Air Fryer Frozen Pizza: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen pizza, yielding crispy crusts and gooey cheese. They are ideal for cooking small, personal pizzas or reheating leftover slices. The convection heating of an air fryer ensures even cooking and a crispy crust without the sogginess associated with microwave cooking. To cook a frozen pizza in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to between 380-400°F and cook the pizza for 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the crust.

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the pizza-making process. It ensures that your pizza will cook evenly and that the outside will be crispy while the inside is fully cooked and hot. Think of your air fryer as a mini oven – you wouldn't put food in an oven before it's preheated, and the same goes for your air fryer.

Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F for 2-3 minutes. This temperature range is ideal for cooking frozen pizza, as it will give you a crispy crust without burning the toppings. The exact temperature you choose within this range may depend on the type of air fryer you have and how hot it cooks, as well as the size and thickness of your pizza.

Once preheated, you can add your frozen pizza to the air fryer and cook for 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the crust. If you're cooking a thicker crust pizza, it may take up to 8 minutes or more. Keep an eye on your pizza to make sure it doesn't burn.

If you're cooking a pizza with lots of toppings, you may want to spray a light layer of oil on top to prevent the toppings from burning. You can also add extra cheese in the last minute of cooking to make your pizza even cheesier!

Cook for 6-10 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer to 380-400°F (195°C in some models) and added your frozen pizza, it's time to cook it for 6-10 minutes. This timing will vary depending on the thickness of your pizza crust and the type of pizza you're cooking. For instance, a small frozen personal pizza or mini pizza should be cooked at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. Frozen French bread pizza should be cooked at 350°F for about 5 minutes, while personal frozen deep-dish pizzas should be cooked at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. If you're cooking Ellio's pizza, set the temperature to 350°F and cook for about 5 minutes, adding extra cheese in the last minute if you like.

If you're cooking a pizza with lots of toppings, it's a good idea to spray a light layer of oil on top to prevent the toppings from burning. You can also add extra toppings to your pizza before cooking, but make sure they're sliced thinly so they'll be able to cook through. Check on your pizza regularly during cooking to ensure it doesn't become overcooked.

Your pizza is ready when the cheese is melted and the crust is golden and crispy. Remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Rotate halfway through

To ensure your frozen pizza cooks evenly, it's important to rotate it halfway through. This is because air fryers have a heat source at the top, so rotating the pizza allows all sides to be exposed to the heat and ensures an even cook.

Depending on the type of crust and air fryer model, the pizza may need longer to cook. A thicker crust, for example, will likely take 8 minutes or more. Check the pizza at the halfway mark and rotate it. You can then check again at the 9-minute mark to see how well it's cooking and add an additional 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness if needed.

If you're adding toppings to your pizza, it's best to add vegetables at the start and pre-cooked meats halfway through to avoid overcooking.

Reheat at 350°F for 2-4 minutes

Reheating pizza in an air fryer is a great way to get it tasting as good as new. It's quick, easy, and gives you a crispy crust and gooey, melted cheese.

If you're reheating a frozen pizza in an air fryer, it's best to cook it at 350°F for 8-12 minutes. Check on it at around the 8-minute mark and then continue cooking if needed.

For thin crust pizza, 350°F for 2-4 minutes should be enough. If you're reheating a thicker crust pizza, you might want to lower the temperature to 300°F and heat for 5-7 minutes.

• Preheat your air fryer for the best results.
• Place the pizza slices in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Use parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, but be aware that this may affect airflow and crispiness.
• Keep an eye on your pizza to avoid burning.
• The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your pizza crust.

Add toppings halfway through

If you want to add toppings to your frozen pizza, it's best to add vegetables at the start of the cooking process and pre-cooked meats halfway through. This will prevent the meat from overcooking.

If you're adding your own toppings to a frozen pizza, you'll first need to decide which type of pizza you want to cook. Small personal pizzas that are under 14 inches work best in a large air fryer. The best frozen pizzas to use are those with a thinner crust, as they cook quicker and crisp better in an air fryer.

Once you've chosen your pizza, preheat your air fryer to 380°F for a few minutes. Then, take the pizza out of the box and place it directly into the air fryer basket. If you're adding vegetables to your pizza, add them now, before starting to cook the pizza.

Air fry your pizza for 9-10 minutes. At the halfway mark, rotate the pizza to ensure it cooks evenly. If you're adding pre-cooked meat toppings, add them now. Continue to cook the pizza for another 4-5 minutes, checking regularly to make sure it doesn't overcook.

Once the cheese is melted and the crust is golden and crispy, your pizza is ready to be removed from the air fryer. Allow it to cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions