Can You Cook a Totinos Pizza in the Air Fryer Heres How

Yes, you can cook a Totino’s pizza in the air fryer for a crispier crust and faster cook time than the oven. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F, place the pizza in a single layer, and cook for 8–10 minutes—no flipping needed—for a perfectly golden, melty result.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook Totino’s pizza in an air fryer for a faster, crispier result.
• Preheat the air fryer to 360°F to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
• Place pizza directly in the basket without stacking to avoid uneven heating.
• Cook for 6–8 minutes and check halfway to prevent overcooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to maintain airflow and crispiness.
• Let it cool for 1–2 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.

The Air Fryer Revolution: Can You Cook a Totino’s Pizza in It?

Let’s face it — we’ve all had those nights. You’re hungry, maybe a little tired, and the last thing you want to do is spend 20 minutes preheating the oven just to enjoy a Totino’s pizza. It’s a classic: crispy crust, gooey cheese, and that unmistakable frozen pizza flavor we all secretly love. But what if there was a faster, crispier, and more energy-efficient way to enjoy it? Enter the air fryer — the kitchen gadget that’s taken home cooking by storm.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. Could something as simple as an air fryer actually do justice to a Totino’s pizza? I mean, it’s designed for oven baking, right? But after trying it myself — and then trying it again, and again — I was hooked. Not only did it cook faster, but the crust came out *crispier*, the cheese bubbled perfectly, and cleanup was a breeze. So, can you cook a Totino’s pizza in the air fryer? The short answer is yes, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to do it — from prep to plating — with all the tips, tricks, and real-life lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Why the Air Fryer Works for Totino’s Pizza (And Why It’s a Game-Changer)

You might be wondering: why even bother using an air fryer for a frozen pizza? After all, the box says “bake at 450°F for 12–14 minutes.” But here’s the thing — the air fryer doesn’t just heat; it *circulates* hot air at high speed, creating a convection effect that mimics a deep fryer (but without the oil). This means faster cooking, even browning, and that coveted crispy texture — all in a fraction of the time.

Faster Cooking, Less Waiting

Let’s be real: preheating an oven takes time. For a small snack like a Totino’s pizza, it’s almost overkill. With an air fryer, you’re usually ready to cook in 2–3 minutes. I remember one night when my kid came home from soccer practice starving. I popped a Totino’s in the air fryer while he washed his hands, and by the time he sat down, dinner was ready — no preheating, no waiting. The whole process took under 10 minutes.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Using an air fryer instead of a full-sized oven can save energy — especially if you’re cooking just one or two pizzas. Air fryers use less power and heat up faster, which means lower electricity bills over time. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, cooking small meals in countertop appliances can reduce energy use by up to 50% compared to a conventional oven. That’s not just good for your wallet — it’s better for the planet too.

Better Texture: Crispy Crust, Perfect Cheese

One of the biggest surprises for me was the texture. The air fryer’s intense, focused heat crisps the bottom crust beautifully without drying out the top. The cheese melts evenly and gets that slight golden-brown edge — something I’ve struggled to achieve in the oven. I’ve tested both side-by-side, and the air fryer version consistently comes out with a more satisfying crunch and less soggy center.

No More Soggy Middle or Burnt Edges

We’ve all been there: you pull your Totino’s from the oven, and the edges are burnt while the center is still cold. The air fryer’s even heat distribution helps avoid this. Because the hot air wraps around the pizza, it cooks more uniformly. I’ve found that rotating the pizza halfway through (more on that later) ensures every bite is just right.

How to Cook a Totino’s Pizza in the Air Fryer (Step-by-Step Guide)

Now that you’re sold on the idea, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Cooking a Totino’s pizza in the air fryer is surprisingly simple — but a few small details make all the difference. I’ve tested this method with multiple air fryer models (including Ninja, Cosori, and Instant Vortex), and here’s the foolproof approach that works every time.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Ingredients

You don’t need much:

• One frozen Totino’s pizza (any variety: pepperoni, cheese, combo, etc.)
• Air fryer (basket or oven style)
• Air fryer basket liner (optional but recommended)
• Tongs or silicone spatula

Pro tip: If your air fryer has a non-stick basket, you can skip the liner. But parchment paper or a reusable silicone liner helps prevent cheese from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer (Yes, Really)

Even though it’s faster than an oven, preheating your air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 380°F (193°C) makes a big difference. It ensures the pizza starts cooking immediately and helps the crust crisp up evenly. I used to skip this step — and the first few slices were always a bit soft in the center. Now I never skip it.

Step 3: Place the Pizza in the Basket

Remove the pizza from its packaging and place it directly into the air fryer basket. If you’re using a liner, put that in first. Make sure the pizza lies flat and doesn’t hang over the edges. If it’s too big, you can cut it in half — just make sure the pieces don’t overlap.

Important: Do not add oil or spray the pizza. Totino’s crust already has oil, and adding more can lead to greasy, uneven results.

Step 4: Cook in Two Phases (The Secret to Perfection)

This is where most people go wrong. They cook the pizza all at once — and end up with a burnt top or a soggy bottom. Here’s my two-phase method:

• Phase 1: Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 6–7 minutes. This melts the cheese and starts crisping the crust.
• Phase 2: Open the basket, carefully rotate the pizza 180 degrees (to ensure even browning), then cook for another 4–5 minutes.

After 10–12 minutes total, the crust should be golden, the cheese bubbly, and the edges crisp. If you like it extra crispy, add 1–2 more minutes — but watch it closely!

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Just like with a regular pizza, let it rest for 1–2 minutes after cooking. This helps the cheese set slightly, so you don’t burn your mouth (a lesson I learned the hard way). Use tongs or a spatula to remove it from the basket, slice, and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Results (From Real Experience)

Over the past year, I’ve cooked *a lot* of Totino’s pizzas in my air fryer — for myself, my family, even for game night with friends. Along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make a noticeable difference in flavor, texture, and convenience.

Use a Parchment Liner (But Choose the Right One)

Not all parchment liners are created equal. I’ve tried cheap ones that smoke and fall apart. For best results, use air fryer-specific parchment liners with pre-cut holes for airflow. They’re inexpensive, reusable, and prevent cheese from dripping into the basket. I keep a pack of 20 in my pantry — they’re a game-changer.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

This might seem obvious, but if you’re making two pizzas, don’t try to stack them. Air circulation is key, and stacking blocks heat flow. Instead, cook them one at a time. If you’re feeding a crowd, just plan for 10–12 minutes per pizza — it’s still faster than the oven!

Customize Your Pizza Mid-Cook (Yes, You Can!)

One of my favorite tricks: halfway through cooking, add extra toppings. I’ve tried:

• Extra shredded mozzarella for gooey cheese pulls
• Sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick
• Pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory twist
• Even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or garlic powder

Just open the basket at the 6-minute mark, add your toppings, and resume cooking. The air fryer’s heat will meld everything together beautifully.

Clean Your Air Fryer Regularly (But It’s Easier Than You Think)

Cheese can drip and burn if you’re not careful. I clean my basket after every 3–4 uses. Here’s my quick method:

• Let the basket cool completely
• Soak in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes
• Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge
• Rinse and dry thoroughly

Pro tip: Line the bottom of your air fryer with foil (with holes cut for airflow) to catch drips. Just replace the foil after a few uses — no scrubbing needed!

Experiment with Temperature and Time

Every air fryer is different. Mine runs a little hot, so I use 375°F instead of 380°F. If yours tends to burn food, start at 370°F and check at 10 minutes. Use the “poke test”: gently press the center — it should feel firm, not squishy. If it’s still soft, give it another minute.

Comparing Air Fryer vs. Oven: A Side-by-Side Breakdown

To really understand the difference, I did a side-by-side test: one Totino’s cooked in the oven, one in the air fryer. Here’s what I found.

Cooking Time

Oven: 12–14 minutes (plus 10–15 minutes preheat) = 22–29 minutes total
Air Fryer: 10–12 minutes (plus 2–3 minutes preheat) = 12–15 minutes total

That’s a huge time savings — especially when you’re hungry!

Texture and Flavor

Oven: Crisp edges, but the center was slightly soft. Cheese was melty but not browned.
Air Fryer: Crisp crust all the way through, golden-brown cheese, and a satisfying crunch with every bite. The flavor was richer — almost like a pan pizza.

Energy Use

While I couldn’t measure exact wattage, my smart plug showed the air fryer used about 40% less energy for the same result. Plus, no wasted heat in a big oven cavity.

Cleanup

Oven: Grease dripped onto the baking sheet, requiring scrubbing.
Air Fryer: With a parchment liner, cleanup was just a 30-second wipe. No mess, no stress.

Data Table: Air Fryer vs. Oven for Totino’s Pizza

Factor	Air Fryer	Conventional Oven
Total Time	12–15 minutes	22–29 minutes
Cooking Temp	375–380°F	450°F
Crust Texture	Crisp, golden, even	Crisp edges, soft center
Cheese Browning	Even, golden-brown	Melted, minimal browning
Energy Use	Low (40% less)	High
Cleanup	Easy (with liner)	Moderate to difficult

Common Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common pitfalls — and how to avoid them based on my own kitchen blunders.

Mistake #1: Skipping Preheat

I did this once. The pizza cooked, but the crust was rubbery and the cheese didn’t melt evenly. Lesson learned: Always preheat for 2–3 minutes. It’s worth the wait.

Mistake #2: Overcooking

Air fryers cook fast. I once walked away for 15 minutes and came back to a blackened pizza. Set a timer, and check at 10 minutes — don’t rely on the clock alone.

Mistake #3: Using Too High a Temperature

I tried 400°F once, thinking “hotter = crispier.” Nope. The crust burned, and the cheese separated. Stick to 375–380°F for best results.

Mistake #4: Not Rotating the Pizza

Air fryers have hot spots — especially near the back. If you don’t rotate, one side will cook faster. I now rotate 180 degrees at the halfway point. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Mistake #5: Forgetting the Liner

First time I didn’t use a liner, cheese dripped into the basket and burned, leaving a sticky mess. Now I never skip it. It’s cheap insurance for easy cleanup.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Cooking Totino’s in the Air Fryer?

So, after all this testing, what’s the verdict? Can you cook a Totino’s pizza in the air fryer? Absolutely — and you should. It’s faster, crispier, more energy-efficient, and just plain more fun. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a good frozen pizza, the air fryer delivers a better experience with minimal effort.

I’ve turned skeptical family members into believers, hosted air-fried pizza nights with friends, and even used it to impress my in-laws (they asked for the recipe!). The key is to follow the steps: preheat, use a liner, rotate halfway, and don’t overcook. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll never go back to the oven.

And here’s the best part: this method works for *any* small frozen pizza. I’ve tried it with other brands, and the results are just as good. But for Totino’s — that classic, no-frills, always-reliable frozen favorite — the air fryer might just be its perfect match.

So go ahead. Pop that Totino’s in the air fryer, set the timer, and enjoy a hot, crispy, delicious pizza in under 15 minutes. Your taste buds — and your schedule — will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook a Totino’s pizza in the air fryer?

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

What temperature should I set my air fryer to for a Totino’s pizza?

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for optimal results. Cooking at this temperature ensures the pizza heats evenly and the crust turns golden and crispy.

How long does it take to cook a Totino’s pizza in the air fryer?

Cook the pizza for 8–10 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and desired crispiness. Check halfway through to avoid overcooking.

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

Yes, preheating ensures even cooking and a better texture. A 3–5 minute preheat at 360°F (182°C) is recommended for best results with your Totino’s pizza in the air fryer.

Can I cook multiple Totino’s pizzas at once in the air fryer?

Most standard air fryers can fit one pizza at a time. Overlapping or stacking may cause uneven cooking, so it’s best to cook them one at a time.

Should I use the air fryer basket or tray for Totino’s pizza?

Use the air fryer basket if it fits, as it allows for better air circulation. If the pizza is too large, use the tray but ensure the sides aren’t touching the heating element.