Marianne Martinez
There are many ways to cook frozen pizza, but using an air fryer is one of the quickest and easiest methods. In just 10 minutes or less, you can have a perfectly crispy pizza with gooey, melted cheese. The air fryer's hot air cooks the pizza from below, resulting in a golden crust that rivals pizzeria pizza. With minimal prep and the right temperature settings, you can transform a frozen pizza into a delicious, crispy treat. So, if you're short on time or craving a quick snack, the air fryer is your best friend for cooking frozen pizza!
How to Cook Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat Air Fryer | Yes, to 350-400°F (180–200°C) |
| Use of Parchment Paper/Aluminum Foil | No, unless pizza is burning |
| Pizza Type | Thin crust, deep dish, mini, full-size, gluten-free |
| Pizza Size | Small personal pizzas under 14" work best |
| Pizza Brands | Amy's, Open Nature, Rao's, Newman's |
| Pizza Temperature | 380-400°F (200°C) |
| Pizza Timing | 6-10 minutes, check at 9 minutes |
| Pizza Toppings | Toppings may blow off, check after 4 minutes |
| Reheating Leftovers | 2-3 minutes at 350°F (180°C) |
| Slicing | Slice before cooking if pizza is too big |
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Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the pizza-making process. It ensures that your pizza will cook evenly and that the crust will be crispy. Think of your air fryer as a mini oven: you always preheat an oven before placing food inside, and the same is true of an air fryer.
To preheat your air fryer, set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C). If you are using a toaster oven-style air fryer, you may need to preheat it for 20 minutes. However, if you are using a grill, preheat it for at least 15 minutes on high, then reduce the temperature to medium or medium-low. If you are using a smoker, preheat it to the temperature specified on the pizza package to prevent the pizza from sticking to the grates.
Once your air fryer is preheated, you can place your frozen pizza inside and cook it for 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the type of pizza and your desired level of crispness. If you are cooking a full-size pizza, you may need to slice it first, as most air fryers cannot accommodate a whole pizza.
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Recommended temperatures
The recommended temperature for cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer varies depending on the type of pizza and the air fryer model. Most sources recommend preheating the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) or 400°F (200°C) for 5–15 minutes.
For smaller personal pizzas or mini pizzas, a temperature of 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes is suggested. If your pizza is starting to burn before it is fully cooked, you can cover it with aluminium foil to prevent burning.
For frozen French bread pizza or Ellio's frozen pizza, a temperature of 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes is recommended.
If you are reheating leftover pizza in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook the pizza for 2–3 minutes.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your pizza and the specific model of your air fryer. You may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly to ensure your pizza is cooked to your desired level of crispness.
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Cooking times
The cooking time for frozen pizza in an air fryer depends on the type of pizza, the size, and the specific air fryer model being used. It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer before placing the frozen pizza inside. This ensures that the pizza cooks evenly and that the crust becomes crispy.
For a toaster oven-style air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the pizza. Smaller personal pizzas or mini pizzas will take less time to cook than larger pizzas. For a small pizza, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 6-8 minutes. For larger pizzas, you may need to cook for up to 10 minutes or longer.
If you are cooking multiple slices of pizza, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes. Repeat this process until all the slices are cooked. If your pizza starts to burn before it is fully cooked, cover it with aluminium foil to prevent burning.
Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pizza crust. For example, if you are cooking a frozen French bread pizza or Ellio's frozen pizza, cook at 400°F for about 5 minutes. For gluten-free crust, preheat the air fryer to 380°F and cook for around 10 minutes.
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Pizza sizes
Pizza Size Considerations for Air Frying
Air fryer capacity and pizza size are important considerations when cooking frozen pizza. Most air fryers cannot accommodate a full-size pizza, so you may need to slice it into smaller pieces or opt for mini pizzas. The size of your air fryer basket will determine the size of pizza you can cook. For example, a basket-style air fryer typically fits personal-sized pizzas that are 5-6 inches in diameter. If you have a larger toaster oven-style air fryer, you can cook larger pizzas, but cooking time will need to be adjusted accordingly.
To cook a full-size pizza, consider using an air fryer oven, which provides more space. These models often have a "Air Fry" function and can fit pizzas up to 12 inches in size.
Cooking times for frozen pizzas in an air fryer generally range from 6 to 8 minutes for personal-sized pizzas, but this can vary depending on the thickness of the crust and the desired crispness. If cooking a larger pizza that has been cut into slices, you may need to cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
Additionally, the type of pizza, such as thin crust or deep dish, will impact the cooking time. For instance, frozen French bread pizzas or Ellio's frozen pizzas are cooked at a higher temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes.
Preheating your air fryer is crucial to ensure even cooking and the desired crispness. Most instructions recommend preheating to temperatures between 350 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes.
To summarize, when cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer, consider the size of your air fryer basket, the size and thickness of the pizza, and adjust cooking times accordingly. Preheating and monitoring the pizza during cooking are also essential steps to ensure the desired crispness and avoid overcooking.
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Toppings
When it comes to toppings for your frozen pizza, the sky is the limit! You can add your favourite veggies, meats, and cheeses to create a pizza that's perfectly tailored to your taste buds. Here are some tips and suggestions for toppings:
Veggies
Feel free to load up on your favourite vegetables. Some popular options include sliced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, and jalapenos. If you're using veggies with a high water content, like mushrooms or tomatoes, it's a good idea to sauté them lightly before adding them to your pizza to avoid making the crust soggy. You can also opt for roasted veggies like eggplant or zucchini, which pair well with other toppings.
Meats
If you're a meat lover, there are plenty of options to choose from. Pre-cooked meats like pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, ham, or salami are excellent choices. Just remember to add them halfway through the cooking process to prevent overcooking. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try something unique like barbecue chicken or shredded beef.
Cheeses
Cheese is a crucial component of any pizza, and you can get creative here. While mozzarella is a classic, you can also experiment with other varieties like cheddar, Parmesan, gouda, or Monterey Jack. For an extra indulgent touch, try a blend of multiple cheeses. If you're serving your pizza with a side of garlic bread or breadsticks, consider sprinkling some garlic butter on top of your pizza before adding the cheese for an extra punch of flavour.
Other Toppings
Don't be afraid to think outside the box! Olives, pineapple chunks, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts can all make delicious additions to your pizza. You can also add some spice with red pepper flakes or crushed chillies. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can take your pizza to the next level. Just remember to add them after cooking to preserve their flavour and texture.
Tips for Topping Placement
When adding toppings to your frozen pizza, it's important to ensure they're evenly distributed. Start by adding a layer of cheese, then arrange your desired toppings, and finish with another layer of cheese to help everything stick together. This will give you a delicious, gooey result. Additionally, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the amount and type of toppings you add.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 6 to 10 minutes to cook a frozen pizza in an air fryer. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the type, size, and thickness of the pizza, as well as the specific model of the air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F to 400°F. If your pizza package instructions recommend a higher temperature, like 400°F, reduce the temperature by 20-25°F for the air fryer.
Check on your pizza after the first few minutes of cooking and see if the toppings have blown off. If they have, remove the basket and replace the toppings before returning the basket to the air fryer for the remaining cooking time.
