You’re hungry. There’s a frozen pizza in your freezer. And the last thing you want to do is wait for your oven to preheat for 15 minutes just to cook one pizza.So the question naturally pops up: can you cook frozen pizza in an air fryer?
Not only can you do it — for many people, it’s actually the best way to cook frozen pizza. An air fryer delivers a crispier crust, evenly melted cheese, and faster cooking times, all without heating up your entire kitchen.
That said, frozen pizza in an air fryer isn’t completely foolproof. The wrong temperature, poor placement, or blocked airflow can leave you with burnt cheese, a pale crust, or uneven cooking.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know — step by step. From temperatures and timing to common mistakes and smart fixes, you’ll learn exactly how to turn any frozen pizza into a crispy, satisfying meal using your air fryer.
Can You Cook Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer?
Yes — you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer directly from frozen, with no thawing required.
Air fryers work by circulating hot air rapidly around food. This creates a dry, intense heat that’s perfect for frozen pizza because it:
- Crisps the crust quickly
- Melts cheese evenly
- Prevents sogginess
- Reduces cooking time
Thin-crust and personal-size pizzas perform especially well, but even thicker styles can be adapted with the right settings.
If you want a deeper explanation of why this works, check out Air fryer for pizza, which breaks down how air circulation affects pizza texture.
Why Use an Air Fryer Instead of an Oven?
Traditional ovens still work — but they’re not always practical.
Here’s why many people prefer an air fryer for frozen pizza:
- No long preheating time
- Faster cooking (often under 10 minutes)
- Crispier bottom crust
- Better results for small portions
- Less energy usage
If you’re deciding which method makes more sense long-term, Air fryer vs oven for pizza compares both methods in detail.
Best Frozen Pizzas to Cook in an Air Fryer
Not all frozen pizzas behave the same in an air fryer. Size, thickness, and toppings matter.
Best options:
- Thin crust frozen pizzas
- Personal or mini pizzas
- Flatbread pizzas
- Frozen pizza slices
Pizzas that need adjustments:
- Deep-dish pizzas
- Extra-cheese pizzas
- Large round pizzas
For oversized pizzas, cutting them into sections allows proper airflow and even cooking.
How to Cook Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)
This method works for most standard air fryers.
Basic instructions:
- Remove all packaging from the frozen pizza
- Place pizza directly in the air fryer basket or tray
- Set temperature to 360–380°F (180–193°C)
- Cook for 6–10 minutes
- Check halfway and rotate if needed
- Remove when cheese is melted and crust is golden
Because air fryer models vary, use this as a starting point. For precise adjustments, Temperatures and times in air fryer is a helpful reference.
Do You Have to Preheat an Air Fryer for Frozen Pizza?
Preheating is optional — but helpful.
When preheating helps:
- You want a crispier crust
- You’re cooking thicker pizza
- Your air fryer runs cooler
A short 2–3 minute preheat is usually enough.
If you’re unsure whether your model benefits from preheating, Do you have to preheat an air fryer? explains when it’s worth doing.
Should You Use Parchment Paper or Foil?
You can, but airflow is everything.
Parchment paper:
- Prevents cheese from dripping
- Makes cleanup easier
- Should be perforated or trimmed
Avoid fully covering the basket — it traps heat and leads to uneven cooking.
For safety and best practices, see Can you use parchment paper in an air fryer?
How to Avoid Burnt Cheese and Undercooked Crust
This is one of the most common air fryer pizza issues.
Try these fixes:
- Lower temperature slightly (360°F works well)
- Add pizza after preheating, not before
- Cover loosely with foil for first 2–3 minutes if cheese browns too fast
- Avoid stacking slices
Air fryers cook aggressively from the top — balance is key.
Why Is My Air Fryer Smoking When Cooking Pizza?
Smoking usually means something is dripping and burning — not that something is wrong.
Common causes:
- Cheese melting onto the heating element
- Grease buildup from previous cooking
- Excess oil in the basket
How to prevent it:
- Clean your air fryer regularly
- Use parchment paper with holes
- Avoid adding oil
If it happens often, Why is my air fryer smoking? explains how to fix it safely.
Pro Tips for Crispy Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer
Want consistently great results? Keep these in mind:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket
- Leave space around the pizza
- Rotate halfway through cooking
- Check early — air fryers cook fast
- Rest pizza for 1–2 minutes before eating
That short rest helps the cheese set and improves texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook frozen pizza in an air fryer without thawing?
Yes. Always cook frozen pizza straight from the freezer.
What temperature should I use?
Most frozen pizzas cook best at 360–380°F (180–193°C).
How long does frozen pizza take?
Typically 6–10 minutes, depending on thickness and air fryer model.
Can you cook a large frozen pizza?
Only if it fits. Otherwise, cut it into smaller pieces.
Is air fryer pizza crispy?
Yes — often crispier than oven-baked frozen pizza.
Conclusion
So, can you cook frozen pizza in an air fryer?
Not only can you — it’s often the better choice.
With faster cook times, crispier crusts, and less hassle than a traditional oven, the air fryer turns frozen pizza into a reliable, satisfying meal. The key is using the right temperature, allowing proper airflow, and making small adjustments based on your air fryer model.
Once you get the hang of it, cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer becomes second nature — quick, convenient, and consistently delicious.
And honestly? After a few perfect pizzas, you may stop using your oven altogether.
