How Long Do You Cook a Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer? The Ultimate Guide

Why Air Frying Frozen Pizza Is a Game Changer

How long do you cook a frozen pizza in an air fryer? If you’ve ever asked yourself this while staring at your air fryer, wondering if it’ll deliver the crispy, cheesy goodness you crave, you’re in the right place. Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, and frozen pizza is no exception. For more insights, check out our detailed article on air fryer frozen pizza.

Forget preheating the oven for what feels like an eternity or dealing with a soggy, microwaved mess. With an air fryer, you can have a perfectly cooked pizza in 8-12 minutes, faster than you can pick a show to binge-watch.

Benefits of Cooking Pizza in an Air Fryer

You might be wondering, “Why should I ditch my oven for an air fryer when it comes to frozen pizza?” Well, let’s talk benefits.

Faster Cooking Times

Nobody likes waiting for food, and air fryers are all about speed. Traditional ovens can take 10-15 minutes just to preheat, while an air fryer is ready to go almost instantly.

Most frozen pizzas cook in an air fryer in 8-12 minutes, depending on size and crust thickness. That’s half the time of a regular oven!

Crispy Crust, Perfect Melted Cheese

Ovens can be a bit unpredictable—sometimes leaving you with a crust that’s still soft or cheese that’s not quite melted.

Air fryers, on the other hand, use rapid air circulation to cook pizza evenly and efficiently, giving you that crispy crust and gooey cheese perfection every time.

Energy Efficiency Compared to Ovens

Running a full-size oven for just one pizza? That’s like using an entire bathtub to wash a single dish.

Air fryers use less electricity and heat up faster, making them a more energy-efficient (and wallet-friendly) option for small meals like frozen pizza.

What You Need to Get Started

Before you throw that frozen pizza in the air fryer, let’s make sure you have everything you need for the best results.

Choosing the Right Frozen Pizza

Not all frozen pizzas are created equal. Some work better in an air fryer than others.

Here’s what to look for:

• Size matters – Smaller, personal-sized pizzas fit best. Large pizzas may need to be cut into sections.
• Crust type – Thin crust pizzas tend to crisp up nicely, while thicker crusts may need a little extra time.
• Brand differences – Some brands, like Red Baron and Totino’s, perform exceptionally well in an air fryer.

Selecting the Best Air Fryer for Pizza

While most air fryers can handle frozen pizza, some are better suited for the job.

Look for:

• A spacious basket – The larger the air fryer, the bigger the pizza you can cook.
• Adjustable temperature settings – Different pizzas require different temps, so flexibility is key.
• A removable crisper tray – This helps keep air circulating around the pizza for even cooking.

How Long Do You Cook a Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer?

Ah, the million-dollar question! The short answer? 8 to 12 minutes at 375°F to 400°F. But as with all things in life (and cooking), the details matter. Different pizza sizes, crust types, and air fryer models can affect cooking time.

Let’s break it down so you can get that perfectly crispy, melty, delicious frozen pizza every time.

Standard Cooking Time for Most Frozen Pizzas

If you’re working with a standard personal-sized frozen pizza (about 6 to 8 inches), follow this basic guideline:

• Temperature: 375°F to 400°F
• Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
• Flipping? Nope! But halfway through, check and rotate if needed.

Every air fryer is slightly different, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your pizza the first time you make it. Trial and error is key to mastering your specific machine.

Adjusting Cook Time for Different Pizza Sizes

Because not all frozen pizzas are the same, you’ll need to tweak your cook times slightly based on size and crust thickness.

Mini Pizzas vs. Personal vs. Large Pizzas

• Mini Pizzas (4-5 inches): 6-8 minutes at 375°F
• Personal Pizzas (6-8 inches): 8-12 minutes at 375°F-400°F
• Medium Pizzas (10-12 inches, cut in halves to fit): 12-15 minutes at 400°F
• Large Pizzas (14+ inches, cut in sections): Not ideal, but if determined, cook in sections for 14-18 minutes at 400°F

Thick Crust vs. Thin Crust Cooking Differences

• Thin Crust: Cooks faster—aim for 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
• Thick Crust: Needs longer to cook through without burning—try 350°F for 12-15 minutes to avoid scorching the cheese before the center is done.

Best Temperature Settings for Air Frying Pizza

Recommended Temperature for Crispy Results

For that golden brown crust and gooey melted cheese, the best temperature is 375°F to 400°F.

Why not crank it up to 450°F? Well, unless you love burnt edges and undercooked centers, keeping the heat moderate ensures even cooking.

Adjusting Temperature Based on Pizza Type

• Thin-crust pizzas: Stick with 375°F to avoid over-crisping.
• Thicker pizzas: Start at 350°F and increase time rather than overheating.
• Cheesy stuffed-crust pizzas: Keep it at 370°F-375°F so the inside warms up without the crust burning.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer

Now that you know your ideal time and temperature, let’s walk through the foolproof process for making your frozen pizza taste like it came from your favorite pizzeria.

1. Preparing Your Pizza for Even Cooking

• Remove any plastic wrapping (seriously, don’t skip this step!).
• If the pizza is too big for your air fryer, cut it into halves or quarters.
• Optional: Lightly spritz the crust with oil for an even crispier bite.

2. Cooking Process: Timing and Techniques

• Preheat your air fryer (if needed) to 375°F. Some models don’t require preheating, but it can help with even cooking.
• Place the frozen pizza directly in the air fryer basket (no pan needed for best results).
• Cook for 8-12 minutes, checking halfway through to rotate if necessary.

3. Checking for Doneness: Signs Your Pizza Is Ready

• Cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly.
• Crust is golden brown and crisp (not pale and soft).
• If the center still feels cold, give it another 1-2 minutes at a slightly lower temp.

For a comprehensive guide on cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer, including various brands and types, refer to these air fryer frozen pizza instructions.

Tips to Improve Your Air-Fried Pizza

So, you’ve mastered the basics of cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer. But if you want to level up from good to great, these tips will ensure every slice is crispy, cheesy, and downright delicious.

Preventing a Soggy Crust

There’s nothing worse than biting into a pizza and getting a mouthful of soggy disappointment. Here’s how to keep your crust crispy:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket – Air needs to circulate! If your pizza is too big, cut it into smaller sections.
• Use a perforated parchment liner – It prevents sticking while allowing airflow.
• Avoid excess moisture – If your pizza has a lot of ice crystals, let it thaw for 2-3 minutes before cooking.

Adding Extra Toppings Without Overloading

You want a fully loaded pizza, not a pizza avalanche. To add extra toppings without messing up the cook time:

• Pre-cook meats and veggies – Raw toppings like sausage or mushrooms can release moisture, making the crust soggy.
• Use shredded cheese sparingly – Too much can insulate the pizza, keeping the center cold.
• Add delicate toppings (like fresh basil) after cooking – That way, they don’t burn.

Using Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil

Both can be useful, but use them wisely!

• Perforated parchment paper: Best for preventing sticking while allowing airflow.
• Aluminum foil: Can block air circulation, so only use it for deep-dish pizzas or preventing cheese spills.

How Long Do You Put a Red Baron Pizza in the Air Fryer?

Red Baron pizzas are a frozen pizza classic, but how do they hold up in an air fryer? Surprisingly well!

For brand-specific instructions, here’s our guide on Red Baron pizza in the air fryer.

Cooking Time and Temperature for Red Baron Pizzas

Most Red Baron frozen pizzas cook perfectly in an air fryer at:

• Temperature: 375°F
• Time: 8-12 minutes (check at 8 minutes)

If you’re cooking a Red Baron Deep Dish Single, lower the temperature to 350°F and cook for 12-14 minutes to ensure the crust cooks through.

Comparing Red Baron to Other Brands

How does Red Baron stack up against the competition?

Brand	Air Fryer Temp	Cook Time	Notes
Red Baron	375°F	8-12 min	Classic crispy crust
DiGiorno	380°F	10-14 min	Thicker crust needs more time
Totino’s	400°F	6-8 min	Super quick, thin crust
Tony’s	375°F	8-10 min	Similar to Red Baron

Final Thoughts: Why Air Frying Pizza Is Worth Trying

If you haven’t air-fried a frozen pizza yet, you’re missing out. It’s fast, easy, and delivers oven-quality results in half the time.

Best Practices for Consistently Great Pizza

• Always check the pizza halfway through cooking.
• Use the right temperature for the crust type (lower for thick, higher for thin).
• Avoid overloading toppings so the pizza cooks evenly.

Other Foods You Can Cook in an Air Fryer

Once you’ve mastered pizza, why stop there? Try air-frying:

• Mozzarella sticks 🧀
• Garlic bread 🥖
• Chicken wings 🍗
• French fries 🍟

Your air fryer isn’t just a gadget—it’s your new kitchen MVP.

FAQs About Cooking Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer

Still have questions? You’re not alone! Here are the most common questions (and answers) about cooking frozen pizza in an air fryer.