Can Frozen Pizza Go in Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Results

Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer—and it delivers crispy, evenly melted results in under 15 minutes. By preheating the air fryer and avoiding overcrowding, you achieve a golden crust and bubbly cheese without the soggy bottom common in microwaves or ovens. This method saves time, enhances texture, and works with most frozen pizza brands and sizes.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer for faster, crispier results than a microwave.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a perfectly crispy crust.
• Use the right temperature—360°F to 380°F works best for most frozen pizzas.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook one pizza at a time for optimal airflow and crispiness.
• Check halfway through and rotate if needed to avoid uneven browning or burning.
• Add 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness, but watch closely to prevent overcooking.

Can Frozen Pizza Go in Air Fryer? The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Results

Let’s face it—frozen pizza is a lifesaver. Whether you’re too busy to cook, too tired to think about dinner, or just craving that cheesy, crispy goodness, it’s always there in your freezer, ready to rescue you. But have you ever stood in front of your air fryer, frozen pizza in hand, wondering, “Can frozen pizza go in air fryer?” If so, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. That moment of hesitation—will it burn? Will it be soggy? Will it even fit?—is real.

After testing countless brands, sizes, and styles, I can confidently say: yes, frozen pizza can go in an air fryer, and it can come out even better than the oven method. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation delivers a crispier crust, evenly melted cheese, and a faster cook time. But—and this is a big but—it’s not as simple as tossing it in and walking away. The key lies in technique, timing, and knowing your air fryer. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to turn that frozen convenience into a restaurant-worthy slice, all while keeping things simple, safe, and delicious.

Why the Air Fryer Works So Well for Frozen Pizza

The Science Behind Crispy Perfection

Air fryers don’t actually fry. They’re more like mini convection ovens, using a high-powered fan to circulate hot air around food. This creates a Maillard reaction—the browning process that gives pizza its golden crust and savory depth. Unlike a microwave (which heats water molecules and often leaves pizza soggy) or a conventional oven (which takes longer and heats unevenly), the air fryer delivers intense, focused heat that crisps the crust while melting the cheese evenly.

For frozen pizza, this is a game-changer. The direct airflow helps evaporate surface moisture from the frozen dough, preventing that dreaded “steamed” texture. Instead, you get a crisp bottom, slightly charred edges, and a bubbling top—all in under 15 minutes.

Speed, Energy, and Convenience

Let’s talk practicality. A conventional oven takes 10–15 minutes just to preheat. Add another 12–18 minutes of cooking, and you’re looking at 25–30 minutes total. The air fryer? No preheat needed (in most cases), and cook time is typically 10–12 minutes. That’s a 50% time savings—perfect for a quick lunch or late-night snack.

Plus, air fryers use significantly less energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, small countertop appliances like air fryers can use up to 50% less electricity than full-sized ovens. That’s not just good for your wallet—it’s better for the planet.

Better Results Than the Oven (When Done Right)

I tested a classic pepperoni frozen pizza in three ways: microwave, oven, and air fryer. The microwave version? Soggy crust, rubbery cheese. The oven version? Decent, but the bottom was slightly undercooked. The air fryer? Crisp, golden crust with a satisfying crunch, evenly melted cheese, and perfectly rendered pepperoni. It even had a slight char on the edges—like a pizzeria-style pie.

The air fryer’s small cooking chamber means heat is more concentrated, so you get that “brick oven” effect without the brick oven. Just remember: not all frozen pizzas are created equal, and some respond better than others. More on that later.

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

Step 1: Choose the Right Pizza and Air Fryer

Not all frozen pizzas are air fryer-friendly. Here’s what to consider:

• Size matters: Most air fryers have a 4–6 quart capacity. A 7–9 inch pizza fits perfectly. Avoid 12-inch pizzas unless you have a large dual-basket or oven-style air fryer.
• Thickness: Thin and crispy crusts (like DiGiorno Rising Crust) work best. Deep-dish or stuffed crusts may need adjustments (more on that below).
• Air fryer type: Basket-style air fryers are ideal. Oven-style models with racks can work, but you’ll need to rotate the pizza halfway for even browning.

Pro tip: Measure your air fryer basket before buying a new frozen pizza. I once tried to fit a 10-inch pizza into my 5-quart basket—let’s just say it didn’t end well.

Step 2: Prep the Air Fryer and Pizza

• No preheating (usually): Most frozen pizzas don’t need it. The cold pizza helps balance the heat. However, if your air fryer has a “bake” or “pizza” setting, preheating for 2–3 minutes can help.
• Use parchment paper or a liner: This prevents cheese from dripping into the basket and makes cleanup a breeze. Cut the parchment to fit the basket, leaving space around the edges for airflow.
• Remove the pizza from its cardboard tray: Never put the cardboard in the air fryer. It’s a fire hazard.
• Optional: Lightly oil the crust: If you want extra crispiness, brush the outer edge with a little olive oil or cooking spray. This helps the crust brown evenly.

Step 3: Cooking Time and Temperature

This is where most people go wrong. Too hot, and the cheese burns before the crust crisps. Too low, and the pizza steams instead of fries. Here’s my tested formula:

• Temperature: 360°F–380°F (182°C–193°C). I recommend starting at 370°F (188°C)—it’s the sweet spot for most brands.
• Time: 10–12 minutes for a 7–9 inch pizza. Start checking at 8 minutes.
• Flip halfway (optional): For even browning, especially in basket-style fryers, flip the pizza at 6 minutes. Use tongs or a spatula to avoid burns.

Example: I cooked a 8-inch Tombstone pepperoni pizza at 370°F. At 6 minutes, I flipped it. At 10 minutes, the crust was golden, the cheese was bubbling, and the pepperoni was slightly curled—perfect.

Step 4: Monitor and Adjust

Air fryers vary. A 5-quart Cosori might run hotter than a 6-quart Ninja. Always keep an eye on your pizza, especially the first few times. Look for:

• Cheese: Should be fully melted with slight browning, not blackened.
• Crust: Golden brown, with a crisp snap when tapped.
• Toppings: Should be heated through, not frozen in the center.

If the top is browning too fast, lower the temperature by 10°F or cover the top lightly with aluminum foil. If the bottom is still soft, cook 1–2 minutes longer (no flipping).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the pizza rest for 1–2 minutes after cooking. This allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing burns when you take that first bite. Slice and serve immediately—air fryer pizza is best hot and fresh.

Brand-Specific Tips and Troubleshooting

Top 5 Frozen Pizza Brands and Air Fryer Results

Not all frozen pizzas react the same way. Here’s how my favorites perform:

Brand & Style	Recommended Temp	Time (Minutes)	Notes
DiGiorno Rising Crust (Pepperoni)	370°F	11–12	Crust rises beautifully; flip at 6 min for even browning
Tombstone Original (Cheese)	370°F	10–11	Thin crust crisps fast; check at 8 min to avoid burning
Newman’s Own Thin & Crispy (Margherita)	360°F	10	Lower temp to protect delicate toppings; no flip needed
Red Baron Classic Crust (Pepperoni)	375°F	12	Thicker crust needs extra time; flip at 7 min
California Pizza Kitchen (BBQ Chicken)	365°F	11	Sauce can drip; use parchment to avoid mess

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Problem: Soggy crust
Cause: Too much moisture, too low temperature, or no flip.
Solution: Increase temp to 380°F, flip halfway, and ensure the air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded. Use parchment to wick away moisture.

Problem: Burnt cheese or toppings
Cause: Too high temperature or too long cook time.
Solution: Lower temp to 360°F, check at 8 minutes, and cover with foil if browning too fast.

Problem: Uneven cooking (top cooked, bottom soft)
Cause: Heat isn’t reaching the bottom.
Solution: Flip the pizza halfway. In oven-style air fryers, rotate the rack 180 degrees.

Problem: Pizza sticks to the basket
Cause: No liner or oil.
Solution: Always use parchment paper or a silicone liner. Lightly oil the basket if needed.

Deep-Dish and Stuffed Crust Pizzas: Special Care

These pizzas are thicker, so they need adjustments:

• Increase cook time: Add 2–4 minutes (total 12–16 minutes).
• Lower temperature: Cook at 360°F to prevent burning the outside before the inside heats.
• No flip: The thick crust can break when flipped. Instead, rotate the pizza 180 degrees halfway through.
• Check internal temp: Use a meat thermometer. The center should reach 165°F (74°C).

I tried a DiGiorno Stuffed Crust pizza. At 360°F for 14 minutes (rotated at 7 minutes), the crust was golden, the cheese was gooey, and the center was fully cooked—no raw dough!

Beyond the Basics: Creative Ideas and Upgrades

Add Fresh Toppings After Cooking

Frozen pizzas often have basic toppings. Elevate your pie with fresh ingredients added after air frying:

• Herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or parsley.
• Cheese: Shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta.
• Proteins: Cooked bacon, grilled chicken, or sliced sausage.
• Veggies: Arugula, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms (add after cooking to prevent sogginess).

Example: I topped a plain cheese pizza with fresh basil, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. It tasted like a gourmet flatbread!

Make a Mini Pizza Bar

Got kids or guests? Turn air fryer pizza night into a DIY event:

1. Cook plain frozen pizzas (cheese or pepperoni).
2. Set out toppings: pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, pineapple, jalapeños, etc.
3. Let everyone customize their slice.
4. Re-cook for 1–2 minutes to melt fresh cheese or heat toppings.

It’s fun, interactive, and ensures everyone gets their perfect slice.

Use the Air Fryer for Leftovers

Got leftover pizza? Don’t microwave it. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. The crust stays crisp, and the cheese re-melts beautifully. I’ve even reheated a 3-day-old slice—it tasted almost as good as fresh!

Safety Tips and Maintenance

Never Do These Things

• Don’t use the cardboard tray: It’s a fire hazard. Always remove it.
• Don’t overload the basket: Leave space for air to circulate. One pizza per batch.
• Don’t use aluminum foil without caution: Only use small pieces to cover browning areas. Never block the airflow.
• Don’t cook without supervision: Especially the first time with a new pizza or air fryer.

Cleaning Your Air Fryer After Pizza

Cheese drips and greasy residue are common. Here’s how to clean it easily:

1. Let the air fryer cool for 10–15 minutes.
2. Remove the basket and tray. Soak in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes.
3. Wipe with a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid steel wool—it damages the non-stick coating.
4. For stubborn grease, make a paste of baking soda and water. Scrub gently, then rinse.
5. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Never submerge the main unit in water.

Pro tip: Line the basket with parchment paper every time. It makes cleanup a 30-second job.

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer Worth It for Frozen Pizza?

Absolutely. The air fryer transforms frozen pizza from a convenient meal to a delicious, crispy, satisfying experience. It’s faster, more energy-efficient, and often produces better results than the oven. But like any cooking method, it requires a little know-how.

Remember the key takeaways:

• Use parchment paper to prevent mess and sticking.
• Cook at 360°F–380°F for 10–12 minutes (adjust for size and thickness).
• Flip or rotate halfway for even cooking.
• Monitor closely—air fryers vary in heat intensity.
• Upgrade with fresh toppings or use it for leftovers.

I’ve gone from skeptical to obsessed. Now, my air fryer is my go-to for frozen pizza—and I’ve even convinced my skeptical roommate to try it. After one bite of that crispy, bubbling slice, she was sold.

So, can frozen pizza go in air fryer? Yes. And when you do it right, it might just become your favorite way to enjoy it. Happy cooking—and even happier eating!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can frozen pizza go in the air fryer without getting soggy?

Yes, frozen pizza turns out crispy in the air fryer when cooked properly. The key is preheating the basket and avoiding overcrowding to allow hot air circulation.

How long should I cook frozen pizza in the air fryer?

Cook most frozen pizzas at 360°F (182°C) for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway. Adjust time based on your air fryer model and pizza thickness for perfect results.

Do I need to thaw frozen pizza before air frying?

No, cooking frozen pizza directly from frozen is recommended. Thawing may make the crust soggy and lead to uneven cooking in the air fryer.

What’s the best way to prevent cheese from burning in the air fryer?

Monitor cooking closely during the last 2–3 minutes. If cheese browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to protect it while the crust finishes crisping.

Can you cook multiple frozen pizzas in the air fryer at once?

It’s best to cook one pizza at a time to ensure even cooking. If stacking mini pizzas, leave space between them and rotate positions halfway through.

Why is air-fried frozen pizza better than microwaving?

Air frying delivers a crispy crust and evenly melted toppings, while microwaving often results in a rubbery texture. The air fryer’s circulating heat mimics a traditional oven for superior results.