Air Fryer Frozen Pizza: A Quick Cooking Option?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to traditional ovens, especially when cooking for one or two people. They are faster, use less energy, and are perfect for preparing frozen foods, including pizza. While cooking times and temperatures vary depending on the type of pizza and the air fryer model, a preheated air fryer can cook a frozen pizza in as little as five minutes, resulting in a crispy crust and melted cheese.

Preheat your air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your food cooks evenly and that the timing in your recipe is accurate. When cooking a frozen pizza, preheating your air fryer will help to create a crispy crust and ensure that the inside is fully cooked.

To preheat your air fryer, turn it on and set the temperature to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature will depend on the type of pizza you are cooking and your air fryer model. For example, if you are cooking a small, personal pizza or a mini pizza, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are cooking a larger pizza, such as a French bread pizza, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If your pizza is frozen, you may need to preheat your air fryer for a slightly shorter time, as you don't want the exterior to burn before the interior is cooked. As a rule of thumb, preheat your air fryer for around 2 to 5 minutes.

If you are using a silicone basket, it is recommended to start your temperature at 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for a few minutes longer. This is because the baskets set the food slightly higher, which can cause the cheese to brown more quickly.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can place your frozen pizza inside and cook it for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. If you are cooking a smaller pizza, such as a mini pizza, cook it for around 7 minutes. If you are reheating leftover pizza, cook it for 2 to 3 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the type, size, and thickness of your pizza, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Always keep an eye on your pizza to ensure it doesn't burn, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Cook time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for a frozen pizza in an air fryer depend on the type, size, and thickness of the pizza, as well as the specific air fryer model being used. Most air fryers won't fit a full-size pizza, so you may need to slice it into smaller pieces or opt for mini pizzas. It's recommended to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes, and then cook the pizza for around 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired crispness and the specific air fryer model.

For a small frozen personal pizza or a mini pizza, cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 8 minutes. Frozen French bread pizza and Ellio's pizza should be cooked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. For a personal frozen deep-dish pizza, cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 8 minutes. If your pizza starts to burn before it's fully cooked, cover it with aluminium foil, folding the foil underneath to prevent it from being lifted by the hot air.

When cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer, it's important to note that the heat source is on the top, so ensure that there is nothing blocking the air circulation to the bottom of the pizza. Avoid using parchment paper or aluminium foil underneath the pizza as this can cause a softer crust. If using a silicone basket, set the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for a few minutes longer.

Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model. As a general guideline, reduce the temperature by 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit and decrease the cooking time by approximately 20% when adapting conventional oven recipes to air fryer recipes. For example, if the package instructions recommend a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes, set the air fryer temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-11 minutes.

Air fryer models and sizes

Air fryers come in various sizes and models, and this can impact the cooking time and temperature for your frozen pizza. It's important to note that most air fryers cannot fit a full-size pizza, so you might need to slice it into smaller portions or opt for mini pizzas.

Some popular air fryer models include the Philips HD9252/90 Air Fryer, Ninja DZ401 DualZone XL Air Fryer, and Cosori Pro II. The Ninja DZ401 DualZone XL Air Fryer, for example, is a rectangular model that can accommodate a full-sized pizza. On the other hand, the Philips HD9252/90 Air Fryer and Cosori Pro II are likely more compact, basket-style air fryers.

The size and style of your air fryer will determine whether you can cook a whole pizza or just slices. Basket-style air fryers typically have smaller capacities, so you might need to cut your pizza into portions that fit in a single layer. On the other hand, larger toaster oven-style air fryers may allow you to cook a larger pizza but will require adjustments to the cooking time.

Additionally, the temperature settings and cooking times can vary across different air fryer models. Some sources recommend preheating your air fryer to temperatures between 350°F and 400°F, while others suggest setting the temperature as high as 400°F for the entire cooking process. The cooking time can range from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness and size of your pizza.

Pizza types and sizes

Yes, you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to get a crispy crust and melted cheese.

Pizza comes in many shapes and sizes, and the type of pizza you want to cook will determine the best cooking method. The most common types of pizza are:

• Neapolitan: The original pizza from Naples, Italy, dating back to the 18th century. It is typically thin-crusted and has simple toppings, such as tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
• New York: A variation of Neapolitan pizza with a foldable, crispy outer crust. New York pizzas can handle a wider range of toppings and are often served with condiments like oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.
• St. Louis: Not much information about this type of pizza has been found.
• Chicago: Also known as deep-dish pizza, this style is baked in a deep pan or cast-iron skillet, resulting in a thick, fluffy crust.

Pizza sizes can vary, and most air fryers won't fit a full-size pizza. If you have a larger toaster oven-style air fryer, you can cook larger pizzas, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Personal pizzas or mini pizzas are a better fit for most air fryers.

When cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer, it's recommended to preheat the air fryer first to get a crispy crust. You can then cook the pizza directly on the rack for 6-8 minutes at 350-400°F (180°C) until the cheese is melted. If your pizza starts to burn, you can cover it with aluminium foil to prevent over-browning.

So, whether you're cooking a thin-crust Neapolitan or a mini deep-dish pizza, an air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy a crispy and delicious frozen pizza at home.

Reheating pizza

To reheat leftover pizza in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the leftover pizza in the air fryer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

If you're cooking frozen pizza, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen pizza in the air fryer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the pizza is hot and the cheese has melted. The cooking time will depend on the type, size, and thickness of your pizza, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. For example, a mini pizza may only take 5 minutes to cook, while a large pizza can take up to 15 minutes.

If your pizza starts to burn before it's fully cooked, cover it with aluminium foil. You can also use aluminium foil to prevent the cheese from browning too much.

Some air fryers, like the Ninja Foodi, don't need any preheating time before adding the pizza. Just place the pizza directly on the rack and choose the BAKE setting at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.

Keep in mind that air fryers with the heat source above the cooking area may not be the best option for cooking pizza, as the toppings can cook faster than the crust.

Frequently asked questions