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

Yes, you can cook pizza in the air fryer—and it delivers crispy crusts, melty cheese, and evenly cooked toppings in minutes. With the right settings and technique, your air fryer transforms into a mini pizza oven, perfect for personal pies or reheating leftovers without sogginess.

Key Takeaways

• Preheat your air fryer for crispy, evenly cooked pizza every time.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
• Keep toppings light to avoid soggy crusts and ensure proper cooking.
• Cook in batches if needed—overcrowding leads to uneven results.
• Check at 8 minutes to prevent burning; adjust time as needed.
• Fresh mozzarella works best for optimal melt and flavor.

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

Let’s be honest: pizza is one of those foods that hits differently. Whether it’s a late-night craving, a quick lunch, or a weekend indulgence, few things satisfy quite like a hot, cheesy slice. But what if you don’t want to wait 20 minutes for the oven to preheat? Or maybe you’re short on counter space and don’t have room for a full-sized oven. That’s where the humble air fryer comes in — the little kitchen gadget that’s been quietly revolutionizing how we cook everything from fries to chicken wings.

So, can you cook pizza in the air fryer? The short answer is yes — and you can do it faster, with less mess, and often with better results than a conventional oven. But like any cooking method, it comes with its quirks. I’ve spent weeks testing frozen pizzas, homemade dough, and even leftover slices in my trusty air fryer, and I’m here to share what really works (and what doesn’t). Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a crispy crust, this guide will help you get perfect pizza every time — without the oven drama.

Why the Air Fryer Might Be Your New Pizza Hero

You might be wondering: how can a small appliance that’s usually reserved for reheating leftovers or making crispy snacks handle something as iconic as pizza? The truth is, air fryers use rapid, high-heat convection to circulate hot air around food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist. That’s exactly what you want in a great pizza — a golden crust, bubbling cheese, and evenly cooked toppings.

Speed and Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer for pizza is speed. While a traditional oven can take 10–15 minutes to preheat and another 10–12 minutes to cook a pizza, an air fryer often reaches cooking temperature in under 5 minutes. For frozen pizzas, I’ve found that cooking time drops from 18 minutes (oven) to just 8–10 minutes (air fryer). That’s a game-changer when you’re hangry and need food now.

Energy and Space Savings

If you live in a small apartment, dorm, or RV, your oven might be overkill for a single slice or personal pizza. Air fryers use significantly less energy and take up far less space. Plus, they don’t heat up your entire kitchen — a huge plus during summer months. I once made a mini Margherita pizza in my 3.5-quart air fryer while camping, and it tasted better than the one I’d had at a pricey pizzeria the week before.

Better Crust Texture (Yes, Really)

Because air fryers circulate hot air so efficiently, they create a crispier crust — especially on the bottom — without drying out the toppings. I tested a frozen pepperoni pizza in both my oven and air fryer. The oven version was good, but the air fryer slice had a slightly charred, almost wood-fired texture that I didn’t expect. The cheese also bubbled more evenly, with fewer “cold spots.”

Of course, there are limits. Air fryers have smaller cooking baskets, so you’re usually limited to personal-sized or mini pizzas (6–8 inches). But for most households, that’s more than enough — and you can always cook in batches.

What Types of Pizza Work Best in the Air Fryer?

Not all pizzas are created equal when it comes to air frying. The good news? Most types can be adapted with a few tweaks. Here’s what I’ve found works — and what doesn’t.

Frozen Pizzas

Frozen pizzas are a perfect fit for the air fryer. Brands like DiGiorno, Tombstone, and California Pizza Kitchen all cook beautifully with this method. I tested a DiGiorno Rising Crust Pepperoni Pizza (personal size, 7.2 oz) at 375°F for 9 minutes. The result? A crisp bottom, fully risen crust, and perfectly melted cheese. No sogginess, no undercooked center.

Pro tip: Don’t thaw the pizza first. Cooking it straight from frozen prevents the crust from drying out too quickly. If your pizza has a thick crust, add 1–2 minutes to the cook time.

Homemade Pizzas

Making your own dough? The air fryer handles it well — but you’ll need a smaller crust. I use a 7-inch cast-iron pan or a parchment-lined air fryer basket to shape my dough. Roll it thin (about ¼ inch) for best results. For a Margherita, I pre-cooked the dough for 3 minutes, then added sauce, cheese, and basil, and cooked for another 5–6 minutes at 390°F. The crust was crisp on the outside, soft on the inside — exactly how I like it.

Tip: Pre-cooking the crust for 2–3 minutes before adding toppings prevents a soggy base. This is especially important if you’re using a wet sauce or lots of cheese.

Leftover Pizza

Reheating pizza in the microwave turns it into a rubbery mess. But in the air fryer? It’s almost as good as fresh. I reheated a slice of New York-style pizza at 350°F for 4 minutes. The crust regained its crunch, and the cheese melted evenly. No more cold spots or chewy edges.

Bonus: You can reheat multiple slices at once — just make sure they’re not overlapping. Use a crisper plate or elevate slices with a small trivet if needed.

Pre-Made or Takeout Pizzas (Mini or Personal Size)

Got a mini pizza from your local pizzeria? The air fryer is ideal. I tried a leftover 8-inch BBQ chicken pizza from a local shop. I cut it into two halves, placed them on parchment, and cooked at 375°F for 6 minutes. The edges crisped up beautifully, and the toppings didn’t slide off. Just be careful with delicate toppings like arugula or fresh herbs — they can burn quickly.

What Doesn’t Work

Large, 12-inch pizzas won’t fit in most standard air fryers. Also, deep-dish or stuffed-crust pizzas (like Chicago-style) are risky — the thick crust can cook unevenly, with the outside burning before the inside is done. Stick to thin to medium crusts for best results.

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

Now that you know what works, let’s walk through the process. Whether you’re cooking frozen, homemade, or leftover, these steps will help you nail it every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional but Recommended)

Preheat your air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start, especially for frozen or thick-crust pizzas. I skip this step for reheating leftovers, but for cooking from scratch, it makes a noticeable difference.

Step 2: Prepare the Basket

Line the basket with parchment paper (perforated or air fryer-safe) or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. I use a small piece of parchment cut to size — it’s reusable and doesn’t block airflow.

Step 3: Place the Pizza

For frozen or takeout pizzas: place the whole pizza (or half, if it’s large) directly in the basket. For homemade: roll out your dough, add sauce and toppings, then transfer to the basket. Don’t overcrowd — leave space around the edges for air to circulate.

Step 4: Set Time and Temperature

• Frozen pizza (personal size): 375°F for 8–10 minutes
• Homemade thin-crust: 390°F for 5–7 minutes (pre-cook dough 2–3 minutes first)
• Leftover slice: 350°F for 3–5 minutes
• Pre-cooked takeout: 375°F for 5–7 minutes

Start checking at the lower end of the time range. Overcooking is the #1 mistake — cheese can burn, and crust can turn rock-hard.

Step 5: Check and Flip (If Needed)

Most pizzas don’t need flipping, but if you’re cooking a thick crust or want extra crispness on top, carefully flip the pizza halfway through. Use tongs or a spatula — it’ll be hot! I do this with homemade pizzas to ensure even browning.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Remove the pizza and let it cool for 1–2 minutes. This allows the cheese to set and prevents burns. Plus, it gives you a moment to grab a drink and admire your handiwork.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice with a pizza cutter or knife. Serve with a side of marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce. I like to add fresh basil or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common air fryer pizza pitfalls — and how to dodge them.

Overcrowding the Basket

Air fryers rely on airflow to cook food. If your pizza fills the entire basket with no gaps, hot air can’t circulate properly. This leads to uneven cooking — crispy edges with a soggy center. Solution: Only cook one personal-sized pizza at a time. If you have a larger air fryer (5+ quarts), you might fit two small slices or halves, but leave space between them.

Using Too Much Oil or Wet Toppings

Air fryers aren’t great at handling excess moisture. Too much sauce, fresh mozzarella, or wet veggies (like tomatoes or mushrooms) can create steam, making the crust soggy. Solution: Blot wet toppings with a paper towel before adding them. Use a light hand with sauce — about 2–3 tablespoons for a 7-inch pizza. For fresh mozzarella, pat it dry or use low-moisture shredded cheese instead.

Skipping the Parchment

I’ve learned this the hard way. Once, I cooked a homemade pizza directly on the basket without parchment. The crust stuck, and I spent 20 minutes scrubbing. Solution: Always use parchment or a silicone liner. It’s a small step that saves big time.

Setting the Temperature Too High

Air fryers get hot fast. Cooking at 400°F+ can burn the cheese and crust before the center is done. Solution: Stick to 375°F–390°F for most pizzas. If your air fryer runs hot (some do), reduce the temperature by 10–15°F.

Not Checking Midway

Every air fryer is different. Mine cooks faster than the manual suggests, so I always peek at the 5-minute mark. Solution: Open the basket and check at the halfway point. If the cheese is browning too fast, reduce the temp or cover lightly with foil (just the top, not the sides).

Forgetting to Pre-Cook Thick Crusts

If you’re making a deep-dish or thick-crust pizza, the outside can burn before the inside is done. Solution: Par-cook the crust for 2–3 minutes before adding toppings. Or, use a lower temperature (350°F) and extend the cook time.

Air Fryer Pizza: A Comparison Table

To help you decide which method works best for your needs, here’s a quick comparison of different pizza types and their air fryer performance:

Pizza Type	Best For	Recommended Temp	Cook Time	Texture Result	Pro Tip
Frozen (Personal)	Quick meals, kids	375°F	8–10 min	Crispy crust, bubbly cheese	Cook from frozen; don’t thaw
Homemade (Thin)	Custom flavors, fresh ingredients	390°F	5–7 min (after 2–3 min pre-cook)	Wood-fired crispness	Pre-cook crust; use parchment
Leftover Slice	Reheating, reducing waste	350°F	3–5 min	Restored crunch, no sogginess	Don’t stack slices
Takeout (Mini)	Reviving delivery	375°F	5–7 min	Even heating, crispy edges	Cut large slices in half
Deep-Dish (Adapted)	Occasional treat	350°F	10–12 min	Softer crust, risk of uneven cook	Par-cook first; check often

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer Worth It for Pizza?

After dozens of tests, late-night cravings, and taste tests with friends, I can confidently say: yes, you can cook pizza in the air fryer — and you should. It’s not just a gimmick. For speed, texture, and convenience, it often outperforms a traditional oven, especially for small portions.

The key is understanding your air fryer’s quirks and adapting your technique. Use parchment, don’t overload, and keep an eye on the clock. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever waited for the oven to preheat. Whether you’re reheating a leftover slice, making a quick homemade Margherita, or cooking a frozen favorite, the air fryer delivers consistent, delicious results — with minimal cleanup.

And let’s not forget the fun factor. There’s something satisfying about watching your pizza bubble and crisp in real time, knowing dinner will be ready in under 10 minutes. It’s not just about saving time — it’s about reclaiming the joy of cooking, even when you’re busy or tired.

So go ahead: grab that frozen pizza, roll out some dough, or rescue that leftover slice. Your air fryer is ready to turn it into something special. Just remember — the perfect air fryer pizza isn’t about perfection. It’s about simplicity, speed, and that first, crispy bite. And honestly? That’s all the perfection you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook pizza in the air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook pizza in the air fryer! It’s a quick and efficient method that delivers crispy crusts and evenly melted toppings in minutes.

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

Most frozen pizzas cook perfectly in 8–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C) in an air fryer. Check halfway through to ensure even browning and adjust time as needed.

Can I cook homemade pizza in the air fryer?

Definitely! Homemade pizza cooks beautifully in an air fryer. Use a preheated basket at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness and toppings.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for pizza?

Yes, preheating the air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures a crispier crust and even cooking. This step is especially important for achieving perfect results with thin-crust pizzas.

What’s the best way to avoid a soggy crust when cooking pizza in the air fryer?

To prevent sogginess, preheat the air fryer, avoid overcrowding toppings, and place parchment paper or a small rack under the pizza to improve air circulation.

Can I reheat leftover pizza in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Reheating pizza in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes restores crispiness better than a microwave. Just ensure the slices are in a single layer.