Can Cook Pizza in Air Fryer Discover How Today

Yes, you can cook pizza in an air fryer—and it delivers crispy crusts, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked toppings in minutes. This quick, energy-efficient method works for frozen, homemade, or reheated slices, making it a game-changer for pizza lovers. No oven needed—just crispy, delicious results every time.

Key Takeaways

• Cook frozen pizza in air fryer for quick, crispy results in 10-12 minutes.
• Preheat air fryer to ensure even cooking and perfect crust texture.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup effortlessly.
• Adjust time/temp based on pizza thickness for optimal doneness.
• Fresh toppings work—add after cooking to avoid sogginess or burning.
• Small pizzas only—ensure it fits your air fryer basket safely.
• Reheat leftovers perfectly in 3-5 minutes without drying out pizza.

Can You Really Cook Pizza in an Air Fryer?

Let’s be honest—pizza is one of those foods we can’t live without. Whether it’s a Friday night treat, a quick lunch, or a midnight craving, nothing beats the warm, cheesy goodness of a well-baked pie. But what if your oven is broken, you’re short on time, or you just don’t want to heat up your whole kitchen? That’s where the air fryer comes in. Yes, you read that right: you can cook pizza in air fryer—and you might be surprised how well it works.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical the first time someone told me they made pizza in an air fryer. I thought, “How can a little countertop appliance possibly handle something as iconic as pizza?” But after trying it myself—starting with frozen slices and eventually making my own mini pies from scratch—I became a believer. Not only does it work, but it often delivers better results than microwaving, and sometimes even beats the oven in speed and crispiness. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can cook pizza in air fryer?” the answer is a resounding yes. And today, I’m going to show you exactly how, why, and what to expect along the way.

How Air Fryers Work—and Why They’re Perfect for Pizza

The Science Behind the Crisp

Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food. A powerful fan pushes hot air around the food at high speeds, creating a convection effect. This mimics deep frying but with little to no oil. The result? Crispy exteriors, juicy interiors, and fast cooking times. When it comes to pizza, this is a game-changer.

Traditional ovens heat from the top and bottom, which can lead to uneven baking—especially if your oven runs hot or cold. Air fryers, on the other hand, surround the food with hot air from all sides. This means your pizza crust crisps evenly, the cheese bubbles just right, and the toppings don’t dry out. It’s like having a mini commercial pizza oven on your countertop.

Why Pizza Benefits from Air Frying

Pizza has three main components: crust, sauce, and toppings. Each reacts differently to heat, and air fryers handle all three beautifully:

• Crust: The circulating air crisps the bottom and edges faster than a conventional oven, reducing the risk of a soggy base.
• Sauce: Because air fryers cook quickly, the sauce doesn’t have time to soak into the crust, keeping it fresh and zesty.
• Toppings: Meats like pepperoni get that perfect curl, and veggies retain their texture without turning mushy.

Another big win? Speed. Most air fryer pizzas cook in 8–12 minutes, compared to 15–20 minutes in a conventional oven. That’s a huge difference when you’re hungry and impatient (we’ve all been there).

Types of Pizza You Can Cook in an Air Fryer

Frozen Pizza: The Quick Fix

Let’s start with the easiest option: frozen pizza. Whether it’s a single-serving DiGiorno, a store-bought thin crust, or a mini pizza from the freezer aisle, air frying is a fantastic way to revive frozen pizza.

Here’s a real-life example: I once had a frozen pepperoni pizza that I usually baked at 400°F for 18 minutes. In the air fryer, I placed it directly in the basket (no preheating needed), set it to 360°F, and cooked it for 10 minutes. The result? A crust that was crisp on the outside, tender inside, and cheese that was perfectly melted—no rubbery edges or soggy center. My partner actually asked if I’d ordered delivery.

Pro tip: For best results, don’t overcrowd the basket. Most air fryers can fit a 6–7 inch pizza. If yours is smaller, consider cutting the pizza into slices first.

Homemade Pizza: From Scratch Success

Yes, you can absolutely make homemade pizza in your air fryer. All you need is a small batch of dough (store-bought or homemade), sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. The key is size: aim for 6-inch personal pizzas. Larger ones may not cook evenly.

I’ve made mini margherita pizzas using pre-made dough, crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. I rolled the dough to about 1/4 inch thick, topped it, and air fried it at 375°F for 11 minutes. The crust had a beautiful golden-brown crust, and the cheese was bubbly and stretchy. The basil added a fresh pop at the end. It felt gourmet—but took less than 30 minutes total.

Tip: If you’re using fresh mozzarella, blot it with paper towels first to remove excess moisture. This prevents sogginess.

Pizza Rolls, Calzones, and More

Air fryers aren’t just for flat pizzas. You can also cook:

• Pizza rolls: Frozen or homemade. Cook at 360°F for 8–10 minutes. Crispy outside, gooey inside.
• Calzones: Fold dough over fillings, crimp edges, and air fry at 375°F for 12–14 minutes. Flip halfway for even browning.
• Stuffed crust: Make a small ring of cheese inside the dough edge. Seal well to prevent leakage.

One of my favorite experiments: a breakfast pizza with scrambled eggs, cheddar, and crumbled bacon. I made two small pies and air fried them at 360°F for 10 minutes. The eggs stayed fluffy, the cheese melted perfectly, and the crust was crisp. It was a weekend brunch win.

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

Step 1: Choose Your Pizza Type

Decide whether you’re cooking frozen, homemade, or a hybrid (like a store-bought crust with your own toppings). Each requires slightly different timing and temperature.

• Frozen pizza: 360°F for 8–12 minutes
• Homemade (thin crust): 375°F for 9–11 minutes
• Thick crust or deep dish: 350°F for 12–15 minutes (may need flipping)

Step 2: Prep the Air Fryer Basket

Always line the basket with parchment paper or use a non-stick spray. Parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Cut a circle to fit the basket—most brands sell air fryer liners, or you can cut your own from parchment sheets.

Note: Avoid aluminum foil if your air fryer has a non-stick coating. It can scratch the surface and interfere with airflow.

Step 3: Add the Pizza

Place the pizza directly in the basket. For frozen pizzas, don’t thaw—cook straight from frozen. For homemade, assemble on a flat surface first, then slide it into the basket using a spatula or your hands.

Pro tip: If your pizza is slightly too big, trim the edges with scissors. It’s better to have a snug fit than to block airflow.

Step 4: Set Time and Temperature

Here’s a quick reference based on common pizza types:

Pizza Type	Temperature (°F)	Time (Minutes)	Notes
Frozen (6–7 inch)	360	10–12	Check at 8 minutes
Homemade (thin crust)	375	9–11	Flip halfway for even browning
Thick crust or calzone	350	12–15	Flip after 7 minutes
Pizza rolls (frozen)	360	8–10	Shake basket halfway
Mini pizzas (3–4 inch)	375	7–9	No flipping needed

Step 5: Monitor and Adjust

Air fryers vary by model, so always check your pizza at the 7-minute mark. Look for:

• Cheese that’s fully melted and slightly golden
• Crust that’s crisp but not burnt
• Toppings that are heated through

If the top is browning too fast, you can lower the temperature by 10–15°F for the last few minutes. Or, use a piece of foil loosely placed over the top to shield it.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the pizza cool for 1–2 minutes after cooking. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice. Then, transfer to a plate, slice, and enjoy!

I learned this the hard way—my first air fryer pizza looked amazing, but when I cut into it, molten cheese spilled everywhere. A quick rest saved my next batch.

Tips, Tricks, and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Skip the Parchment

Seriously. Without it, cheese and sauce can drip into the basket and burn, creating smoke and a mess. Parchment is cheap, easy, and worth it. I keep a stack on my countertop for air fryer nights.

Preheat or Not? It Depends

Some recipes call for preheating the air fryer, others don’t. For frozen pizza, you can skip preheating—the pizza will thaw and cook simultaneously. For homemade pizza, I recommend preheating for 3–5 minutes at the cooking temperature. This helps the crust start crisping right away.

Flip for Even Browning (Sometimes)

Most air fryers cook from the top down, so the bottom can stay pale. If you want a golden crust all over, flip the pizza halfway through. Use tongs or a spatula—be careful, it’s hot!

I’ve found this works best for thicker crusts and calzones. Thin pizzas usually don’t need it.

Avoid Overcrowding

Air needs to circulate to cook properly. If you’re making multiple mini pizzas, cook them in batches. Stacking or overlapping blocks airflow and leads to uneven cooking.

One time, I tried to cook two 5-inch pizzas side by side in my 5.8-quart air fryer. The edges touching the center were undercooked. Lesson learned: one pizza at a time.

Use a Meat Thermometer for Precision

For meats like chicken or sausage, insert a food thermometer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature (165°F). The outside may look done, but the inside can still be raw.

Clean the Basket Immediately

Cheese and sauce can harden if left too long. Wash the basket with warm, soapy water right after use. Most are dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing preserves the non-stick coating.

Is Air Fryer Pizza Better Than Oven Pizza?

Speed and Convenience Win

Hands down, air fryer pizza is faster. No preheating. No waiting for the oven to reach temperature. Just pop it in and go. For busy weeknights or quick lunches, it’s a no-brainer.

Texture: Crispier, But Not Always Authentic

The air fryer gives you a crispier crust, especially on the bottom and edges. But if you love the soft, chewy texture of a traditional Neapolitan pizza, it might not be the same. Air fryer crust is more like a thin, cracker-style crust—great for personal pies, but not a full 12-inch pie.

I’ve compared side-by-side: same dough, same toppings, one in the oven, one in the air fryer. The air fryer version was crispier and more consistent, but the oven version had a more complex, oven-baked flavor. It really depends on what you’re after.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers use less energy than conventional ovens. They’re smaller, heat up faster, and don’t require as much power. If you’re trying to save on electricity, air frying is a smart choice.

Limitations: Size and Capacity

The biggest downside? Size. Most air fryers max out at 6–7 inches. If you’re feeding a family or love big pizzas, you’ll need to cook in batches or use the oven. Also, deep-dish or thick-crust pizzas can be tricky to fit and may need longer cook times.

Best of Both Worlds: Hybrid Cooking

Here’s a trick I love: start the pizza in the air fryer for 6 minutes to crisp the crust, then transfer it to a regular oven at 400°F for 5–7 minutes to fully melt the cheese and heat the toppings. This gives you the best of both worlds—crispy crust and evenly cooked toppings.

I used this method for a deep-dish sausage pizza. The crust was perfectly crisp, and the inside was hot and gooey. My kids called it “restaurant quality.”

Final Thoughts: Should You Cook Pizza in Your Air Fryer?

So, can cook pizza in air fryer? Absolutely. And in many cases, you should. It’s fast, convenient, and delivers delicious results—especially for single servings, frozen pies, and homemade mini creations. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves pizza, your air fryer is a powerful tool in your kitchen arsenal.

I’ve made everything from classic pepperoni to gourmet mushroom-truffle pizzas in mine, and each time, I’m reminded how versatile this little machine is. It’s not going to replace your oven for large gatherings, but for everyday meals? It’s a total game-changer.

The key is to experiment. Try different temperatures, cooking times, and toppings. Learn what works for your air fryer model and your taste preferences. Keep a log if you want—write down what you liked and what you’d change next time. That’s how I discovered my perfect 10-minute frozen pizza setting, and how I perfected my mini margherita recipe.

Remember, cooking is about joy, not perfection. If your first air fryer pizza isn’t Instagram-worthy, that’s okay. The second one will be better. And the third? You’ll be a pro.

So go ahead—pull out that air fryer, grab a pizza, and give it a try. You might just discover your new favorite way to cook. And who knows? You could end up like me, standing in front of the fridge at 9 PM, craving a slice, and realizing you can have a hot, crispy, cheesy pizza in less than 12 minutes. That’s the magic of cooking pizza in an air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really cook pizza in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook pizza in an air fryer! The hot circulating air cooks the crust evenly while keeping the toppings juicy, making it a quick and convenient alternative to an oven.

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

Most pizzas take 8–12 minutes to cook in an air fryer, depending on size and thickness. Preheating the air fryer for 3–5 minutes helps achieve a crispier crust.

Can I cook a frozen pizza in an air fryer?

Yes, frozen pizza cooks perfectly in an air fryer—no need to thaw. Just add 1–2 minutes to the recommended cooking time for a fully melted, golden-brown result.

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

Lightly grease the air fryer basket or use parchment paper with holes for airflow. This keeps your pizza from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze while cooking pizza in an air fryer.

Can I cook a homemade pizza in an air fryer?

Definitely! Homemade pizza works great in an air fryer. Use a thin crust and avoid overloading toppings to ensure even cooking and a crispy base.

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

No, flipping isn’t necessary. The air fryer’s 360° heat circulation cooks both the top and bottom evenly, so your pizza will be perfectly done in one go.