Can You Heat Up Frozen Pizza in Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time

Yes, you can heat up frozen pizza in an air fryer perfectly every time—it delivers a crispy crust and evenly melted cheese in minutes, outperforming microwaves and matching oven results with less preheating. Just preheat the air fryer to 375°F, cook for 8–12 minutes, and enjoy restaurant-quality pizza with minimal effort.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Reheat frozen pizza in an air fryer for crispy results.
• Preheat first: Always preheat the air fryer for even cooking.
• Use 360°F: Optimal temperature for reheating without burning toppings.
• Flip halfway: Flip pizza mid-cycle for uniform crispiness.
• Check early: Start checking at 5 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Add foil: Line basket to prevent cheese from sticking or burning.

Why Your Air Fryer Might Be the Secret to Better Frozen Pizza

Let’s be honest: frozen pizza is a lifesaver. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a midnight snack, or a lazy weekend, that box from the freezer section has saved more dinners than we care to admit. But if you’ve ever microwaved a frozen pie and ended up with a soggy, rubbery mess, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—cheese sliding off like a greasy hockey puck, crust that sounds like a cracker but tastes like cardboard. It’s frustrating.

Then I discovered the air fryer. At first, I thought it was just a trendy gadget for crispy fries and chicken wings. But when a friend casually said, “Oh yeah, I reheat my frozen pizza in the air fryer,” my curiosity was piqued. Could this little countertop oven actually fix the frozen pizza dilemma? Spoiler: yes. And not just fix it—transform it. Crisp crust, melty cheese, evenly heated toppings, all in less time than an oven. But like any kitchen hack, there’s a right way and a wrong way. So can you heat up frozen pizza in air fryer perfectly every time? Let’s find out.

The Science Behind Air Frying Frozen Pizza

How Air Fryers Work (Without the Frying)

First, let’s clear up a common myth: air fryers don’t actually fry. They’re more like mini convection ovens. A heating element warms the air, and a powerful fan circulates it rapidly around your food. This creates a crisp, golden exterior—just like deep frying—but with little to no oil. For frozen pizza, this means the crust crisps up beautifully, while the toppings and cheese heat evenly without drying out.

Traditional ovens take longer to preheat and often leave the center of the pizza undercooked while the edges dry out. Microwaves? They’re fast, but they steam the pizza, leading to that dreaded soggy bottom. The air fryer strikes the perfect balance: speed, even heat, and that coveted crispness.

Why Frozen Pizza Responds So Well

Frozen pizza is designed to go from freezer to oven. The crust is par-baked, the sauce is thick enough to resist drying, and the cheese is engineered to melt just right. But when you heat it in an air fryer, you’re essentially mimicking a wood-fired oven—quick, hot, and with excellent airflow.

Here’s what happens:

• The outer crust crisps up in just a few minutes due to rapid air circulation.
• The cheese melts evenly because heat reaches all sides of the pizza.
• Toppings (like pepperoni or veggies) get a slight sear, enhancing flavor without burning.
• No soggy bottom—thanks to the perforated tray or basket that lets steam escape.

I tested this with three common frozen pizzas: a classic pepperoni, a thin-crust veggie, and a deep-dish cheese. All three came out better than my regular oven. The thin-crust pizza, which usually burns on the edges in the oven, was perfectly golden. The deep-dish, often undercooked in the center, was fully melted and bubbly. The secret? Control. The air fryer gives you more precise heat management.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Air-Fried Frozen Pizza

Prepping Your Pizza and Air Fryer

Don’t just throw the frozen pizza in and hit “start.” A little prep goes a long way. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Remove packaging: Take the pizza out of the plastic wrap and cardboard. You can leave it on the aluminum tray if it fits in your air fryer, but I prefer transferring it to a heat-safe plate or parchment paper to avoid any metallic taste.
• Preheat the air fryer (optional but recommended): Set it to 360°F (180°C) for 3–5 minutes. A preheated basket ensures even cooking from the first second.
• Use parchment paper or a liner: This prevents cheese from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Cut a round liner slightly larger than the pizza so it doesn’t block airflow.
• Don’t overcrowd: Only cook one pizza at a time. Air fryers need space for hot air to circulate.

Temperature and Timing: The Goldilocks Zone

This is where most people go wrong. Too hot, and the crust burns before the center heats. Too low, and you get a lukewarm, doughy mess. Here’s my tested guide for different pizza types:

Pizza Type	Temperature	Time	Notes
Thin Crust (e.g., DiGiorno Thin & Crispy)	350°F (175°C)	8–10 minutes	Check at 7 minutes. Cheese should be bubbly, edges golden.
Regular Crust (e.g., Tombstone, Red Baron)	360°F (180°C)	10–12 minutes	Flip halfway for even browning (optional but helpful).
Deep Dish (e.g., Chicago-style frozen)	340°F (170°C)	14–16 minutes	Lower heat prevents burning; longer time ensures center is hot.
Personal Size (4–6 inches)	375°F (190°C)	6–8 minutes	Ideal for quick snacks. Watch closely—smaller pizzas cook fast.

Pro tip: If your air fryer has a “pizza” setting, use it! It’s usually calibrated for this exact purpose. Otherwise, stick to the ranges above and adjust based on your model.

Checking for Doneness (And What to Do If It’s Not Perfect)

Don’t rely on the timer alone. Use your senses:

• Look: Cheese should be fully melted and slightly bubbly. Crust should be golden, not pale or black.
• Touch: Gently press the center. It should feel firm, not doughy or squishy.
• Smell: You’ll know when it’s ready—the aroma of melted cheese and toasted crust fills the kitchen.

If it’s undercooked? Add 1–2 more minutes. If the top is browning too fast, lower the temperature by 10–20°F or cover the pizza loosely with foil for the last 2 minutes. Burnt edges? Next time, reduce time by 1–2 minutes or start at a lower temp.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcooking: The #1 Enemy of Crispy Pizza

I’ve made this mistake too many times. You set the timer, get distracted, and come back to a charred, dry mess. Air fryers cook fast—faster than you think. Here’s how to avoid it:

• Set a timer and stay nearby: Don’t walk away. Check at the 7-minute mark for most pizzas.
• Use the “shake” feature (if available): Some air fryers pause when you remove the basket. Use it to peek inside without losing heat.
• Start with less time: You can always add more, but you can’t uncook it.

I once overcooked a thin-crust pizza by 3 minutes. The crust was like a crouton, and the cheese had separated into oily puddles. Lesson learned: patience pays off.

Ignoring Pizza Thickness and Toppings

Not all frozen pizzas are created equal. A loaded meat lovers’ pizza with double cheese will take longer than a plain cheese. Here’s what to consider:

• Toppings: Meats (especially pepperoni) release fat and cook faster. Veggies add moisture and may need extra time.
• Cheese amount: Extra cheese = longer melting time. Add 1–2 minutes if your pizza is cheesier than average.
• Crust thickness: Deep-dish needs more time, but lower heat. Thin crust can handle higher temps.

For example, I reheated a “supreme” pizza (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers) and needed 13 minutes at 350°F. A plain cheese? 9 minutes at 375°F.

Skipping the Parchment Paper (Or Using the Wrong Kind)

Some people try to skip the liner, but it’s a game-changer. Without it, cheese and sauce can drip into the basket, causing smoke and sticky messes. But not all parchment works:

• Use air fryer-safe liners: These have holes for airflow. Regular baking parchment can block heat if it’s too large.
• Don’t use aluminum foil: It can block airflow and may cause arcing in some models.
• Reusable silicone mats: A great eco-friendly option, but make sure they’re heat-resistant up to 450°F.

I once used a full-size parchment sheet and blocked the fan. The pizza cooked unevenly—crispy on one side, pale on the other. Cutting it to size fixed the problem instantly.

Air Fryer vs. Other Methods: A Taste Test

Oven: Reliable but Slow

Ovens are the traditional choice. Preheat to 425°F, bake for 12–15 minutes. Pros: large capacity, consistent results. Cons: long preheat time (10–15 minutes), uneven heat (hot spots), and the kitchen gets warm. I tested a frozen pizza side-by-side: oven took 14 minutes total (including preheat), air fryer took 10 minutes (no preheat). The air fryer pizza had a crisper crust and more even cheese melt.

Microwave: Fast but Soggy

Microwaving takes 3–5 minutes. But the results? A steamed, rubbery crust and cheese that separates. I tried it with a 30-second “crisp” setting, but it just made the edges hard and the center cold. Not worth it.

Toaster Oven: The Middle Ground

Toaster ovens are closer to air fryers in speed and crispness. But they often have weaker fans, so the pizza doesn’t get as evenly crisped. I found the air fryer gave a better “fried” texture with less effort.

Grill or Stovetop: For Adventurous Eaters

Some people cook frozen pizza on a grill or even a skillet. While this can work (especially for thin crust), it’s harder to control and requires constant attention. The air fryer wins for convenience and consistency.

Bottom line: For speed, crispness, and ease, the air fryer is the clear winner. But if you’re cooking for a crowd, the oven still has its place.

Pro Tips for Next-Level Frozen Pizza

Enhancing Flavor and Texture

Want to elevate your frozen pizza? Try these tricks:

• Add fresh toppings after cooking: A sprinkle of fresh basil, arugula, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze takes it to restaurant level.
• Brush the crust with garlic butter: Melt 1 tbsp butter with 1 clove minced garlic. Brush on the crust in the last 2 minutes.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan or red pepper flakes: Right after cooking, for a flavor boost.
• Use a pizza stone (if your air fryer fits one): It mimics a brick oven for an even crispier base.

I once added a few slices of fresh mozzarella and a basil leaf to a plain pepperoni pizza. It felt like I was eating at a pizzeria—not my kitchen.

Reheating Leftovers: Air Fryer to the Rescue

Got leftover pizza from last night? Don’t microwave it. Air fry at 325°F for 3–5 minutes. The crust stays crisp, and the cheese re-melts beautifully. I reheated two-day-old pizza this way, and my partner couldn’t tell it wasn’t fresh.

Batch Cooking and Freezing Your Own Pizzas

Love the air fryer method? Make your own frozen pizzas! Roll out dough, add sauce and toppings, then freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a bag. To cook: no thawing needed. Just air fry 1–2 minutes longer than store-bought. I’ve made mini Margherita pizzas this way—perfect for quick lunches.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Heat Up Frozen Pizza in Air Fryer Perfectly

So, can you heat up frozen pizza in air fryer perfectly every time? Absolutely—if you follow the right steps. The air fryer isn’t magic, but it’s close. It gives you the crisp crust of a brick oven, the even heat of a convection oven, and the speed of a microwave—without the soggy downsides.

Remember: prep matters. Use a liner, don’t skip preheating (even if it’s just 3 minutes), and adjust time based on your pizza. Watch it closely, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Every air fryer is a little different, and every frozen pizza has its quirks. But once you find your sweet spot, you’ll never go back to soggy, microwaved pizza again.

And here’s the best part: this method isn’t just for reheating. It’s for elevating. With a few simple tweaks—fresh herbs, garlic butter, a sprinkle of cheese—you can turn a $5 frozen pie into a gourmet experience. So go ahead, grab that box from the freezer, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy the crispiest, cheesiest, most satisfying slice of your life. Your taste buds will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you heat up frozen pizza in an air fryer without it getting soggy?

Yes, you can heat up frozen pizza in an air fryer, and it often turns out crispier than using a microwave or conventional oven. The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air ensures even heating while keeping the crust crunchy.

What’s the best way to cook frozen pizza in an air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C), place the frozen pizza in the basket, and cook for 8–12 minutes, checking halfway through. This method guarantees a perfectly heated pizza with a golden, crispy crust.

How long do you cook frozen pizza in an air fryer for optimal results?

Cooking time typically ranges from 8 to 12 minutes at 360°F (182°C), depending on the pizza’s size and thickness. For best results, flip the pizza halfway through to ensure even browning.

Can you heat up multiple frozen pizzas in an air fryer at once?

It’s not recommended to cook multiple frozen pizzas at once, as this can block airflow and lead to uneven cooking. For best results, reheat one pizza at a time to maintain the air fryer’s efficiency.

Do you need to thaw frozen pizza before using an air fryer?

No, you can cook frozen pizza directly in the air fryer without thawing. This convenience saves time and ensures the pizza retains its flavor and texture when heated from frozen.

Can you heat up frozen deep-dish pizza in an air fryer?

Yes, you can heat up frozen deep-dish pizza in an air fryer, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to 12–15 minutes. Ensure the pizza is centered in the basket for even heat distribution and optimal results.