Can You Cook a Frozen Pizza in the Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time

Yes, you can cook a frozen pizza in the air fryer perfectly every time—it’s faster than an oven and delivers a crispy crust with evenly melted cheese. Just preheat the air fryer, place the pizza in a single layer, and cook at 360–380°F for 8–12 minutes, checking halfway to avoid overcooking. No thawing needed, and cleanup is a breeze!

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Cook frozen pizza in an air fryer for crispy results.
• Preheat first: Always preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
• Single layer only: Avoid stacking to ensure proper heat circulation.
• Adjust time: Cook 8–12 minutes, checking halfway for doneness.
• Use foil or tray: Prevent cheese from sticking and ease cleanup.
• Skip thawing: Cook directly from frozen for best texture and flavor.

The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer

Imagine this: it’s a busy weeknight, your stomach is growling, and all you have in the freezer is a frozen pizza. You’re craving that crispy crust, bubbling cheese, and savory toppings, but your oven is still cold, and preheating feels like a chore. Enter the air fryer—your kitchen superhero that promises crispy results in a fraction of the time. But can you really cook a frozen pizza in the air fryer and get it just right, every single time?

The short answer is a resounding yes, but there’s a bit more to the story. Cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer isn’t just possible—it can actually be better than traditional oven baking. With the right technique, you can achieve a perfectly crisp crust, evenly melted cheese, and deliciously hot toppings in under 15 minutes. No more waiting for the oven to heat up, no soggy centers, and no burnt edges. But like any kitchen hack, there are a few tricks to master. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook frozen pizza in your air fryer perfectly, every time.

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

Speed and Efficiency

Let’s face it: waiting 15–20 minutes for your oven to preheat just to cook a pizza is a pain. The air fryer, on the other hand, heats up almost instantly. Most models reach cooking temperature in 3–5 minutes, which means your pizza goes from freezer to table in half the time of a conventional oven. For busy families, late-night snackers, or anyone juggling a packed schedule, this is a total win.

I remember one particularly chaotic evening when my kids were hangry and I had zero energy to deal with a slow oven. I popped a frozen pizza into the air fryer, set the timer, and within 12 minutes, we were enjoying a hot, crispy meal. The look of surprise on my youngest’s face when he realized dinner was ready so fast? Priceless.

Crispy Crust, Even Cooking

One of the biggest challenges with oven-baked frozen pizza is achieving that perfect balance: a crisp crust without a burnt top or a soggy center. The air fryer’s rapid, circulating hot air solves this problem beautifully. The intense heat crisps the bottom and sides of the crust while the convection action melts the cheese evenly and heats the toppings thoroughly.

Unlike a microwave (which can make the crust rubbery) or a conventional oven (which can dry out the edges), the air fryer delivers consistent results across the entire pizza. I’ve tested this with everything from thin-crust Margherita to thick, loaded meat lovers—and the air fryer handles them all with ease.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers are also more energy-efficient than full-sized ovens. Since they’re smaller and heat up faster, they use less electricity overall. If you’re trying to reduce your energy consumption or just want a more sustainable way to cook, this is a great option. Plus, because they cook food faster, you’re not running a large appliance for as long—another win for your utility bill.

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

Prep Your Air Fryer and Pizza

First things first: make sure your air fryer basket is clean and dry. A greasy basket can cause smoke or uneven cooking. Then, take your frozen pizza straight from the freezer—no thawing needed! In fact, thawing can actually make the crust soggy, so keep it frozen for the best results.

Next, check the size of your pizza. Most standard frozen pizzas (around 12 inches) fit in a 5.8-quart air fryer or larger. If your pizza is too big, you may need to cut it into halves or quarters. I once tried to cook a 14-inch pizza whole and ended up with a mess—lesson learned!

Pro tip: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Just make sure the parchment has holes or is cut to size so air can still circulate.

Set the Right Temperature and Time

Temperature is key to avoiding a burnt crust or undercooked center. For most frozen pizzas, start with 375°F (190°C). This is hot enough to crisp the crust but not so hot that it burns the cheese or toppings.

As for timing, it depends on the pizza’s thickness and your air fryer model. Here’s a general guide:

• Thin-crust pizza: 8–10 minutes
• Medium-crust pizza: 10–12 minutes
• Thick or deep-dish pizza: 12–15 minutes

Start checking at the lower end of the range. I like to open the basket after 8 minutes to peek at the crust and cheese. If the cheese is bubbling and the crust looks golden, it’s probably done. If not, give it another 2–3 minutes.

Monitor and Rotate for Even Cooking

Even the best air fryers can have hot spots, so it’s a good idea to rotate the pizza halfway through cooking. Use tongs or a spatula to gently turn it 180 degrees. This ensures even browning and prevents one side from getting too dark.

If your pizza is cut into pieces (like I mentioned earlier), arrange them in a single layer with a little space between each piece. Overcrowding blocks airflow and leads to uneven cooking. I once tried to cram four quarters into my basket and ended up with one burnt piece and three that were still cold in the center—not ideal!

Check for Doneness

How do you know your pizza is done? Look for these signs:

• The crust is golden brown and crisp to the touch.
• The cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
• The toppings are hot and sizzling (especially meats, which should be cooked through).

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature if you’re unsure. The center should be at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Let the pizza rest for 1–2 minutes after cooking—this helps the cheese set and prevents burns when you take that first bite.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results Every Time

Choose the Right Pizza

Not all frozen pizzas are created equal. Some work better in the air fryer than others. Here’s what to look for:

• Thin-crust or flatbread pizzas: These cook quickly and evenly. Brands like DiGiorno’s thin crust or Newman’s Own Margherita are great choices.
• Pre-sauced and pre-topped pizzas: Avoid pizzas with too many toppings or wet sauces (like BBQ chicken), as they can drip and cause smoking. Stick to classic cheese, pepperoni, or veggie options.
• Size matters: If your air fryer is on the smaller side, opt for mini or personal-sized pizzas. These cook faster and fit better.

I once tried a frozen pizza with a thick layer of fresh mozzarella and basil—it was a disaster. The cheese oozed everywhere, and the basil burned. Lesson learned: keep it simple!

Adjust for Your Air Fryer Model

Different air fryers have different heating elements and fan speeds, so you may need to tweak the temperature or time. If your model runs hot (like some Philips models), try lowering the temp to 360°F. If it runs cooler (like some Cosori models), bump it up to 380°F.

Also, consider the basket shape. Square or rectangular baskets may fit more pizza, but circular ones often circulate air more evenly. I have a Ninja Foodi with a square basket, and I’ve found that cutting the pizza into four pieces works better than trying to cook it whole.

Add Toppings After Cooking

If you’re craving extra flavor, add delicate toppings after cooking. Fresh basil, arugula, or a drizzle of hot sauce can take your pizza to the next level without the risk of burning. I love adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a squeeze of lemon juice to my Margherita pizza—it’s like a restaurant-quality meal in minutes!

Use a Parchment Liner (But Do It Right)

Parchment paper can prevent sticking, but make sure it’s perforated or cut to fit the basket. Solid parchment blocks airflow and can even catch fire if it touches the heating element. I use pre-cut air fryer parchment liners with holes—they’re a game-changer for cleanup.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake people make. When the basket is too full, hot air can’t circulate, leading to soggy crusts and uneven cooking. Always leave a little space around each piece of pizza. If you’re cooking a whole pizza, make sure it doesn’t touch the sides or top of the basket.

For personal-sized pizzas, you can usually cook 1–2 at a time. For larger pizzas, cut them into quarters or halves. I once tried to cook a whole pizza in my 4-quart air fryer—it was a tight squeeze, and the results were underwhelming. Now I always size down or cut it up.

Skipping the Preheat

While air fryers heat up fast, preheating for 2–3 minutes can make a big difference. A hot basket ensures the crust starts crisping immediately, reducing cooking time and improving texture. I always set my air fryer to 375°F and let it run for a few minutes before adding the pizza.

Ignoring the Cheese

If your pizza has a lot of cheese, it can drip into the basket and cause smoking. To prevent this, lightly pat the cheese with a paper towel before cooking, or use a drip tray (if your air fryer has one). Some people also recommend starting with a lower temperature for the first 5 minutes to let the cheese melt slowly.

I’ve had a few smoky incidents with extra-cheesy pizzas, but a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and a few minutes of ventilation usually fixes the problem.

Forgetting to Rotate

Hot spots are real! Rotating the pizza halfway through ensures even browning. Set a timer for the halfway point and give it a quick turn. This simple step can save you from a half-burnt, half-raw pizza.

Air Fryer Pizza vs. Oven: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Factor	Air Fryer	Conventional Oven
Cooking Time	8–15 minutes	15–25 minutes (plus 15–20 minutes preheat)
Energy Use	Low (smaller appliance, shorter cook time)	High (larger appliance, longer cook time)
Crust Texture	Crisp, golden, evenly cooked	Can be soggy or uneven, especially with thin crusts
Cheese Melting	Even, bubbly, no burnt spots	May have hot or cold spots
Ease of Use	Minimal prep, quick cleanup	Requires preheat, longer cleanup
Versatility	Great for small to medium pizzas	Better for large or multiple pizzas

As you can see, the air fryer wins on speed, energy efficiency, and texture—but it’s not perfect. If you’re cooking for a crowd or have a very large pizza, the oven might still be your best bet. For solo meals, date nights, or quick family dinners, though, the air fryer is hard to beat.

Final Thoughts: Is Air Fryer Pizza Worth It?

After years of experimenting with frozen pizza in my air fryer, I can confidently say: yes, it’s absolutely worth it. The speed, the crispiness, the convenience—it’s a total game-changer. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves pizza (and who doesn’t?), the air fryer delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

But remember, perfection isn’t about following a recipe exactly—it’s about understanding your tools and adapting. Every air fryer is a little different, and every pizza has its quirks. Don’t be afraid to experiment with timing, temperature, and toppings. Keep notes, learn from mistakes, and soon you’ll have your own foolproof method.

So next time you’re staring at a frozen pizza and dreading the oven, reach for your air fryer instead. With these tips and tricks, you’ll have a hot, crispy, delicious meal on the table in no time. And who knows? You might just discover that air fryer pizza is your new favorite way to eat. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook a frozen pizza in the air fryer without thawing it first?

Yes, you can cook a frozen pizza in the air fryer straight from the freezer—no thawing required. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation crisps the crust and melts toppings evenly in 10–15 minutes.

What’s the best way to cook a frozen pizza in an air fryer to avoid a soggy center?

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), place the pizza on a parchment liner or rack, and cook in 2–3 minute intervals, checking between batches. This prevents excess steam buildup and ensures a crisp crust.

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

Most frozen pizzas take 10–15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), but cooking time varies by size and thickness. Check for a bubbling cheese and golden crust to confirm it’s done.

Do you need to flip a frozen pizza halfway when using an air fryer?

Flipping isn’t necessary for thin-crust pizzas, but for thicker styles, a halfway flip ensures even browning. Use tongs or a spatula to avoid damaging the toppings.

Can you cook a frozen deep-dish pizza in the air fryer?

Yes, but opt for smaller portions or mini deep-dish pizzas to fit the air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 15–18 minutes, checking for a fully melted center.

What’s the key to getting a crispy crust when cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer?

Lightly spray the crust with oil or brush with garlic butter before cooking to enhance crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow hot air to circulate freely.