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

Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in your air fryer—and it comes out perfectly crispy in minutes. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation cooks the pizza evenly, giving you a golden crust and melty cheese faster than a conventional oven. Just preheat, place the pizza in a single layer, and cook at 360–400°F for 8–12 minutes for best results.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Air fryers cook frozen pizza quickly and evenly.
• Preheat for crispiness: Always preheat the air fryer for best results.
• Adjust time and temp: Follow 350–380°F for 8–12 minutes, checking often.
• Use a liner: Prevent sticking and ease cleanup with parchment paper.
• Single layer only: Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking—cook one pizza at a time.
• Check halfway: Rotate or flip for even browning and crisp crust.

Can I Cook Frozen Pizza in My Air Fryer? Here’s How

Let’s be honest: frozen pizza is a modern-day miracle. It’s quick, it’s easy, and on those nights when cooking feels like climbing a mountain, it’s a total lifesaver. But if you’ve ever popped a frozen pie into your air fryer and ended up with a crust that’s either burnt or still icy in the center, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—standing in my kitchen, staring at a half-cooked pizza, wondering if I’d finally cracked the code or just wasted dinner.

The good news? Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in your air fryer, and when done right, it can actually taste better than what comes out of a conventional oven. The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air crisps the crust, melts the cheese evenly, and cuts down on cooking time—all without the guilt of deep frying. But there’s a catch: timing, temperature, and technique matter. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) to help you get that perfect, golden-brown, crispy-on-the-outside, melty-on-the-inside frozen pizza—every single time.

Why Your Air Fryer Is the Perfect Tool for Frozen Pizza

At first glance, it might seem like overkill to use an air fryer for something as simple as frozen pizza. After all, your oven has handled it for years. But here’s the thing: air fryers are more than just glorified convection ovens. They’re compact, efficient, and designed to deliver restaurant-quality texture with minimal effort.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why That Helps)

Air fryers use a powerful fan to circulate hot air around food at high speed. This creates a convection effect, similar to a commercial pizza oven, but in a much smaller space. The result? Faster cooking, crispier edges, and less moisture buildup—exactly what you want for a frozen pizza.

Think of it this way: when you bake a frozen pizza in a regular oven, the heat radiates from the top and bottom, but the air inside is relatively still. Moisture from the cheese and toppings can get trapped, leading to a soggy crust. But in an air fryer, that hot air is constantly moving, evaporating excess moisture and crisping up the crust from all sides.

Benefits Over Traditional Oven Baking

• Faster cooking time: Most air fryers cook frozen pizza in 10–14 minutes, compared to 15–20 in a conventional oven.
• Even browning: The rotating air ensures the cheese and toppings melt evenly, reducing the risk of cold spots.
• Less preheating: Air fryers heat up almost instantly. No more waiting 10–15 minutes for your oven to reach temperature.
• Smaller footprint: Ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or when you’re cooking for one or two.
• Energy efficient: Uses less electricity than a full-sized oven, which is great for the planet and your utility bill.

Real-World Example: My First Attempt

I remember my first try: a store-brand cheese pizza, straight from the freezer. I set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and tossed it in for 10 minutes. The result? The edges were golden and crisp, but the center was still cold. I learned quickly that size matters. That pizza was 12 inches—too big for my 5.8-quart air fryer. Lesson learned: smaller pizzas (7–9 inches) work best, or you need to cut them down to fit.

What Type of Frozen Pizza Works Best in an Air Fryer?

Not all frozen pizzas are created equal—and that includes how they perform in an air fryer. The size, thickness, and ingredients all play a role in how well your pizza cooks and tastes.

Best Pizza Types for Air Frying

• Thin-crust pizzas: These cook faster and crisp up beautifully. Brands like DiGiorno’s Thin & Crispy, Tombstone Thin & Crispy, or Newman’s Own Thin & Crispy are excellent choices.
• Personal-sized pizzas (7–9 inches): These are ideal because they fit easily in most air fryer baskets without overcrowding.
• Single-serve pizzas: Think Lean Cuisine, Smart Ones, or even mini pizzas from Trader Joe’s. These are designed for quick cooking and often come with instructions for microwaves or toaster ovens—but they adapt perfectly to air fryers.
• Gluten-free or cauliflower crust: These can be a bit more delicate, so they benefit from the gentle, even heat of an air fryer. Just keep an eye on them—they can go from golden to burnt in seconds.

Pizzas to Approach with Caution

• Deep-dish or thick-crust pizzas: These take longer to cook through and may dry out the outer crust before the center is done. If you’re using a deep-dish pizza, consider cutting it into quarters to increase surface area and reduce cooking time.
• Large 12-inch pizzas: Unless your air fryer is large (7+ quarts), these won’t fit properly. Overcrowding prevents air circulation, leading to uneven cooking.
• Loaded or extra-cheesy pizzas: Too much cheese or toppings can drip into the bottom of the air fryer, causing smoke or even a fire hazard. Use a liner or parchment paper to catch drips.

Pro Tip: Check the Packaging

Before you start, look at the cooking instructions on the box. Most frozen pizzas recommend baking at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes. Use this as a baseline. Since air fryers cook faster, you’ll usually reduce the time by 2–4 minutes. For example, if the box says 14 minutes, start with 10–12 minutes in the air fryer.

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

Now that you know what to cook, let’s talk about how to cook it. This is where precision makes all the difference. Follow these steps for a foolproof result every time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating is optional but highly recommended. It ensures consistent cooking from the first minute. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it run for 3–5 minutes. If your model doesn’t have a preheat setting, just run it empty for a few minutes before adding the pizza.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza

• Remove the pizza from the box and plastic wrap.
• If it’s too large, cut it in half or quarters. This helps it fit and cook evenly.
• For extra protection, place a small piece of parchment paper or an air fryer liner at the bottom. This catches grease and makes cleanup easier.
• Optional: Lightly spray the top of the pizza with cooking oil (olive, avocado, or spray oil). This helps the cheese brown and adds a little extra crispiness.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Time

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C) is the sweet spot for most frozen pizzas. It’s hot enough to crisp the crust but not so hot that it burns the cheese.
• Time: Start with 10 minutes for a 9-inch pizza. Add 1–2 minutes for thicker crusts or extra toppings.
• Tip: Use the “shake” function if your air fryer has one. Pause halfway to check progress and flip the pizza (if possible) for even browning.

Step 4: Cook and Monitor

Place the pizza in the air fryer basket, leaving space around the edges for air to circulate. Close the drawer and let it cook.

• At the 6-minute mark, open the drawer and check the pizza. Look for:
  • Cheese that’s melted and bubbling.
  • Crust that’s golden brown (not black).
  • No ice crystals in the center (if you cut a small slice).
• If it’s browning too fast, reduce the temperature to 360°F (182°C) for the remaining time.
• If the cheese isn’t melted, add 1–2 more minutes.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the timer goes off, let the pizza rest for 1–2 minutes in the air fryer. This allows the cheese to settle and prevents burns. Then, use a spatula to transfer it to a plate. Slice and enjoy!

Real Example: Cooking a 9-Inch Thin-Crust Pepperoni Pizza

I tried this with a DiGiorno Thin & Crispy pepperoni pizza. Preheated to 375°F, placed it on a parchment liner, sprayed the top lightly, and set the timer for 10 minutes. At 7 minutes, I checked: cheese was bubbling, crust was golden, and the center was hot. I pulled it out, let it rest for 2 minutes, and—voilà!—crispy, cheesy perfection. Total time: 12 minutes (including preheat).

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common pitfalls I’ve seen (and made myself), along with simple fixes.

Mistake 1: Overcrowding the Basket

Trying to fit a 12-inch pizza into a 5-quart air fryer? Bad idea. Overcrowding blocks airflow, leading to uneven cooking. The center stays cold, and the edges burn.

Fix: Only cook pizzas that fit comfortably with at least ½ inch of space around the edges. If you have a large pizza, cut it into quarters.

Mistake 2: Not Preheating

Skipping preheat might save 3 minutes, but it can throw off your timing. A cold basket means the pizza starts cooking later, increasing the risk of undercooking.

Fix: Always preheat for 3–5 minutes. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Mistake 3: Setting the Temperature Too High

Cranking the dial to 400°F (204°C) might seem like a shortcut, but it often burns the cheese or crust before the center is done.

Fix: Stick to 375°F (190°C) for most pizzas. If you’re in a hurry, try 385°F but reduce the time by 1–2 minutes and check early.

Mistake 4: Ignoring the Cheese

Cheese can drip into the bottom of the air fryer, causing smoke or even a fire. I learned this when a pepperoni pizza left a greasy mess and set off my smoke alarm.

Fix: Use a liner, parchment paper, or a silicone mat. These catch drips and make cleanup a breeze.

Mistake 5: Not Letting It Rest

Cutting into the pizza too soon releases steam, which can make the crust soggy. Plus, hot cheese is a burn hazard.

Fix: Let it rest for 1–2 minutes. It’s worth the wait.

Air Fryer Pizza Cooking Time & Temperature Guide (Data Table)

To make things even easier, I’ve compiled a quick-reference guide based on pizza type, size, and thickness. Use this as a starting point and adjust based on your air fryer model and personal preference.

Pizza Type	Size	Thickness	Temp (°F)	Time (Min)	Notes
Thin-crust	7–9 in	Thin	375	10–12	Best for crispy results. Spray top for browning.
Thin-crust	10–12 in	Thin	375	12–14	Cut in half or quarters. Check at 10 min.
Deep-dish	9 in	Thick	375	14–16	Use liner. May need extra 2 min.
Personal/Individual	6–7 in	Thin to medium	375	8–10	Perfect for quick meals. No prep needed.
Gluten-free/Cauliflower	7–9 in	Thin	360	9–11	Monitor closely—burns easily.
Extra-cheesy/Loaded	9 in	Thin	375	11–13	Use liner. Check at 9 min to prevent burning.

Note: Times are approximate. Always check for doneness—melted cheese, golden crust, no ice in center.

Bonus Tips: Elevating Your Air Fryer Pizza Game

Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are a few ways to take your frozen pizza to the next level.

Add Fresh Toppings (After Cooking)

Frozen pizzas are convenient, but they can be a little… basic. After air frying, add fresh toppings like:

• Arugula or spinach (adds a peppery crunch)
• Sliced cherry tomatoes (burst with flavor)
• Fresh basil (elevates the aroma)
• Pickled jalapeños (for a spicy kick)
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze or hot honey

This transforms a simple meal into something gourmet—without extra cooking.

Reheat Leftovers Like a Pro

Got leftover pizza? Don’t microwave it! Air fry it at 350°F (177°C) for 3–5 minutes. It’ll taste just like fresh—crispy crust, melty cheese.

Try a DIY Frozen Pizza

Make your own “frozen” pizza for even better results:

1. Roll out store-bought dough or use a tortilla.
2. Add sauce, cheese, and toppings.
3. Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag.
4. Cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.

It’s cheaper, healthier, and tastes amazing.

Clean Your Air Fryer After Pizza

Grease and cheese residue can build up fast. After cooking, let the basket cool slightly, then wipe it down with a damp cloth or soapy sponge. For tough stains, soak the basket in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can—And You Should

So, can you cook frozen pizza in your air fryer? Absolutely. In fact, it might be the best way to enjoy it. The air fryer delivers crispy crusts, evenly melted cheese, and faster cooking—all with less hassle than your oven.

I’ve cooked dozens of frozen pizzas in my air fryer over the past year, from budget-friendly store brands to gourmet options. And every time, the result has been better than I expected. The key is understanding your machine, choosing the right pizza, and following a few simple rules: preheat, don’t overcrowd, monitor the cheese, and let it rest.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a good slice of pizza without the wait, your air fryer is a game-changer. It’s not just for fries and chicken wings—it’s a pizza oven in disguise.

So go ahead. Grab that frozen pizza from the back of your freezer, fire up your air fryer, and give it a try. I promise, once you taste that golden, crispy crust and gooey cheese, you’ll never go back to the oven again. And if you do run into a burnt crust or a cold center? No worries. We’ve all been there. Just tweak the time, adjust the temp, and try again. After all, the best meals are the ones that teach us something—even if it’s just how to make the perfect frozen pizza.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen pizza in my air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook frozen pizza in your air fryer! It’s a quick and convenient way to achieve a crispy crust without preheating the oven.

What temperature should I use to cook frozen pizza in an air fryer?

Set your air fryer to 360°F–380°F (180°C–190°C) for most frozen pizzas. Cook for 10–15 minutes, checking halfway to avoid burning the toppings or crust.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking frozen pizza?

Preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes at the cooking temperature ensures even results. While not always required, it helps prevent a soggy crust and speeds up the process.

How do I prevent my frozen pizza from drying out in the air fryer?

To retain moisture, lightly spray the pizza with oil or cover it with foil for the first half of cooking. This trick keeps the cheese bubbly and the crust tender when cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer.

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

It depends on your air fryer’s size, but avoid overcrowding. Cooking one pizza at a time ensures proper airflow and even cooking, which is key for the best texture.

Is cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer healthier than using an oven?

Air fryers use less energy and can reduce cooking time, but the nutritional content of the pizza stays the same. However, the crispier crust may let you use less cheese or sauce, saving calories.