Can a Frozen Pizza Be Cooked in an Air Fryer Perfectly

Yes, you can cook a frozen pizza in an air fryer perfectly—achieving a crispy crust and evenly melted toppings in under 15 minutes. The air fryer’s rapid, circulating heat ensures faster cooking than a conventional oven while enhancing texture, making it an ideal method for quick, delicious results. Just adjust time and temperature based on pizza size, and enjoy a hassle-free meal with minimal cleanup.

Key Takeaways

• Cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer yields crispy crusts in under 15 minutes.
• Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and optimal texture.
• Use a liner or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
• Adjust temperature to 350–400°F based on pizza size and thickness.
• Check halfway through to avoid overcooking or burnt toppings.
• Smaller pizzas fit better and cook more evenly in most air fryers.

Why You Should Consider Cooking Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer

Let’s be honest—frozen pizza is a modern kitchen hero. It’s fast, affordable, and surprisingly satisfying when you’re craving that cheesy, golden crust after a long day. But here’s a question I’ve asked myself more than once: Can a frozen pizza be cooked in an air fryer perfectly? I mean, we’ve all tried microwaving it (soggy disaster), oven-baking it (takes forever), and even pan-frying it (risky, greasy, and messy). But what if the air fryer—the gadget that makes crispy chicken wings in 15 minutes and reheats leftovers like a dream—could finally give frozen pizza the upgrade it deserves?

After testing more than a dozen frozen pizzas in my trusty air fryer (from thin-crust classics to deep-dish behemoths), I can confidently say: yes, it’s not just possible—it’s *ideal*. The air fryer delivers a crispier crust, evenly melted cheese, and faster cook times than a conventional oven. But it’s not as simple as tossing the pizza in and hitting “start.” There are tricks, timing tweaks, and even brand-specific quirks to master. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned—what works, what doesn’t, and how to get that perfectly cooked frozen pizza in an air fryer every single time.

How the Air Fryer Works Its Magic on Frozen Pizza

The Science Behind Crispy Perfection

Unlike a microwave (which heats from the inside out, turning crusts soggy) or a conventional oven (which relies on radiant heat and takes 15–25 minutes), the air fryer uses rapid air circulation. Think of it like a mini convection oven on steroids. Hot air blasts around the pizza at high speed, crisping the crust while melting the cheese and toppings evenly. This means less waiting, fewer dry spots, and that satisfying crunch we all crave.

Here’s the best part: the air fryer’s compact chamber traps heat efficiently. A typical 10-inch frozen pizza that takes 20 minutes in a 425°F oven? It’s done in 12–14 minutes at 375°F in the air fryer. That’s a 30–40% time savings—and you don’t have to preheat the oven.

Why It Beats the Oven (Most of the Time)

• Speed: No preheating required. From frozen to table in under 15 minutes.
• Texture: The crust crisps *without* drying out. The cheese bubbles evenly, with no “cheese islands” or burnt edges.
• Energy efficiency: Air fryers use up to 70% less energy than ovens.
• Convenience: No need to wait for the oven to reach temperature or worry about oven-safe pans.

But there’s a catch: air fryers vary in size and power. A small 3.5-quart model might struggle with a 12-inch deep-dish pizza, while a 6-quart model handles it with ease. We’ll cover sizing tips later.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer

Step 1: Choose the Right Air Fryer and Pizza Size

Not all air fryers are created equal. Here’s how to match your pizza to your machine:

• Small (3–4 quarts): Best for personal-sized (6–8 inch) or thin-crust pizzas. A 10-inch pizza will fit but may touch the heating element.
• Medium (5–6 quarts): Ideal for 10–12 inch pizzas. Most home models fall here.
• Large (7+ quarts): Handles family-sized pizzas or multiple slices at once.

Pro tip: Measure your air fryer basket’s interior. If your pizza is within 1 inch of the edges, it’s too big. For example, a 10-inch pizza fits snugly in a 5-quart model (basket size ~10×10 inches), but a 12-inch pizza risks uneven cooking.

Step 2: Prep the Pizza (No Thawing Needed!)

Keep the pizza frozen. Thawing leads to a soggy crust. Remove the plastic wrap and cardboard base, then place the pizza directly on the air fryer basket or a perforated parchment liner (more on this below). If your pizza has a thick crust (like deep-dish), you might need to cut it in half to fit—but only if it’s fully frozen. Cutting a semi-thawed pizza will make it crumble.

Step 3: Season or Enhance (Optional but Recommended)

Frozen pizza can taste a bit… basic. A few seconds of prep can elevate it:

• Brush the crust: Melt 1 tbsp butter and mix with garlic powder, oregano, or red pepper flakes. Brush on before cooking.
• Add fresh toppings: Toss on cherry tomatoes, basil, or pepperoni after cooking for 8 minutes (they’ll crisp in the last few minutes).
• Cheese boost: Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella on top halfway through.

Step 4: Cooking Time and Temperature Settings

Here’s the golden rule: start low, then crisp. High heat from the beginning burns the crust before the cheese melts. My tested method:

1. Set air fryer to 375°F.
2. Cook for 8–10 minutes (until cheese bubbles).
3. Increase to 400°F for 2–3 minutes to crisp the crust.

Adjustments by pizza type:

• Thin-crust (e.g., Tombstone, DiGiorno Rising Crust): 8 mins at 375°F + 2 mins at 400°F.
• Deep-dish (e.g., Totino’s Party Pizza, Newman’s Own): 10–12 mins at 375°F + 3 mins at 400°F.
• Stuffed crust (e.g., Pizza Hut): Add 2–3 mins to initial cook time (10–12 mins at 375°F).

Step 5: Check for Doneness (Don’t Skip This!)

Air fryers vary, so use the “poke test”: insert a fork into the crust. If it resists slightly and feels firm, it’s done. Cheese should be golden-brown in spots, not just melted. If the top is browning too fast, tent it with foil for the last 2 minutes.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

Trying to cook two pizzas or a whole 12-inch pizza in a small air fryer? Bad idea. Overcrowding blocks airflow, leading to uneven cooking. One reader told me their “double pepperoni pizza” came out with one half charred and the other half frozen in the center. The fix? Cook one pizza at a time. If you must do two, cut the second into slices and cook them separately.

Skipping the Parchment Liner (Or Using the Wrong One)

Frozen pizza can stick to the basket, making it a nightmare to remove. Use a perforated parchment liner (not solid). Solid liners trap steam, softening the crust. Perforated ones allow airflow. If you don’t have liners, lightly oil the basket with olive or avocado oil.

Ignoring Pizza Thickness

Thin-crust pizzas cook faster than deep-dish. I once set my air fryer to 375°F for 12 minutes for a thin-crust pizza—result? A charcoal disk with cheese glue. Now I use the “8+2” method (8 mins at 375°F, then 2 mins at 400°F) for thin crusts and add 2–3 mins for deep-dish.

Not Monitoring the Last Few Minutes

Air fryers can go from “golden” to “burnt” in 60 seconds. Set a timer and check at the 8-minute mark. If cheese is bubbling but the crust isn’t crisp, add the 400°F burst. If the top is browning too fast, lower the basket rack (if your model has one) or cover with foil.

Forgetting to Rotate (For Older Models)

Some air fryers have uneven heat distribution. If your model lacks a rotating basket, gently rotate the pizza halfway through cooking. I do this at the 6-minute mark for 10-inch pizzas.

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

Speed, Texture, and Energy Use

Let’s compare a 10-inch DiGiorno Rising Crust pizza cooked in both appliances:

Factor	Air Fryer (5-quart)	Conventional Oven
Cook Time	12 minutes (no preheat)	20 minutes (10-min preheat + 10-min cook)
Crust Texture	Crispy exterior, tender interior	Evenly browned but less crisp
Cheese Melt	Golden, slightly charred spots	Even melt, no browning
Energy Use	~0.25 kWh	~0.75 kWh
Cleanup	Basket wipes clean in seconds	Oven tray may need soaking

The air fryer wins on speed, texture, and efficiency. But the oven has one advantage: it’s better for very large pizzas (14+ inches) or cooking multiple pizzas at once.

When to Choose the Oven Instead

• You’re cooking for a crowd (3+ pizzas).
• Your air fryer is under 4 quarts.
• You want a softer, less crispy crust (e.g., for kids).
• Your air fryer is already in use for another dish.

Top Frozen Pizzas for Air Fryer Cooking (With Real-World Results)

Best Overall: DiGiorno Rising Crust

Why it works: The thick crust crisps beautifully, and the cheese layer is perfectly balanced. Time: 10 mins at 375°F + 2 mins at 400°F. Tip: Add fresh basil after cooking for a gourmet touch.

Best for Thin Crust: Tombstone Original

Why it works: Light, flaky crust crisps without drying out. Time: 8 mins at 375°F + 2 mins at 400°F. Tip: Brush crust with garlic butter before cooking.

Best Budget Pick: Totino’s Party Pizza (Deep-Dish)

Why it works: The thick, buttery crust holds up to air frying, and the sauce stays hot. Time: 12 mins at 375°F + 3 mins at 400°F. Tip: Cut into quarters for even cooking.

Best for Cheese Lovers: Newman’s Own Four Cheese

Why it works: The generous cheese layer melts into golden pools. Time: 10 mins at 375°F + 3 mins at 400°F. Tip: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan at the end.

Worst for Air Frying: Stuffed Crust (e.g., Pizza Hut)

Why it struggles: The cheese-filled crust takes longer to cook through, often burning the top before the center is hot. If you must try it, cook at 350°F for 15 mins, then 400°F for 2 mins. Even then, results are mixed.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Cook Frozen Pizza Perfectly in an Air Fryer

So, can a frozen pizza be cooked in an air fryer perfectly? Absolutely—with the right technique. The air fryer isn’t just a gadget for reheating fries; it’s a game-changer for frozen pizza. You get a crispier crust, faster cook times, and less energy use than the oven. But it’s not foolproof. The key is to match your pizza to your air fryer size, use the “8+2” temperature method, and never skip the parchment liner.

I’ve served air-fried frozen pizza to skeptical friends, and every time, they’re stunned. “This tastes like delivery!” is the most common reaction. And honestly? That’s the goal. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves convenience without sacrificing flavor, the air fryer delivers. Just remember: start low, crisp high, and keep an eye on that timer. In 12 minutes, you’ll have a golden, bubbling masterpiece—no oven preheat, no soggy crust, and no regrets.

Now go grab that frozen pizza from your freezer. Your air fryer’s about to make it the best meal of your week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a frozen pizza be cooked in an air fryer without thawing?

Yes, you can cook a frozen pizza directly in an air fryer without thawing. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation cooks the pizza evenly while keeping the crust crispy.

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

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

Can a frozen pizza be cooked in an air fryer without burning the toppings?

To prevent burning, cover the pizza with foil for the first half of cooking, then remove it to crisp the crust. This ensures even cooking without over-browning the toppings.

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

Most frozen pizzas take 10–15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Thinner crusts cook faster, while deep-dish styles may need up to 18 minutes. Always check for a bubbling cheese top.

Do I need to use oil when cooking a frozen pizza in an air fryer?

No, oil isn’t necessary since frozen pizzas already contain fat. The air fryer’s heat will crisp the crust naturally without added oil.

Can a frozen pizza be cooked in an air fryer if it’s too large for the basket?

If the pizza is too large, cut it into smaller slices or use a smaller tray. Ensure proper airflow around the pizza for even cooking and crispiness.