Switch up pizza night with my family’s favorite air fryer pizza recipe. Ready in 10 minutes, you’re guaranteed a crispy, golden crust and bubbly melted cheese every. single. time!
Making pizza in an air fryer has become a game-changer for quick, delicious meals at home. Whether you’re craving a personal-sized pizza for a solo lunch or whipping up a fun dinner for the family, the air fryer delivers a crispy crust and perfectly melted toppings in a fraction of the time it takes to order delivery or heat up a traditional oven. But how long does it really take to cook a pizza in an air fryer, and what’s the best way to get that restaurant-quality result? Let’s dive into the details, covering everything from dough choices to cooking times, topping tips, and troubleshooting common issues.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Pizza?
The air fryer’s magic lies in its rapid hot air circulation, which mimics the intense heat of a pizza oven. This creates a crispy, golden crust while keeping the toppings moist and flavorful. Unlike a microwave, which can leave pizza soggy, or a conventional oven, which takes time to preheat, an air fryer is quick, efficient, and perfect for small batches. It’s ideal for personal-sized pizzas, reheating leftovers, or even cooking frozen pizzas with a texture that rivals takeout. Plus, it’s a lifesaver in the summer when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen with a 500°F oven.
Types of Pizza You Can Make in an Air Fryer
Before we get to cooking times, it’s worth noting the different types of pizza you can make in an air fryer, as this affects how long it’ll take:
- Homemade Pizza with Fresh Dough: Using store-bought or homemade dough (like this quick pizza dough recipe) gives you a chewy, restaurant-style crust. This requires a bit more prep but offers full control over thickness and flavor.
- Pre-Made Crusts: Options like naan, pita bread, or pre-baked crusts (e.g., Boboli) are perfect for quick meals. They cook faster since they’re already partially baked.
- Frozen Pizza: Mini frozen pizzas or slices fit perfectly in most air fryers and are a convenient option for a speedy meal.
- Tortilla or Flatbread Pizza: Using low-carb tortillas or flatbreads creates a thin, cracker-like crust that cooks in just a few minutes.
Each type requires slightly different cooking times and techniques, which we’ll break down below.
How Long to Cook Pizza in an Air Fryer
Cooking times vary based on the type of pizza, the size of your air fryer, and its wattage. Here’s a detailed guide for each type, based on common air fryer models (like a Cosori or Ninja DualZone):
Homemade Pizza with Fresh Dough
For a personal-sized pizza (about 8 inches to fit most air fryer baskets):
- Prep: Roll out the dough to less than ¼ inch thick to ensure even cooking. Prick the dough with a fork to prevent air bubbles, and lightly brush with olive oil to promote crispiness.
- Pre-Bake: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 1-2 minutes. Place the dough in the basket (use parchment paper for easy removal) and cook for 3 minutes. Flip the dough and cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the crust is partially cooked.
- Add Toppings: Spread a thin layer of sauce (like Rao’s Pizza Sauce for a low-carb option), add cheese, and your favorite toppings. To prevent lightweight toppings like pepperoni from blowing around, sprinkle cheese on top or use an air fryer rack to hold them in place.
- Final Cook: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 4-7 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Check at the 4-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Total Time: About 10-12 minutes, including pre-baking.
Tip: If the bottom isn’t crispy enough, flip the pizza halfway through the final cook or place it on a perforated pizza pan designed for air fryers.
Pre-Made Crusts (Naan, Pita, or Flatbread)
These are quicker since the crust is already partially cooked:
- Prep: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or use parchment paper. Place the crust in the basket.
- Cook: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Add sauce, cheese, and toppings, then cook for 4-6 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are crispy.
- Total Time: About 6-8 minutes.
- Pro Tip: Naan makes a soft, chewy base, while pita or tortillas give a crispier result. Experiment to find your favorite!
Frozen Pizza
Frozen pizzas are a breeze in the air fryer, especially mini ones or slices:
- Prep: Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F (190-200°C) for 2-3 minutes. Remove the pizza from its packaging and place it in the basket. For crustless pizzas like Totino’s, use parchment paper to catch any dripping cheese.
- Cook: Air fry for 6-10 minutes, depending on thickness. Thin-crust pizzas may take 6-8 minutes, while deep-dish or stuffed-crust versions need 8-10 minutes. Check frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Total Time: 6-10 minutes.
- Tip: If the top browns too quickly, cover with a piece of aluminum foil folded under the edges to keep it in place.
Reheating Leftover Pizza
To revive leftover pizza with a crispy crust:
- Prep: Let the pizza sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to reduce condensation. Preheat the air fryer to 325-350°F (160-175°C).
- Cook: Place slices in a single layer and cook for 3-5 minutes (thicker crusts may need up to 6 minutes). Check to ensure even heating.
- Total Time: 3-6 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pizza
To ensure your pizza comes out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Parchment Paper: Line the basket with parchment to prevent sticking and make removal easier. Leave some parchment sticking out for easy lifting.
- Don’t Overload Toppings: Too many toppings can weigh down the crust or cause uneven cooking. Stick to a thin layer of sauce, a moderate amount of cheese, and 2-3 toppings for best results.
- Anchor Toppings: Lightweight toppings like pepperoni or veggies can blow around in the air fryer’s fan. Sprinkle cheese over the top or use an air fryer rack to secure them.
- Check Your Air Fryer Size: Most air fryers can only handle 8-10 inch pizzas. Measure your basket or tray to ensure the dough fits.
- Fresh Cheese is Best: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more evenly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
- Adjust for Your Air Fryer: Every air fryer cooks slightly differently. If your pizza is undercooked, add 1-2 minutes; if it’s burning, lower the temperature by 10-20°F or reduce the time.
Common Issues and Fixes
Running into problems? Here’s how to troubleshoot:
- Undercooked Dough: If the bottom is doughy, pre-bake the crust longer (4-5 minutes) or flip it during the final cook. Using a pizza pan or foil can also help distribute heat evenly.
- Toppings Blowing Off: Secure toppings with cheese or an air fryer rack. Alternatively, pre-cook lightweight toppings like veggies in a skillet to make them heavier.
- Burnt Top: If the cheese or toppings brown too quickly, cover with foil or lower the temperature to 350°F for the final cook.
- Uneven Cooking: Some air fryers heat more from the top. Flipping the crust during pre-baking ensures both sides cook evenly.
Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Pizza
While classic pepperoni and cheese are always a hit, try these creative combinations:
- Margherita: Fresh basil, sliced tomatoes, and mozzarella with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Veggie Delight: Bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, and olives for a nutrient-packed option.
- Meat Lovers: Pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ground beef for a hearty meal.
- White Pizza: Use a white sauce or pesto base with ricotta, mozzarella, and roasted garlic.
For inspiration, check out this BBC Food air fryer pizza recipe for unique topping ideas.
This air fryer pizza is spectacular!!! The crust is chewy and the toppings are fab.
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