How Long to Cook Frozen Pizza in Air Fryer

Mastering Frozen Pizza in Your Air Fryer: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Cooking Times

Craving a crispy, cheesy slice of pizza but don’t want to wait for the oven or shell out for takeout? Cooking a frozen pizza in an air fryer is a game-changer. It’s fast, energy-efficient, and delivers a crust that’s perfectly crisp with melty cheese in under 15 minutes. But how long should you cook that frozen pizza to get pizzeria-worthy results? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of air fryer pizza perfection, covering times, temperatures, and tips tailored to different pizza sizes and crust types.

Why Choose an Air Fryer for Frozen Pizza?

An air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly, mimicking the crispy results of a traditional oven but in a fraction of the time. It’s ideal for frozen pizza because it crisps the crust without soggy spots and melts the cheese to gooey perfection. Plus, it’s a lifesaver for quick meals, whether you’re feeding yourself on a busy weeknight or satisfying a group of hungry kids. The key is getting the time and temperature just right, which depends on your pizza’s size, crust thickness, and air fryer model.

General Guidelines for Cooking Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer

Before we get into specifics, here’s a quick baseline: most frozen pizzas cook at 360°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C) for 6 to 15 minutes. However, variables like pizza size, crust type, and air fryer wattage can affect the outcome. Always start checking a couple of minutes early to avoid burning, and don’t be afraid to experiment to find what works best for your setup.

Cooking Times by Pizza Type and Size

Not all frozen pizzas are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of cooking times and temperatures for different types, based on real-world testing and recommendations from trusted sources like Airfried.com.

• Mini or Personal-Sized Pizzas (5-8 inches): These are perfect for most basket-style air fryers. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes. Brands like Totino’s or Red Baron personal pizzas fit easily and cook quickly. Check at 6 minutes for a thin crust; add 1-2 minutes for thicker crusts.
• French Bread or Rectangular Pizzas (e.g., Ellio’s): These take slightly longer due to their density. Set your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes. The extra time ensures the thicker bread base gets crispy without burning the toppings.
• Deep Dish or Thick Crust Pizzas (e.g., DiGiorno): These need more time to heat through. Use 380°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Start checking at 8 minutes to ensure the cheese doesn’t brown too much before the crust is done.
• Large Pizzas (10-16 inches): If your air fryer can handle a larger pizza (like a Ninja Foodi oven-style model), cook at 360°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes. For basket-style air fryers, you’ll need to cut the pizza into slices and cook in batches. Use a wire rack or perforated tray for even cooking.

Pro tip: If your pizza is too big, slice it while frozen with a sharp knife and cook in batches. It’s a hassle, but you’ll still have dinner ready faster than with a conventional oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Frozen Pizza

Here’s how to nail that perfect pizza every time:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set it to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking, though you can skip it if you’re in a rush—just add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
2. Prepare the Pizza: Remove all packaging, including plastic wrap and cardboard. If you’re adding extra toppings like pepperoni or veggies, do so now. A light spray of olive oil on the toppings can prevent burning, especially for delicate ingredients like mushrooms.
3. Place in the Air Fryer: Put the pizza directly in the basket or on the tray. Avoid parchment paper unless your air fryer manual recommends it, as it can block airflow and lead to a softer crust. If sticking is a concern, lightly spray the basket with cooking oil.
4. Cook and Check: Start with the lower end of the recommended time (e.g., 6 minutes for a mini pizza). Check for a crispy crust and melted cheese. If needed, add 1-2 minute increments until done.
5. Cool and Serve: Let the pizza cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and prevents burns. Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or garlic butter for extra flavor.

Tips to Avoid Common Pitfalls

Air fryers can be finicky, and frozen pizza comes with its own challenges. Here are some expert tips to ensure success:

• Prevent Topping Blow-Off: The air fryer’s fan can send lightweight toppings like pepperoni flying. To avoid this, press toppings firmly into the cheese or cook at a slightly lower temperature (e.g., 360°F). You can also add toppings halfway through cooking, as suggested by Air Fryer World.
• Avoid Burning: If the cheese or toppings brown too quickly, cover the pizza with a piece of aluminum foil (tucked under the edges) for the last few minutes. Alternatively, lower the temperature to 360°F and extend the cooking time.
• Crispier Crust: For an extra-crisp bottom, avoid using silicone baskets or liners, as they can trap moisture. Place the pizza directly on the air fryer basket or a perforated tray.
• Adjust for Your Air Fryer: Models like Cosori or Ninja DualZone may cook faster or slower than others. After your first pizza, note the time and temp that worked best for future reference.

Customizing Your Frozen Pizza

Want to elevate that store-bought pie? Add your own toppings before or after cooking. Fresh veggies like bell peppers or onions add moisture and flavor, while a sprinkle of parmesan or red pepper flakes post-cooking gives a gourmet touch. For inspiration, check out Real Simple’s guide on making frozen pizza taste homemade.

Reheating Leftover Pizza

Got leftovers? The air fryer is also great for reheating. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 2-3 minutes. This revives the crispy crust and melty cheese without the sogginess you’d get from a microwave.

Final Thoughts

Cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer is a quick, reliable way to satisfy your pizza cravings. By sticking to the right temperature (typically 360°F to 400°F) and adjusting the time based on your pizza’s size and crust, you’ll get a crispy, delicious result every time. Start with 6-8 minutes for personal pizzas, 8-10 for French bread styles, and up to 15 for larger or thicker crusts. With a little trial and error, you’ll find the sweet spot for your air fryer and favorite pizza brand. So, grab that frozen pizza from the freezer, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy a slice of heaven in minutes!