Frozen pizza in air fryer
If you put a frozen pizza straight into the air fryer, it can easily end up soft in the center while the cheese burns before the crust is fully cooked. The key is getting the temperature, cooking time, and a few simple tricks right. This is what makes the difference between an average frozen pizza and one with a genuinely crispy crust. Looking for more quick freezer favorites? Check out our frozen croquettes and frozen empanadas in the air fryer.
Why an Air Fryer Is Great for Frozen Pizza
An air fryer heats the air and circulates it rapidly around the pizza. This dries the surface of the dough much faster than a conventional oven, helping the crust brown in less time. Because the cooking chamber is also much smaller, you don’t need a long preheating period or as much energy as you would with a traditional oven.
Temperature and Cooking Time for Different Types of Pizza
These times are approximate because every air fryer has slightly different power and airflow, but they are a good starting point.
| Type of Pizza | Temperature | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thin frozen pizza | 180°C / 355°F | 8-10 minutes |
| Thick-crust pizza | 175°C / 350°F | 10-13 minutes |
| Pizza with lots of toppings | 170°C / 340°F | 12-15 minutes |
| Mini pizzas or individual slices | 185°C / 365°F | 6-8 minutes |
If you have a small air fryer basket, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes because the hot air circulates closer to the pizza and can cook it more quickly.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Crispy Frozen Pizza
1. Preheat the Air Fryer for 3 Minutes
Putting the pizza into a cold air fryer can make the crust take longer to crisp up and cause the dough to release moisture before cooking properly. Preheating for around 3 minutes at the recommended temperature is usually enough.
2. Don’t Keep the Pizza on Parchment Paper the Whole Time
Parchment paper can restrict the airflow underneath the pizza, which is exactly where you want strong heat to reach the crust. If you’re worried about melted cheese dripping, use perforated parchment paper or add it only during the final part of cooking.
3. Place the Pizza Without Touching the Basket Walls
The pizza needs some space around it so the hot air can circulate properly. If your air fryer is too small for the entire pizza, cut it into halves or smaller portions before cooking.
4. Rotate It Halfway Through if the Crust Is Uneven
This isn’t always necessary, but if your air fryer cooks more strongly on one side, rotating the pizza 180 degrees halfway through cooking can help prevent one section of the crust from remaining soft.
5. Keep an Eye on the Last 2 Minutes
Cheese can go from perfectly browned to burnt surprisingly quickly. The final couple of minutes are especially important, so check the pizza rather than relying solely on the timer.
Tricks to Make Frozen Pizza Even Crispier
- Lightly prick the crust with a fork before cooking. This allows steam to escape and helps prevent the dough from becoming soft from the inside.
- Lower the temperature and increase the cooking time if the cheese is browning before the crust is ready. This gives the center more time to cook without burning the toppings.
- Brush a little olive oil around the crust for a deeper golden-brown finish.
- Let the pizza rest for 1-2 minutes after removing it from the air fryer. This allows excess steam to escape and helps the crust firm up.
Common Mistakes That Ruin Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer
- Adding too many extra toppings: the air fryer isn’t ideal for large amounts of raw ingredients added on top. Excess cheese or meat can prevent the center from cooking properly.
- Using the maximum temperature to cook it faster: this can burn the toppings before the center of the crust is ready.
- Leaving too little space around the pizza: poor airflow can make the pizza steam instead of becoming crispy.
- Removing it immediately when the timer ends without checking the center: every air fryer is different, so it’s worth checking the crust during the final minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook frozen pizza in an air fryer without thawing it first? Yes. In fact, cooking it directly from frozen is recommended. Thawing the pizza first can cause it to release water, making the crust soft instead of crispy.
Why is my frozen pizza soft in the center when cooked in the air fryer? This is usually because the temperature was too high and the cheese browned before the heat had enough time to reach the center of the crust. Lowering the temperature slightly and adding a couple of minutes usually helps.
Do you need to preheat the air fryer for frozen pizza? It’s recommended to preheat it for about 3 minutes. It isn’t always essential, but it generally gives you a crispier crust and more consistent cooking.
Can you use parchment paper in an air fryer when cooking pizza? Yes, but perforated parchment paper is preferable. You can also use it only during the final part of cooking because regular parchment can restrict airflow underneath the pizza.
How long does a regular frozen pizza take in an air fryer? Usually around 8-13 minutes at 175-180°C / 350-355°F, depending on the thickness of the crust, the size of the pizza, and the power of your air fryer.
Why does the cheese burn before the crust is cooked? This is usually caused by excessive temperature. Lower the temperature by 5-10°C / 10-20°F and allow the pizza to cook for slightly longer while keeping a close eye on the final few minutes.
