Can You Put Frozen Pizza in the Air Fryer Here Is the Answer

Yes, you can put frozen pizza in the air fryer—and it cooks faster, with a crispier crust and evenly melted toppings compared to a conventional oven. Just preheat the air fryer, place the pizza in a single layer, and cook at 360–400°F for 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness, for a quick, delicious meal with minimal cleanup.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer for a quick, crispy result.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a golden crust.
• Use a liner or parchment paper to prevent cheese from sticking to the basket.
• Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
• Adjust time and temperature based on pizza size and air fryer model.
• Check halfway through to prevent burning and ensure perfect doneness.

Can You Put Frozen Pizza in the Air Fryer? Here Is the Answer

Let’s be honest: we’ve all had those days when cooking feels like climbing a mountain. You open the freezer, spot that familiar cardboard box, and think, “I’ll just pop this frozen pizza in the oven and be done with it.” But then you remember—your air fryer is sitting there, looking sleek and promising “crispy, fast, and guilt-free” meals. So, you pause. Can you put frozen pizza in the air fryer?

That’s the million-dollar question. And if you’ve ever stared at your air fryer, frozen pizza in hand, wondering whether it’s a match made in kitchen heaven or a recipe for disaster, you’re not alone. Air fryers have taken over kitchens, promising faster cooking, crispier results, and less oil. But frozen pizza? That’s a staple of convenience, not innovation. So, is it safe? Does it actually taste good? And most importantly, will it save you time without sacrificing flavor?

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Frozen Foods

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food at high speeds, creating a convection effect that mimics deep frying—but without the oil. This technology is especially effective for frozen foods, which often come out soggy in microwaves or take too long in ovens. The air fryer’s compact size and rapid heat transfer make it ideal for reheating or cooking items straight from the freezer.

How Air Fryers Work with Frozen Items

Unlike microwaves, which heat food from the inside out (often leading to rubbery textures), air fryers heat from the outside in. This means frozen pizza, which needs a crispy crust and evenly melted cheese, benefits from the air fryer’s ability to crisp the outside while gently warming the inside. The hot air flows around the entire surface, reducing moisture and preventing the dreaded “soggy bottom.”

Benefits Over Traditional Ovens

• Speed: Air fryers preheat almost instantly and cook faster. A frozen pizza that takes 15–20 minutes in the oven might be ready in 10–12 in an air fryer.
• Energy efficiency: Smaller cavity means less space to heat, saving electricity and time.
• Texture control: You can adjust temperature and timing to get your preferred crispiness—soft and chewy or extra crunchy.
• No sogginess: The constant airflow prevents steam buildup, which is a common issue with microwaved or oven-baked frozen pizza.

For example, I once tried reheating a leftover slice in the microwave—disaster. The crust turned into a rubbery mess, and the cheese separated. When I tried the same slice in my air fryer at 375°F for 4 minutes, it came out crisp on the edges, warm in the middle, and surprisingly close to fresh. That’s when I realized: the air fryer isn’t just for fries. It’s a frozen pizza ally.

Is It Safe to Put Frozen Pizza in the Air Fryer?

Yes—but with a few important caveats. Safety isn’t just about whether the pizza burns; it’s about the materials, temperature, and method.

Material Compatibility: What Can Go in the Air Fryer

Most frozen pizzas come in cardboard boxes with plastic wrap or a plastic tray. Never put the cardboard or plastic into the air fryer. These materials can melt, smoke, or even catch fire. Always remove the pizza from its packaging and place it directly on the air fryer basket or a compatible accessory.

Some air fryer models come with a crisper plate or non-stick tray. These are perfect for holding the pizza. If your model doesn’t, you can use:

• Aluminum foil (scrunched slightly to allow airflow)
• Air fryer-safe parchment paper (with holes punched for ventilation)
• A silicone liner (reusable and heat-resistant)

Just ensure the liner or foil doesn’t block airflow, or you’ll defeat the purpose of the air fryer.

Temperature and Time: Avoiding Overcooking or Undercooking

Frozen pizza is designed for oven baking, so the packaging instructions usually recommend 375–425°F. Air fryers run hotter due to the concentrated airflow, so you’ll need to adjust. Cooking at the same temperature as the oven can lead to burnt edges and undercooked centers.

As a rule of thumb:

• Start at 360°F for 8–10 minutes for a standard 7-inch personal pizza.
• For larger 10–12 inch pizzas, go for 10–12 minutes, checking halfway.
• If the crust is browning too fast, lower the temp to 350°F and extend cooking time by 2–3 minutes.

Use the “shake and check” method: pause halfway, open the basket, and inspect the cheese and crust. If it’s bubbling and golden, it’s likely done. If not, give it another 2–3 minutes.

Real-World Example: My First Attempt

When I first tried this, I placed a 10-inch frozen pepperoni pizza directly on the basket at 400°F for 12 minutes—the same as the box said for the oven. Big mistake. The edges were black, the cheese was bubbling, but the center was still icy. After lowering the temp to 360°F and using a parchment liner, I got a perfectly crisp crust and evenly melted cheese in 11 minutes. Lesson learned: air fryers need gentler heat.

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

Now that you know it’s safe, let’s walk through the process. This isn’t just about tossing a pizza in—it’s about getting the best results every time.

Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer and Pizza

• Remove the frozen pizza from its packaging. Discard cardboard and plastic.
• If the pizza is on a plastic tray, carefully transfer it to the air fryer basket or a liner.
• Preheat the air fryer at 360°F for 2–3 minutes. This helps start the cooking process evenly.
• Lightly spray the basket or liner with oil if you want extra crispiness (optional).

Step 2: Position the Pizza

Place the pizza in the center of the basket. Make sure it’s flat and not touching the sides. If you’re cooking a large pizza (12 inches), it might not fit perfectly. In that case:

• Use a larger air fryer (6+ quarts).
• Or, slice the pizza into quarters and cook in batches.
• Some people fold the edges slightly to fit—this works if the crust is flexible.

Avoid overcrowding. Air needs to circulate around the entire pizza for even cooking.

Step 3: Set Temperature and Time

Here’s a general guide based on pizza size:

Pizza Size	Temperature	Time (Minutes)	Notes
7-inch (personal)	360°F	8–10	Check at 7 minutes for smaller brands.
10-inch	360°F	10–12	Rotate halfway if your model doesn’t have even airflow.
12-inch	350°F	12–14	May need to cook in sections or use a liner to prevent overhang.

Step 4: Monitor and Adjust

Set a timer for 6 minutes. When it goes off:

• Open the basket and check the crust. It should be golden and firm.
• Peek at the cheese. It should be bubbling and starting to brown.
• If the edges are browning too fast, reduce heat to 350°F and continue.
• If the center is still icy, give it 2–3 more minutes.

For extra crispiness, you can spray the top with a little oil at the 6-minute mark. This helps the cheese and toppings get that golden finish.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once done, let the pizza rest for 1–2 minutes. This allows the cheese to set and prevents burns. Use a spatula to transfer it to a plate. Cut and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Air-Fried Frozen Pizza

Even with the right steps, small tweaks can make a big difference. Here are my top tips from trial, error, and a few too many burnt pizzas.

1. Choose the Right Pizza

Not all frozen pizzas are created equal. Thick-crust, deep-dish, or stuffed-crust varieties take longer and may need lower temperatures. Thin-crust or flatbread pizzas cook faster and crisp up beautifully. I’ve had great success with brands like DiGiorno (thin crust), Red Baron (classic), and Newman’s Own (organic, thinner).

Pro tip: If you love deep-dish, consider cooking it in stages. Start at 350°F for 8 minutes, then increase to 375°F for 3–4 minutes to crisp the top.

2. Use a Liner (But Not Too Thick)

Parchment paper or silicone liners prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. But make sure they’re air fryer-safe (rated for 400°F+) and have holes or are slightly crinkled to allow airflow. A solid liner will trap steam and make the crust soggy.

3. Add Toppings After Cooking

Frozen pizzas often come with toppings that can burn or dry out. If you want extra pepperoni, mushrooms, or jalapeños, add them in the last 2–3 minutes. This keeps them fresh and prevents overcooking.

4. Experiment with Temperature

Every air fryer is different. Mine runs hot, so I use 360°F instead of 375°F. Yours might run cool. Try a test run with a cheap pizza to find your sweet spot. Keep a cooking journal: note the brand, size, temp, time, and results.

5. Don’t Skip the Rest

Letting the pizza rest for a minute or two is crucial. It stops the cheese from oozing everywhere and gives the crust time to firm up. Plus, it’s safer—no one wants a molten cheese burn.

6. Clean the Basket Promptly

Cheese and grease can harden if left too long. Wash the basket with warm, soapy water right after cooking. For stuck-on bits, soak for 10 minutes before scrubbing.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced air fryer users make mistakes. Here are the most common ones—and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Cooking at Oven Temperature

As I mentioned earlier, air fryers cook faster and hotter than ovens. Using the same temperature leads to burnt edges and undercooked centers. Always reduce the temperature by 15–25°F from the box instructions. For example, if the box says 425°F, start at 400°F, then adjust down if needed.

Mistake 2: Overcrowding the Basket

Trying to cook two pizzas at once? It won’t work. Air needs space to circulate. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and soggy spots. Cook one at a time, or slice into smaller pieces.

Mistake 3: Not Preheating

While not mandatory, preheating helps the pizza start cooking immediately. Without it, the first few minutes are just warming up the basket, extending total cook time and risking a cold center.

Mistake 4: Using the Wrong Liner

Paper towels, wax paper, or regular parchment without holes can trap steam and catch fire. Always use air fryer-specific liners or crinkled aluminum foil.

Mistake 5: Ignoring the Cheese

Cheese melts fast. If you see it browning too much, pull the pizza out. You can always put it back in for 30 seconds. Once the cheese is overcooked, it can’t be fixed.

Mistake 6: Not Checking the Manual

Some air fryer models have specific instructions for frozen foods. For example, my Ninja Foodi recommends not exceeding 375°F for frozen items. Always check your manual for brand-specific tips.

Final Verdict: Is Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Worth It?

After months of testing, experimenting, and eating way too much frozen pizza, I can confidently say: yes, you can put frozen pizza in the air fryer—and you should. The results are faster, crispier, and more satisfying than oven or microwave methods.

The key is understanding your air fryer’s quirks. It’s not a plug-and-play appliance. You’ll need to adjust temperature, timing, and positioning based on the pizza size, your model, and your taste preferences. But once you get it right, you’ll never go back to the soggy, uneven results of other methods.

Plus, it’s a game-changer for busy nights, college students, or anyone who wants a quick, delicious meal with minimal cleanup. No preheating. No greasy oven. Just a crisp, golden pizza ready in under 15 minutes.

So next time you’re staring at that frozen pizza, don’t hesitate. Grab your air fryer, follow the steps above, and enjoy a slice that tastes like it came from your favorite pizzeria—without the delivery fee or the wait. And remember: the best kitchen tools aren’t the fanciest ones. They’re the ones that make your life easier, one crispy bite at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put frozen pizza in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in the air fryer! It’s a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy crust without thawing, usually in 10-15 minutes at 350-400°F (175-200°C).

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

Most frozen pizzas take 10-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), but check the packaging for specific instructions. Adjust time based on thickness or desired crispiness.

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

Preheating (3-5 minutes) ensures even cooking and crispiness, but it’s optional. If skipping, add 1-2 minutes to the cook time for best results.

Can you put frozen pizza in the air fryer without a tray or liner?

Yes, but use parchment paper or an air fryer liner to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. Avoid foil or metal pans that block airflow.

What temperature should I use for cooking frozen pizza in the air fryer?

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a balance of crisp crust and melted toppings. Thinner pizzas may need lower temps (350°F) to avoid burning.

Can I cook multiple frozen pizzas in the air fryer at once?

It’s not recommended—overcrowding prevents even cooking. Stick to one pizza at a time unless your air fryer is large enough to accommodate them without overlap.