Tiffany Haney
Cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a steaming hot pizza on the table in less than 10 minutes. It's a great option for a short lunch break or a quick snack when you can't be bothered to order food. The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can transform soggy leftovers into fresh-as-new entrees, make crispy French fries, and even cook hard-boiled eggs in minutes. But how long do you cook frozen pizza in an air fryer?
Cooking Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat Temperature | 350°F (180°C) to 400°F |
| Preheat Time | 2-5 minutes |
| Pizza Temperature | 380°F |
| Cooking Time | 6-15 minutes |
| Pizza Type | Thin crust, deep dish, mini pizzas, or full-size pizzas |
| Pizza Size | Most air fryers won't fit a full-size pizza |
| Pizza Crust | Crispy |
| Pizza Toppings | Cheese, pepperoni, sausage, ham, Canadian bacon, ground beef, bacon, etc. |
| Pizza Container | No parchment paper or aluminum foil underneath |
| Leftovers | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in cooking frozen pizza. While it may not be absolutely necessary, doing so is recommended for the best results. By preheating your air fryer, you ensure a consistent cooking temperature, which is essential for achieving the desired crispness of your pizza crust.
To preheat your air fryer effectively, follow these steps:
- Set the Temperature: Adjust your air fryer's temperature setting to the desired level. The ideal temperature for cooking frozen pizza varies depending on the source, with suggestions ranging from 350°F (180°C) to 400°F (204°C). Experiment with different temperatures to find your preferred setting.
- Allow for Preheating Time: Give your air fryer a few minutes to reach the set temperature. The specific preheating time may depend on your air fryer model and the chosen temperature. Some sources suggest preheating for as little as 2-3 minutes, while others recommend a longer duration.
- Prepare the Pizza: While your air fryer is preheating, you can use this time efficiently by preparing your frozen pizza. Remove the pizza from its packaging and place it on a chopping board or a counter. If needed, slice the pizza into portions that will fit in your air fryer basket.
- Optional: Add Toppings: If you prefer to add extra toppings to your frozen pizza, this is the perfect time to do so. Common topping choices include pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, and extra cheese.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious, crispy frozen pizza cooked in your preheated air fryer. Remember that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on your air fryer model and the type of pizza you're cooking, so stay vigilant and adjust as needed.
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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. Most sources recommend preheating the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (180°C-200°C) and cooking the pizza for 6 to 10 minutes. However, some sources suggest cooking the pizza at a lower temperature of 380°F (193°C) for a longer period of time, especially for larger pizzas or thicker crusts.
For a personal-sized pizza with a medium-thickness crust, one source recommends preheating the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cooking the pizza for 6 minutes, checking regularly and adding time as needed. If the crust is thicker, it may take up to 8 minutes or more. Another source suggests preheating to 380°F (193°C) for 2-3 minutes and then cooking the pizza for 6 to 10 minutes.
For a full-sized pizza, you may need to lower the temperature to around 350°F (180°C) and increase the cooking time. This may require some experimentation, as crust thickness can vary between brands. If your pizza starts to burn before it is fully cooked, you can cover it with aluminium foil to prevent further browning.
If you are cooking a single slice of pizza, you can preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook the slice for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the desired crispness. If you are cooking multiple slices, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
It is worth noting that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the specific air fryer model, so it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the settings as needed. Additionally, some sources recommend using a pizza stone or cast iron skillet to achieve a crispier crust, but it is important to ensure that these tools are preheated gradually to avoid thermal shock.
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Pizza size and type
If you're cooking a full-size pizza, you might need to lower the temperature and increase the cooking time. This may require some experimentation, as different air fryers have different capacities and cooking strengths. Additionally, the brand of pizza you choose will impact the cooking time due to variations in crust thickness and toppings. For example, French bread pizzas are usually larger and thicker than round personal pizzas, requiring an additional minute or so of cooking time.
To ensure your pizza cooks evenly, it's recommended to rotate it halfway through the cooking process. This is especially important if your air fryer doesn't have a basket, as the heat distribution may vary across the cooking chamber. You can also adjust the temperature and cooking time based on your preferred level of crispness. For a crispier crust, consider adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
When cooking multiple pizzas, it's worth noting that the subsequent pizzas may cook faster. Therefore, you might need to reduce the cooking time for the second and third pizzas. Additionally, if your air fryer is preheated, you may also need to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes, unless the recipe specifically calls for preheating.
Lastly, while some sources suggest adding toppings before cooking, others recommend adding certain toppings, such as cheese and chili flakes, after cooking for the best results.
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Using aluminium foil
While cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer, you can use aluminium foil to prevent the pizza from burning. If your pizza starts to burn before it is fully cooked, cover it with aluminium foil. Fold the foil under the pizza to ensure the hot air cannot lift it.
To cook frozen pizza in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 380°F (some sources suggest 400°F) for 2-3 minutes. If your pizza is not pre-sliced, you can slice it into 8 pieces. Then, place the pizza in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. If you have a thicker crust, it may take up to 10 minutes or more.
If you are cooking a frozen French bread pizza or Ellio's frozen pizza, cook at 400°F for about 5 minutes.
If you are cooking slices of pizza, place as many slices as will fit in one layer in your preheated air fryer basket, and air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes. Repeat as many times as needed to heat all the slices.
You can also use aluminium foil to wrap leftover pizza before storing it in the fridge.
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Reheating pizza
First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). If your pizza has been stored in the freezer, you don't need to thaw it first; the air fryer can handle frozen pizza slices straight from the freezer. However, if your pizza has a lot of cheese, consider placing a piece of parchment paper underneath to catch any cheese or oil that melts off the sides. Just be sure to poke a few small holes in the parchment paper to allow air to circulate.
Next, place your pizza slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between them for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to fit one or two slices at a time.
Now, air fry your pizza at 350°F (180°C) for 3 to 6 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your crust and your desired level of crispness. If your pizza starts to burn before it's fully heated, cover it with a piece of aluminium foil, folding the foil underneath to keep it in place.
And that's it! With your air fryer, you can enjoy perfectly crispy pizza slices that taste just like they came fresh out of the oven. No more sad, soggy pizza reheated in the microwave or cold leftover pizza for breakfast!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook frozen pizza in an air fryer for 6 to 10 minutes. 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.
It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit or 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the pizza at the same temperature. However, some sources suggest cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
No, it is not necessary to thaw frozen pizza before cooking it in an air fryer. You can cook the pizza directly from frozen.
Using parchment paper or aluminium foil in the air fryer when cooking frozen pizza is not recommended as it may affect the airflow and prevent the pizza from cooking evenly. However, if your pizza starts to burn before it is fully cooked, you can cover it with aluminium foil to prevent further burning.
