Can You Make Pizza in the Air Fryer Discover How

Yes, you can make delicious, crispy pizza in the air fryer—faster and with less mess than a traditional oven. This kitchen hack delivers perfectly melted cheese and golden crust in under 10 minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals or snack attacks. Just preheat, assemble, and let the air fryer work its magic!

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can make pizza in an air fryer with crispy results.
• Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and better texture.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Limit toppings to avoid sogginess and ensure faster cooking.
• Cook in batches if needed to maintain air circulation.
• Check at 8 minutes to prevent burning; adjust time as needed.

Can You Make Pizza in the Air Fryer? Discover How

Let’s be honest—few things beat the joy of a fresh, crispy, cheesy pizza. Whether it’s a late-night craving or a quick family dinner, pizza is a universal comfort food. But what if you don’t want to wait for the oven to preheat or deal with the mess of a greasy stovetop? Enter the air fryer: that compact kitchen gadget that’s been making waves for its speed, efficiency, and ability to deliver crispy results with little oil. But can you make pizza in the air fryer? The short answer: yes. The long answer? Well, that’s what we’re diving into today.

I first tried making pizza in my air fryer on a whim. My oven was full, my kids were hungry, and I had half a bag of frozen pizza and a dream. To my surprise, it worked—and it worked well. The crust came out golden, the cheese bubbled perfectly, and best of all, it took less than 15 minutes. Since then, I’ve experimented with everything from homemade dough to mini calzones, and I’ve learned a thing or two about how to make air fryer pizza not just edible, but delicious. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a good shortcut, this guide will show you how to make pizza in the air fryer—without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Pizza?

Speed and Convenience

One of the biggest perks of making pizza in the air fryer is the speed. Unlike a conventional oven, which can take 10–15 minutes to preheat, most air fryers heat up in under 5 minutes. That means from craving to eating, you could have a hot, fresh pizza in under 20 minutes—perfect for those “I need food now” moments.

For example, I once made a personal-sized margherita pizza while my coffee brewed. By the time my mug was full, my pizza was golden and ready. No waiting. No fuss. Just hot, cheesy satisfaction.

Energy Efficiency and Portability

Air fryers use significantly less energy than ovens. They’re smaller, heat up faster, and don’t require preheating in most cases. This makes them ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or anyone trying to cut down on utility bills. Plus, if you’re camping or staying in a rental, a portable air fryer can be your go-to for a quick pizza fix.

Think about it: no need to fire up a full oven just for one or two slices. The air fryer does the job with a fraction of the energy and heat output—great for summer months when you don’t want to warm up your kitchen.

Texture and Crispiness

Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speeds, which mimics the effect of deep frying but with little to no oil. When applied to pizza, this creates a beautifully crusty exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy. Frozen pizzas, in particular, benefit from this method—no more soggy crusts or uneven browning.

I’ve tested several frozen brands (Digiorno, Totino’s, and even Trader Joe’s) and found that the air fryer consistently delivers a crisper base and more evenly melted cheese than a microwave or toaster oven.

What Types of Pizza Work Best in an Air Fryer?

Frozen Pizzas

Frozen pizza is the easiest and most reliable option for air fryer success. Most standard-sized frozen pizzas (around 7–9 inches) fit perfectly in a 5.8-quart or larger basket. Here’s what I’ve learned from testing:

• Thin crust pizzas cook faster and crisp up beautifully (6–8 minutes at 375°F).
• Deep dish or pan-style pizzas need more time (10–12 minutes) and may require a foil-lined basket to prevent dripping.
• Always check the packaging—some brands recommend air frying, while others don’t. If there’s no guidance, start with 375°F and adjust based on results.

Pro tip: Place the pizza directly on the air fryer basket (no tray underneath) for maximum airflow and crispiness. If it’s greasy, lay a parchment liner to catch drips and make cleanup easier.

Fresh Dough and Homemade Pizzas

If you’re feeling adventurous, making pizza from scratch in the air fryer is totally doable. I’ve made everything from mini pepperoni pizzas to veggie-loaded flatbreads with great results.

• Roll or press your dough into a circle that fits your air fryer basket (usually 6–8 inches).
• Pre-cook the dough for 2–3 minutes before adding sauce and toppings. This prevents a soggy bottom.
• Use less sauce than you would for oven-baked pizza—air fryers can’t handle excess moisture as well.
• Top with cheese and toppings, then cook at 375°F for 6–9 minutes.

One of my favorite combos: a mini garlic butter crust with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Total cook time: 8 minutes. Total deliciousness: off the charts.

Store-Bought Dough and Flatbreads

No time for homemade dough? No problem. I’ve used store-bought pizza dough (from the refrigerated section), naan, pita, and even tortillas as bases—and they all work surprisingly well.

• Naan and pita are great for “flatbread” style pizzas. Just add sauce, cheese, and toppings, then air fry at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
• Tortillas make excellent personal-sized pizzas. Lightly brush with olive oil before adding toppings to prevent sticking.
• For store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before shaping—it’s easier to work with and cooks more evenly.

Bonus: These options are perfect for picky eaters or meal prep. Make a few different styles and let everyone build their own.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pizza in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Choose Your Base

Start with a base that fits your air fryer. For a standard 5.8-quart basket, aim for a 7–8 inch diameter. If using frozen pizza, check the box for size. For homemade, roll dough into a circle or use a round cake pan as a guide.

Tip: If your dough is sticky, lightly flour your surface and hands. For frozen pizza, don’t thaw—cook from frozen.

Step 2: Preheat (Optional but Recommended)

While not always necessary, preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 375°F ensures even cooking. This is especially helpful for homemade or thin-crust pizzas.

I skip preheating for frozen pizzas (they go straight in), but I always preheat for fresh dough—it makes a noticeable difference in texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Basket

To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, use one of these methods:

• Parchment liner: Cut to size and place in the basket. Poke a few holes for airflow.
• Lightly oil the basket: Use a high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed) and a pastry brush.
• Aluminum foil: Great for catching grease, but make sure it doesn’t block air vents.

Never use non-stick cooking spray directly on the basket—it can damage the coating over time.

Step 4: Add Toppings (If Homemade)

If you’re making your own pizza, here’s how to layer it for best results:

1. Start with a thin layer of sauce. Too much = soggy crust.
2. Add cheese (mozzarella, provolone, or a blend) to create a moisture barrier.
3. Top with meats, veggies, or herbs. Avoid watery toppings like fresh tomatoes or mushrooms—they release steam and can make the crust soggy.

For frozen pizza, just place it in the basket as-is.

Step 5: Cook and Check

Set the air fryer to 375°F. Cook times vary:

• Frozen thin crust: 6–8 minutes
• Frozen pan-style: 10–12 minutes
• Homemade (pre-cooked crust): 6–9 minutes
• Flatbread/naan: 5–7 minutes

Check at the halfway point. If the cheese is browning too fast, lower the temperature to 350°F. If the crust isn’t crisp, cook 1–2 minutes longer.

Pro tip: Open the basket and gently lift the pizza with tongs to check the bottom. It should be golden, not pale or wet.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the pizza cool for 1–2 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and prevents burns. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife for clean slices.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

Air fryers rely on air circulation. If your pizza is too large or you try to cook multiple at once, the heat won’t distribute evenly. Result? One side burnt, the other undercooked.

Solution: Stick to one pizza per batch, even if it means cooking twice. It’s faster than dealing with a half-cooked mess.

Using Too Much Sauce or Toppings

It’s tempting to load up on toppings, but air fryers aren’t as forgiving as ovens. Excess moisture from sauce, cheese, or veggies can lead to a soggy, unevenly cooked pizza.

Solution: Use thin layers. For sauce, a tablespoon or two is plenty for a 7-inch pizza. For toppings, less is more.

Not Pre-Cooking the Crust (for Homemade)

Fresh dough needs a head start. If you add sauce and cheese to raw dough and throw it in the air fryer, the bottom will be doughy while the top burns.

Solution: Pre-cook the crust for 2–3 minutes at 375°F before adding toppings. This sets the structure and ensures even cooking.

Ignoring the Basket’s Condition

A dirty or scratched basket affects performance. Grease buildup can smoke, and damaged non-stick coating can make sticking worse.

Solution: Clean the basket after every use with warm, soapy water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers. If the coating is damaged, consider replacing it or using parchment liners.

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

To give you a clear picture, I tested the same frozen thin-crust pizza in both a conventional oven and my air fryer. Here’s how they stacked up:

Factor	Air Fryer	Oven
Preheat Time	3–5 minutes	10–15 minutes
Cook Time	7 minutes	12 minutes
Energy Use	Low (uses ~1,500 watts)	High (uses ~3,000 watts)
Crust Texture	Crispy, golden, even	Crispy, but slightly drier
Cheese Melt	Even, slightly bubbly	Even, more bubbly
Cleanup	Easy (basket is removable)	Harder (grease on racks and trays)
Best For	Quick meals, small portions, crisp crust	Large pizzas, deep-dish, family dinners

The air fryer won on speed, energy use, and crispiness. The oven delivered slightly more bubbly cheese and was better for larger pizzas. But for most weeknight cravings, the air fryer is the clear winner.

Creative Air Fryer Pizza Ideas to Try

Breakfast Pizza

Top a mini pizza with scrambled eggs, cheddar, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of chives. Cook at 375°F for 6 minutes. It’s like a breakfast sandwich, but better.

Veggie-Loaded Flatbread

Use naan as a base. Spread with hummus, then top with roasted red peppers, spinach, feta, and olives. Air fry for 5 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and spread on a pre-cooked crust. Add mozzarella, red onions, and cilantro. Cook for 7 minutes. Sweet, smoky, and satisfying.

Mini Calzones

Fold pizza dough over a filling of ricotta, mozzarella, and pepperoni. Pinch edges and air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes. Serve with marinara for dipping.

Sweet Dessert Pizza

Use a tortilla or pre-baked crust. Spread with Nutella or cream cheese, then top with banana slices, strawberries, or mini marshmallows. Air fry for 4 minutes. Finish with a drizzle of chocolate.

These ideas prove that air fryer pizza isn’t just for dinner—it’s a versatile, fun way to get creative in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts: Is Air Fryer Pizza Worth It?

So, can you make pizza in the air fryer? Absolutely. And not just “good enough” pizza—we’re talking about delicious, crispy, restaurant-quality slices in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, cooking a frozen pie, or crafting your own gourmet creation, the air fryer delivers consistent results with minimal effort.

It’s not a full replacement for your oven—especially for large or deep-dish pizzas—but as a quick, convenient, and energy-efficient option, it’s hard to beat. I’ve used it for everything from midnight snacks to impromptu movie nights, and it’s never let me down.

The key is to keep it simple. Don’t overload your pizza. Respect the air fryer’s size and heat distribution. And most importantly, have fun with it. Try new toppings, experiment with bases, and don’t be afraid to fail—because even a slightly undercooked pizza is still pizza, and that’s always a win.

Next time you’re craving a slice, skip the oven, fire up your air fryer, and discover how easy—and delicious—it can be to make pizza in the air fryer. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make pizza in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make delicious pizza in the air fryer! It’s a quick and convenient way to get crispy crust and perfectly melted toppings in less time than a traditional oven.

What type of pizza works best in an air fryer?

Pre-made frozen pizzas, mini pizzas, or homemade pizzas with a thin crust work best in the air fryer. The compact space ensures even cooking and crispiness without burning.

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

Most air fryer pizzas cook in 8–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), depending on the thickness and toppings. Always check for a golden crust and bubbling cheese to confirm it’s done.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for pizza?

Preheating the air fryer for 3–5 minutes helps achieve a crispier crust and even cooking. While not mandatory, it enhances the texture and flavor of your air fryer pizza.

Can you make homemade pizza dough in the air fryer?

You can’t *proof* dough in the air fryer, but you can cook pre-made or rolled-out dough to create a crispy base. Add sauce, cheese, and toppings before air frying for a quick homemade pizza.

Is air fryer pizza healthier than oven-baked pizza?

Air fryer pizza can be slightly healthier due to faster cooking times and less need for added oils. The air fryer also reduces energy use compared to a full-sized oven, making it an efficient choice.