Can You Cook Pizza in Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Results Every Time

Yes, you can cook pizza in an air fryer—and it delivers crispy, golden results in under 10 minutes when done right. With the perfect balance of heat and airflow, your air fryer transforms frozen or homemade pizza into a quick, delicious meal with minimal effort.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook pizza in an air fryer for crispy results in under 15 minutes.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a golden crust.
• Use parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Adjust time and temperature based on pizza size and thickness for perfection.
• Fresh toppings work best—avoid excess moisture to maintain crispiness.
• Reheat leftover pizza in the air fryer to revive its texture.

Can You Cook Pizza in Air Fryer? The Truth About Crispy, Cheesy Results

Let’s be real: pizza is the ultimate comfort food. Whether it’s a Friday night ritual, a lazy Sunday recovery meal, or a quick fix for hungry kids, few things hit the spot like a warm, cheesy slice. But what if you could skip the oven, avoid the long preheat time, and still get that golden, bubbly crust—all in under 15 minutes? That’s where the air fryer comes in. You’ve probably seen the buzz: “Can you cook pizza in air fryer?” The short answer is yes. The long answer? It’s a little more nuanced—but totally worth exploring.

I remember the first time I tried cooking a frozen pizza in my air fryer. Skeptical, I tossed in a small pepperoni pie, set the timer, and crossed my fingers. Eight minutes later, I had a pizza that was *crispy on the outside, melty on the inside*, and didn’t dry out like my old oven sometimes does. It wasn’t perfect—the cheese browned faster than the crust in spots—but it was close. Since then, I’ve experimented with everything from homemade dough to leftover slices, and I’ve learned a lot about how to get the best results every time. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of cooking pizza in your air fryer, from choosing the right size to nailing the timing, so you can enjoy restaurant-quality pizza with minimal effort.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why They’re Great for Pizza)

The Science of Hot Air Circulation

Air fryers don’t actually “fry” food. Instead, they use a powerful fan to circulate super-hot air (usually between 300°F and 400°F) around your food, creating a convection effect. This rapid airflow mimics deep frying by browning and crisping the surface while cooking the inside evenly. For pizza, this is a game-changer. The intense, focused heat helps the cheese bubble, the toppings sizzle, and the crust crisp up—without drying out the dough.

Unlike traditional ovens, which take 10–15 minutes to preheat and heat the entire cavity, air fryers heat up in 2–3 minutes. That means your pizza goes from freezer to table in less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite show. Plus, because the basket is small and enclosed, heat is concentrated, leading to faster, more even cooking.

Key Advantages for Pizza Lovers

• Speed: Preheat and cook in under 10 minutes (vs. 20+ in a standard oven).
• Energy efficiency: Uses less electricity than a full-sized oven.
• No soggy crust: The fan prevents steam buildup, so your crust stays crisp.
• Small batch friendly: Perfect for one or two servings—no need to heat up the whole kitchen.
• Versatility: Works for frozen, fresh, and leftover pizza.

One Caveat: Size Matters

Air fryer baskets are compact. Most range from 3 to 6 quarts, which means you’re limited to smaller pizzas. A 7-inch personal pizza fits perfectly. Larger pies (10+ inches) may need to be cut into halves or quarters. But here’s the good news: even with smaller portions, the flavor and texture are impressive. Think of it like a mini pizzeria in your kitchen—just scaled down.

What Types of Pizza Work Best in an Air Fryer?

Frozen Pizzas: The Go-To Option

Frozen pizza is the most popular choice for air fryer cooking—and for good reason. Brands like DiGiorno, Tombstone, and Red Baron make personal-sized pizzas that fit perfectly in most baskets. I’ve tested several, and the results are consistently good: the crust gets crispy, the cheese melts evenly, and the toppings stay juicy.

Pro tip: Don’t remove the pizza from the cardboard tray. The tray acts as a heat conductor and prevents the bottom from burning. Just place the whole thing in the basket. If your air fryer is tall enough, you can even stack two trays with parchment paper between them for double the fun.

Fresh Homemade Pizza: A Delicious Challenge

Yes, you can cook a fresh homemade pizza in your air fryer—but it takes a little prep. Use a thin crust (store-bought or homemade) rolled to 1/8-inch thickness. Too thick, and the center won’t cook through before the edges burn.

Here’s a simple method I use:

• Roll out dough on a floured surface.
• Transfer to a parchment-lined pizza pan or directly onto the air fryer basket (if nonstick).
• Add sauce, cheese, and toppings (keep it light—too much can make the pizza soggy).
• Cook at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, checking at 5 minutes.

I once made a margherita pizza with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It came out with a beautifully charred crust and perfectly melted cheese. The only downside? The basil browned faster than I expected, so I recommend adding fresh herbs *after* cooking.

Store-Bought Fresh Pizza: A Hidden Gem

Many grocery stores sell ready-made, refrigerated pizzas in the deli section. These are a fantastic middle ground—better quality than frozen, less work than homemade. Just like with frozen pizza, place the whole tray in the air fryer. I’ve found that these often cook faster (5–7 minutes at 375°F) and have a more artisanal feel.

Leftover Pizza: Reheating Like a Pro

Got cold pizza from last night? Skip the microwave (which makes it rubbery) and use your air fryer instead. Place slices directly in the basket (no tray needed) and cook at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. The crust crisps up, the cheese re-melts, and you get that “fresh out of the oven” experience.

Bonus tip: Sprinkle a few drops of water on the pizza before cooking to add moisture. It won’t make it soggy—just helps rehydrate the crust without overcooking the cheese.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Pizza in Air Fryer (With Pro Tips)

Step 1: Choose the Right Air Fryer and Basket

Not all air fryers are created equal. If you have a **basket-style model** (like Ninja, Cosori, or Instant Vortex), you’re golden. These have open sides for maximum airflow. **Oven-style air fryers** (like the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer) work too, but they take longer to preheat and may require rotating the tray halfway through.

Make sure your pizza fits with at least 1/2 inch of space around the edges. This allows hot air to circulate and prevents burning. If you’re cooking a large pizza, cut it into 2–3 inch slices or use a pizza stone that fits the basket.

Step 2: Preheat (Yes, Really!)

Preheating isn’t always mandatory, but for pizza, it’s a must. Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it run for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket ensures the crust starts cooking immediately, reducing sogginess. I’ve skipped this step before, and the difference is noticeable—the crust is softer and less crisp.

Step 3: Prepare the Pizza

For frozen or store-bought: place the whole tray in the basket. No need to thaw. For homemade: place dough on parchment paper or a small pizza pan that fits. For leftovers: place slices directly in the basket, leaving space between them.

Pro tip: Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil (avocado or olive oil work well) to prevent sticking—especially for homemade dough or thin-crust pizzas.

Step 4: Set Time and Temperature

Here’s a general guide (adjust based on your model and pizza type):

Pizza Type	Temperature	Time	Notes
Frozen (7-inch)	375°F	8–10 min	Check at 7 min; rotate if needed
Fresh Homemade	375°F	6–8 min	Use thin crust; add toppings sparingly
Store-Bought Fresh	375°F	5–7 min	Watch closely—toppings may brown fast
Leftover Slices	350°F	3–4 min	Add a drop of water for moisture

Step 5: Monitor and Rotate (If Needed)

Air fryers don’t always cook evenly. Some models have hot spots near the heating element. To prevent burning:

• Open the basket halfway through and check the crust and cheese.
• If the top is browning too fast, lower the temperature to 350°F for the last 2–3 minutes.
• Rotate the pizza 180 degrees if your model has uneven heating (common in older units).

I once ignored this step and ended up with a pizza that was black on one side and undercooked on the other. Lesson learned: a quick peek can save your meal.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the pizza sit for 1–2 minutes after cooking. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents burns when you take that first bite. Slice with a pizza cutter or sharp knife, and enjoy immediately for the best texture.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

It’s tempting to cook multiple pizzas at once, but stacking them blocks airflow. The result? Soggy crusts and uneven cooking. Stick to one 7-inch pizza or 2–3 slices max. If you’re feeding a crowd, cook in batches.

Using Too Many Toppings

More toppings = more moisture. Excess sauce, cheese, or wet ingredients (like fresh tomatoes or mushrooms) can make the crust soggy. For air fryer pizza, less is more. I learned this the hard way when I loaded up a homemade pizza with extra cheese, sausage, and peppers. The center was undercooked, and the edges were burnt. Now, I stick to 3–4 toppings max.

Skipping the Preheat

As mentioned earlier, preheating is crucial. Without it, the pizza sits in a cold basket, and the crust absorbs heat slowly, leading to a soft, doughy texture. Always preheat for at least 3 minutes.

Ignoring the Cheese

Cheese browns quickly in an air fryer. If you’re using fresh mozzarella or high-fat cheeses (like provolone or fontina), they may bubble and brown in 5 minutes. To prevent burning:

• Use low-moisture mozzarella or shredded Parmesan.
• Add delicate toppings (like basil or arugula) after cooking.
• Cover with aluminum foil for the last 2 minutes if the top is browning too fast.

Using the Wrong Pan or Tray

Some air fryers come with a metal tray or grill insert. These are great for even cooking, but avoid using glass or ceramic dishes—they block airflow and can crack from rapid temperature changes. Stick to metal, parchment, or the included accessories.

Creative Ideas: Beyond the Basic Pizza

Air Fryer Pizza Bites

Turn leftover dough into bite-sized treats. Roll dough into small balls, flatten, and top with sauce, cheese, and mini pepperoni. Place in the basket (no tray) and cook at 375°F for 4–5 minutes. Perfect for parties or after-school snacks.

Breakfast Pizza

Who says pizza is just for dinner? Make a breakfast version with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage. Use a thin English muffin as the base, or roll out a small dough circle. Cook at 375°F for 6 minutes. I love adding a fried egg on top after cooking—just pop it in for the last 2 minutes.

Pizza Quesadillas

For a fun twist, use tortillas instead of crust. Spread sauce and cheese on one tortilla, top with another, and place in the basket. Cook at 350°F for 3–4 minutes per side. Cut into wedges and serve with marinara for dipping.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

Air fryers are great for dietary restrictions. Use gluten-free pizza crusts (many brands make 7-inch versions) or cauliflower crust. For vegan pizza, swap cheese for vegan mozzarella (like Daiya or Violife) and load up on veggies. I’ve made a delicious vegan pesto pizza with cherry tomatoes and artichokes—crispy, flavorful, and ready in 7 minutes.

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer a Pizza Game-Changer?

So, can you cook pizza in air fryer? Absolutely. And not just “cook”—you can make it better than many traditional methods, especially for small batches, quick reheats, or when you don’t want to wait for the oven to heat up.

The air fryer isn’t perfect. It won’t give you the deep, charred crust of a wood-fired oven, and large pizzas require cutting or multiple batches. But for speed, convenience, and crispiness, it’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves pizza (who doesn’t?), the air fryer is a tool worth mastering.

After months of testing, my advice is simple: start with a frozen personal pizza, follow the temperature and time guidelines, and don’t skip the preheat. Once you nail the basics, experiment with toppings, crusts, and creative variations. You might just find that your air fryer becomes your go-to pizza machine.

And hey—if you burn your first one? Don’t sweat it. We’ve all been there. Pizza is forgiving. Just wipe the basket, try again, and remember: the perfect slice is worth the effort. Now go fire up that air fryer and make yourself a delicious, crispy, cheesy masterpiece. You’ve got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook pizza in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook pizza in an air fryer! The high-speed convection heat cooks the pizza quickly and evenly, creating a crispy crust and melted toppings in minutes. It’s a great alternative to ovens, especially for single servings or reheating leftovers.

What type of pizza works best in an air fryer?

Pre-made frozen pizzas, homemade thin-crust pizzas, and even leftover slices cook well in an air fryer. Avoid thick or deep-dish pizzas, as they may not fit or cook evenly due to the air fryer’s compact cooking space.

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

Most frozen pizzas cook in 8–12 minutes at 360°F (180°C), depending on size and thickness. Check the crust and cheese frequently to avoid overcooking—air fryers work fast, so timing can vary by model.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for pizza?

Yes, preheating the air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures consistent results and a crispier crust. Skipping this step may lead to uneven cooking, especially with store-bought or homemade pizzas that need a quick, hot start.

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

You can cook multiple slices if they fit in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding blocks airflow, so cook in batches if needed. Smaller air fryers may only hold 1–2 slices comfortably.

How do you keep pizza from drying out in an air fryer?

To prevent drying, lightly brush the crust with olive oil or cover the pizza with aluminum foil for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. This traps steam and keeps the cheese and toppings moist while the base stays crisp.