Frozen pizza is a quick, tasty meal option for busy days. Cooking it in an air fryer delivers a crispy crust and melty cheese in less time than an oven. This method has become a favorite for its speed and quality.
Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food evenly. They’re perfect for frozen pizzas, avoiding the sogginess of microwaves. Knowing how long to cook your pizza ensures the best results.
This article explains how long to cook frozen pizza in an air fryer. We’ll cover settings, tips, and popular brands to help you achieve pizzeria-quality slices at home.
Why Choose an Air Fryer for Frozen Pizza?
Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air, mimicking a convection oven. This creates a crispy crust without drying out toppings. They heat up in 2–3 minutes, faster than traditional ovens.
Microwaves often leave pizza soggy, while ovens take 15–20 minutes to preheat. Air fryers are energy-efficient and ideal for small portions. They’re perfect for one or two servings of frozen pizza.
The compact size suits most frozen pizzas, from personal to 12-inch pies. Cleanup is simple, making it a convenient choice. This method elevates frozen pizza to a new level.
Preparing Your Frozen Pizza
Remove the pizza from its packaging and discard any plastic wrap. Most frozen pizzas come with a cardboard base—remove it, as it’s not needed. Ensure the pizza is fully frozen for best results.
Check your air fryer’s basket size. Personal pizzas (6–8 inches) fit easily, while 12-inch pizzas may need trimming. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, use perforated parchment paper for easy cleanup. Rearrange toppings if they’ve shifted during freezing.
How Long Do I Cook Frozen Pizza in Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer is straightforward. Here’s how to get it right, including timing and temperature.
Temperature and Timing
Set your air fryer to 360–400°F, depending on the pizza type. Most frozen pizzas cook well at 380°F. Preheat for 2–3 minutes if your model requires it.
Cook personal pizzas (6–8 inches) for 5–8 minutes. For 10–12-inch pizzas, aim for 8–12 minutes. Check at the minimum time to avoid overcooking.
Thicker crusts, like deep-dish, may need 10–14 minutes at 375°F. Thin-crust pizzas cook faster, around 5–7 minutes. Adjust based on your air fryer’s power.
Placement in the Air Fryer
Place the pizza in a single layer in the basket. For larger pizzas, cut into smaller pieces if needed to fit. Ensure no overlapping to allow hot air circulation.
If using a rack accessory, place one pizza per level. Keep ½ inch between pieces for even cooking. This prevents soggy spots and ensures crispness.
For smaller air fryers, cook in batches. Keep finished slices warm in a low oven (200°F). This maintains texture while cooking additional pieces.
Checking for Doneness
Look for a golden, crispy crust and bubbling cheese. The pizza should be hot throughout, with toppings fully cooked. Use a spatula to check the underside for crispness.
If the crust isn’t crispy, add 1–2 minutes at 400°F. For softer cheese, lower to 350°F for the final minute. Every air fryer varies, so monitor closely.
Let the pizza cool for 1–2 minutes before slicing. This sets the cheese and prevents burns. Serve with a dipping sauce for added flavor.
Comparing Popular Frozen Pizza Brands
Here’s how three popular frozen pizza brands cook in an air fryer:
| Brand | Cook Time (380°F) | kcal per Serving | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| DiGiorno | 8–12 minutes | 290–350 | Thick crust, generous cheese |
| Red Baron | 7–10 minutes | 280–320 | Balanced sauce, crispy base |
| Tombstone | 6–9 minutes | 260–300 | Thin crust, bold pepperoni flavor |
This table shows DiGiorno’s longer cook time due to its thicker crust. Red Baron and Tombstone are faster, ideal for quick meals. Always check packaging for specific instructions.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pizza
- Rearrange toppings: Spread pepperoni or veggies evenly before cooking to avoid bare spots.
- Avoid foil: Skip foil under the pizza to maximize crispness. Air circulation is key.
- Add a water dish: Place a small heat-safe dish with water to keep cheese moist.
- Check early: Start checking at 5 minutes to prevent burning, especially for thin crusts.
These tips enhance texture and flavor. Experiment to find what works best with your air fryer model.
Handling Different Pizza Types
Thin-crust pizzas, like Tombstone, cook at 380°F for 6–9 minutes. Their delicate crusts crisp quickly, so check early. Overcooking can make them too hard.
Deep-dish or stuffed-crust pizzas, like DiGiorno, need 375°F for 10–14 minutes. Their thicker layers require longer to heat through. Flip halfway if possible to even out cooking.
Gluten-free or cauliflower crusts cook at 360°F for 7–10 minutes. These can dry out, so use a water dish. Frozen personal pizzas may need only 5–7 minutes.
Enhancing Your Frozen Pizza
Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or oregano after cooking for a flavor boost. A dash of red pepper flakes adds a spicy kick. These elevate the pizza without extra effort.
Drizzle olive oil or hot honey post-cooking for richness. Avoid adding during air frying to prevent burning. Serve with a side of marinara for dipping.
For extra cheese, add it in the last minute of cooking. This ensures a melty layer without scorching. Pair with a salad to balance the meal.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Air fryer baskets can get greasy from pizza cheese. Use a non-stick liner or parchment paper to minimize mess. These are affordable and reusable options.
After cooling, wipe the basket with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid abrasive scrubbers to protect the non-stick coating. Dry thoroughly to prevent rust.
For stuck-on cheese, soak the basket in warm soapy water for 10 minutes. Regular cleaning keeps your air fryer ready for the next pizza.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t overcrowd the basket, as this traps steam and softens the crust. Cook in a single layer with space between pieces. Check your air fryer’s capacity first.
Avoid temperatures above 400°F, which can burn thin crusts or dry out toppings. Start at 380°F and adjust as needed. Not preheating can lead to uneven results.
Skipping the topping rearrangement can cause uneven flavor. Don’t add wet toppings before cooking, as they release moisture. These mistakes reduce pizza quality.
Why Air Fryers Are Ideal for Frozen Pizza
Air fryers cook frozen pizza in half the time of an oven, typically 6–12 minutes. Their compact size suits small kitchens or quick meals. They use less energy than traditional ovens.
The rapid air technology ensures a crispy crust and even cheese melt. This makes them superior to microwaves for texture. They’re versatile for other frozen foods like fries or nuggets.
With over 25 million air fryers sold in the U.S. by 2024, their popularity is clear. They’re a must-have for frozen pizza lovers seeking convenience and quality.
Summary
Knowing how long to cook frozen pizza in an air fryer ensures crispy, delicious results. Most pizzas cook at 360–400°F for 6–12 minutes, depending on crust type. Simple tips like avoiding overcrowding and checking early prevent common issues. This method transforms frozen pizzas into quick, pizzeria-quality meals.
FAQ
How long do I cook a frozen pizza in an air fryer?
Cook at 380°F for 6–12 minutes, depending on size and crust thickness. Thin-crust pizzas take 6–9 minutes, while deep-dish needs 10–14 minutes. Check at the minimum time.
What temperature is best for air frying frozen pizza?
Set your air fryer to 380°F for most frozen pizzas. Thin crusts may need 360°F, while thicker crusts can handle 400°F. Adjust based on your air fryer’s performance.
Can I cook a whole frozen pizza in an air fryer?
Yes, if it fits your air fryer’s basket (usually 6–12 inches). Cut larger pizzas to avoid overlapping. Cook in batches for smaller models to ensure crispness.
Why is my pizza soggy in the air fryer?
Sogginess comes from overcrowding or using foil. Place pizza in a single layer without foil for air circulation. Check early to avoid overcooking.
Do all frozen pizza brands cook the same in an air fryer?
No, brands like DiGiorno take 8–12 minutes due to thicker crusts, while Tombstone needs 6–9 minutes. Check packaging for specific times. Adjust based on your air fryer.