, a handful of toppings, and get ready to enjoy a slice that’s crispy, cheesy, and cooked to perfection in minutes. Your taste buds—and your busy schedule—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook a pizza in the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook a pizza in the air fryer! It’s a quick and convenient way to achieve a crispy crust and melted toppings without preheating an oven.

What types of pizza work best in an air fryer?

Pre-made frozen pizzas, store-bought dough, or even leftover slices cook well in the air fryer. Just ensure the pizza fits in your basket without overlapping for even air circulation.

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

Cooking time typically ranges from 6 to 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C), depending on the size and thickness of the pizza. Always check for a golden crust and bubbling cheese.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for pizza?

Preheating for 3–5 minutes helps achieve a crispier crust, but it’s not mandatory. If skipping preheat, add 1–2 minutes to your cooking time.

Can I cook a homemade pizza in the air fryer?

Yes, homemade pizza works great! Use a small dough round (6–8 inches) and add toppings sparingly to avoid overcrowding, which can affect crispiness.

Is cooking pizza in the air fryer healthier than the oven?

Air fryers use less energy and can reduce cooking time, but the nutritional content depends on ingredients. However, the circulating air creates a crispy texture with less oil than traditional methods.