Air Fryer Frozen Pizza: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook frozen pizza, resulting in a crispy crust and melted cheese. The convection heating of an air fryer evenly cooks all sides of the pizza, preventing it from becoming soggy. The ideal temperature for cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer is between 380-400°F (180-200°C) for 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the crust. It is important to note that air fryers are generally designed for smaller, personal pizzas, and adjustments may be needed for larger pizzas.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the pizza-making process. By preheating, you ensure that your pizza will cook evenly and that the outside will be crispy while the inside is fully cooked and hot.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and let it run at the desired temperature for a few minutes before adding your food. For making frozen pizza, you should preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. This temperature range is ideal for cooking frozen pizza because it will ensure that your pizza is cooked through and that the crust is crispy.

Depending on the model of your air fryer, preheating can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. For most air fryers, preheating at 350°F for 5 minutes should be sufficient. However, if you are using a toaster oven-style air fryer, you may need to preheat for a longer period of time.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can place your frozen pizza inside and cook it according to the instructions provided with your pizza or air fryer. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your pizza crust and the size of your air fryer.

By preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature, you can ensure that your frozen pizza will come out perfectly cooked and crispy every time.

Place the frozen pizza inside

Now, carefully place the frozen pizza inside the air fryer basket. If your pizza is too big, you can slice it into smaller pieces or even quarters, and cook it in batches. It's best not to use any parchment paper or aluminium foil underneath the pizza, as this will make the crust softer.

If you're using a silicone basket, start the temperature at 380°F and cook for a little longer. You can also add your favourite toppings before cooking, and then sprinkle on extra cheese in the final minute.

If you're cooking a thicker crust pizza, you may need to air fry for a little longer to get the crispness you want.

Air fry for 6-10 minutes

Now, it's time to air fry your pizza! Place the frozen pizza in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to between 380 °F and 400 °F. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pizza crust and the wattage of your air fryer. As a general rule of thumb, air fry your pizza for 6 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. Keep a close eye on your pizza to ensure it doesn't burn. If your pizza starts to burn before it's fully cooked, you can cover it with aluminium foil, folding the foil under the pizza to prevent the hot air from lifting it.

If you're cooking a thick-crust or deep-dish pizza, you may need to air fry for slightly longer to achieve the desired crispness. On the other hand, if you're cooking a thin-crust pizza, it will likely take less time.

While your pizza is cooking, you can prepare some sides or a salad to go with your meal. You could also use this time to clean up any utensils or preparation dishes you used earlier.

Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the pizza from the air fryer using heat-resistant tongs or oven mitts. Allow the pizza to cool slightly before digging in—those melted cheeses can be mighty hot!

And that's it! You now have a perfectly cooked, crispy, and delicious frozen pizza, hot and ready to enjoy.

Add toppings before cooking

Adding toppings to your frozen pizza before cooking it in the air fryer is a great way to elevate your pizza game. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you add toppings like a pro:

Choose Your Toppings

The beauty of making pizza at home is that you can customise it to your liking. When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless. Here are some popular options to consider:

• Meats: Pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, or salami.
• Vegetables: Onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, spinach, or artichokes.
• Fruits: Pineapple, sliced tomatoes, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Cheeses: Mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, gouda, or feta.

Prepare the Pizza for Toppings

Before adding your chosen toppings, there are a few important steps to follow:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350°F and 400°F, and let it preheat for a few minutes. This step ensures that your pizza cooks evenly.
• Prepare the pizza: Open the packaging and place the frozen pizza in the air fryer basket. If your pizza is too big to fit, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces or slices.

Adding the Toppings

Once your air fryer is preheated and your pizza is in the basket, it's time to add your toppings:

• Start with a thin layer of sauce: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce, pesto, or another sauce of your choice over the surface of the pizza, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Add your chosen toppings: Sprinkle your selected meats, vegetables, and cheeses over the sauced area. Be careful not to overload the pizza, as too many toppings may affect cooking and cause a mess.
• Finish with herbs and spices: After adding your main toppings, sprinkle dried or fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes over the pizza for added flavour.

Cooking the Pizza

Once you've added your toppings, it's time to cook your pizza:

• Place the pizza in the air fryer: If you added toppings to a whole pizza, carefully transfer it back to the air fryer basket. If you cut the pizza into slices, place as many slices as will fit in a single layer in the basket.
• Air fry until crispy: Follow the cooking instructions on your frozen pizza's packaging, typically cooking for 6-10 minutes at 380°F to 400°F, depending on the thickness of your crust. Keep an eye on your pizza to ensure it doesn't burn.

Tips for Success

• Don't overload the pizza: While it's tempting to pile on the toppings, adding too much can affect cooking and make it difficult to eat.
• Consider cooking times: Different toppings may have slightly different cooking times. For example, if you're adding raw meats like sausage or pepperoni, ensure they are fully cooked by following the cooking instructions on the packaging.
• Experiment with flavours: Don't be afraid to get creative and try unique topping combinations. You may discover your new favourite pizza!

Remember, the key to a great pizza is balance, so choose your toppings wisely, add them with care, and enjoy your delicious, crispy air-fried creation!

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer

The air fryer is a great way to reheat your leftovers. It's quick, easy, and your food will turn out perfectly crispy and as flavorful as freshly made. Here are some tips and instructions to help you get the best results:

• Preheat your air fryer: Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer before adding your leftover food. The preheat temperature can vary, but it is typically between 350°F and 400°F for 4 to 5 minutes.
• Prepare the food: Place the leftover food in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring that there is space between each item for air to circulate. You can spray the basket with a non-stick cooking spray or line it with perforated aluminum foil or air fryer-safe parchment paper, especially when reheating foods that may stick or drip, like pizza.
• Reheat time and temperature: The time and temperature will depend on the type of food you are reheating. For most foods, a temperature of 350°F to 400°F for 2 to 5 minutes should be sufficient. However, for meats, a lower temperature of around 370°F is recommended. Always check that your food is thoroughly reheated and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: Leave room on all sides of the food to ensure proper air circulation. You may need to reheat larger items in batches.
• Foods that work well in the air fryer: Almost any food can be reheated in the air fryer, but it works particularly well for crispy foods like French fries, onion rings, chicken wings, fried chicken, and pizza. It's also great for reheating fast food, garlic bread, waffles, and Asian dishes.
• Foods to avoid reheating in the air fryer: Water-based dishes, large pieces of meat, and casseroles are not ideal for reheating in the air fryer. These types of foods may take too long to come to temperature or may not heat evenly.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your leftovers as if they were freshly made!

Frequently asked questions