If you love pizza but don’t always want to heat up a full-size oven, using an air fryer for pizza might be the kitchen hack you didn’t know you needed. Air fryers have become a go-to appliance for quick, crispy meals, and pizza is no exception. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, cooking frozen pizza, or making a small homemade one from scratch, an air fryer can deliver impressive results in less time.
If you’re looking for the best air fryer for pizza, we tested and compared the top models that deliver crispy crusts and evenly melted cheese for frozen, fresh, and leftover pizza.
The biggest problem most people face with pizza at home is uneven cooking. The crust ends up soggy, the cheese dries out, or the toppings burn before the base is ready. An air fryer solves many of these issues by circulating hot air evenly around the pizza, creating a crispy crust while keeping the cheese perfectly melted.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use an air fryer for pizza step by step, what type of pizza works best, and simple tips to avoid common mistakes.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Pizza?
Using an air fryer for pizza isn’t just about speed. It’s about control and texture.
Here’s why it works so well:
- Faster cooking than a traditional oven
- Crispier crust, especially on the bottom
- Even melting of cheese
- Less energy and heat in the kitchen
What Kind of Pizza Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?
Not all pizzas are the same, and results can vary depending on the type.
You can cook:
- Frozen personal pizzas
- Leftover pizza slices
- Homemade pizza on flatbread, pita, or naan
- Tortilla or English muffin pizzas
Larger pizzas may need to be cut into slices or cooked one piece at a time. The key is making sure hot air can circulate freely around the crust. To understand how an air fryer compares to a traditional oven when making pizza, visit Air fryer vs oven for pizza.
Basket width and airflow make a noticeable difference here, which is why we compared pizza performance side by side in our Ninja AF181 vs Cosori TurboBlaze review.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Pizza in an Air Fryer
Below is a simple method that works for most air fryer models.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Preheating helps the crust start crisping immediately instead of slowly drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza
Place the pizza on parchment liners or directly in the basket.
For homemade pizza, keep toppings light to avoid sogginess.
Step 3: Cook the Pizza
Cook for 5–7 minutes for thin crust or reheating slices.
For thicker or frozen pizza, cook 8–10 minutes and check halfway.
Air fryer models vary, so always check your pizza early the first time you cook it.
Step 4: Check and Adjust
If the cheese is melting too fast, lower the temperature slightly.
If the crust needs more color, add 1–2 extra minutes.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the pizza rest for 1 minute before removing it.
This helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier
Tips for Crispy Crust and Perfect Cheese
To get the best results every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use thin or pre-baked crusts for homemade pizza
- Avoid too much sauce or wet toppings
- Don’t overcrowd the basket
- Check frequently the first time you try a new pizza
Common Mistakes When Cooking Pizza in an Air Fryer
Even though air fryer pizza is easy, a few mistakes can ruin the result.
Avoiding these mistakes will instantly improve your results:
- Overloading the basket
Crowding blocks airflow and leads to uneven cooking. - Using too many toppings
Heavy or wet toppings can make the crust soggy. - Cooking at very high heat
This burns the cheese before the base is done. - Skipping preheating
Especially important for crispy crust on frozen pizza.
Small adjustments make a big difference, especially if you use your air fryer often.
Frozen vs Fresh Pizza in an Air Fryer
| Feature | Frozen Pizza | Fresh / Homemade Pizza |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 8–12 minutes | 5–8 minutes |
| Temperature | 375–390°F (190–200°C) | 360–375°F (180–190°C) |
| Crust Texture | Very crispy, firm | Softer with crisp edges |
| Best Size | Personal or sliced | Flatbread, pita, naan |
| Ease of Cooking | Very easy | Needs light toppings |
Tip: Frozen pizza is more forgiving, while fresh pizza gives you more control over ingredients and texture. If you enjoy making pizza in your air fryer, you’ll love our new guide on cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer — it’s packed with tips for getting a perfectly crispy crust and melty cheese every time.
Conclusion
Using an air fryer for pizza is one of the easiest ways to enjoy crispy, evenly cooked pizza without the hassle of a full oven. It works for frozen pizza, leftovers, and quick homemade versions, making it perfect for busy days or late-night cravings. With the right temperature, light toppings, and a bit of practice, you can get restaurant-style results at home.
The key is understanding your air fryer’s size and airflow, choosing the right pizza type, and avoiding common mistakes. Whether you’re working with a compact model or a large-capacity basket, pizza in the air fryer is fast, reliable, and surprisingly satisfying. Once you try it, you may never reheat pizza the old way again. 🍕
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Pizza
Can you really cook pizza in an air fryer?
Yes. An air fryer cooks pizza evenly using circulating hot air, which helps create a crispy crust and well-melted cheese in less time than an oven.
What temperature is best for pizza in an air fryer?
Most pizzas cook best at 375°F (190°C). Thin crust or reheated slices may need slightly less time, while frozen pizza can handle a few extra minutes.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for pizza?
Preheating isn’t always required, but it helps the crust crisp faster and more evenly. A 3–5 minute preheat is recommended.
Can I use parchment paper or foil?
Yes, parchment paper works well and won’t block airflow if trimmed properly. Avoid loose foil that can interfere with air circulation.
Why is my pizza burning on top but cold underneath?
This usually happens when the temperature is too high or the pizza is too thick. Lower the temperature and cook a little longer.
