Can You Put Pizza in the Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can absolutely put pizza in the air fryer—it’s a game-changer for achieving a crispy crust and perfectly melted toppings in minutes. Whether it’s frozen, leftover, or homemade, the air fryer delivers fast, even heating without drying out your pizza, making it the ultimate kitchen hack for pizza lovers.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can air fry pizza: It cooks faster and crispier than an oven.
• Use low-moisture toppings: Prevents sogginess and ensures even cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer: Achieves a perfectly crisp crust every time.
• Single-layer only: Overcrowding leads to unevenly cooked pizza.
• Check frequently: Air fryers vary—monitor to avoid burning.
• Reheat leftovers perfectly: Air fryer restores crispness better than a microwave.

Can You Put Pizza in the Air Fryer? The Ultimate Guide

Let’s be honest—few things beat the smell of fresh pizza wafting through the house. Whether it’s a cheesy slice from your favorite pizzeria or a homemade creation with all your favorite toppings, pizza is the ultimate comfort food. But what if you don’t have 30 minutes to preheat the oven? Or maybe you’re craving a quick reheat of last night’s leftovers and don’t want a soggy, lukewarm slice. Enter the air fryer.

You’ve probably heard about air fryers making everything from fries to chicken wings crispier and faster than ever. But can you put pizza in the air fryer? Spoiler: yes, you absolutely can. And not only can you—but you should, especially if you want a crispy crust, bubbling cheese, and that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste in under 10 minutes. Whether you’re reheating a frozen pizza, reviving takeout, or cooking a homemade pie, the air fryer can be your secret weapon. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from how to do it right, to what types of pizza work best, and even a few tips to avoid common pitfalls. Think of this as your friendly kitchen chat with someone who’s burned a few slices (so you don’t have to).

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Pizza

You might be wondering: why even bother with the air fryer when you’ve got an oven? Great question. The answer lies in how the air fryer works—and how it treats pizza differently than traditional methods.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why That Matters for Pizza)

Air fryers use rapid, circulating hot air to cook food. It’s like a mini convection oven, but faster and more efficient. The heating element and fan work together to blast hot air from all directions, which means your food gets crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. For pizza, this is a dream come true. The crust gets that perfect golden crunch, the cheese bubbles evenly, and the toppings heat through without drying out—all in a fraction of the time.

Unlike microwaves, which steam your pizza and leave it soggy, or ovens, which take forever to preheat and heat up your whole kitchen, the air fryer is fast, energy-efficient, and keeps your kitchen cool. Plus, it doesn’t require any oil, so you’re getting that crispiness the healthy way.

Benefits of Air Frying Pizza

• Speed: Most pizzas cook in 5–8 minutes, no preheating needed (or just 2–3 minutes to preheat).
• Crispiness: The circulating air crisps the crust and melts cheese evenly—no more rubbery, chewy slices.
• Versatility: Works with frozen, takeout, homemade, and even gluten-free or cauliflower crusts.
• Energy efficient: Uses less electricity than a full-sized oven and heats up quickly.
• Minimal cleanup: Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. I tried reheating a pepperoni slice in my air fryer and was shocked—it came out crispier than when it was fresh from the delivery box. My partner, who usually hates reheated pizza, took one bite and said, “Why haven’t we been doing this all along?” That’s the moment I became an air fryer pizza convert.

What Types of Pizza Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?

Good news: you can put almost any type of pizza in the air fryer. But not all pizzas behave the same way, and knowing which ones work best will save you from a melted cheese disaster or a floppy crust.

Frozen Pizzas

Frozen pizzas are a no-brainer. They’re designed to go from freezer to heat source, and the air fryer handles them beautifully. Whether it’s a thin-crust Margherita, a deep-dish pepperoni, or a gluten-free veggie pie, the air fryer cooks them evenly and quickly.

Tip: Don’t thaw your frozen pizza first. Put it straight from the freezer into the air fryer. This helps the crust crisp up instead of becoming mushy. For most 10–12 inch frozen pizzas, cook at 360°F (182°C) for 8–10 minutes, checking at 7 minutes to avoid burning.

I tried a frozen BBQ chicken pizza once—usually, it comes out greasy in the oven. In the air fryer? Crispy edges, tender crust, and the sauce didn’t pool. It was like a gourmet upgrade.

Takeout or Leftover Pizza

This is where the air fryer truly shines. Reheating pizza in the microwave is a crime against crust. It turns it into a sad, chewy mess. But in the air fryer? Magic.

For a single slice (or two), place it in the basket with a little space between slices so air can circulate. Cook at 350°F (177°C) for 3–5 minutes. You’ll get a warm, crispy slice that tastes almost as good as fresh.

Pro tip: If your pizza has a thick crust or lots of toppings, add a splash of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket (not on the pizza!) to prevent the cheese from burning. The steam helps melt the cheese without drying out the crust.

Homemade Pizza

Making your own pizza? The air fryer is perfect for small batches. Use a store-bought or homemade dough, roll it out to fit your air fryer basket (usually 6–8 inches), and top it with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings.

Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes. The key is not to overload the pizza—too many toppings can trap steam and make the crust soggy. Think minimalist: sauce, cheese, one or two toppings max.

I made a mini Margherita pizza with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes last weekend. It cooked in 7 minutes and had a crust so crispy, it crunched when I bit into it. My kids loved it—and I didn’t have to turn on the oven.

Gluten-Free and Alternative Crusts

If you’re gluten-free or trying a cauliflower crust, the air fryer is your friend. These crusts can be delicate and burn easily, so lower the temperature to 325–350°F (163–177°C) and cook for 6–8 minutes. Check often—they brown faster than traditional crusts.

One note: cauliflower crusts can release moisture, so pat them dry before cooking and avoid overloading with sauce or wet toppings like fresh mozzarella or pineapple.

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

Ready to try it? Here’s a simple, foolproof method for cooking pizza in your air fryer—no guesswork, no burnt edges.

Step 1: Preheat (Optional but Recommended)

Preheating your air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350–375°F (177–190°C) ensures even cooking from the start. It’s not mandatory, but it helps, especially for frozen or thick-crust pizzas.

Step 2: Prepare the Basket

Line the basket with parchment paper or lightly spray it with oil. Parchment paper is a game-changer—it prevents sticking, makes cleanup easier, and keeps cheese from melting onto the basket.

Tip: Use parchment paper with pre-cut holes (or poke holes yourself) so air can still circulate. Avoid aluminum foil if your air fryer manual advises against it (some models can overheat with foil).

Step 3: Place the Pizza

For whole pizzas, make sure it fits with a little space around the edges. For slices, lay them flat with at least half an inch between them. Don’t stack slices—air needs to flow!

If your pizza has a lot of toppings, consider placing a small heat-safe bowl of water in the corner of the basket. This creates steam to melt cheese without drying out the crust.

Step 4: Set Time and Temperature

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Pizza Type	Temperature	Time	Notes
Frozen (10–12 inch)	360°F (182°C)	8–10 min	No preheat needed; check at 7 min
Takeout/Leftover Slice	350°F (177°C)	3–5 min	Add water for steam if needed
Homemade (Mini)	375°F (190°C)	6–8 min	Don’t overload toppings
Gluten-Free/Cauliflower	325–350°F (163–177°C)	6–8 min	Pat crust dry; check often

Step 5: Check and Rotate (If Needed)

Air fryers don’t always cook evenly, especially in corners. After 4–5 minutes, open the basket and check the pizza. If one side is browning faster, gently rotate the pizza or flip slices with tongs.

For whole pizzas, you can also lift the parchment and rotate it 180 degrees. Just be careful—hot cheese is sneaky!

Step 6: Let It Rest (Yes, Really!)

Once done, let the pizza sit in the basket for 1–2 minutes. This helps the cheese set and prevents burns when you take that first bite. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even the best air fryer users make mistakes. Here are the most common ones—and how to fix them.

Overcrowding the Basket

It’s tempting to fit two whole pizzas in there, but don’t. Air needs to circulate. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking, soggy crusts, and burnt cheese.

Solution: Cook one pizza at a time. If you have multiple slices, arrange them in a single layer with space between. If you must cook more, do it in batches.

Using the Wrong Temperature

Too high = burnt cheese and raw crust. Too low = limp, undercooked pizza.

Rule of thumb: 350–375°F (177–190°C) is your sweet spot. For delicate crusts, go lower. For frozen or thick-crust, go slightly higher.

Not Using Parchment Paper

Cheese melts. And when it melts onto the basket, it sticks. And when it sticks, it’s a pain to clean.

Solution: Always use parchment paper (with holes) or a silicone liner. It’s cheap, reusable, and saves you scrubbing time.

Ignoring Moisture Control

Wet toppings like fresh mozzarella, pineapple, or tomatoes can make your pizza soggy. The air fryer dries things out, but too much moisture can still be a problem.

Solution: Pat wet ingredients dry before adding. Or, place a small bowl of water in the basket to balance the moisture.

Skipping the Rest Period

I get it—pizza is hot, delicious, and you want to eat it now. But rushing leads to burned tongues and runny cheese.

Solution: Set a timer for 1–2 minutes after cooking. Use that time to grab a drink, set the table, or just take a deep breath. Your taste buds will thank you.

Creative Air Fryer Pizza Ideas and Hacks

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative. The air fryer isn’t just for reheating—it’s a tool for pizza innovation.

Mini Pizzas on English Muffins or Bagels

Turn English muffins, bagels, or even tortillas into mini pizzas. Spread sauce, add cheese and toppings, and air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 4–6 minutes. Perfect for kids or quick snacks.

I made “bagel pizzas” for a party once—half with pepperoni, half with veggies. Everyone went back for seconds, and I didn’t have to babysit the oven.

Pizza Quesadillas

Spread pizza sauce on a tortilla, add cheese and toppings, top with another tortilla, and cook in the air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for 4–5 minutes. Flip halfway. Cut into wedges—dinner is served.

Pizza Rolls or Stuffed Crusts

Got leftover pizza? Cut it into small squares, roll it up (like a jelly roll), and air fry at 350°F (177°C) for 3–4 minutes. Serve with marinara for dipping. It’s like a gourmet leftover hack.

Breakfast Pizza

Top a mini pizza with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–7 minutes. A hearty, crispy breakfast in minutes.

One morning, I was out of bread and made a breakfast pizza with leftover dough. It was so good, my partner asked for it every weekend.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can—and Should—Put Pizza in the Air Fryer

So, can you put pizza in the air fryer? Absolutely. And after trying it, I doubt you’ll go back to microwaves or long oven waits. The air fryer delivers crispy, hot, delicious pizza in minutes, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Whether you’re reheating leftovers, cooking a frozen pie, or making your own mini masterpiece, the air fryer handles it all. Just remember the basics: use parchment paper, don’t overcrowd, control moisture, and let it rest. With a little practice, you’ll be turning out restaurant-quality pizza from the comfort of your kitchen.

And the best part? You don’t need to be a chef. You just need an air fryer, some pizza, and a craving. So go ahead—toss that slice in the basket, set the timer, and get ready for your new favorite way to eat pizza. Your taste buds (and your busy schedule) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put pizza in the air fryer without it getting soggy?

Yes, you can put pizza in the air fryer, and it actually helps avoid sogginess! The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air crisps the crust while keeping the toppings juicy.

How long should you cook pizza in an air fryer?

Most pizzas take 5–8 minutes in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C). For best results, check halfway through to prevent overcooking, especially with thin crusts.

Can you put frozen pizza in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Frozen pizza cooks well in the air fryer—just add 1–2 minutes to the recommended oven time. It’s a quick way to achieve a crispy crust without thawing.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for pizza?

Preheating isn’t required but recommended for even cooking. A 3-minute preheat ensures your pizza starts crisping immediately when it hits the basket.

Can you cook multiple slices of pizza in the air fryer at once?

Yes, but avoid overcrowding. Arrange slices in a single layer with slight gaps to allow air circulation. Cook in batches if needed for optimal crispiness.

What type of pizza cooks best in an air fryer?

Thin-crust, leftover, and small personal pizzas work best. Air fryers excel at reheating or cooking these quickly, delivering a crispy texture similar to a traditional oven.