How Long to Cook Frozen Pizza in Air Fryer

Frozen pizza is a convenient and delicious meal option that many people enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute gathering or simply craving a quick and easy dinner, frozen pizza can come to the rescue. With the advent of air fryers, cooking frozen pizza has become even more effortless and hassle-free. In this article, we’ll explore the question of how long to cook frozen pizza in an air fryer and provide you with a quick and easy guide to ensure your pizza turns out perfectly crispy and delightfully cheesy.

Why Choose an Air Fryer for Frozen Pizza?

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for many because they cook food quickly, evenly, and with less oil than traditional methods. When it comes to frozen pizza, an air fryer delivers a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese in a fraction of the time it takes to preheat a conventional oven. The circulating hot air ensures the pizza cooks uniformly, avoiding the soggy centers or burnt edges that sometimes happen in an oven. Plus, air fryers are energy-efficient and don’t heat up your entire kitchen, making them ideal for quick meals or hot summer days. According to Real Simple, air fryers can transform frozen pizza into a crispy, pizzeria-style treat that rivals your favorite takeout.

Choosing the Right Frozen Pizza

Not all frozen pizzas are created equal, and selecting the right one for your air fryer is key to success. Consider the size of your air fryer first. Most standard air fryers, like the Cosori or Ninja models, have baskets that accommodate pizzas up to 9-10 inches in diameter. Personal-sized pizzas, mini pizzas, or French bread pizzas are ideal. Larger family-sized pizzas (12-16 inches) may need to be cut into smaller pieces or cooked in batches unless you have an oven-style air fryer with a larger capacity.

Next, think about crust thickness. Thin-crust pizzas cook faster and crisp up easily, while deep-dish or stuffed-crust pizzas require more time to heat through without burning the toppings. Brands like DiGiorno, Red Baron, or Amy’s offer personal-sized options that fit well in most air fryers. If you prefer a gluten-free or cauliflower crust, like Open Nature’s, these also work but may need slight time adjustments. Avoid overloading your pizza with extra toppings before cooking, as too many can impede airflow and lead to uneven cooking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer

Cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer is straightforward, but a few tips can elevate your results. Here’s a detailed guide to get that perfect slice every time:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispy crust. Set your air fryer to 360-380°F (180-195°C) and let it run for 2-3 minutes. Some models, like Philips or Ninja, have a preheat function, but if yours doesn’t, simply run it at the desired temperature while you prep the pizza. Preheating mimics the hot environment of a pizzeria oven, giving your crust a head start on crisping up.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza

Remove all packaging, including plastic wrap and cardboard, from the frozen pizza. Do not thaw the pizza; cook it straight from frozen for the best texture. If your pizza is too large for the basket, slice it into manageable pieces. For example, a 12-inch pizza can be cut into quarters and cooked in batches. If you want to add extra toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or cheese, do so sparingly to avoid overwhelming the pizza. A light spray of olive oil on the toppings can prevent them from burning or flying off due to the air fryer’s strong air circulation.

Step 3: Place the Pizza in the Air Fryer

Place the pizza directly in the air fryer basket or on the tray for oven-style models. Avoid using parchment paper or foil unless your basket is prone to sticking, as these can block airflow and result in a softer crust. If you must use a liner, opt for perforated parchment to allow heat circulation. Ensure the pizza sits in a single layer without overlapping for even cooking.

Step 4: Set the Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time varies based on the pizza’s size, crust thickness, and your air fryer model. Here’s a general guide for different types of frozen pizza at 360-380°F (180-195°C):

• Mini Pizza (5-6 inches): 6-8 minutes
• Personal-Sized Pizza (7-10 inches): 8-10 minutes
• Thin-Crust Pizza: 6-8 minutes
• Deep-Dish or Stuffed-Crust Pizza: 10-12 minutes
• French Bread Pizza: 8-10 minutes

Start with the lower end of the time range and check the pizza after 6 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust and melted, bubbly cheese. If the toppings are browning too quickly, lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) or cover the pizza loosely with foil, tucking the edges under to keep it in place. For extra crispiness, add 1-2 minutes, but check frequently to avoid burning.

Step 5: Check and Adjust

Air fryers vary in power, so your first pizza may require some trial and error. If the crust is pale or soft, add 1-2 minutes. If the toppings are burning but the crust isn’t done, try spraying the top with oil or cooking at a lower temperature for longer. For thicker crusts, consider flipping the pizza halfway through to ensure the bottom crisps up, though this isn’t always necessary. If your air fryer has hot spots, rotate the pizza or basket for even cooking.

Step 6: Remove and Rest

Once cooked, carefully remove the pizza using a spatula or tongs. Let it rest on a cutting board for 2-3 minutes to set the cheese and make slicing easier. This also prevents you from burning your mouth on molten cheese. Slice with a pizza cutter and serve with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or garlic butter for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Frozen Pizza

To take your pizza to the next level, try these expert tips:

• Enhance the Crust: Brush the crust edges with olive oil or garlic butter before cooking for a golden, flavorful finish.
• Prevent Topping Mishaps: If lightweight toppings like pepperoni or veggies are blowing off, secure them with a sprinkle of extra cheese or toothpicks. Alternatively, add delicate toppings like fresh basil after cooking.
• Customize Your Pizza: Add fresh veggies, herbs, or a drizzle of hot sauce post-cooking to boost flavor without affecting cook time.
• Reheat Leftovers: To reheat leftover pizza, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes. This revives the crispy crust and melty cheese better than a microwave.
• Clean-Up Hack: If cheese drips, place a small piece of foil under the pizza for the last few minutes of cooking to catch drips without blocking airflow.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best intentions, things can go awry. Here’s how to fix common problems:

• Burnt Toppings, Undercooked Crust: Lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and extend the cooking time. Cover the pizza with foil if needed.
• Soggy Crust: Avoid parchment paper or liners, and ensure the pizza is placed directly in the basket. Preheat the air fryer and don’t overcrowd the basket.
• Uneven Cooking: Rotate the pizza halfway through or adjust its position in the basket. If using an oven-style air fryer, move the pizza to a different rack level.
• Toppings Flying Off: Spray the toppings with oil, add extra cheese to weigh them down, or add them halfway through cooking.

Adapting Oven Instructions for Air Fryer

Most frozen pizza packages provide oven instructions, but you can adapt them for an air fryer. Reduce the oven temperature by 20-25°F (e.g., 400°F becomes 375-380°F) and cut the cooking time by about 20% (e.g., 12-14 minutes becomes 9-11 minutes). Always start with a shorter time and check for doneness, as air fryers cook faster than ovens. For precise conversions, tools like the Love Food Not Cooking oven-to-air-fryer calculator can help.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer frozen pizza is a meal on its own, but you can round it out with sides like a fresh salad with vinaigrette, air fryer chicken wings, or garlic knots. For a fun twist, cut the pizza into squares for appetizers or serve with a variety of dipping sauces. Pair it with a cold drink or a glass of wine for a cozy, hassle-free dinner.

By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked frozen pizza in no time. Remember to select the right pizza, preheat your air fryer, and monitor the cooking process for optimal results. With a little experimentation and some personalization, you’ll be serving up mouthwatering pizza creations in no time.