Air Fryer Frozen Pizza: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get a crispy crust and evenly melted cheese in under 10 minutes. The key to success is preheating the air fryer to around 180°C/360°F and cooking the pizza for 6-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the crust.

Preheat settings for air fryer frozen pizza

Preheat Temperature

Most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C) when cooking frozen pizza. However, it's important to note that air fryers can vary in how they cook, so you may need to adjust the temperature setting based on your particular model. For example, if your air fryer cooks very hot, you may want to reduce the temperature to 360°F (180°C) to avoid burning your pizza.

Preheat Time

The preheat time for your air fryer will depend on the model you are using. Some air fryers have a preheat mode that you can use, while others may require you to set the air fryer to air fry for 3-4 minutes to preheat. Check your air fryer's instructions to determine the best way to preheat it.

Pizza Type and Size

The type and size of pizza you are cooking will also impact the preheat settings. For example, if you are cooking a thick-crust or deep-dish pizza, you may need to preheat your air fryer for a little longer to ensure the crust is fully cooked. Similarly, if you are cooking a larger pizza that is close to the size of your air fryer, you may need to reduce the temperature to avoid burning the toppings before the crust is cooked.

Additional Tips

• If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat mode, you can set it to air fry for 3-4 minutes to preheat while you prepare your pizza.
• If your pizza has a lot of toppings, consider spraying a light layer of oil on top to prevent them from burning.
• For a crispier crust, place the frozen pizza directly on the air fryer tray or basket. For a softer crust, place parchment paper under the pizza (if recommended for your air fryer).

Air fryer temperature and time for frozen pizza

Air fryers are a great alternative to cooking frozen pizza in the oven. They can cook pizzas faster, without the need to wait for the oven to preheat, and they also produce a perfectly crispy crust.

Air Fryer Temperature

Most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to around 350-400°F (180°C) before cooking your frozen pizza.

Air Fryer Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the size, thickness, and type of pizza you are cooking, as well as the power of your air fryer. A small, personal pizza or a few slices of pizza will take around 5-10 minutes to cook. A thicker, deep-dish pizza may take up to 15 minutes.

It is recommended to check on your pizza regularly to ensure it does not burn, and to add a few extra minutes of cooking time if needed.

Tips

• If your pizza starts to burn before it is fully cooked, you can cover it with aluminium foil to prevent the air fryer's hot air from lifting it.
• If you want to add extra toppings to your pizza, slice them thinly and place them on top before cooking.
• If you prefer a softer crust, you can place some parchment paper under the pizza (if recommended for your air fryer).

Air fryer frozen pizza toppings

While you can cook frozen pizza in an air fryer, you can also make your own pizza from scratch using fresh ingredients. Here are some tips for making air fryer frozen pizza toppings:

Choosing the Right Pizza

The first step to making delicious air fryer frozen pizza toppings is to choose the right type of pizza. You can use a personal-sized pizza, a French bread pizza, or even a deep-dish pizza. Just make sure that the pizza fits comfortably in your air fryer with enough space for the toppings.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before adding any toppings, it's important to preheat your air fryer. This will ensure that your pizza cooks evenly and that the toppings don't burn. Most air fryers have a preheat function, but if yours doesn't, simply set it to air fry for 3-4 minutes before adding the pizza.

Adding Extra Toppings

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to add your favourite toppings! You can add extra cheese, vegetables, meats, or even fresh herbs. Just make sure that your toppings are sliced thinly so that they cook through properly. You don't want to overcrowd the pizza, as this can affect the cooking time and the toppings may not cook evenly.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of pizza you are using and the size and power of your air fryer. As a general guideline, cook your pizza at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on your pizza while it's cooking, and add more time as needed until it's cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Preventing Burning

If your pizza starts to burn before it's fully cooked, you can cover it with aluminium foil. Make sure to fold the foil under the pizza to prevent the hot air from lifting it. You can also try spraying a light layer of oil on top of the toppings to prevent them from burning.

Serving and Storing

Once your pizza is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving. You can serve it as is, or get creative with some gourmet toppings such as fresh basil leaves, arugula, or a drizzle of ranch dressing. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Air fryer frozen pizza cooking tips

Preheat your air fryer

Set your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C) and preheat for 2-5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, set it to air fry for 3-4 minutes.

Prepare your pizza

Take your pizza out of its packaging and place it in the air fryer. If your pizza is too big for your air fryer, you can slice it into smaller pieces or cut it in half and cook it in sections. If you want to add extra toppings, slice them thinly and place them on top of the pizza before cooking.

Cook your pizza

Cook your pizza for 6-10 minutes, checking regularly to ensure it doesn't become overcooked. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your pizza, as well as the power of your air fryer. If you like your crust crispy, place the pizza directly on the air fryer tray or basket. For a softer crust, place some parchment paper underneath the pizza.

Check your pizza is cooked

Your pizza is ready when the cheese is golden and starting to crisp. If you prefer a crispier crust, put it back in the air fryer for another 2 minutes.

Reheat and store leftovers

You can easily reheat pizza in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook the pizza for 2-3 minutes. Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3-4 days.

Air fryer frozen pizza alternatives

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen pizzas, but what if you don't have one? Here are some alternative ways to cook a frozen pizza:

Conventional Oven

The traditional way to cook a frozen pizza is by using a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on the pizza box, place the frozen pizza directly on the middle rack, and cook for the suggested time. This method can take longer than an air fryer, but it's a reliable way to get a crispy crust and melted cheese.

Toaster Oven

If you're cooking a personal-sized pizza, a toaster oven can be a great alternative to an air fryer. Preheat your toaster oven to the recommended temperature, place the pizza directly on the rack, and cook for the suggested time. Toaster ovens are smaller than conventional ovens and can cook pizzas more quickly and efficiently.

Grill

For a unique flavor, try cooking your frozen pizza on a grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat and place the pizza directly on the grill grates. Cook for a few minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. Grilling adds a smoky flavor to your pizza and can be a fun outdoor cooking option.

Skillet

If you want to cook your frozen pizza on the stovetop, a cast-iron skillet can do the trick. Preheat your skillet over medium heat and place the pizza inside. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to help melt the cheese and cook until the crust is crispy. This method is great for getting a crispy, golden crust.

Pizza Stone

Using a pizza stone is another way to get a crispy crust. Preheat your oven with the pizza stone inside, and then place your frozen pizza directly on the stone. The stone will absorb the oven's heat and cook the pizza evenly, resulting in a perfectly crispy crust.

So, while an air fryer is a convenient way to cook a frozen pizza, there are plenty of alternative options to choose from. Each method has its own benefits, and you can experiment to find the one that suits your preferences and equipment. Happy cooking!

Frequently asked questions