Tired of soggy frozen pizzas or waiting ages for your oven to preheat? If you’ve got an air fryer, you’re in for a treat! This kitchen gadget isn’t just for fries and chicken wings; it’s a total game-changer for frozen pizza, transforming a good snack into a great one with incredible speed and a perfectly crispy crust. Finding the best frozen pizza for air fryer cooking can elevate your quick meal game to new heights.
An air fryer uses super-hot circulating air to cook food, giving it that delightful crispiness you usually only get from deep-frying or a very hot oven. For frozen pizza, this means a golden-brown crust, bubbly cheese, and perfectly heated toppings in a fraction of the time. Say goodbye to unevenly cooked centers and hello to delicious, consistent results every time.
We’ve scoured the freezer aisle to bring you our top picks for the best frozen pizza for air fryer cooking. Get ready to discover your new go-to for a fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal or snack!
Why the Air Fryer is Your Pizza’s New Best Friend
Before we dive into the delicious details, let’s quickly chat about why the air fryer works so well for frozen pizza:
* Speed: Most pizzas cook significantly faster than in a traditional oven.
* Crispiness: The circulating hot air ensures a consistently crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
* Even Cooking: No more cold spots! Your pizza will be cooked through and through.
* Energy Efficiency: Air fryers use less energy than a full-size oven, especially for smaller meals.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff!
Top 7 Best Frozen Pizzas for Air Fryer
Here are our top contenders for the best frozen pizza for air fryer enthusiasts:
1. Red Baron French Bread Pepperoni Pizza
If you’re a fan of a hearty, yet crispy base, the Red Baron French Bread Pepperoni Pizza is an absolute winner in the air fryer. This personal-sized gem delivers a fantastic crunch on the outside while staying soft and flavorful on the inside, all topped with zesty sauce, real cheese, and plenty of pepperoni. It’s ideal for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack that feels more substantial than your average frozen pizza.
- Key Features:
- Made with zesty tomato sauce, 100% real cheese, and pepperoni.
- Authentic French bread crust that’s crispy outside, soft inside.
- Excellent source of protein, good source of calcium.
- Designed as a single-serve personal pizza.
- Pros:
- Achieves a wonderfully crispy crust in the air fryer.
- Perfect single-serving size.
- Flavorful toppings and rich sauce.
- Quick and easy to prepare.
- Cons:
- Might be too small for bigger appetites.
- French bread style isn’t for everyone.
- User Impressions: Customers rave about how well these cook in an air fryer, often mentioning the perfect crispness of the bread and the satisfying flavor. Many consider it their favorite quick go-to.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Red Baron Deep Dish Singles Pepperoni Pizza
For those who love a bit more to sink their teeth into, the Red Baron Deep Dish Singles Pepperoni Pizza is a fantastic choice. Its thick, indulgent crust gets beautifully crispy in the air fryer, creating a delightful contrast with the rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and generous pepperoni toppings. It’s a truly satisfying personal pizza experience that hits all the right notes for a hearty meal.
- Key Features:
- Features zesty tomato sauce, real cheese, and hearty pepperoni toppings.
- Deep-dish crust that is crispy, light, and thick.
- Perfect personal-sized frozen pizza.
- Always within reach from the freezer.
- Pros:
- Provides a substantial, satisfying personal meal.
- Deep-dish crust crisps up wonderfully in an air fryer.
- Good balance of sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
- Convenient single-serve portions.
- Cons:
- Might take slightly longer to cook than thinner options.
- Could be considered too “bready” by some.
- User Impressions: Users appreciate the “real pizza” feel of this deep-dish option, especially when air-fried. The crispy bottom and soft, chewy interior are frequently praised.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Totino’s Pizza Rolls, Pepperoni Flavored
While not a full pizza, Totino’s Pizza Rolls are an absolute air fryer sensation, especially the pepperoni-flavored ones! These bite-sized pockets of goodness cook up incredibly fast and achieve an unparalleled crispiness that microwaving just can’t match. They’re the ultimate quick snack, perfect for satisfying a sudden craving or sharing with friends during a movie night.
- Key Features:
- Tasty pepperoni flavored filling inside bite-sized pockets.
- Quick and easy to prepare in a microwave, oven, or air fryer.
- Great for quick snacks, after-school treats, or parties.
- Comes in a large 50-count package.
- Pros:
- Achieves superior crispiness in the air fryer.
- Extremely quick to cook.
- Perfect bite-sized snack.
- Crowd-pleasing and versatile.
- Cons:
- Not a full meal replacement.
- Can get very hot inside, so be careful.
- User Impressions: Air fryer users swear by cooking Totino’s Pizza Rolls this way, citing the “perfect crunch” and evenly melted cheese as major benefits. They’re a staple for many looking for a fast, hot snack.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Hot Pockets Pepperoni Pizza with Cheese
Hot Pockets have been a classic snack for ages, and their Pepperoni Pizza with Cheese variety truly shines when cooked in an air fryer. Forget the soggy microwave crusts; the air fryer transforms these savory pockets into crispy, golden parcels of pepperoni, reduced-fat mozzarella, and tangy sauce. They’re a fantastic on-the-go option or a quick fix when hunger strikes.
- Key Features:
- Classic taste of pepperoni and cheese pizza in a crispy pocket.
- Loaded with pepperoni and reduced-fat mozzarella cheese.
- Can be prepared in an air fryer for a crispier crust.
- Good source of protein (10 grams per serving).
- Pros:
- Air fryer provides a superior crispy crust.
- Very convenient and portable snack or light meal.
- Hearty and satisfying.
- Quick cooking time.
- Cons:
- Fillings can be extremely hot right after cooking.
- Can be messy if not handled carefully.
- User Impressions: Many users report that cooking Hot Pockets in the air fryer is the only way to enjoy them, praising the incredibly crispy exterior and perfectly melted, gooey interior.
- See it on Amazon here
5. DiGiorno Frozen Pizza, Rising Crust Pepperoni Pizza
“It’s not delivery, it’s DiGiorno!” – and it’s even better in an air fryer! The DiGiorno Rising Crust Pepperoni Pizza is famous for its thick, chewy crust that gets wonderfully crispy on the outside while staying soft and tender inside. While a larger pizza, it can be cut to fit into larger air fryer ovens or cooked in batches in smaller basket models. The robust tomato sauce, mozzarella, and flavorful pepperoni make it a true crowd-pleaser.
- Key Features:
- Topped with zesty tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni.
- Rising style crust that’s crispy on the outside, soft and tender inside.
- Large 24.7oz size, suitable for sharing.
- Designed to mimic delivery pizza taste.
- Pros:
- Achieves a delicious, crispy bottom crust in the air fryer.
- Generous size for families or multiple servings.
- Classic pepperoni pizza flavor.
- Rising crust provides a satisfying texture.
- Cons:
- Too large for most basket-style air fryers without cutting.
- Might require more attention to prevent burning edges.
- User Impressions: People who manage to fit this into their air fryer (or cut it down) are thrilled with the results, often highlighting the perfect “delivery-like” crust that forms.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Red Baron Classic Pepperoni Pizza
Sometimes, you just want a good old classic, and the Red Baron Classic Pepperoni Pizza delivers exactly that. Its not-too-thick, not-too-thin crust achieves just the right amount of crunch in the air fryer, complemented by zesty tomato sauce, 100% real cheese, and plenty of pepperoni. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing option that consistently delivers a satisfying pizza experience for any weeknight or casual gathering.
- Key Features:
- Made with zesty tomato sauce, 100% real cheese, and hearty pepperoni.
- Classic Crust: not too thick, not too thin, with just the right crunch.
- Excellent source of protein, good source of calcium.
- Convenient and always within reach from the freezer.
- Pros:
- Consistent classic pizza flavor.
- Crust cooks to a perfect crispness in the air fryer.
- Good size for a single person or to share.
- Reliable and widely available.
- Cons:
- Flavor might be too basic for those seeking gourmet options.
- Can require careful monitoring to prevent overcooking the edges.
- User Impressions: A staple for many, this pizza is loved for its reliability and how well it air-fries, especially for achieving that ideal crust texture without a lot of fuss.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Red Baron Classic Four Cheese Pizza
Rounding out our list is another classic from Red Baron, their Classic Four Cheese Pizza. If you’re a cheese lover, this is your go-to! Featuring a delectable blend of mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and parmesan cheeses over a zesty tomato sauce, all on their signature classic crust, it cooks beautifully in the air fryer. The result is a bubbly, golden-brown top and a perfectly crispy base, making it an excellent choice for a simple yet satisfying meal.
- Key Features:
- Made with zesty tomato sauce and 100% real mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and parmesan cheese.
- Classic Crust: not too thick and not too thin with just the right amount of crunch.
- Excellent source of protein, good source of calcium.
- Ideal for sharing with family and friends.
- Pros:
- Rich, melty four-cheese blend.
- Crust crisps up wonderfully in the air fryer.
- Great for sharing or multiple servings.
- Simple, comforting classic flavor.
- Cons:
- Lack of toppings might not appeal to everyone.
- Cheese can get very hot, requiring a moment to cool.
- User Impressions: Fans appreciate the simplicity and quality of the cheese, noting how the air fryer gets it perfectly bubbly and the crust delightfully crunchy. It’s often recommended for a no-fuss cheesy indulgence.
- See it on Amazon here
Tips for Air Frying Frozen Pizza
To get the absolute best frozen pizza for air fryer results, keep these tips in mind:
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating ensures even cooking and a crispier crust. A few minutes at your desired temperature (usually 350-400°F) is enough.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook one pizza or a small batch of pizza rolls/pockets at a time. Overlapping prevents proper air circulation and crispy results.
- Check Doneness: Cooking times vary by air fryer model and pizza thickness. Start with a shorter time (e.g., 8-12 minutes for personal pizzas, 5-8 for rolls) and add more as needed. Look for golden-brown crust and bubbly cheese.
- Use Parchment Paper (Carefully!): A small piece of air fryer-safe parchment paper can help with cleanup, but ensure it’s weighted down by the pizza to prevent it from flying up and hitting the heating element.
- Spray Lightly (Optional): A light spray of cooking oil on the crust can enhance crispiness, but it’s often not necessary.
- Let it Rest: Give your pizza a minute or two to cool slightly after cooking. This allows the cheese to set and prevents burns.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I put any frozen pizza in an air fryer?
A1: Generally, yes! Most frozen pizzas can be cooked in an air fryer. The main considerations are the size of your pizza relative to your air fryer basket and the thickness of the crust. Thinner crusts and personal pizzas tend to work best and cook quickest.
Q2: What’s the ideal temperature and time for air frying frozen pizza?
A2: For most personal-sized frozen pizzas, 350-400°F (175-200°C) for 8-15 minutes is a good starting point. For smaller items like pizza rolls or pockets, 350-375°F (175-190°C) for 5-10 minutes usually works well. Always keep an eye on it, as cooking times vary based on your specific air fryer model and pizza size.
Q3: Do I need to thaw frozen pizza before air frying?
A3: No, absolutely not! Cook your frozen pizza directly from the freezer. Thawing can make the crust soggy and affect the texture.
Q4: My air fryer is too small for a regular-sized frozen pizza. What can I do?
A4: Many people cut larger frozen pizzas into halves or quarters to fit them into their air fryer basket. You can cook them in batches, ensuring each piece gets even crispiness. Or, opt for personal-sized frozen pizzas or pizza-style snacks instead.
Q5: How do I get the cheese perfectly melted and not burnt?
A5: Ensure your air fryer isn’t set to an excessively high temperature. A moderate temperature (around 350-375°F) allows the cheese to melt slowly and evenly without burning the toppings or crust. You can also cover the edges with a bit of foil if they’re browning too quickly, but generally, the circulating air should cook it evenly.
Q6: What’s the biggest advantage of air frying frozen pizza over a conventional oven?
A6: The biggest advantages are speed and superior crispiness. An air fryer cooks much faster than a conventional oven (no long preheat!), and its convection technology ensures an incredibly crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese that’s hard to achieve otherwise.
Q7: Can I air fry different types of pizza, like thin crust or gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Thin crust pizzas are fantastic in the air fryer because they cook even faster and get super crispy. Gluten-free pizzas also work well, often resulting in a great texture. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on thickness.
Conclusion
The air fryer truly is a magical device for making frozen pizza dreams come true. No more waiting around, no more disappointing soggy crusts – just quick, crispy, and delicious pizza whenever you crave it. From the hearty Red Baron French Bread to the classic DiGiorno Rising Crust, there’s a perfect air fryer frozen pizza out there for everyone.
So, go ahead, grab one of our recommended best frozen pizza for air fryer options, pop it in your appliance, and get ready to enjoy crispy, cheesy perfection in minutes! Your taste buds (and your busy schedule) will thank you.