Can You Put Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can put frozen pizza in an air fryer—and it’s a game-changer for achieving a crispy crust and evenly melted toppings in under 15 minutes. Just preheat, avoid overcrowding, and monitor closely to prevent burning, and you’ll enjoy a quick, delicious meal with minimal cleanup.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer for faster, crispier results than a conventional oven.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a perfectly crispy crust every time.
• Use a liner or parchment paper to prevent cheese from sticking to the basket and simplify cleanup.
• Cook at 360–380°F for 8–12 minutes, adjusting based on pizza size and air fryer model.
• Check pizza halfway through to prevent burning and ensure ideal texture and melt.
• Single-layer cooking only—avoid stacking pizzas to maintain air circulation and even heating.

Can You Put Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer? The Ultimate Guide

Let’s be honest—frozen pizza is a lifesaver. Whether you’re too tired to cook, craving a quick bite, or hosting a last-minute movie night, it’s the ultimate convenience food. But here’s the thing: traditional oven baking can take forever, and microwave versions often leave the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery. Enter the air fryer. That sleek, countertop appliance everyone’s raving about. But can you really put frozen pizza in an air fryer? Spoiler: yes. But there’s more to it than just tossing it in and pressing “start.”

I’ll never forget the first time I tried air-frying a frozen pizza. I was skeptical. Would it burn? Would it cook unevenly? Or worse—would it stick to the basket? To my surprise, it came out perfectly crispy, with melty cheese and a golden crust in under 15 minutes. Since then, I’ve tested dozens of brands, sizes, and techniques to figure out the best way to do it. In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned—from the science behind air frying to step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and even which pizzas work best. Whether you’re a frozen pizza newbie or a seasoned pro, this is your go-to resource for turning that freezer staple into a crispy, delicious masterpiece.

How Does an Air Fryer Work? (And Why It’s Perfect for Pizza)

The Science of Crispy Perfection

Air fryers use rapid air circulation and a heating element to cook food. Think of it like a mini convection oven. Hot air swirls around the food at high speed, creating a crisp exterior while locking in moisture. This is why foods like fries, chicken wings, and yes—frozen pizza—turn out so well. The intense heat (usually 350°F to 400°F) ensures the crust browns evenly, the cheese melts quickly, and the toppings heat through without drying out.

Unlike microwaves, which heat food from the inside out (often leaving the crust soggy), or ovens, which take time to preheat and heat the entire cavity, air fryers target the food directly. This means faster cooking, less energy, and better texture. For frozen pizza, which often has a pre-baked crust and delicate toppings, this precision is a game-changer.

Why Frozen Pizza Benefits from Air Frying

• Crisp crust: Air fryers excel at browning. The circulating air crisps the crust without overcooking the toppings.
• Even heating: No more cold spots or burnt edges. The pizza cooks uniformly, thanks to the 360-degree heat exposure.
• Speed: Most frozen pizzas cook in 10–15 minutes—half the time of an oven.
• Less mess: No greasy baking sheets or splatters. The basket contains everything.
• Versatility: You can cook single slices, mini pizzas, or even personal-sized ones without wasting energy on a big oven.

Real talk: I once tried air-frying a frozen deep-dish pizza. The result? A crispy, golden crust with bubbling cheese—no soggy bottom in sight. It was so good, my skeptical roommate (who swore by oven-baking) became a convert overnight.

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

Step 1: Check the Size and Shape

Not all air fryers are created equal. Most have baskets ranging from 3 to 6 quarts, with a cooking surface of about 8–10 inches in diameter. Before you start, measure your frozen pizza and compare it to your air fryer’s basket. Here’s what to look for:

• Mini or personal pizzas (6–8 inches): Fit perfectly. No prep needed.
• Standard frozen pizzas (10–12 inches): May need trimming or cutting. Use a sharp knife to slice it into quarters or halves.
• Deep-dish or stuffed crust: These are thicker, so adjust cooking time (more on that later).

Pro tip: If your pizza is too wide, don’t force it. Overcrowding blocks airflow, leading to uneven cooking. Cut it instead—it’s easier than you think.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional but Helpful)

Preheating (5 minutes at 375°F) ensures the pizza starts cooking immediately. This helps the crust crisp up faster and prevents sticking. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip it—just add 2–3 minutes to the total cook time.

Why preheat? Frozen pizza has a cold crust. Starting in a hot basket creates a Maillard reaction (the browning process) right away, giving you that golden, restaurant-style crust.

Step 3: Arrange the Pizza Properly

• For whole pizzas (if they fit): Place it in the basket directly on the wire rack. Avoid using parchment paper—it can block airflow.
• For sliced pizzas: Arrange the pieces in a single layer, leaving a little space between them for air to circulate.
• For deep-dish or thick crust: Elevate it slightly by placing it on a small heat-safe trivet or crumpled foil balls. This ensures the bottom cooks evenly.

Step 4: Set the Time and Temperature

Here’s the golden rule: 375°F for 10–15 minutes. But let’s break it down:

• Mini/personal pizzas (6–8 inches): 10–12 minutes.
• Standard pizzas (10 inches, cut into halves/quarters): 12–14 minutes.
• Deep-dish or stuffed crust (cut into halves): 14–16 minutes.

Pro tip: Check the pizza at the 10-minute mark. If the cheese is bubbling and the crust is golden, it’s done. If not, add 1–2 minutes at a time. Overcooking leads to a burnt crust and dried-out toppings.

Step 5: Monitor and Flip (If Needed)

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

• After 5 minutes, open the basket and rotate the pizza 180 degrees.
• For sliced pizzas, flip the pieces over halfway through.

Caution: Use silicone-tipped tongs or a spatula to avoid scratching the basket’s non-stick coating.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Overcrowding the Basket

Air fryers need space for air to circulate. If you stack slices or cram a whole 12-inch pizza in, the center will cook slower than the edges. Result? A burnt crust with a cold middle. Solution: Cut the pizza into halves or quarters. Cook in batches if needed.

2. Skipping the Preheat

Without preheating, the pizza starts cooking in a cold basket. This delays the browning process, leading to a softer crust. Solution: Preheat for 5 minutes. If you’re in a rush, add 2–3 minutes to the cook time and keep a close eye.

3. Using Parchment Paper or Foil

While convenient, parchment or foil can block airflow, especially if it covers the entire basket. The pizza may cook unevenly or steam instead of crisp. Solution: Use a small piece of parchment *only* if the pizza is sticking. Poke holes in it for air circulation. Better yet, lightly grease the basket with cooking spray.

4. Setting the Temperature Too High

Cranking the heat to 400°F+ might seem like a shortcut, but it risks burning the crust before the cheese melts. Solution: Stick to 375°F. If your air fryer runs hot, reduce to 360°F and extend the time by 1–2 minutes.

5. Not Checking for Doneness

Every air fryer is different. Relying solely on the timer can lead to under- or overcooked pizza. Solution: Set a timer for the *minimum* time (e.g., 10 minutes), then check. Look for:

• Bubbling cheese
• Golden-brown crust
• Hot center (use a meat thermometer if unsure—internal temp should be 165°F)

Real-world example: I once ignored this rule with a thin-crust pepperoni pizza. I set it for 12 minutes and walked away. When I returned, the edges were charred, but the center was still icy. Lesson learned: always peek!

Which Frozen Pizzas Work Best? (And Which Don’t)

Top Picks for Air Frying

Not all frozen pizzas are equal. Some are designed for ovens, not air fryers. Here’s what works best:

• Thin-crust pizzas: Crisp up beautifully. Try brands like Tombstone or DiGiorno Rising Crust (cut into halves).
• Mini pizzas (6–8 inches): Perfect fit. Try Totino’s Party Pizzas or Newman’s Own Mini Pizzas.
• Flatbread or naan pizzas: Cook evenly. Try Caulipower or Milton’s Craft Bakers.
• Gluten-free or cauliflower crust: Often thinner, so they crisp well. Try Udi’s or Cappello’s.

Pro tip: Look for pizzas labeled “oven-ready” or “pre-baked crust.” These are less likely to be soggy.

What to Avoid (or Modify)

• Deep-dish or stuffed crust (whole): Too thick for most baskets. Solution: Cut into halves or quarters. Cook at 375°F for 14–16 minutes.
• Extra-large pizzas (14+ inches): Won’t fit without trimming. Solution: Cut into smaller pieces. Cook in batches.
• Pizzas with delicate toppings (e.g., fresh herbs, arugula): These may burn. Solution: Add them *after* cooking.
• Pre-sauced pizzas with too much sauce: Can make the crust soggy. Solution: Blot excess sauce with a paper towel before cooking.

Data Table: Best Frozen Pizzas for Air Frying

Pizza Type	Brand Examples	Air Fryer Time	Notes
Mini (6–8 inches)	Totino’s, Newman’s Own	10–12 minutes	No prep needed. Perfect for quick snacks.
Thin Crust (10 inches)	Tombstone, DiGiorno	12–14 minutes	Cut into halves for even cooking.
Flatbread/Naan	Caulipower, Milton’s	10–12 minutes	Light and crispy. Great for veggie toppings.
Deep-Dish (cut in half)	DiGiorno Stuffed Crust	14–16 minutes	Elevate with a trivet to prevent soggy bottom.
Gluten-Free/Cauliflower	Udi’s, Cappello’s	10–12 minutes	Watch closely—they burn easily.

Creative Ways to Upgrade Your Air-Fried Pizza

Add Fresh Toppings (After Cooking)

Air frying can dry out delicate ingredients. Instead of adding them before cooking, top your pizza *after* it comes out of the air fryer. Try:

• Fresh basil or arugula
• Sliced tomatoes or avocado
• Pickled jalapeños or red onion
• Crushed red pepper or hot honey

Example: I love adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze to a Margherita pizza. It balances the cheese and tomatoes perfectly.

Make a “Pizza Bowl”

Cut a whole pizza into quarters, air-fry them, then stack the slices in a bowl. Top with:

• Extra cheese (melt under the broiler for 30 seconds)
• Crushed chips (for crunch)
• Fried eggs (for breakfast pizza)

DIY Pizza Bar

Air-fry plain mini pizzas (no sauce or cheese), then set out toppings for guests to build their own. Great for parties! Try:

• Sauce bar: marinara, pesto, alfredo
• Cheese bar: mozzarella, parmesan, feta
• Toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, pineapple

Reheat Leftovers Like a Pro

Got leftover pizza? Air fry it at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. It’ll be crispier than microwaving and faster than an oven.

Final Thoughts: Is Air-Fried Frozen Pizza Worth It?

Absolutely. Cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer is faster, tastier, and more convenient than oven-baking or microwaving. You get a crispy crust, melty cheese, and evenly cooked toppings in half the time—with minimal cleanup. But like any cooking method, it’s not foolproof. The key is understanding your air fryer, choosing the right pizza, and following a few simple rules.

Here’s my final checklist for success:

• Measure your pizza and basket. Cut if needed.
• Preheat for 5 minutes. (Or add 2–3 minutes to cook time.)
• Use 375°F for 10–15 minutes. Check at 10 minutes.
• Rotate or flip halfway. No hot spots!
• Upgrade with fresh toppings. Save the herbs for last.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a good shortcut, air-frying frozen pizza is a skill worth mastering. So grab that box from the freezer, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy a crispy, cheesy slice of heaven—no oven required. And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, try my favorite hack: air-fry a frozen pizza, then top it with a runny fried egg and hot sauce. Trust me, it’s life-changing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put frozen pizza in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer! It’s a quick and convenient way to achieve a crispy crust without thawing, typically in 10-15 minutes.

How do you cook frozen pizza in an air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 360-380°F (180-190°C), place the frozen pizza inside, and cook for 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through for even browning. No oil or preheating is needed for most models.

Is cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer better than a microwave?

Absolutely. Air frying gives your frozen pizza a crispy crust and evenly melted toppings, while microwaving often results in a soggy texture. The air fryer’s circulating heat mimics oven-quality results.

What’s the best way to prevent frozen pizza from drying out in an air fryer?

To avoid drying, lightly spritz the pizza with water or cover it with a small piece of parchment paper during cooking. This retains moisture while still crisping the crust.

Can you stack multiple frozen pizzas in an air fryer?

No, stacking blocks airflow, which is key for crispy results. Cook one pizza at a time, or cut it into slices to fit more without overlapping.

Are all air fryer models suitable for frozen pizza?

Most standard air fryers work well, but check your model’s size and wattage. Compact models may require trimming the pizza, while larger ones handle full-sized pizzas easily. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.