Can I Cook Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer Here Is How

Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer—and it delivers a perfectly crispy crust in just minutes. Preheat the air fryer, place the pizza in a single layer, and cook at 360–400°F for 6–12 minutes, depending on thickness, for a quick, delicious meal with no soggy bottoms.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Cook frozen pizza in an air fryer for a quick, crispy result.
• Preheat first: Always preheat the air fryer for even cooking and better texture.
• Adjust time: Cook 8–12 minutes, checking halfway to avoid burning.
• Use foil or tray: Prevent cheese drips and ease cleanup with a liner or pan.
• Single layer only: Overlapping slices or stacking ruins crispiness and cooking consistency.
• Check doneness: Look for bubbling cheese and golden crust to ensure it’s fully cooked.

The Magic of Air Frying: A New Way to Enjoy Frozen Pizza

Have you ever stared at your freezer, craving that perfect slice of cheesy, saucy pizza—only to remember it’s still rock-solid frozen? We’ve all been there. The microwave leaves it soggy, and the oven takes forever to preheat. But what if I told you there’s a faster, crispier, and more convenient way to cook your frozen pizza? Enter the air fryer, the kitchen gadget that’s been quietly revolutionizing how we reheat, crisp, and even cook frozen foods.

As someone who’s tested everything from reheating leftovers to making crispy chicken wings, I was skeptical when I first heard about cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer. Could it really deliver that oven-baked crispness in half the time? After experimenting with different brands, sizes, and techniques, I can confidently say: yes, it absolutely can. But it’s not just about tossing a frozen pizza into the basket and hitting “start.” There’s a method to the madness, and that’s exactly what we’re diving into today.

Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for Frozen Pizza

How Air Fryers Work Their Magic

Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly. A powerful heating element warms the air, and a fan circulates it around the food, creating a convection effect. This is why foods come out crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside—without needing to be deep-fried. For frozen pizza, this means the crust crisps up beautifully, the cheese melts evenly, and the toppings don’t burn or dry out.

Think of it like a mini convection oven that fits on your countertop. Unlike traditional ovens, which can take 10–15 minutes to preheat, air fryers heat up in just 3–5 minutes. That means you’re not just saving time—you’re also saving energy. And because the air fryer is smaller, it’s more efficient at maintaining consistent heat, which is crucial for cooking frozen foods evenly.

Benefits Over Traditional Methods

• Speed: Air fryers cook frozen pizza in 8–12 minutes, compared to 15–20 minutes in an oven.
• Crispiness: The circulating air ensures the crust gets that perfect crunch, even on thin crusts.
• No Sogginess: Unlike microwaves, which steam food from the inside out, air fryers dry out moisture, leaving you with a crispy base.
• Versatility: You can cook individual slices or small pizzas without heating up the whole oven.
• Easy Cleanup: Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

One thing I love is how the air fryer handles personal-sized pizzas or mini pizzas. I once had a craving for a single slice of pepperoni pizza late at night. Instead of preheating the oven (and waking up the whole house), I popped it in the air fryer. In 10 minutes, I had a perfectly crispy, melty slice—no guilt, no hassle.

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

Prep Your Pizza and Air Fryer

Before you start, make sure your frozen pizza fits in your air fryer basket. Most standard 8-inch pizzas will fit in a 5.5- to 6-quart air fryer, but if you have a smaller model, check the dimensions. You don’t want the pizza touching the sides or blocking the airflow.

Remove the pizza from its packaging, including any plastic wrap or cardboard base. If the pizza comes with a cardboard tray, discard it—cardboard is a fire hazard in an air fryer. For best results, place the pizza directly on the air fryer basket or use a parchment paper liner. Parchment paper helps prevent cheese from sticking and makes cleanup easier, but avoid letting it hang over the edges, as it could catch fire from the heating element.

Temperature and Time Settings

Here’s the golden rule: **start low and slow**. Frozen pizza is dense and cold, so high heat right away can burn the edges while leaving the center frozen. I recommend starting at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes. After that, check the pizza and adjust:

• Thin crust or single slice: 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
• Medium crust or 8-inch pizza: 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
• Deep dish or stuffed crust: 350°F for 12–15 minutes (flip halfway if possible).

After the initial cook time, check the pizza. The cheese should be bubbly, the edges golden brown, and the center warm. If it needs more time, add 1–2 minutes at a time. Overcooking is the biggest mistake people make—once it’s overdone, there’s no going back.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t overcrowd: Only cook one pizza at a time. Air needs to circulate freely.
• Flip for even cooking: If your air fryer allows it, flip the pizza halfway through for even browning (especially important for thick crusts).
• Use a liner: Parchment paper or a silicone mat prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Add toppings after cooking: If you want extra toppings, add them in the last 2 minutes to avoid burning.
• Let it rest: Wait 1–2 minutes after cooking to let the cheese settle and avoid burning your mouth.

I learned the hard way not to skip the parchment paper. One time, I cooked a pizza directly on the basket, and the cheese melted into the grooves, making cleanup a nightmare. Now, I always use parchment—it’s a small step that makes a huge difference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking or Undercooking

It’s easy to get impatient and crank up the heat, but high temperatures can burn the crust while leaving the center frozen. Conversely, cooking at too low a temperature will result in a soggy, unevenly cooked pizza. Stick to the recommended 350°F and check the pizza frequently.

One trick I use is to insert a fork into the center of the pizza after 8 minutes. If it feels warm and the cheese is melty, it’s likely done. If it’s still cold, give it another 2–3 minutes. Remember: air fryers vary in power, so your results might differ slightly from mine.

Using the Wrong Size Pizza

Not all frozen pizzas are created equal. A 12-inch pizza won’t fit in most air fryers, and even if it does, the edges will block airflow, leading to uneven cooking. Stick to 8-inch or smaller pizzas, or cut larger pizzas into slices. Personal-sized pizzas, like those from DiGiorno or Tombstone, work perfectly.

For example, I once tried to cook a large frozen pizza by folding the edges inward. Big mistake. The crust burned, and the toppings fell off. Now, I only cook pizzas that fit comfortably in the basket with at least an inch of space around the edges.

Ignoring the Basket’s Capacity

Air fryers come in different sizes, from 3.5 quarts to 8 quarts. A smaller basket might struggle with a thick-crust pizza, while a larger one might not heat a single slice evenly. Know your model’s limits. If you’re cooking a single slice, use a smaller air fryer or place it in the center of the basket to avoid overcooking the edges.

Another common mistake is not preheating the air fryer. While not strictly necessary, preheating for 3–5 minutes ensures consistent cooking from the start. I always preheat mine, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Best Frozen Pizzas for Air Frying (With Examples)

Not all frozen pizzas are ideal for air frying. Some have thick crusts, extra toppings, or delicate sauces that can burn or dry out. Here are my top picks, based on texture, cook time, and overall results:

Brand & Type	Crust Thickness	Cook Time	Best For	Notes
DiGiorno Rising Crust	Medium-thick	11–13 min	Cheese lovers	Cheese pulls beautifully; flip halfway for even browning.
Tombstone Original	Medium	10–12 min	Pepperoni fans	Classic taste; edges crisp up nicely.
California Pizza Kitchen Thin Crust	Thin	8–10 min	Light eaters	Crisps perfectly; add fresh herbs after cooking.
Red Baron Deep Dish	Thick	13–15 min	Hearty meals	Flip halfway; let rest 3 minutes before slicing.
Freschetta Artisan	Medium-thin	9–11 min	Vegetarians	Fresh veggie toppings; avoid overcooking.

One of my favorite discoveries was the California Pizza Kitchen Margherita pizza. The thin crust crisps up in just 9 minutes, and the fresh basil adds a pop of flavor. I like to drizzle a little olive oil and balsamic glaze after cooking for a restaurant-quality finish.

Creative Twists: Beyond Just Cooking Frozen Pizza

Customize Your Slice

Air frying isn’t just for cooking frozen pizza—it’s a chance to get creative. Once your pizza is cooked, use the air fryer to add extra toppings or textures:

• Extra cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella or parmesan on top and cook for 1–2 more minutes.
• Crispy bacon: Add cooked bacon in the last 2 minutes for a smoky crunch.
• Fresh herbs: Add basil or arugula after cooking for a bright, fresh flavor.
• Spicy kick: Drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes.

I love making a “loaded” pizza by adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives in the last 3 minutes. The air fryer softens the veggies without making them mushy, and they add a nice contrast to the crispy crust.

Reheating Leftovers

Got leftover pizza? The air fryer is the best way to reheat it. Forget soggy microwave slices—just place the slice in the basket at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. The crust crisps up, and the cheese re-melts perfectly. I’ve even reheated cold pizza from the fridge, and it tastes just as good as the first time.

One trick: if your slice is dry, brush it with a little olive oil before reheating. It adds moisture and helps the crust crisp up evenly.

Air Fryer Pizza Hacks

• Make mini pizzas: Use English muffins or bagel halves, add sauce, cheese, and toppings, and cook for 5–6 minutes.
• Pizza rolls: Cook frozen pizza rolls at 375°F for 6–8 minutes for a crispy snack.
• Pizza bagels: Top a frozen bagel with sauce and cheese, then air fry for 4–5 minutes.

My kids love it when I make “pizza boats”—halved baguettes filled with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, then air fried for 6 minutes. It’s a fun, interactive meal that’s ready in no time.

Final Thoughts: Is Air Frying Frozen Pizza Worth It?

After countless tests, I can say without a doubt: cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer is a game-changer. It’s faster, crispier, and more convenient than using an oven or microwave. Whether you’re cooking a single slice for a late-night snack or a full pizza for dinner, the air fryer delivers consistent, delicious results.

But it’s not just about convenience. The air fryer gives you more control over the cooking process, letting you customize your pizza to your taste. You can add extra toppings, experiment with different cook times, and even reheat leftovers to perfection. And the best part? Cleanup is a breeze.

So, next time you’re craving pizza but don’t want to wait for the oven to preheat, reach for your air fryer. With a little practice, you’ll be making restaurant-quality pizza in minutes—no delivery fees, no soggy crusts, just pure, cheesy goodness. Happy air frying!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen pizza in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook frozen pizza in an air fryer. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation crisps the crust and melts the cheese perfectly, often better than a conventional oven.

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

Most frozen pizzas take 8–12 minutes in an air fryer at 360°F–380°F (182°C–193°C). Check the pizza halfway through to avoid overcooking the edges.

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 crust. While not mandatory, it helps replicate the results of a traditional pizza oven.

What’s the best way to prevent frozen pizza from drying out in the air fryer?

To keep your pizza moist, lightly spray the top with oil or add a tablespoon of water to the air fryer basket. This adds steam and prevents the cheese from drying out.

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

It’s best to cook one pizza at a time to ensure even air circulation and proper cooking. Overcrowding may lead to unevenly cooked or soggy crusts.

Do I need to flip frozen pizza halfway through cooking in an air fryer?

Flipping isn’t necessary for most air fryer models, but rotating the pizza 180° halfway through ensures even browning, especially if your air fryer has hot spots.