Air Fryer Frozen Pizza: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

There are many ways to cook frozen pizza, including using an oven, grill, microwave, or smoker. However, one of the quickest and easiest ways to cook frozen pizza is by using an air fryer. This method can produce a pizza that is crispy, gooey, and melty, with minimal prep time and cooking time of around 10 minutes. The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can also cook other foods like french fries and hard-boiled eggs.

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, achieving the desired crispiness on the outside and a fully cooked, hot interior. Think of your air fryer as a mini oven: you would always preheat an oven before placing food inside, and the same principle applies to an air fryer.

To preheat your air fryer, set it to the desired temperature and let it run for a few minutes. The ideal temperature and duration will depend on the type of pizza you are cooking and your air fryer model. For example, if you are cooking a personal-sized pizza with a medium-thickness crust, preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit, as recommended by one source. Another source suggests a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 5 minutes. If you are cooking a larger pizza, you may need to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, as instructed by one source.

It is worth noting that while preheating is generally recommended, it is not always necessary. One source mentions that you can still cook a delicious pizza in your air fryer even if you don't wait for it to preheat. However, for the best results, it is advisable to preheat your air fryer, especially if you want a crispy crust.

Add toppings

If you want to add your own toppings to a frozen pizza, it's best to use a toaster oven rather than an air fryer. This is because the heat source in an air fryer is above the cooking area, so the toppings cook much faster than the underside of the pizza. The air circulation in the air fryer can also blow your toppings away.

If you do decide to use an air fryer, preheat it to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes. Then, add your desired toppings to your frozen pizza. Meats like pepperoni, sausage, ham, Canadian bacon, ground beef, and bacon are popular options, as is extra cheese. Once you've added your toppings, place the pizza in the air fryer and cook for 6 to 10 minutes.

Place pizza in the air fryer

When you're ready to cook your frozen pizza in the air fryer, the first thing to do is take it out of its plastic wrapping and place it on a chopping board. If you're cooking a full-size pizza, you may need to slice it first, as most air fryers won't fit a whole pizza. If you're cooking a smaller, personal pizza, you can skip this step.

Next, preheat your air fryer. Think of it like a mini oven: you always preheat it before placing food inside. Preheat to 380°F for 2-3 minutes, or 350°F for 5 minutes. If you're using a toaster oven-style air fryer, preheat to 400°F for 20 minutes.

Now it's time to place your pizza in the air fryer. If you've sliced your pizza, place as many slices as will fit in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your pizza is small enough to fit whole, you can keep it as is.

If you're adding toppings, do so now.

Cook for 6-10 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer, it's time to cook your frozen pizza. Place the pizza in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 to 10 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the type of pizza you're making and your desired level of crispness. For example, if you're cooking a thicker crust pizza, it will likely take closer to 8 minutes or more. If you're cooking a thinner crust pizza, it might be done in as little as 6 minutes.

It's important to keep an eye on your pizza while it's cooking to ensure it doesn't burn. If your pizza starts to burn before it's fully cooked, you can cover it with aluminium foil. Be sure to fold the foil under the pizza to prevent the hot air from lifting it. Additionally, if you're cooking a pizza with toppings, be aware that they may cook faster than the crust, so you may need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

When your pizza is done to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the cheese to set and make it easier to cut and eat. Enjoy your delicious, crispy air-fried pizza!

Some sources recommend cooking frozen pizza for a shorter period of time, such as 6 to 8 minutes, or even 5 minutes for French bread pizza or Ellio's frozen pizza. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer and the size and thickness of the pizza. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your pizza and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it's cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Let it cool before serving

Once your pizza is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the cheese to settle and the crust to harden slightly, making it easier to slice and eat. It is important to note that the longer you let the pizza cool, the crispier the crust will become. If you prefer a softer crust, you may want to slice and serve the pizza immediately after removing it from the air fryer.

Additionally, letting the pizza cool will give you time to prepare any sides or toppings you may want to add to your pizza. For example, you could chop up some fresh basil or parsley to sprinkle on top, or prepare a dip like garlic butter or ranch dressing. You could also use this time to set the table and gather everyone for the meal, especially if you are serving the pizza straight from the kitchen.

If you are cooking multiple batches of pizza in the air fryer, it is a good idea to keep the first batch warm while the others cook. You can do this by placing the cooked pizza in a warm oven or under a heat lamp. This way, all the pizzas will be ready to serve at the same time, and no one will have to eat cold pizza!

Finally, letting the pizza cool will give you a chance to clean up any mess you made during the preparation and cooking process. This includes wiping down any counters or surfaces that may have gotten dirty, as well as cleaning the air fryer itself. By letting the pizza cool, you can ensure that you have a clean and tidy space to enjoy your meal.

Frequently asked questions