Can I Cook Frozen Pizza in the Air Fryer A Quick Guide

Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in the air fryer—and it delivers a perfectly crispy crust in under 10 minutes. Preheat the air fryer, place the pizza in a single layer, and cook at 360–400°F (180–200°C) for 6–12 minutes, depending on thickness and desired crispness, for a quick, delicious meal with no thawing required.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer for a quick, crispy result.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a golden crust.
• Use the right size pizza to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper airflow.
• Cook at 360°F–380°F for 8–12 minutes, checking halfway for doneness.
• Flip or rotate halfway for consistent browning and texture.
• Avoid saucy or overloaded pizzas to prevent mess and uneven cooking.
• Let it rest briefly before slicing to avoid burns and improve texture.

Can I Cook Frozen Pizza in the Air Fryer? A Quick Guide

Let’s be real: frozen pizza is a lifesaver. Whether you’re too tired to cook, in a rush, or just craving that cheesy, crispy goodness without the hassle, it’s always there for you. But if you’ve recently joined the air fryer revolution—or you’re thinking about it—you’ve probably asked yourself: can I cook frozen pizza in the air fryer? I was right there with you, skeptical but curious. I’ve burned more frozen pizzas in the oven than I’d like to admit (thanks, distracted texting), and the idea of a faster, more even cook was too tempting to ignore.

After testing everything from mini cheese pizzas to full-sized pepperoni deep dishes, I can confidently say: yes, you can cook frozen pizza in the air fryer—and it’s often better than the oven. The crust gets crispier, the cheese melts evenly, and it’s done in half the time. But it’s not as simple as tossing it in and hitting “start.” There are tricks, timing, and a few “oops” moments you’ll want to avoid. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned—what works, what doesn’t, and how to get that perfect air fryer frozen pizza every time. No fluff, no gimmicks—just real, practical advice from someone who’s been there, melted cheese dripping on the counter.

Why the Air Fryer Works So Well for Frozen Pizza

How Air Frying Mimics Deep Frying (Without the Oil)

You might wonder: how can a little basket with a fan cook frozen pizza so well? The secret is in the rapid air circulation. Unlike a conventional oven that heats the air around your food slowly, the air fryer blasts hot air from all directions. This creates a convection effect—similar to how a deep fryer crisps food quickly—but without submerging your pizza in oil.

For frozen pizza, this means the outer crust crisps up while the inside stays tender. The cheese melts evenly, and toppings like pepperoni get that perfect little curl at the edges. I’ve noticed that air frying gives a more restaurant-quality texture than my regular oven, especially on thin-crust pizzas.

Speed and Efficiency: Faster Than the Oven

Let’s talk time. A typical frozen pizza takes 12–20 minutes in a conventional oven. In the air fryer? Usually 8 to 12 minutes, depending on size and thickness. That’s a huge difference when you’re hangry at 6 p.m. and just want dinner on the table.

Plus, air fryers don’t need preheating (or at least not for long). I’ve found that 3–5 minutes at 375°F is enough to get the basket hot, then I add the pizza. No waiting 10 minutes for the oven to warm up. This makes it perfect for quick lunches, late-night snacks, or feeding hungry kids without a meltdown (the kids, not me… usually).

Energy Efficiency and Cleanup

Here’s a bonus: air fryers use less energy than ovens. They heat a smaller space, so they don’t waste power. Over time, that adds up—especially if you’re cooking small meals frequently.

And cleanup? A breeze. Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe. Just wipe down the basket or toss it in the dishwasher. Compare that to scrubbing baked-on cheese and sauce from a baking sheet—no contest.

One night, I cooked a mini frozen pizza while my oven was still hot from roasting veggies. The air fryer was done in 10 minutes. The oven? Still cooling down. That sealed the deal for me.

Choosing the Right Frozen Pizza for Air Frying

Size Matters: Mini vs. Personal vs. Full-Size

Not all frozen pizzas are created equal—especially when it comes to air fryer compatibility. Here’s what I’ve learned from testing different sizes:

• Mini pizzas (5–6 inches): These are perfect for air frying. They fit easily in most baskets, cook evenly, and crisp up beautifully. Think DiGiorno mini pizzas or store-brand bite-sized options. I’ve made these for my kids as after-school snacks—done in under 10 minutes.
• Personal pizzas (7–8 inches): Still great, but check your basket size. If it’s 5.5 quarts or larger, you’re good. I’ve had success with 8-inch pizzas from brands like Freschetta and Red Baron. Just make sure there’s a little space around the edges for air to circulate.
• Full-size pizzas (10–12 inches): Tough to fit. Most air fryers can’t accommodate these without cutting. I tried once with a 12-inch pizza—folded the edges like a taco. It cooked, but unevenly. Not recommended unless you’re willing to slice it first.

Crust Type: Thin, Hand-Tossed, or Deep Dish?

Crust type makes a big difference in texture and cooking time:

• Thin crust: Crisps up fast and evenly. My favorite for air frying. I’ve had great results with Tombstone and Newman’s Own thin-crust pizzas. They come out with a satisfying crunch.
• Hand-tossed or medium crust: Takes a few minutes longer but still works well. Just watch for soggy centers. I recommend adding 1–2 minutes to the cook time and checking halfway through.
• Deep dish or stuffed crust: These are trickier. The thick crust and cheese filling can stay cold in the center while the outside burns. I’ve had mixed results. One time, I pre-cooked a deep dish pizza for 3 minutes in the microwave, then finished it in the air fryer. It worked—crispy outside, hot inside—but it wasn’t as “fresh” as I wanted.

Toppings: Less Is More

Heavy toppings (like double pepperoni or extra cheese) can cause issues. The cheese melts and drips, creating smoke or sticking to the basket. Plus, too much weight can make the pizza sag, leading to uneven cooking.

My rule: if the pizza looks “loaded” in the package, consider scraping off a little cheese or folding the edges up slightly to prevent dripping. I once cooked a “meat lovers” pizza and ended up with a smoky kitchen and a sticky basket. Lesson learned.

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

Preparing the Air Fryer Basket

First things first: prep your basket. I always lightly grease the basket with a little cooking spray or a brush of oil. This prevents sticking and helps the crust crisp up. You can also use parchment paper with holes (air fryer liners), but I’ve found they sometimes trap steam and make the crust soggy. If you use them, poke a few holes in the center to let air flow.

Never overcrowd the basket. If your pizza is too big, don’t force it. Air needs to circulate around all sides. I once tried to fit a pizza that was just a half-inch too wide—the edges burned, and the center was still cold. Not worth it.

Setting the Right Temperature and Time

Here’s the golden rule: start at 375°F. This is hot enough to crisp the crust but not so hot that it burns.

• Mini pizzas (5–6 in): 8–10 minutes
• Personal pizzas (7–8 in): 10–12 minutes
• Thin crust: 8–10 minutes
• Hand-tossed: 10–12 minutes
• Deep dish: 12–15 minutes (with caution)

I always set my timer for the lower end first, then check. If the cheese isn’t bubbling and the crust isn’t golden, add 1–2 minutes. I use tongs to lift the pizza slightly—if the center is still frozen, it needs more time.

Checking for Doneness (Don’t Skip This!)

Doneness is key. You want:

• Golden, slightly crispy crust (not blackened)
• Cheese fully melted and bubbling
• Toppings hot and sizzling (especially meats)
• No icy center when you cut a slice

I use a small knife to peek at the center. If it’s still frozen, I add 1–2 more minutes. I also rotate the basket halfway through if my air fryer doesn’t circulate evenly (some models do, some don’t). This prevents hot spots.

One tip: if the cheese starts to brown too fast, lower the temperature to 350°F and continue cooking. Better to take a few extra minutes than to ruin it.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Burning the Crust or Cheese

Burning is the #1 mistake. It happens when:

• The temperature is too high (over 400°F)
• The pizza is too close to the heating element
• You don’t check halfway through

Solution: start low and slow. Use 375°F, and never walk away for the whole cook time. Set a timer for halfway and peek in. If it’s browning too fast, lower the heat or move the pizza to the lower rack (if your model has one).

I once got distracted by a phone call and left a personal pizza in for 15 minutes at 400°F. The edges were charcoal. Not my finest moment.

Soggy or Undercooked Centers

Opposite problem: the outside looks done, but the inside is still frozen. This happens with thick-crust or deep-dish pizzas.

My fix: preheat the basket for 3–5 minutes before adding the pizza. This helps the center start cooking faster. You can also lightly cover the pizza with foil for the first 5 minutes, then remove it to crisp the top.

Another trick: if the center is still cold, don’t add more time. Instead, let the pizza rest for 1–2 minutes after cooking. Residual heat will finish it off. I’ve saved many a pizza this way.

Smoke and Dripping Cheese

Cheese dripping onto the heating element is a real hazard. It causes smoke and can damage your air fryer.

To prevent it:

• Scrape off excess cheese before cooking
• Use a drip tray or aluminum foil (poke holes for airflow)
• Choose pizzas with moderate cheese

I keep a roll of heavy-duty foil handy. I line the bottom of the basket (not the sides) to catch drips. Just make sure it doesn’t block airflow.

Tips and Hacks for the Best Air Fryer Frozen Pizza

Enhancing Flavor and Texture

Want to take your air fryer pizza from “good” to “great”? Try these:

• Add fresh herbs after cooking—basil, oregano, or parsley brighten it up.
• Drizzle with garlic oil or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat.
• Top with fresh mozzarella before the last 2 minutes of cooking.

One night, I added a spoonful of marinara sauce on top of a plain cheese pizza during the last 2 minutes. It melted in and tasted like a fresh Margherita. Game-changer.

Reheating Leftovers (Yes, It Works!)

Got leftover pizza? Don’t microwave it. Air fry it! Reheat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. The crust stays crispy, and the cheese melts perfectly. I’ve even reheated a whole slice from two days ago—tasted almost as good as fresh.

Batch Cooking for Meal Prep

Love frozen pizza but hate cooking one at a time? Here’s a hack: cook two mini pizzas at once (if your basket fits). Just make sure they’re not touching. I do this on Sunday nights—two pizzas for quick lunches during the week.

Or, cook one and freeze the other half (after cooling). Reheat in the air fryer later. Works great for meal prep.

Data Comparison: Air Fryer vs. Oven for Frozen Pizza

Factor	Air Fryer	Conventional Oven
Cook Time (8-inch pizza)	10–12 minutes	15–20 minutes
Preheat Time	3–5 minutes	10–15 minutes
Energy Use	Low (smaller space)	Higher (larger cavity)
Crust Texture	Crispy, golden	Softer, sometimes soggy
Cheese Melt	Even, bubbly	May pool or burn
Cleanup	Quick (non-stick basket)	Scrubbing often needed
Best For	Mini, personal, thin crust	Full-size, deep dish

This table sums up my experience. The air fryer wins on speed, texture, and ease—but if you’re cooking for a crowd or love deep dish, the oven still has its place.

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer the Best Way to Cook Frozen Pizza?

So, can I cook frozen pizza in the air fryer? Absolutely. In fact, for most people, it’s the best way. It’s faster, crispier, and more efficient than the oven. I’ve gone from skeptical to obsessed—my air fryer now has a permanent spot on the counter, and frozen pizza is a weekly staple.

But it’s not magic. You still need to pay attention—check halfway, avoid overcrowding, and pick the right pizza. And if you have a large family or love deep dish, the oven might still be your go-to. That’s okay. The goal isn’t to replace every method—it’s to find what works best for you.

My advice? Start small. Grab a mini frozen pizza, preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes, cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, and check the center. Add your favorite toppings, and enjoy. You’ll be surprised how much better it tastes.

And hey, if you burn the first one? Don’t sweat it. We’ve all been there. Just wipe the basket, try again, and remember: frozen pizza is meant to be easy, delicious, and—above all—fun. Happy air frying!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen pizza in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in the air fryer for a quick, crispy result. The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, cooking the pizza faster than a conventional oven while maintaining its texture.

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

Set your air fryer to 360°F–380°F (182°C–193°C) for best results. Cooking time typically ranges from 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the pizza’s size and thickness.

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

Preheating the air fryer for 3–5 minutes helps ensure even cooking and a crispier crust. While not mandatory, it improves the overall texture and flavor of your frozen pizza.

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

To avoid drying, lightly spray the pizza with oil or cover it with foil for the first half of cooking. This retains moisture while still achieving a golden, crispy crust.

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

It’s best to cook one frozen pizza at a time for even cooking and crispiness. Overcrowding the basket restricts airflow, leading to uneven results or soggy spots.

Is it safe to use parchment paper or foil in the air fryer with frozen pizza?

Yes, using parchment paper or foil is safe and helps prevent sticking or cheese overflow. Just ensure it’s cut to fit the basket and doesn’t block the air circulation.