How to Cook Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer: A Complete Guide for Perfect Results Every Time

2025-11-10

Cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer isn’t just possible—it’s often the best way to achieve a crispy crust, evenly melted cheese, and perfectly heated toppings without the hassle of preheating a large oven. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or someone craving a quick, satisfying meal, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know: from selecting the right frozen pizza to troubleshooting common issues, and mastering pro tips for next-level results. By the end, you’ll never look at your air fryer the same way again.

Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for Frozen Pizza

Before diving into the “how,” let’s address the “why.” Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food at high speeds, which mimics deep frying but with little to no oil. For frozen pizza, this method solves two big problems oven users often face:

  1. ​Speed: Air fryers preheat in 3–5 minutes (vs. 10–15 for most ovens) and cook frozen pizza 20–30% faster. A 10–12 inch frozen pizza that takes 18–22 minutes in an oven? Expect 8–12 minutes in an air fryer.

  2. ​Crispier Crust: Ovens can leave frozen pizza crusts soft or soggy due to trapped steam. Air fryers’ focused airflow dries out excess moisture, resulting in a crunchier base—closer to a pizzeria-style pie than a microwave reheated slice.

  3. ​Space Efficiency: Small apartments or dorm rooms rarely have room for a full-size oven, but a countertop air fryer fits anywhere. Plus, it prevents heating up your entire kitchen on hot days.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Frozen Pizza

Not all frozen pizzas are created equal—and some perform better in air fryers than others. Here’s what to look for:

Thickness Matters

Thin-crust pizzas (like New York-style or thin-crust pepperoni) tend to cook fastest and get crispiest. Thick-crust or deep-dish pizzas can work but may require adjusting time/temperature to avoid burnt edges and undercooked centers. Avoid pizzas with overly bulky toppings (e.g., large meatballs, thick vegetable chunks) that might block airflow; these can cook unevenly.

Check the Packaging

Some frozen pizzas come with specific air fryer instructions—always read those first. If not, opt for brands that freeze uniformly (no icy spots) and have a pre-baked or par-baked crust. Freshly frozen pizzas (not thawed and refrozen) cook more evenly.

Avoid Excess Oil Coatings

Some budget frozen pizzas have a glossy, oil-based coating on the crust. This can burn in an air fryer, leaving a bitter taste. Look for pizzas with a matte, flour-dusted crust instead.

Step 2: Prepping Your Air Fryer and Pizza

Preparation is key to avoiding sticky messes and uneven cooking. Follow these steps:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Most air fryers need a preheat—skip it, and your pizza may cook unevenly. Set the temperature to ​380°F (193°C)​​ and let it run for 3–5 minutes. Pro tip: If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, add 2 minutes to the total cook time.

Skip Thawing (Usually)

Contrary to what some think, you don’t need to thaw most frozen pizzas before air frying. Thawing can make the crust soggy as it sits at room temperature. Exceptions: If the pizza is rock-hard (e.g., a deep-dish with a thick frozen crust), thaw it on the counter for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly—this prevents the center from remaining frozen while the edges burn.

Prep the Basket

To prevent sticking, line the air fryer basket with ​parchment paper​ or a ​silicone mat. Avoid non-stick sprays—they can damage the basket’s coating over time. If you don’t have parchment, lightly brush the basket with olive oil (just a tsp or so) before placing the pizza.

Step 3: Cooking the Frozen Pizza

Now, the moment of truth. Place the frozen pizza directly on the prepared basket (no need to transfer it to a tray). Close the lid and set the temperature and time based on these guidelines:

General Temperature and Time

For most standard-sized (10–12 inch) thin- to medium-crust frozen pizzas:

  • ​Temperature: 380–400°F (193–204°C)

  • ​Time: 8–12 minutes

Thicker crusts or deep-dish pizzas: Start at 375°F (190°C) for 10–14 minutes.

Mid-Cook Checks

Air fryers vary by brand, so check the pizza at the 6-minute mark. Look for:

  • ​Cheese: Should be bubbling but not browning too quickly.

  • ​Crust Edges: Starting to turn golden. If they’re already dark, reduce the temperature by 25°F (14°C) and cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.

  • ​Toppings: Veggies like mushrooms or peppers should be heated through; meats like sausage or pepperoni should be crispy, not raw.

When Is It Done?

A perfectly cooked frozen pizza in an air fryer will have:

  • A golden-brown, slightly crisp crust (no pale, doughy spots).

  • Fully melted, lightly browned cheese (no stringy, uncooked bits).

  • Toppings that are hot all the way through (no cold centers in meats or veggies).

Step 4: Advanced Tips for Next-Level Results

Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these tweaks to elevate your air fryer frozen pizza:

Crispier Crust Hack

Brush the crust edge with a tiny bit of olive oil (or use an egg wash for extra browning) before cooking. The oil helps the edges crisp up without burning.

Add Fresh Toppings Post-Cook

Air-fried pizza often tastes best with fresh, bright toppings added after cooking. Try:

  • Fresh basil or arugula (wilts slightly from residual heat).

  • A drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze.

  • Crushed red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan.

Fix Soggy Crusts

If your first attempt yields a soft crust, don’t toss it. Return the pizza to the air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for 2–3 minutes with the basket uncovered—this dries out excess moisture.

Cook Multiple Pizzas

Most air fryers can handle two small (8–10 inch) frozen pizzas at once. Reduce the temperature to 360°F (182°C) and add 2–3 minutes to the cook time. Rotate the baskets halfway through for even cooking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with perfect prep, you might run into a few snags. Here’s how to fix them:

Pizza Sticking to the Basket

Cause: Not enough oil or parchment.

Fix: Next time, use parchment paper or brush the basket with oil. If it’s already stuck, let the pizza cool for 2 minutes—residual heat often loosens it. Gently lift with a spatula.

Edges Burning Before the Center Cooks

Cause: Air fryer runs too hot, or the pizza is too thick.

Fix: Lower the temperature by 25–50°F (14–28°C) and cover the edges with foil. Extend cook time by 2–3 minutes.

Cheese Not Melting Evenly

Cause: Pizza was thawed unevenly, or the air fryer’s airflow is blocked.

Fix: Ensure the pizza is placed directly in the center of the basket (not touching the sides). If using a thick-crust pizza, add 1–2 minutes to the cook time.

Safety and Maintenance

Air fryers are safe when used properly, but follow these guidelines:

  • ​Avoid Plastic: Never place frozen pizzas in plastic trays directly into the air fryer—most plastics can’t withstand 400°F (204°C). Transfer to parchment or a metal tray.

  • ​Clean Regularly: Wipe the basket and drawer with a damp cloth after each use. For stuck-on cheese or sauce, soak in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes before scrubbing.

  • ​Keep Kids Safe: Air fryer baskets get extremely hot. Use oven mitts to remove them, and teach children to stay clear during cooking.

Final Thoughts: Why Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Beats the Oven

Cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer isn’t just a shortcut—it’s a way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. Faster, crispier, and more energy-efficient than an oven, it’s the perfect solution for weeknights, game days, or when you’re craving pizza but don’t want to order out.

Remember: The key is to start with a quality frozen pizza, preheat your air fryer, and check progress mid-cook. With a little practice, you’ll master the art of air fryer pizza—and never look back. So grab your favorite frozen pie, fire up the air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a slice that’s truly perfect.

BACK