Can a Pizza Be Cooked in an Air Fryer Discover the Perfect Crispy Crust

Yes, you can cook a pizza in an air fryer—and it delivers a perfectly crispy crust in minutes. Thanks to rapid hot air circulation, air fryers create a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside cheesy and flavorful, rivaling traditional ovens. It’s the ultimate quick, mess-free method for frozen or homemade pizza lovers.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, air fryers can cook pizza—achieve crispy crusts faster than ovens.
• Preheat for best results—ensures even cooking and ideal texture.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Adjust time and temperature—typically 350–400°F for 8–12 minutes.
• Fresh or frozen works—both yield delicious, crispy outcomes.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket—allows hot air to circulate properly.

Can a Pizza Be Cooked in an Air Fryer? Discover the Perfect Crispy Crust

Picture this: it’s a Friday night, and the craving for pizza hits hard. You don’t want to wait 30 minutes for delivery, and turning on your oven feels like overkill for one or two slices. Then it hits you—what if you could cook that frozen pizza (or even a homemade one) in your trusty air fryer? The same appliance you use for crispy fries and juicy chicken wings might just be your new pizza MVP. But does it really work? Can a pizza be cooked in an air fryer and still deliver that golden, crispy crust and gooey cheese we all love?

The short answer is a resounding yes—but with a few caveats. Air fryers are known for their rapid, circulating hot air, which mimics deep frying without the oil. This makes them ideal for achieving a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender. When applied to pizza, this technology can deliver surprisingly delicious results, especially if you follow a few simple tricks. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, cooking a frozen pie, or even making a mini homemade pizza from scratch, your air fryer can be a game-changer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from temperature settings and timing to pro tips for avoiding soggy centers and burnt edges.

How Air Fryers Work and Why They’re Great for Pizza

The Science Behind the Crisp

Air fryers use a powerful fan to circulate hot air around food at high speeds. This process, called convection, creates a Maillard reaction on the food’s surface—the same chemical process that gives seared meat, roasted potatoes, and yes, pizza crust their delicious browning and crispiness. Unlike traditional ovens that heat from the bottom or all sides slowly, air fryers deliver heat more directly and evenly, reducing cooking time and improving texture.

This rapid air circulation is what makes air fryers so effective for pizza. The hot air hits the crust, sauce, and cheese simultaneously, helping the bottom crisp up while the top melts and bubbles. No more waiting for the oven to preheat or dealing with uneven heating. Plus, the compact cooking chamber means heat is concentrated, so your pizza cooks faster—usually in 6 to 12 minutes, depending on size and thickness.

Why Pizza Is a Natural Fit

Pizza is essentially a flat, layered food with a delicate balance of textures: crispy crust, soft interior, gooey cheese, and savory toppings. The air fryer excels at managing this balance because:

• It crisps the bottom crust without overcooking the toppings.
• It melts cheese evenly thanks to 360-degree heat exposure.
• It reduces moisture buildup that can lead to soggy centers.
• It’s energy-efficient and fast, perfect for small households or quick meals.

One of my personal favorites is reheating leftover New York-style slices. In a regular microwave, they turn rubbery and soggy. But in the air fryer? They come out with a crackly crust and a warm, melty center—almost like they were fresh from the pizzeria. It’s like magic, but it’s just physics.

Types of Pizza You Can Cook in an Air Fryer

Frozen Pizzas: A Quick and Easy Win

Frozen pizzas are the most common candidate for air fryer cooking—and for good reason. They’re convenient, widely available, and designed to cook from frozen. Whether it’s a thin-crust Margherita, a deep-dish pepperoni, or a gluten-free option, most frozen pizzas can be adapted for air fryer use.

Here’s a quick example: I tried a standard 7-inch frozen pepperoni pizza in my 5.8-quart air fryer. I preheated the basket for 3 minutes at 375°F (190°C), placed the pizza in (no oil, no parchment), and cooked it for 9 minutes. The result? A beautifully browned crust, perfectly melted cheese, and crispy pepperoni edges. No soggy center, no burnt spots—just pure pizza joy.

Tip: For best results, avoid overcrowding. One 7–9 inch pizza fits perfectly in most standard air fryers. If your pizza is larger, consider cutting it into smaller pieces or using a larger model.

Homemade Mini Pizzas: Creative and Customizable

If you love making your own pizza, the air fryer is your new best friend. You can use English muffins, pita bread, naan, or even tortillas as bases. Top them with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings—then pop them in the air fryer for a quick, personalized meal.

One of my go-to recipes is a mini caprese pizza: split an English muffin, spread a thin layer of marinara, add fresh mozzarella slices, halved cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 6 minutes. The result? A crispy, flavorful bite that feels gourmet but takes less time than microwaving a frozen meal.

Pro tip: Use a small ramekin or foil ring to keep toppings from sliding off during cooking. This also helps the cheese melt evenly without spilling into the basket.

Reheating Leftover Pizza: Say Goodbye to Sog

Let’s be honest—microwaving leftover pizza is a crime. It turns the crust soft and chewy, and the cheese separates into a greasy mess. The air fryer, however, brings back the crispness you thought was gone forever.

To reheat a slice, place it directly in the basket (no oil needed) and cook at 350°F (177°C) for 3–5 minutes. Flip halfway if you want extra crispiness on both sides. I’ve tested this with 3-day-old pizza, and it came out almost as good as fresh. The key? Low and slow—don’t rush it with high heat, or the cheese will burn before the crust crisps.

Bonus: If you’re reheating multiple slices, cook them one at a time. Overlapping slices trap steam and lead to uneven results.

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

Step 1: Choose the Right Size and Type

Not all pizzas are created equal when it comes to air fryer compatibility. Here’s what to consider:

• Diameter: Most air fryers can handle pizzas up to 9 inches. Larger models may fit 10–12 inch pies, but they should be thin-crust to avoid undercooking.
• Thickness: Thin and medium crusts work best. Deep-dish or stuffed crusts may need longer cooking times and risk burning the top before the center heats through.
• Material: Use the air fryer basket directly or a parchment paper liner (optional). Avoid non-stick sprays unless your model allows them—some can damage the coating.

Step 2: Preheat for Best Results

Just like a regular oven, preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking and better crust development. Set it to the recommended temperature (usually 360–390°F / 182–199°C) and let it run for 3–5 minutes.

I learned this the hard way—once I skipped preheating and ended up with a lukewarm, pale crust. Preheating makes a huge difference, especially for frozen or homemade pizzas.

Step 3: Place the Pizza Properly

Place the pizza directly in the center of the basket. If you’re using parchment, make sure it’s cut to size and doesn’t block airflow. Avoid stacking or overlapping.

For homemade mini pizzas, use a small oven-safe dish or a foil ring to keep everything contained. This prevents cheese and toppings from dripping into the basket and burning.

Step 4: Set Time and Temperature

Here’s a general guideline for different pizza types:

Pizza Type	Temperature	Time	Notes
Frozen thin crust (7–9″)	375°F (190°C)	8–10 minutes	Check at 8 minutes; cheese should be bubbly
Frozen deep dish	360°F (182°C)	12–15 minutes	May need to tent with foil if top browns too fast
Homemade mini pizza	380°F (193°C)	5–7 minutes	Use English muffin or pita base
Reheated slice	350°F (177°C)	3–5 minutes	Flip halfway for even crisp
Gluten-free crust	365°F (185°C)	7–9 minutes	Watch closely—GF crusts burn easily

Remember: Every air fryer is different. Start with the lower end of the time range and add more if needed. It’s better to undercook slightly than to burn your pizza.

Step 5: Monitor and Rotate (If Needed)

Most air fryers have a clear window, so you can peek in without opening the basket (which releases heat). If you notice one side browning faster, gently rotate the pizza halfway through. This is especially helpful for larger pies or models with uneven heat distribution.

Step 6: Let It Rest Before Slicing

Just like with oven-baked pizza, let it sit for 1–2 minutes after cooking. This allows the cheese to settle and prevents burns. Plus, the crust stays crisp longer.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

One of the biggest mistakes is trying to cook too much at once. Overlapping slices or large pizzas block airflow, leading to uneven cooking. The hot air needs to circulate freely to crisp the crust and melt the cheese evenly.

Solution: Cook one pizza or one slice at a time. If you’re feeding a crowd, batch cook—but keep the timing consistent.

Using Too High a Temperature

It’s tempting to crank the heat to 400°F (204°C) to speed things up, but this often leads to burnt cheese and a pale, undercooked center. High heat works great for fries, but pizza needs a more balanced approach.

Solution: Stick to 360–390°F (182–199°C) for most pizzas. If you’re in a rush, increase time slightly instead of temperature.

Ignoring the Crust Texture

Some crusts—especially store-bought frozen ones—can be too thick or doughy. If you’re not careful, they’ll cook on the outside but remain raw inside.

Solution: Poke the crust with a fork before cooking to let steam escape. For homemade pizzas, par-bake the crust for 2–3 minutes before adding toppings.

Not Using Parchment (When Needed)

While you can cook pizza directly on the basket, parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents cheese from sticking and burning. But make sure it’s air fryer-safe—some brands release fumes at high heat.

Solution: Use parchment designed for air fryers or cut regular parchment to fit without blocking airflow.

Skipping the Flip for Leftovers

When reheating, flipping the slice halfway ensures both sides get crispy. Skipping this step often results in a warm, chewy top and a soggy bottom.

Solution: Use tongs or a fork to flip gently after 2–3 minutes.

Expert Tips for the Crispiest, Most Delicious Air Fryer Pizza

Brush the Crust with Oil or Butter

For extra crispiness and flavor, lightly brush the outer edge of the crust with olive oil, garlic butter, or even truffle oil before cooking. This not only enhances taste but also promotes browning.

I tried this with a homemade mini pizza using garlic-infused olive oil—and it was a revelation. The crust had a buttery, golden finish that rivaled brick-oven quality.

Add Toppings Strategically

Heavy toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or mushrooms can weigh down the crust and create steam pockets. To avoid sogginess:

• Use pre-cooked meats (especially sausage).
• Blot excess moisture from veggies with paper towels.
• Spread cheese evenly—don’t pile it in the center.

One trick I love: place pepperoni slices under the cheese instead of on top. This prevents them from curling and burning while still adding flavor.

Use a Pizza Stone or Pan (Optional)

Some air fryer models support pizza stones or pans. These help distribute heat more evenly and mimic the effect of a traditional pizza oven. They also make it easier to slide the pizza in and out.

Note: Make sure the stone or pan is oven-safe and fits snugly in your air fryer basket. Preheat it with the air fryer for best results.

Experiment with Crust Enhancers

If you’re making homemade pizza, consider adding a sprinkle of cornmeal or semolina to the crust before cooking. This creates a crunchy, restaurant-style texture that holds up well in the air fryer.

For a fun twist, try brushing the crust with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) before cooking. It turns golden and crisp—like a gourmet pizza.

Clean the Basket After Use

Grease and cheese residue can smoke or burn in future uses. Clean the basket with warm, soapy water or a non-abrasive sponge after each pizza session. For stubborn stuck-on cheese, soak the basket in hot water for 10–15 minutes.

Pro tip: Keep a spare basket liner or parchment sheets on hand for easy cleanup.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can—And Should—Cook Pizza in Your Air Fryer

So, can a pizza be cooked in an air fryer? Absolutely. Not only is it possible, but it’s often better than traditional methods—especially for reheating leftovers, cooking small batches, or making quick homemade pies. The air fryer delivers that perfect crispy crust, melty cheese, and evenly cooked toppings in record time, all with minimal mess and energy use.

Of course, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Deep-dish pizzas might need extra time, and large 12-inch pies may not fit. But for 7–9 inch pizzas, mini creations, and leftover slices, the air fryer is a game-changer. With the right temperature, timing, and a few clever tricks, you can achieve results that rival your favorite pizzeria.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a good slice, don’t sleep on your air fryer’s pizza potential. Give it a try tonight—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy this classic comfort food. And who knows? That crispy, golden crust might become your new addiction. After all, the best kitchen tools are the ones that make life easier—and tastier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a pizza be cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook a pizza in an air fryer! The rapid circulation of hot air ensures even cooking, giving you a crispy crust and melted toppings in minutes.

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

Most pizzas take 8–12 minutes in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C), depending on size and thickness. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

What types of pizza work best in an air fryer?

Frozen, thin-crust, or homemade pizzas with minimal toppings work best. The air fryer excels at crisping up the crust without drying out the toppings.

Can a pizza be cooked in an air fryer without getting soggy?

Absolutely! To prevent sogginess, preheat the air fryer, avoid overloading toppings, and use a light sauce. The hot air circulation ensures a crispy, golden crust every time.

Do I need to flip the pizza while cooking it in an air fryer?

Flipping isn’t necessary for most air fryer pizzas. The even heat distribution cooks both sides simultaneously, but you can flip halfway for extra crispiness if desired.

Can I cook a large pizza in an air fryer?

It depends on your air fryer’s size. Most standard models accommodate 10–12 inch pizzas, but you may need to cut larger ones to fit. Check your air fryer’s dimensions before cooking.