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

2025-11-10

If you’re short on time but craving a hot, crispy pizza without firing up your oven, cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer is one of the smartest kitchen hacks you’ll learn. Unlike a conventional oven—which can take 20+ minutes to preheat and cook—air fryers deliver a perfectly melted, golden-crisp crust and evenly heated toppings in half the time, all while using less energy. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or someone who loves quick weeknight meals, mastering this technique will transform how you enjoy frozen pizza. Let’s break down everything you need to know, from prep to plating, to ensure your air-fried frozen pizza turns out flawless every single time.

Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for Frozen Pizza (And Why You Should Try It)

Before diving into the “how,” let’s address the “why.” Air fryers work by circulating superheated air around food at high speeds, which mimics deep frying but with little to no oil. For frozen pizza, this means:

  • ​Speed: Most frozen pizzas cook in 8–12 minutes in an air fryer, compared to 18–25 minutes in an oven (plus 10–15 minutes of preheating).

  • ​Crispier Crust: The intense, direct heat browns and crisps the crust better than ovens, which often leave frozen pizza crusts soft or soggy due to slower, less focused heating.

  • ​Energy Efficiency: Air fryers use less electricity than full-sized ovens, making them a budget-friendly choice for small households or frequent pizza nights.

  • ​Space-Saving: No need to heat a large oven when you only want one pizza—ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or tiny kitchens.

That said, not all air fryers or frozen pizzas are created equal. The key to success lies in understanding your equipment, adjusting settings, and avoiding common mistakes (we’ll cover those later).

Step 1: Choose the Right Frozen Pizza (and Check the Label)

Not all frozen pizzas are designed to cook well in an air fryer. While most will work with minor tweaks, some perform better than others. Here’s what to look for:

Thickness Matters

Thin-crust pizzas (like Digiorno Thin & Crispy or Red Baron Ultra Thin) tend to cook faster and get crispier in air fryers. Thick-crust or deep-dish pizzas (e.g., California Pizza Kitchen Deep Dish) may require longer cooking times or slight adjustments to avoid burning the edges before the center heats through.

Topping Load

Pizzas loaded with heavy toppings (extra cheese, meat, veggies) can trap steam, leading to a soggy bottom. Opt for pizzas with balanced toppings or fewer high-moisture ingredients (like fresh mushrooms, which release water when heated). If you love loaded pies, consider removing some wet toppings before cooking and adding them back after.

Check the Package Instructions

Many frozen pizza brands now include air fryer instructions on their packaging. For example, Tombstone’s Original Pizza recommends cooking at 380°F (193°C) for 8–10 minutes, while Newman’s Own Thin & Crispy suggests 375°F (190°C) for 7–9 minutes. Always start with the brand’s recommendation, then adjust based on your air fryer’s performance.

Step 2: Prep Your Air Fryer and Pizza (Simple Steps for Success)

Preparation is where most first-timers stumble. Follow these steps to avoid burnt edges, undercooked centers, or a greasy mess:

Do You Need to Thaw the Pizza?

​No—most of the time.​​ Air fryers cook frozen food quickly enough that thawing isn’t necessary. In fact, thawing can make the crust soggy as it sits at room temperature. However, if your pizza is extremelythick (e.g., a 14-inch deep-dish) or your air fryer has a small basket (under 3 quarts), thaw it for 10–15 minutes at room temperature to prevent the outside from burning before the inside cooks.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Always preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes at the recommended temperature. This ensures the hot air circulates immediately, jumpstarting the cooking process and preventing the pizza from sticking or cooking unevenly.

Use Parchment Paper or Foil (But Not Too Much)

To avoid sticking and make cleanup easier, line the air fryer basket with a small piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cut it to fit the basket, leaving space around the edges for air circulation. Avoid non-stick sprays—they can damage the air fryer’s coating over time.

Remove Excess Packaging

Most frozen pizzas come in cardboard trays or plastic wrap. Remove all packaging except the pizza itself. If the pizza is on a perforated tray, you can leave it in (it helps with airflow), but if it’s on a solid tray, transfer it to the parchment-lined basket.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Time (The Golden Rules)

The biggest variable in air-frying frozen pizza is your specific air fryer model. Basket size, wattage, and brand affect how evenly heat distributes. However, we’ve tested dozens of models and can offer general guidelines:

Default Starting Point: 380°F (193°C) for 8–12 Minutes

This works for most standard-sized (10–12 inch), thin-to-medium crust frozen pizzas. Place the pizza in the preheated air fryer, set the temperature and timer, and check progress at 8 minutes.

Adjustments for Different Pizzas

  • ​Thin Crust: Reduce time to 7–9 minutes. Check at 7 minutes—thin crusts burn quickly.

  • ​Thick Crust/Deep Dish: Increase time to 10–12 minutes, or start at 375°F (190°C) to prevent burning.

  • ​Personal/Mini Pizzas: Cook at 380°F for 6–8 minutes. Their smaller size means faster cooking.

Pro Tip: Shake the Basket Midway

At the halfway mark (4–6 minutes), gently shake the air fryer basket. This prevents the pizza from sticking and ensures even browning on all sides.

Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Problems

Even with perfect prep, issues can arise. Here’s how to fix them:

Problem 1: The Crust Is Burnt, But the Center Is Cold

​Cause: Your air fryer runs hot, or the pizza is too close to the heating element.

​Fix: Lower the temperature by 25°F (14°C) next time. For example, if you used 380°F, try 355°F (180°C). You can also prop the pizza up slightly using a metal rack (if your air fryer is compatible) to increase airflow around it.

Problem 2: The Crust Is Soggy

​Cause: Too much moisture from toppings, or the pizza wasn’t preheated long enough.

​Fix: Remove excess wet toppings (e.g., fresh basil, pineapple) before cooking. Ensure the air fryer is fully preheated, and avoid overcrowding the basket (only cook one pizza at a time).

Problem 3: Cheese Isn’t Melting Evenly

​Cause: The pizza was placed too high in the basket, or the temperature was too low.

​Fix: Move the pizza to the center of the basket. If needed, increase the temperature by 25°F (14°C) for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Problem 4: The Bottom Sticks to the Basket

​Cause: Not enough parchment paper, or the pizza shifted during cooking.

​Fix: Use a larger piece of parchment paper, ensuring it covers the entire bottom. Shake the basket gently halfway through to keep the pizza in place.

Step 5: Elevate Your Air-Fried Frozen Pizza (Optional Upgrades)

Once you master the basics, experiment with these tweaks to take your pizza to the next level:

Add Fresh Toppings After Cooking

Air-frying fresh veggies (like spinach, bell peppers, or arugula) alongside the pizza can make them soggy. Instead, cook the pizza first, then top it with fresh ingredients. For example, add a handful of baby spinach and a drizzle of balsamic glaze after removing it from the air fryer.

Brush the Crust with Garlic Butter

Before cooking, mix melted butter with garlic powder, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Brush it on the pizza’s crust edge. The air fryer will toast the butter, creating a flavorful, golden crust.

Serve with a Side Salad

Frozen pizza can feel heavy. Pair it with a quick side salad (bagged greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette) for a balanced meal.

Health Considerations: Air-Fried Frozen Pizza vs. Other Methods

Air fryers are often touted as a healthier alternative to deep frying, but how do they stack up against oven-baked frozen pizza?

  • ​Oil Content: Most frozen pizzas already contain added oil. Air frying uses minimal extra oil (if any), whereas pan-frying or deep-frying adds significant fat.

  • ​Calories: A typical frozen pizza ranges from 300–500 calories per slice. Air frying doesn’t drastically change this, but it avoids the extra calories from frying oil.

  • ​Nutrients: Air frying preserves more nutrients than boiling or microwaving, as it uses dry heat instead of water.

For a healthier option, look for frozen pizzas labeled “low-fat,” “whole-grain crust,” or “light cheese.” Pair it with a side of steamed veggies or a protein-rich salad to round out the meal.

Final Tips for Consistent Results

  • ​Know Your Air Fryer: Every model is different. Keep a note of the best settings for your favorite brands (e.g., “Digiorno: 380°F for 9 minutes”).

  • ​Clean Immediately: Let the air fryer cool, then wipe the basket with a damp cloth. Prolonged exposure to cheese and sauce can cause sticking.

  • ​Don’t Overcrowd: Only cook one pizza at a time. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and soggy crusts.

Cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer isn’t just convenient—it’s a way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in minutes. By following these steps, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and consistently achieve a crispy crust, melty cheese, and perfectly heated toppings. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or treating yourself after a long day, this method will make frozen pizza feel like a gourmet experience. Now, grab your favorite frozen pie, fire up the air fryer, and get ready to impress!

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