Can You Make a Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer Here Is How

Yes, you can make a frozen pizza in an air fryer—and it cooks faster, with a crispier crust and evenly melted toppings compared to a conventional oven. Simply preheat the air fryer, place the pizza in a single layer, and cook at 360–400°F for 8–12 minutes, checking halfway to avoid burning. It’s the quickest way to enjoy a delicious, crispy frozen pizza with minimal effort.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer—it’s faster and crispier than oven baking.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a perfectly crispy crust.
• Use the right size pizza to avoid overcrowding and ensure optimal air circulation.
• Cook at 360–380°F for 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness and air fryer model.
• Check halfway through to prevent burning and rotate if needed for even browning.
• Let it rest 1–2 minutes after cooking for cheese to set and easier slicing.

Why Air Fryers and Frozen Pizza Might Be the Perfect Pair

Let’s face it—frozen pizza is the unsung hero of weeknight dinners. It’s quick, it’s cheap, and it’s always there when you’re too tired to cook. But what if I told you there’s a way to upgrade that humble frozen pie into something that tastes like it came from your favorite pizzeria? Enter the air fryer.

I remember the first time I tried making a frozen pizza in my air fryer. I was skeptical. Would it cook evenly? Would the crust get too crispy or, worse, burn? But after a few experiments (and yes, one slightly overcooked attempt), I discovered that the air fryer doesn’t just work—it *excels* at cooking frozen pizza. The result? A golden, crispy crust with a perfectly melted center, all in less time than it takes to preheat a conventional oven. If you’ve been wondering, “Can you make a frozen pizza in an air fryer?” the answer is a resounding yes. And here’s how to do it right.

The Science Behind Air Fryer Pizza Perfection

How Air Fryers Work Their Magic

Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly. Unlike traditional ovens, which rely on radiant heat, air fryers blast hot air around your food, creating a convection effect. This is why frozen pizza cooked in an air fryer gets that coveted crispy crust without drying out the center. Think of it like a mini pizza oven—compact, efficient, and surprisingly powerful.

For frozen pizza, this method is ideal. The hot air penetrates the layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings while crisping the crust from all sides. No more waiting for the oven to heat up or dealing with uneven cooking. Just pop the pizza in, set the timer, and let the air fryer do the rest.

Why Air Fryers Beat Conventional Ovens for Frozen Pizza

• Speed: Air fryers cook frozen pizza in 8–12 minutes, compared to 15–20 minutes in a conventional oven.
• Energy efficiency: They use less energy than ovens, making them a greener choice.
• Texture: The convection effect creates a crispier crust than baking on a tray.
• Space-saving: Perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms.

One caveat: air fryers have smaller cooking baskets, so larger pizzas might need to be cut to fit. But for personal-sized or standard 12-inch pies, it’s a game-changer.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer

Prepping Your Pizza for Air Frying

Before you start, check the size of your pizza against your air fryer basket. Most air fryers accommodate 12-inch pizzas, but if yours is smaller, you’ll need to cut the pizza into sections. Here’s how to prep:

1. Remove the packaging: Take the pizza out of its cardboard sleeve and plastic wrap. Never air fry anything with plastic or paper!
2. Prep the basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or line it with parchment paper (make sure it’s air fryer-safe). This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
3. Optional: Add extra toppings: If you want to jazz up your frozen pizza, now’s the time! Add pepperoni, mushrooms, or a sprinkle of Parmesan before air frying.

Cooking Temperatures and Times (With Real Examples)

The key to success is finding the right balance between crispy crust and melty cheese. Here’s what works for me:

• Personal-sized pizza (7–9 inches): 370°F for 8–10 minutes.
• Standard 12-inch pizza: 380°F for 10–12 minutes.
• Thick-crust or deep-dish pizza: 390°F for 12–14 minutes (flip halfway if your air fryer doesn’t have a rotating tray).

Pro tip: Start checking your pizza at the 8-minute mark. Air fryers vary in heat intensity, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning. I once left my pizza in for 15 minutes (distracted by a Netflix binge), and the crust turned into charcoal. Learn from my mistakes!

How to Avoid Common Mistakes

• Overcrowding: Don’t stack pizzas or overload the basket. Air needs to circulate freely.
• Skipping the preheat: Preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes. Cold baskets lead to uneven cooking.
• Ignoring the cheese: If the cheese is browning too fast, cover the pizza with foil for the last 2 minutes.

Comparing Air Fryer vs. Oven: Which Is Better for Frozen Pizza?

Texture and Taste Showdown

Let’s get one thing straight: air fryer pizza *tastes* better. The crust is crispier, the cheese is gooier, and the toppings stay perfectly balanced. In my side-by-side test (yes, I’m that person), the air fryer pizza had a satisfying crunch with no soggy spots, while the oven version was slightly dry around the edges.

But it’s not just about taste. The air fryer’s speed is a huge win for busy weeknights. Imagine this: you get home from work at 7 PM, and by 7:15, you’re eating a hot, crispy pizza. That’s the magic of air frying.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Air fryers use about 70–80% less energy than conventional ovens. For a single frozen pizza, that’s not a big deal. But over time, the savings add up—especially if you’re cooking small meals regularly. Plus, air fryers heat up faster, so you’re not wasting energy preheating a giant oven for one pizza.

Data Table: Air Fryer vs. Oven for Frozen Pizza

Factor	Air Fryer	Conventional Oven
Cooking Time	8–12 minutes	15–20 minutes
Energy Use	Low (700–1500W)	High (2000–5000W)
Crust Texture	Extra crispy	Moderately crispy
Cheese Melt	Perfectly gooey	May dry out
Ease of Use	Simple, no preheat needed (optional)	Requires preheating

Tips for Customizing Your Air Fryer Frozen Pizza

How to Upgrade Your Frozen Pie

Frozen pizza is already delicious, but why not make it *your* delicious? Here’s how to level up:

• Extra cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top before air frying.
• Fresh toppings: Add arugula, cherry tomatoes, or basil after cooking for a gourmet touch.
• Spice it up: Drizzle hot honey or sriracha for a sweet-heat combo.
• Meat lovers: Toss on cooked bacon, sausage, or pepperoni.

I once added leftover pulled pork and pickled jalapeños to my frozen pizza. It was so good, my roommate asked if we could start a pizza truck. (We did not, but it was tempting.)

Dealing With Leftovers (And Making Them Better)

Got leftover air fryer pizza? Reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. It’ll taste just as crispy as day one. Microwaving, on the other hand, turns it into a sad, soggy mess. Trust me, I’ve tried both.

For a fun twist, turn leftovers into a “pizza sandwich.” Slice the pizza in half, add fresh mozzarella and basil, and air fry for 2 minutes. Boom—gourmet lunch.

Kid-Friendly Hacks

Got picky eaters? Let your kids customize their own mini pizzas. Use cookie cutters to shape the pizza into stars or hearts, or let them add toppings with a “build-your-own” station. Air frying is quick enough that even the most impatient kid won’t lose interest.

Special Cases: What About Gluten-Free or Vegan Frozen Pizzas?

Cooking Gluten-Free Pizza in an Air Fryer

Gluten-free crusts can be tricky—they often burn faster than regular crusts. Here’s how to nail it:

• Lower the temperature: Cook at 360°F instead of 380°F.
• Check early: Start monitoring at the 6-minute mark.
• Use parchment paper: This prevents the delicate crust from sticking.

I tested a gluten-free frozen pizza and found that air frying gave it a much better texture than the oven. No more cardboard-like crust!

Vegan Pizza Tips

Vegan pizzas often have plant-based cheese, which melts differently than dairy. To avoid a rubbery mess:

• Pre-melt the cheese: Air fry for 3 minutes first, then add toppings.
• Add moisture: Sprinkle a few drops of water in the basket to prevent dryness.
• Top with fresh herbs: They add flavor without needing extra cheese.

One vegan friend of mine swears by this method. She says it’s the closest thing to “real” pizza she’s had in years.

Final Thoughts: Is Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Worth It?

So, can you make a frozen pizza in an air fryer? Absolutely. And should you? Definitely. The air fryer transforms a basic frozen pizza into something that feels homemade—crispy, cheesy, and ready in minutes. It’s faster, more energy-efficient, and produces better results than a conventional oven.

That said, it’s not perfect. If you’re cooking for a crowd or have a giant 16-inch pizza, you’ll still need the oven. But for everyday meals, solo dinners, or quick snacks, the air fryer is a total game-changer. Plus, it’s just plain fun to experiment with. Try adding new toppings, tweaking the cook time, or even making a “pizza toast” by air frying a slice of pizza on bread. The possibilities are endless.

At the end of the day, cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer isn’t just about convenience—it’s about making a classic comfort food even better. So go ahead, give it a try. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you. And who knows? You might just find yourself reaching for the air fryer every time you’re craving pizza.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make a frozen pizza in an air fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook a frozen pizza in an air fryer! It’s a quick and convenient way to achieve a crispy crust and evenly melted toppings without preheating an oven.

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

Most frozen pizzas take 10–14 minutes at 360°F (182°C) in an air fryer, depending on size and thickness. Check the pizza halfway through to prevent overcooking.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer for frozen pizza?

While not always required, preheating the air fryer for 3–5 minutes ensures a crispier crust and more even cooking. This step is especially helpful for larger or thicker pizzas.

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

Place the pizza directly in the air fryer basket (remove any cardboard packaging) and cook at 360°F for 10–14 minutes. For best results, rotate the pizza halfway through cooking.

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

It’s not recommended, as overcrowding prevents even airflow and can lead to soggy or undercooked spots. Cook one pizza at a time for optimal results.

Does cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer taste better than the oven?

Many people prefer air fryer pizza for its crispier crust and faster cook time. The circulating hot air creates a texture closer to brick-oven pizza compared to traditional microwave or oven methods.