Can I Cook Pizza in My Air Fryer A Quick Guide to Perfect Results

Yes, you can cook pizza in your air fryer—and it delivers crispy crusts, melty cheese, and evenly cooked toppings in minutes. With the right technique, your air fryer transforms into a mini pizza oven, perfect for quick weeknight meals or personal-sized pies without heating up the whole kitchen.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook pizza in your air fryer with crispy results.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and better texture.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Limit toppings to avoid soggy crusts and ensure thorough cooking.
• Cook in batches if needed—don’t overcrowd the basket.
• Monitor cooking time closely to prevent burning (8–12 mins).

Can I Cook Pizza in My Air Fryer? A Quick Guide to Perfect Results

Let’s be real—pizza is the ultimate comfort food. It’s quick, delicious, and always hits the spot. But what if you don’t have time to preheat the oven or wait for delivery? That’s where your air fryer comes in. Yes, that little countertop appliance that’s been making waves with crispy fries and juicy chicken wings can actually cook a pretty darn good pizza. I’ve been there: standing in my kitchen, craving a personal-sized pie, wondering if I could toss it in the air fryer instead of the oven. Spoiler: I did, and it worked better than I expected.

So, can you cook pizza in your air fryer? The short answer is yes—and with the right approach, you can get a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and perfectly melted toppings in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re reheating last night’s leftovers, cooking a frozen pizza, or making your own from scratch, your air fryer is more than up to the task. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get perfect results every time, without burning your crust or ending up with a soggy mess. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense chat over coffee—with a side of golden-brown pizza.

Why Your Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Pizza

How Air Frying Works for Baked Goods

At its core, an air fryer is a mini convection oven. It uses a powerful fan to circulate hot air around food, creating that crispy, golden exterior we all love. Unlike a traditional oven, which takes 10–15 minutes to preheat and heats the entire cavity, an air fryer heats up in just 2–3 minutes and targets only the basket. This rapid circulation of hot air is ideal for pizza because it mimics the high heat of a brick oven—without the space or cost.

When you place a pizza in the air fryer, the intense heat quickly crisps the crust while melting the cheese and cooking toppings from the top and bottom. The result? A pizza that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and ready in half the time of a conventional oven. I’ve found that even store-bought frozen pizzas come out better in the air fryer because the heat is more consistent and direct.

Speed, Energy Efficiency, and Convenience

Let’s talk real-world benefits. If you’re like me, you’ve had those evenings where you’re too tired to cook but too impatient to wait for delivery. The air fryer solves this. No preheating, no waiting. Just pop your pizza in, set the timer, and walk away. Most air fryer pizzas cook in 8–12 minutes, compared to 15–20 in a standard oven. That’s a time savings of up to 40%.

Plus, air fryers use less energy. A typical oven uses around 2,400 watts, while most air fryers run on 1,200–1,500 watts. That means you’re not only saving time—you’re also saving on your electric bill. And if you’re cooking for one or two, why heat a whole oven when a small basket will do the job just as well?

Another perk? Cleanup is a breeze. Most air fryer baskets are nonstick and dishwasher-safe. No more scrubbing baked-on cheese or greasy pans. Just wipe it down or toss it in the dishwasher. For someone who hates doing dishes (guilty), this is a total win.

Types of Pizza You Can Cook in an Air Fryer

Frozen Pizza: The Ultimate Test

Let’s start with the most common scenario: frozen pizza. Whether it’s a classic pepperoni from the grocery store or a gourmet veggie option, the air fryer handles them all beautifully. I tested a 7-inch store-bought pepperoni pizza in my 5.8-quart air fryer, and it came out perfectly crispy in just 10 minutes at 380°F (193°C). No soggy center, no burnt edges—just golden, bubbly cheese and a crust that snapped when I bit into it.

Pro tip: Always check the pizza’s size. Most air fryers fit a 7–8 inch pizza, but larger models (6+ quarts) can handle up to 10 inches. If the pizza is too big, it won’t cook evenly. Also, avoid piling on extra toppings if you’re using a frozen pizza—they’re already balanced for oven cooking, and overloading can lead to a soggy mess.

Leftover Pizza: Crisp It Up

Ah, leftover pizza—the breakfast of champions. But reheating it in the microwave turns the crust into a rubbery disappointment. The air fryer, however, brings it back to life. I reheated a slice of New York-style pizza from two days prior, and it tasted almost as good as fresh. Here’s my method:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (177°C) for 2–3 minutes.
• Place the pizza slice in the basket—no need to flip if it’s a single layer.
• Cook for 3–4 minutes. The cheese will bubble, and the crust will crisp up without drying out.

The key is low-and-slow reheating. High heat can burn the cheese before the crust crisps. I’ve found 350°F is the sweet spot for leftovers. And unlike the microwave, there’s no “steaming” effect—just pure, crispy deliciousness.

Homemade or Dough-Based Pizza: DIY Deliciousness

Feeling adventurous? Making your own pizza in the air fryer is not only possible—it’s fun. I’ve made everything from mini Margherita pizzas to loaded meat lovers’ pies, and they all turn out great. Here’s how to do it:

1. Roll out your dough to fit the air fryer basket (usually 6–8 inches).
2. Pre-bake the crust for 2–3 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to set it.
3. Add sauce, cheese, and toppings.
4. Cook for another 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

One caveat: avoid overly wet toppings (like fresh tomatoes or pineapple) unless you pre-cook them. Excess moisture can make the crust soggy. I once made a pizza with fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, and it was a disaster—the bottom was mushy. Lesson learned: pat wet toppings dry or sauté them first.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Pizza in Your Air Fryer

Prepping Your Air Fryer and Pizza

Before you start, prep your air fryer for success. Here’s what I do:

• Clean the basket: Wipe it down to remove any residue from previous cooks. A greasy basket can cause uneven browning.
• Lightly grease: Use a spray of olive oil or a paper towel with a bit of oil. This prevents sticking and helps the crust crisp up. Avoid heavy oil—it can drip and smoke.
• Check the size: Measure your pizza. If it’s too big, cut it to fit or use a smaller one. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.

For frozen or store-bought pizza, remove any plastic wrap or cardboard. I’ve made the mistake of forgetting this—don’t be like me. Also, if your pizza has a cardboard base, place it directly on the basket. The heat will pass through, but avoid plastic or metal supports.

Temperature and Timing: The Golden Rules

Timing is everything. Too hot, and the cheese burns before the crust cooks. Too low, and you end up with a soggy mess. Here’s my go-to temperature guide:

• Frozen pizza: 380°F (193°C) for 8–12 minutes. Check at 8 minutes—some brands cook faster.
• Leftover pizza: 350°F (177°C) for 3–4 minutes. No need to flip.
• Homemade pizza: 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes after pre-baking the crust.

Use the poke test to check doneness. Insert a fork into the crust—if it comes out clean with a bit of resistance, it’s done. For cheese, look for golden-brown spots and bubbling. If the top is browning too fast, cover it loosely with foil for the last 2 minutes.

Flipping, Rotating, and Avoiding Common Mistakes

Most air fryers cook evenly, but some models have hot spots. To ensure even cooking:

• Flip halfway: For thicker pizzas or homemade dough, flip the pizza after 5 minutes. This prevents the top from overcooking while the bottom crisps.
• Rotate the basket: If your air fryer has a handle, rotate it 180 degrees halfway through. This is especially helpful in older models with uneven heat distribution.
• Avoid overcrowding: Cook one pizza at a time. Stacking slices or using a too-big pizza leads to steam buildup, which soggifies the crust.

Common mistakes I’ve made (and learned from):

• Not preheating: Skipping preheat can add 2–3 minutes to cooking time. Always preheat for 2–3 minutes.
• Overloading toppings: Too many toppings trap steam. Keep it balanced.
• Using wet ingredients: Drain excess moisture from veggies or meats before adding.

Expert Tips for the Crispiest, Most Flavorful Results

Seasoning and Enhancing Flavor

Want to take your air fryer pizza to the next level? A few simple tricks make a big difference:

• Brush the crust with olive oil and garlic: After pre-baking, brush the edges with a mix of olive oil, minced garlic, and herbs. It adds flavor and extra crispiness.
• Add a sprinkle of cornmeal or semolina: Before placing the dough in the basket, dust the basket with cornmeal. It gives the crust a crunchy, restaurant-style texture.
• Finish with fresh toppings: After cooking, add fresh basil, arugula, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This brightens up the flavor and adds a gourmet touch.

I once made a “Caprese” air fryer pizza by adding fresh mozzarella and tomatoes after cooking, then topping it with basil and a balsamic drizzle. It was a hit—crispy crust, creamy cheese, and fresh, tangy flavor.

Troubleshooting Soggy Crusts, Burnt Cheese, and Other Issues

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix common problems:

• Soggy crust: Caused by excess moisture or overcrowding. Solutions: pre-cook wet toppings, use less sauce, or pre-bake the crust for 2 minutes before adding toppings.
• Burnt cheese: The top is cooking too fast. Lower the temperature by 25°F or cover the top with foil for the last 2 minutes.
• Uneven cooking: Hot spots in the air fryer. Flip or rotate the pizza halfway through.
• Sticking to the basket: Not enough oil or a dirty basket. Always lightly grease and clean after each use.

One time, I forgot to pre-bake the crust for a homemade pizza, and the result was a soggy bottom. Now, I never skip this step—it’s a game-changer.

Comparing Air Fryer Pizza to Other Cooking Methods

How does air fryer pizza stack up against traditional methods? Let’s break it down:

Method	Cook Time	Crispiness	Energy Use	Best For
Air Fryer	8–12 minutes	High (crispy crust, bubbly cheese)	Low (1,200–1,500 watts)	Quick meals, small batches, leftovers
Oven	15–20 minutes (plus preheat)	Medium (can be soggy if not monitored)	High (2,400 watts)	Large pizzas, family meals
Microwave	2–3 minutes	Low (rubbery crust, steamed toppings)	Very low (800–1,000 watts)	Emergency reheating (not recommended)
Stovetop (skillet)	5–7 minutes	Medium-high (crispy bottom, soft top)	Medium (depends on stove)	Personal-sized pizzas, no oven needed

As you can see, the air fryer wins on speed, crispiness, and energy efficiency for small-to-medium pizzas. The oven is still better for large, deep-dish, or party-sized pies, but for everyday cooking, the air fryer is a clear winner.

I’ve used all these methods, and the air fryer consistently delivers the best balance of flavor and texture. My husband, who’s a bit of a pizza snob, was skeptical at first—but after tasting an air fryer Margherita pizza with a garlic-herb crust, he was sold.

Final Thoughts: Is Air Fryer Pizza Worth It?

So, can you cook pizza in your air fryer? Absolutely. It’s fast, efficient, and produces delicious results—whether you’re reheating leftovers, cooking frozen pizza, or making your own from scratch. The key is understanding your air fryer’s quirks and adjusting your technique accordingly. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but start with the basics: preheat, don’t overcrowd, and keep an eye on the clock.

After months of testing and tweaking, I can confidently say that my air fryer has become my go-to for pizza night. It’s not just a convenience—it’s a game-changer. No more waiting for the oven to heat up, no more soggy microwave slices, and no more sacrificing flavor for speed. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves good pizza, your air fryer can deliver.

Next time you’re craving a slice, give it a try. You might just find yourself asking, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” And hey—if you mess up the first time, that’s okay. Even the best cooks have off days. The important thing is to keep trying, keep learning, and most importantly, enjoy every bite of that crispy, cheesy perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook pizza in my air fryer without it getting soggy?

Yes, you can! Air fryers circulate hot air evenly, creating a crispy crust. For best results, preheat the air fryer and avoid overcrowding to prevent steam buildup.

What types of pizza work best in an air fryer?

Frozen, homemade, or leftover pizza all cook well in an air fryer. Thin-crust or small personal-sized pizzas (6–8 inches) fit best and cook more evenly.

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

Most pizzas take 8–12 minutes at 350°F–400°F (175°C–200°C). Cooking time depends on thickness—check at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer before cooking pizza?

Yes, preheating for 3–5 minutes ensures a crisp crust and even cooking. This step is especially important for frozen or thicker pizzas.

Can I cook a frozen pizza in my air fryer?

Absolutely! Cooking a frozen pizza in your air fryer saves time and delivers crispy results. Adjust time by 1–2 minutes from package instructions.

What accessories help when cooking pizza in an air fryer?

Use an air fryer-safe pizza pan or parchment liner to prevent sticking. A silicone trivet or grill mat also helps with airflow and even browning.