Can I Bake Frozen Pizza in Air Fryer Quick Easy Guide

Yes, you can bake frozen pizza in an air fryer for a quick, crispy, and delicious meal in under 15 minutes. Preheat the air fryer, place the pizza in a single layer, and cook at 360–380°F (180–190°C) for 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness—no thawing needed! This method delivers a perfectly golden crust and evenly melted toppings, making it a game-changer for busy weeknights.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can bake frozen pizza in an air fryer for faster, crispier results.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
• Use a liner or parchment paper to prevent cheese from sticking to the basket.
• Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
• Check pizza halfway through to adjust time or flip for even browning.
• Avoid high-fat toppings to prevent excess oil splatter and mess.

Why You Should (and Shouldn’t) Bake Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer

Let’s be honest—frozen pizza is one of life’s little comforts. Whether you’re coming home after a long day, hosting a last-minute movie night, or just craving that cheesy, crispy bite without the oven fuss, it’s a go-to. But what if I told you there’s a faster, crispier, and more energy-efficient way to enjoy your favorite frozen pie? Enter the air fryer—a kitchen gadget that’s been quietly revolutionizing how we cook everything from fries to chicken wings. And yes, you absolutely can bake frozen pizza in an air fryer. But should you?

I remember the first time I tried it. I was skeptical. My oven usually takes 15 minutes just to preheat, and my microwave turns pizza into a soggy, rubbery mess. So when I heard about air fryer frozen pizza, I thought, “Could this be the golden middle ground?” Spoiler: It mostly is. But like anything worth doing, there are nuances. Some pizzas come out perfectly golden and crisp. Others… well, let’s just say I learned a few hard lessons about timing, size, and toppings. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned—what works, what doesn’t, and how to get the best results every time. Whether you’re a frozen pizza newbie or a seasoned pro, this quick and easy guide will help you decide if baking frozen pizza in an air fryer is right for you.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why They’re Great for Frozen Pizza)

The Science Behind Crispy, Even Cooking

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why air fryers work so well for frozen pizza. Unlike traditional ovens that rely on radiant heat or microwaves that heat water molecules (often making food soggy), air fryers use rapid air circulation. A heating element warms the air, and a powerful fan blasts it around the food at high speed. This creates a convection effect, similar to a convection oven but in a much smaller space.

The result? Food cooks faster, more evenly, and with a crisp exterior—exactly what we want from a good pizza. The high heat (usually 350°F to 400°F) browns the crust, melts the cheese, and crisps the edges without drying out the toppings. Plus, because the air fryer basket is compact, heat doesn’t have to travel far. That means less preheating, less energy, and faster results. For frozen pizza lovers, this is a game-changer.

Why Air Fryers Beat Ovens and Microwaves

• Speed: Most air fryers cook frozen pizza in 8–12 minutes. Ovens take 15–20 minutes after a 10–15 minute preheat. Microwaves? 3–4 minutes, but the texture is often disappointing.
• Texture: Air fryers deliver a crispy crust and evenly melted cheese. Microwaves tend to steam the pizza, making it soggy. Ovens can sometimes dry out the edges while leaving the center undercooked.
• Energy efficiency: Air fryers use less electricity and heat up faster, making them more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
• Space-saving: Great for small kitchens, dorms, or RVs where a full oven isn’t practical.

One caveat: Not all air fryers are created equal. Smaller models (3–4 quarts) work best for single or small pizzas. Larger models (6+ quarts) can handle 10–12 inch pizzas, but you may need to cook in batches. And yes, you can bake frozen pizza in an air fryer—but the size and shape of your air fryer matter.

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

Prepping Your Pizza and Air Fryer

Here’s the golden rule: Don’t preheat the air fryer with the pizza inside. Unlike ovens, air fryers don’t need long preheats, but you do want to start with a clean, dry basket. Here’s how to prep:

1. Remove the frozen pizza from its packaging. Keep it on the cardboard tray if it’s a thin crust—this helps prevent sticking and makes handling easier.
2. If your pizza is larger than the air fryer basket (e.g., 12-inch), consider cutting it into halves or quarters. This ensures even cooking and better air circulation.
3. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil. This helps prevent sticking, especially with cheesy edges.
4. Optional: Place a piece of parchment paper or an air fryer liner in the basket. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents cheese from dripping onto the heating element.

Temperature and Timing: The Key to Perfection

Timing varies depending on the pizza’s thickness, size, and your air fryer model. But here’s a general guide:

• Small/Personal Pizzas (5–7 inches): 375°F for 8–10 minutes
• Medium Pizzas (8–10 inches, cut in half): 380°F for 10–12 minutes
• Thick Crust or Deep Dish (cut into slices): 360°F for 12–14 minutes

Pro tip: Check the pizza at the 6-minute mark. If the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden, it’s ready. If it looks pale, add 1–2 more minutes. Overcooking is the biggest risk—burnt cheese and dry crust are no fun.

For best results, flip the pizza halfway through (if it’s cut in half or into slices). This ensures even browning on both sides. Use tongs or a spatula to avoid burning yourself.

Handling Toppings and Specialty Pizzas

Not all frozen pizzas are the same. Here’s how to adapt:

• Thin crust: Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. No need to flip—the air circulation crisps both sides.
• Stuffed crust or deep dish: Lower the temperature to 360°F and cook longer (12–14 minutes). The thicker dough needs more time to cook through.
• Vegetable-heavy or deluxe pizzas: Add 1–2 minutes to the cook time. The extra moisture from veggies can make the crust soggy if undercooked.
• Gluten-free or cauliflower crust: These cook faster and burn easily. Reduce time by 1–2 minutes and check frequently.

One reader, Sarah, told me she tried a frozen cauliflower crust pizza in her 5-quart air fryer. “I set it for 10 minutes at 375°F,” she said. “The top was perfect, but the bottom was burnt.” Her fix? “I now cook it at 360°F for 9 minutes and flip halfway. Works every time!”

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake people make. Air fryers rely on air circulation. If you pile too much food in, the air can’t move freely, and the pizza won’t cook evenly. A 12-inch pizza crammed into a 4-quart air fryer? Disaster. The center will be cold, and the edges will burn.

Solution: Cut the pizza into smaller portions. A 10-inch pizza cut into four quarters fits perfectly in most 5–6 quart air fryers. Cook in batches if needed. Trust me, waiting an extra 8 minutes is better than eating a half-raw, half-charred pizza.

Skipping the Parchment Paper

Cheese and sauce can drip onto the heating element, causing smoke, odors, and even damage. I learned this the hard way when my air fryer started smoking halfway through cooking a pepperoni pizza. Not fun.

Solution: Use parchment paper or an air fryer liner. Cut it to fit the basket, and poke a few holes for air circulation. It’s cheap, reusable, and saves you from scrubbing burnt cheese off the heating coil.

Ignoring the Manufacturer’s Instructions

Every air fryer is different. A Ninja Foodi might cook faster than a Cosori. A 3-quart basket heats differently than a 7-quart. Relying solely on generic advice can lead to undercooked or burnt pizza.

Solution: Start with the manufacturer’s recommended settings, then adjust based on your results. Keep a small notebook or phone note with your “perfect” times for different pizzas. Over time, you’ll build a personal cheat sheet.

Forgetting to Check Mid-Cook

Air fryers don’t have timers with alerts (well, most don’t). It’s easy to forget your pizza is cooking and return to a charred mess.

Solution: Set a phone alarm for halfway through the cook time. Open the basket, peek inside, and flip if needed. This simple step prevents overcooking and ensures even browning.

Best Frozen Pizzas for Air Frying (And Which to Avoid)

Top Picks: Pizzas That Shine in the Air Fryer

Not all frozen pizzas are created equal. Some are tailor-made for air fryer success. Here are my top recommendations:

• DiGiorno Rising Crust (cut into slices): The thick, buttery crust crisps up beautifully. Cook at 360°F for 12–13 minutes.
• Freschetta Thin & Crispy: Perfect for air fryers. The thin crust cooks evenly in 9–10 minutes at 375°F.
• California Pizza Kitchen Margherita (cut in half): The light sauce and fresh basil hold up well. Cook at 375°F for 10–11 minutes.
• Newman’s Own Thin & Crispy Pepperoni: Minimal grease, maximum flavor. 8–9 minutes at 375°F.

Pizzas to Approach with Caution

Some frozen pizzas just don’t translate well to air frying. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Deep dish or stuffed crust (whole): Too thick for most air fryers. If you must try, cut into slices and lower the temperature.
• Pizzas with heavy toppings (e.g., “Supreme” or “Meat Lover’s”): The excess moisture can steam the crust. Cook 1–2 minutes longer and check frequently.
• Pizzas with delicate toppings (e.g., fresh herbs, arugula): These can burn or dry out. Add them after cooking, or cook the pizza first, then top.
• Extra-large pizzas (14+ inches): Unless you have a commercial-grade air fryer, it’s not worth the hassle. Stick to oven-baking.

One user, James, tried a frozen deep dish pizza in his 6-quart air fryer. “I didn’t cut it,” he said. “The outside was crispy, but the center was still frozen. I ended up finishing it in the oven.” His advice? “Cut it into slices next time.”

Data Table: Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Cooking Times by Type

Here’s a handy reference table to help you nail the timing every time. Remember: These are starting points. Adjust based on your air fryer and pizza.

Pizza Type	Size	Air Fryer Temp	Cook Time	Notes
Thin crust	5–7 inches	375°F	8–10 minutes	No flip needed
Thin crust	8–10 inches (cut in half)	375°F	9–11 minutes	Flip halfway
Regular crust	8–10 inches (cut in half)	380°F	10–12 minutes	Flip halfway
Thick crust	8–10 inches (cut in half)	360°F	12–14 minutes	Flip halfway; check center
Deep dish (sliced)	8–10 inches	360°F	13–15 minutes	Use parchment; check for doneness
Gluten-free/cauliflower	5–7 inches	360°F	7–9 minutes	Watch closely; burns easily
Vegetable-heavy	8–10 inches (cut in half)	375°F	11–13 minutes	Add 1–2 minutes if undercooked

Final Thoughts: Is Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Worth It?

So, can you bake frozen pizza in an air fryer? Absolutely. And in most cases, it’s a quick, easy, and delicious alternative to the oven or microwave. The air fryer delivers crispy crust, melty cheese, and evenly cooked toppings in half the time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, solo dinners, or when you just don’t want to wait for the oven to heat up.

But—and this is a big but—it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The size and type of your air fryer matter. The thickness and toppings of your pizza matter. And your personal preferences (crispy vs. chewy, fast vs. perfect) matter. If you’re willing to experiment, cut your pizza to fit, and check on it mid-cook, you’ll likely love the results. If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it method, the oven might still be your best bet.

For me, the air fryer has become my go-to for frozen pizza. It’s fast, energy-efficient, and gives me that restaurant-quality crispiness I crave. But I also keep a few oven-baked pizzas in the freezer for weekends when I have more time. The key is knowing your tools, your food, and your limits. So go ahead—try baking your next frozen pizza in the air fryer. Just remember: cut it, check it, and enjoy it. And if it doesn’t work out? Well, there’s always the oven… or delivery. But hey, at least you tried!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake frozen pizza in an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake frozen pizza in an air fryer! It cooks faster than an oven and delivers a crispy crust with evenly melted cheese. Just preheat the air fryer and adjust the time based on your pizza’s thickness.

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

Most frozen pizzas take 8–12 minutes at 360°F–380°F (182°C–193°C) in an air fryer. Thinner crusts cook faster, while deep-dish styles may need extra time. Always check for bubbling cheese and a golden crust.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer for frozen pizza?

Preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures even cooking and a crispier result. Skipping this step may leave the center undercooked, especially for thicker pizzas. This step is key to perfecting your frozen pizza in air fryer.

Can I cook multiple frozen pizzas at once in my air fryer?

It depends on your air fryer’s size. Most models only fit one personal-sized pizza at a time. Overcrowding blocks airflow, leading to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if needed.

Should I thaw frozen pizza before air frying?

No, you can cook frozen pizza directly from the freezer. Thawing isn’t necessary and may make the crust soggy. The air fryer’s rapid heat locks in moisture while crisping the exterior.

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

Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or line it with parchment paper (punched with holes for airflow). Avoid non-stick sprays, as they can damage the basket’s coating. This ensures easy removal and cleanup.