Can You Put Pizza in an Air Fryer The Surprising Answer

Yes, you can put pizza in an air fryer—and it cooks faster, with a crispier crust and evenly melted cheese every time. Whether it’s frozen, leftover, or fresh-baked, the air fryer delivers restaurant-quality results in minutes without the need for preheating or excess oil.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can air fry pizza: Achieve crispy results in under 10 minutes.
• Preheat for best results: Ensures even cooking and optimal texture.
• Use a liner or basket: Prevents sticking and eases cleanup.
• Adjust time and temperature: Start at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
• Great for leftovers: Revives frozen or refrigerated pizza perfectly.

Can You Put Pizza in an Air Fryer? The Surprising Answer

Picture this: it’s Friday night, the week’s chaos is behind you, and all you want is a warm, crispy slice of pizza. But your oven is still cooling from dinner, your microwave turns crusts soggy, and delivery is taking longer than expected. Then it hits you—your trusty air fryer sits quietly on the counter, promising speed and convenience. Could it actually cook pizza? You’ve heard it can crisp fries, reheat chicken, and even bake cookies. But pizza? With its cheesy, bubbly, and sometimes messy toppings? It feels like a gamble. Yet, after countless experiments (and a few cheesy mishaps), I can confidently say: yes, you *can* put pizza in an air fryer—and the results might just surprise you.

The air fryer has become a kitchen MVP for its ability to deliver crispy textures with little oil. But when it comes to pizza, the big question is whether it can handle the delicate balance of a crispy crust, melty cheese, and evenly cooked toppings—all in a fraction of the time of a conventional oven. Whether you’re reheating last night’s leftovers, cooking a frozen pizza, or even making a fresh mini pizza from scratch, the air fryer might be your new go-to. In this guide, we’ll explore how it works, what to expect, and how to get the best results—no burnt cheese or soggy crusts allowed. So grab a slice, settle in, and let’s dive into the delicious world of air fryer pizza.

How the Air Fryer Works for Pizza: The Science Behind the Crisp

Understanding Air Fryer Mechanics

Before we throw a pizza into the air fryer, it helps to understand how this gadget works. Unlike microwaves, which use radiation to heat food from the inside out, or ovens, which rely on ambient heat, air fryers use a high-powered fan to circulate hot air rapidly around the food. This process, known as convection, creates a crispy, golden exterior while cooking the interior evenly. Think of it like a mini convection oven with turbocharged airflow.

The magic lies in the Maillard reaction—a chemical process that occurs when proteins and sugars in food react under high heat, creating that beloved browning and savory flavor. For pizza, this means your crust can develop a satisfying crispness without needing to preheat an entire oven. The air fryer’s compact space also ensures heat isn’t wasted, making it energy-efficient and fast. Most models reach cooking temperatures in just 3-5 minutes, compared to 10-15 minutes for a standard oven.

Why Pizza Benefits from Air Fryer Cooking

Pizza, especially when reheated or frozen, often suffers from uneven cooking. Microwaves can make the crust rubbery, and ovens may dry out the toppings. The air fryer’s rapid, consistent airflow solves both problems:

• Crispy crust: The hot air circulates under and around the pizza, crisping the bottom without making it hard.
• Even cheese melt: The cheese melts uniformly, avoiding the “cheese volcano” effect where the center is molten but the edges are cold.
• Topping retention: Unlike ovens, where heavy toppings can slide off, the air fryer’s quick cooking helps keep everything in place.

For example, reheating a pepperoni pizza in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes yields a crust with a satisfying crunch and cheese that’s melted but not greasy. Compare that to a microwave, where the same pizza might emerge with a limp crust and rubbery cheese—no contest.

Reheating Leftover Pizza: A Game-Changer for Soggy Slices

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Reheating

Let’s be honest: leftover pizza is a gift. But reheating it? That’s where things get tricky. The air fryer, however, turns this challenge into a breeze. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the pizza starts crisping immediately.
2. Use a parchment liner or foil: Cut a piece of parchment paper or foil to fit the basket. This prevents cheese and toppings from sticking or falling through the grates.
3. Place the pizza in the basket: Lay the slice flat, ensuring it doesn’t overlap. For multiple slices, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
4. Cook for 3-5 minutes: Start at 3 minutes and check. If the crust isn’t crispy enough, add 1-2 more minutes. For thicker crusts (like Chicago deep dish), go up to 6 minutes.
5. Optional: Add a splash of water: Place a small bowl of water in the basket to add moisture and prevent the crust from drying out.

Pro tip: If you’re reheating a slice with delicate toppings (like arugula or fresh basil), add them *after* cooking. The air fryer’s heat can wilt greens in seconds.

Real-Life Results: What to Expect

In my tests, a 24-hour-old New York-style slice reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 minutes emerged with a crust that crackled when bitten into, while the cheese was evenly melted and the pepperoni crisped at the edges. Compare this to a microwave, where the same slice became soggy in the center and rubbery at the crust. The air fryer also outperformed the oven, which took 15 minutes to preheat and 10 minutes to cook—resulting in a drier crust due to prolonged exposure to heat.

One caveat: thin crust pizzas cook faster, so keep an eye on them. A Margherita slice with a delicate crust might only need 3 minutes, while a thick Detroit-style pie could require 6-7 minutes. The key is to check early and often—air fryers can go from “perfectly crisp” to “charred” in seconds.

Cooking Frozen Pizza: Fast, Crispy, and Surprisingly Easy

Choosing the Right Frozen Pizza

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

• Size: Opt for pizzas no larger than 9 inches (23 cm) in diameter. Most air fryer baskets can’t fit a 12-inch pie.
• Crust type: Thin or medium crusts (like flatbread or pan-style) work best. Thick crusts (e.g., deep dish) may cook unevenly.
• Toppings: Pizzas with minimal toppings (e.g., cheese or pepperoni) are less likely to slide off during cooking.

Brands like DiGiorno’s Rising Crust or Freschetta’s Thin & Crispy perform well, but avoid pizzas with excessive sauce or wet toppings (like fresh mozzarella), as they can make the crust soggy.

Air Fryer Cooking Process: From Freezer to Table in 15 Minutes

Here’s how to cook a frozen pizza in the air fryer:

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures the pizza starts cooking immediately.
2. Prepare the pizza: Remove it from the packaging and place it directly on the basket (no need to thaw). For extra crispiness, lightly spray the crust with oil.
3. Cook in stages:
   • First, cook for 6-8 minutes. This melts the cheese and starts crisping the crust.
   • Then, pause the air fryer, open the basket, and check for doneness. If the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden, you’re done. If not, cook for 2-3 more minutes.
4. Let it rest: Remove the pizza and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut.

Example: I cooked a 9-inch Freschetta Four Cheese pizza at 375°F for 7 minutes. The result? A crust with a satisfying crunch, cheese that oozed perfectly, and no soggy spots. The entire process took just 12 minutes—half the time of a conventional oven.

Making Fresh Pizza in the Air Fryer: Yes, It’s Possible!

DIY Mini Pizzas: A Fun, Customizable Option

Want to make a fresh pizza from scratch? The air fryer can handle that too—just think small. Here’s how to make individual-sized pizzas:

1. Choose your base: Use pre-made mini pizza crusts (like Boboli), flatbreads, or even English muffins. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower crusts.
2. Add sauce and toppings: Spread 1-2 tablespoons of sauce, then add cheese and toppings. Keep it simple—too many toppings can make the pizza soggy.
3. Cook at 375°F (190°C): Place the mini pizza in the basket and cook for 5-7 minutes. Check at 5 minutes to avoid burning.

For a gourmet twist, try a Prosciutto & Arugula pizza: top a mini crust with marinara, fresh mozzarella, and prosciutto. After cooking, add arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Fresh pizzas in the air fryer can sometimes go wrong. Here’s how to fix common problems:

• Soggy crust: This usually means too much sauce or toppings. Pat excess moisture from ingredients (e.g., squeeze water out of fresh mozzarella).
• Burnt toppings: Delicate toppings (like basil or spinach) cook faster than the crust. Add them in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
• Uneven cooking: If one side of the pizza is undercooked, rotate the basket halfway through.

Pro tip: For a crispy bottom, pre-bake the crust for 2 minutes before adding sauce and toppings.

Tips, Tricks, and Safety: Mastering Air Fryer Pizza

Essential Tools and Accessories

To get the best results, consider these air fryer accessories:

• Parchment liners: Prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Look for perforated liners for better airflow.
• Silicone baskets: These protect delicate toppings and make it easier to lift out the pizza.
• Oil sprayer: Lightly misting the crust with oil enhances crispiness without adding calories.

Safety and Cleanup

Safety first! Here’s how to avoid common hazards:

• No aluminum foil on the bottom: This can block airflow and cause overheating. Use foil *only* as a liner on the basket grates.
• Don’t overcrowd: Cooking too many slices at once reduces airflow and leads to uneven results.
• Watch for smoke: If cheese or oil drips onto the heating element, it can smoke. Keep the basket clean and avoid overloading with toppings.

Cleanup is a breeze: most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe. For stubborn cheese, soak the basket in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes before scrubbing.

Data: Air Fryer vs. Other Cooking Methods

Method	Avg. Time (Reheating)	Crust Texture	Cheese Melt	Energy Use
Air Fryer	3-5 minutes	Crispy, golden	Even, bubbly	Low
Microwave	1-2 minutes	Soggy, rubbery	Uneven, greasy	Medium
Oven	10-15 minutes	Crispy (but may dry)	Even, but can overcook	High
Skillet	4-6 minutes	Crispy bottom, soft top	Uneven (requires lid)	Medium

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer the Ultimate Pizza Tool?

So, can you put pizza in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes—and it’s not just a gimmick. Whether you’re reheating a leftover slice, cooking a frozen pizza, or making a fresh mini pie, the air fryer delivers speed, convenience, and surprisingly delicious results. It crisps crusts like an oven, melts cheese like a pro, and does it all in a fraction of the time. Plus, it’s energy-efficient and easy to clean—two wins for busy home cooks.

That said, it’s not perfect. Thin crusts can overcook if you’re not careful, and thick pizzas might need extra time. But with a little practice, you’ll learn to adjust times and temperatures to suit your taste. The key is to experiment, keep an eye on your pizza, and embrace the process. After all, the best kitchen tools are the ones that make cooking *fun*—and the air fryer definitely fits that bill.

Next time you’re craving pizza but don’t want to wait for the oven to preheat or deal with soggy microwave leftovers, give the air fryer a try. You might just find yourself reaching for it more often than you think. Who knew such a small appliance could deliver such big flavor? Happy cooking—and even happier eating!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put pizza in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook pizza in an air fryer! It’s a quick and efficient way to achieve a crispy crust without needing an oven, making it ideal for reheating leftovers or cooking frozen pizzas.

How do you cook a frozen pizza in an air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), place the frozen pizza in the basket, and cook for 10–15 minutes. Check halfway to ensure even browning, and adjust time based on thickness and your air fryer model.

Is cooking pizza in an air fryer healthier than using an oven?

Air fryers use less energy and less oil than ovens, making them a slightly healthier option. The rapid air circulation cooks food faster, reducing overall cooking time and energy consumption while still delivering a crispy texture.

Can you reheat leftover pizza in an air fryer?

Yes, reheating pizza in an air fryer restores its original crispiness better than a microwave. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes, and you’ll get a perfectly warm slice with a crunchy crust.

What’s the best way to prevent pizza from sticking in an air fryer?

Use parchment paper or a light spray of oil on the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Parchment paper is especially helpful for frozen pizzas, as it keeps the cheese from melting onto the basket.

Can you cook homemade pizza in an air fryer?

Definitely! Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), assemble your pizza on parchment paper, and cook for 8–12 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, especially if using thin crust or lots of toppings.