Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Best Brands and Cooking Guide

Frozen pizza is a go-to meal for busy nights, but did you know that an air fryer can take it to the next level? Whether you’re craving a crispy thin crust or a cheesy deep-dish slice, using an air fryer is a game-changer. It not only cooks faster than a traditional oven but also delivers that perfect crunch without making the pizza soggy.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making air fryer frozen pizza, from the best brands to cook, temperature and time settings, expert tips, and common mistakes to avoid. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to get a restaurant-quality pizza straight from your air fryer.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Frozen Pizza?

The Benefits of Air Frying Frozen Pizza

Air fryers have become incredibly popular for their ability to make food crispier, healthier, and faster to cook. But when it comes to frozen pizza, they truly shine. Here’s why:

• Faster cooking time – Unlike conventional ovens that take time to preheat, an air fryer cooks frozen pizza in just 6-10 minutes.
• Crispy crust, every time – The circulating hot air ensures even cooking, preventing a soggy bottom.
• No need for extra oil – Unlike deep frying, air frying gives you a perfect crunch without excess grease.
• Energy-efficient – Air fryers use less electricity than traditional ovens, making them a great choice for quick meals.

How Air Fryers Enhance Crispiness and Texture

One of the biggest complaints about frozen pizza is the crust—sometimes it’s too soft or unevenly cooked. Air fryers solve this problem with rapid air circulation, which creates a golden-brown crust while keeping the toppings perfectly melted.

For the best results:

• Always place the pizza directly in the basket or on a perforated parchment paper.
• Avoid stacking pizzas or overcrowding the air fryer.
• If the crust is getting too crispy before the cheese melts, reduce the temperature slightly and extend the cooking time.

Air Fryer vs. Oven: Which One is Better?

Wondering whether to use an air fryer or a conventional oven? Here’s a quick comparison:

While ovens work well for larger pizzas, an air fryer is the best option for quick, crispy, and perfectly cooked frozen pizza, especially for personal-sized or medium pizzas.

Best Brands of Frozen Pizza for Air Frying

Top Recommended Frozen Pizza Brands

Not all frozen pizzas cook the same way in an air fryer. Some brands crisp up beautifully, while others might need slight adjustments to avoid burning or drying out. Here are some of the best options:

• DiGiorno – Known for its thick, rising crust, DiGiorno frozen pizzas require slightly longer cooking times but deliver a soft inside with a crispy edge.
• Red Baron – This classic brand works well in the air fryer, especially its thin crust varieties.
• Totino’s Party Pizza – A favorite for quick snacks, Totino’s cooks fast in an air fryer and gets extra crispy.
• Amy’s Organic Pizza – For a healthier choice, Amy’s organic frozen pizzas offer great flavor and cook evenly in an air fryer.
• Ellio’s – This rectangular pizza is perfect for air frying since it fits well in most baskets without cutting.

Best Gluten-Free Frozen Pizzas for Air Frying

For those avoiding gluten, these brands offer delicious air fryer frozen pizza options:

• California Pizza Kitchen Gluten-Free – Cooks well in an air fryer without getting too dry.
• Against the Grain – Made with a unique cheese-based crust, it crisps up beautifully in an air fryer.
• Freschetta Gluten-Free – Tastes just like traditional frozen pizza and works great at 375°F for about 8 minutes.

Thin Crust vs. Thick Crust: What Works Best?

Thin crust pizzas are the best choice for air fryer frozen pizza because they cook quickly and get perfectly crispy. Thick crust varieties, like DiGiorno, require extra time, lower temperatures, and sometimes preheating to ensure they cook evenly. If you’re cooking a thicker crust, start at 350°F and increase time as needed.

Now that you know the best brands, let’s go over the exact steps to cook air fryer frozen pizza perfectly every time.

How to Cook Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Frozen Pizza

Cooking air fryer frozen pizza is simple, but following the right steps ensures the best results. Here’s a foolproof method:

1. Preheat your air fryer – While not always necessary, preheating at 375°F for 2-3 minutes can help the pizza cook evenly.
2. Place the pizza in the basket – Do not overcrowd or stack pizzas. If necessary, cut a large pizza into smaller pieces.
3. Adjust the temperature and time – Start at 375°F and cook for 6-10 minutes, checking halfway through.
4. Check for doneness – The crust should be golden brown, and the cheese should be bubbly and melted.
5. Remove and let cool – Carefully remove the pizza with tongs and let it sit for a minute before slicing.

Recommended Air Fryer Temperature and Time Settings

The ideal temperature and time for air fryer frozen pizza depend on the type of pizza:

Always check your pizza midway through cooking to prevent overcooking. If the cheese melts too fast but the crust isn’t crispy, lower the temperature slightly and extend the cooking time.

Preheating Your Air Fryer: Is It Necessary?

While most air fryers don’t require preheating, doing so can improve the texture of air fryer frozen pizza. Preheating ensures the crust starts crisping immediately, preventing a soggy bottom. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and simply add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Results

How to Prevent a Soggy Crust

One of the biggest mistakes people make when cooking air fryer frozen pizza is ending up with a soggy crust. To avoid this:

• Preheat your air fryer – A quick 2-3 minute preheat at 375°F helps start the crisping process immediately.
• Use a perforated parchment liner – This allows airflow beneath the pizza, preventing trapped moisture.
• Avoid overcrowding – If your air fryer is small, cut the pizza into slices before cooking to allow for even air circulation.

Adding Extra Toppings Before Air Frying

Want to upgrade your frozen pizza? The air fryer makes it easy to customize your toppings:

• Add more cheese – A light sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or parmesan during the last two minutes enhances flavor.
• Boost the flavor – Fresh basil, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper flakes give frozen pizza a gourmet twist.
• Try pre-cooked meats – Pepperoni crisps up beautifully in an air fryer, while cooked sausage or bacon adds a smoky bite.

Reheating Leftover Pizza in the Air Fryer

Air fryers aren’t just for cooking frozen pizza—they’re also the best way to reheat leftovers.

• Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 3-5 minutes.
• Place a piece of foil or parchment paper under the pizza to catch any melted cheese.
• Check halfway through and adjust as needed to avoid burning.

By following these expert tips, you’ll get the best results every time. Next, we’ll explore some creative air fryer hacks to take your air fryer frozen pizza to the next level.

Air Fryer Frozen Pizza Hacks and Upgrades

Using Parchment Paper or a Baking Mat

While some air fryers have non-stick baskets, parchment paper can help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. However, always use perforated parchment paper to maintain proper airflow. Never cover the entire basket, as this can disrupt even cooking.

Making Mini or Personal Pizzas in an Air Fryer

Most frozen pizzas are medium-sized, but air fryers work perfectly for mini or personal-sized options. If you’re cooking a larger pizza:

• Cut it into slices before air frying.
• Place each piece flat in a single layer for even cooking.
• Adjust time accordingly—smaller pizzas cook in just 5-7 minutes at 375°F.

Creative Ways to Customize Store-Bought Frozen Pizza

Want to make your air fryer frozen pizza taste homemade? Try these simple upgrades:

• Drizzle with olive oil – A light brush of oil on the crust before cooking adds extra crispiness.
• Add fresh toppings after cooking – Fresh arugula, diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of feta cheese make frozen pizza feel gourmet.
• Make a dipping sauce – Serve with garlic butter, ranch dressing, or a spicy marinara for extra flavor.

For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this Alice Springs Chicken Recipe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Air Frying Frozen Pizza

Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket

One of the biggest mistakes when making air fryer frozen pizza is placing too many slices in the basket at once. Overcrowding blocks airflow, leading to uneven cooking and a soggy crust. To avoid this:

• Cook only one pizza at a time or place slices in a single layer.
• If cooking multiple slices, leave space between them for proper air circulation.
• For large pizzas, cut them into smaller portions before air frying.

Not Checking the Pizza Midway Through Cooking

Air fryers cook food faster than ovens, meaning frozen pizza can burn if left unattended. To prevent this:

• Check the pizza halfway through to see if it’s cooking evenly.
• Rotate the pizza or flip it if necessary for balanced crispiness.
• If the cheese melts too fast, lower the temperature by 10-15°F and extend the cooking time.

Using the Wrong Temperature Settings

Different brands and crust types require different temperatures. A setting that works for thin-crust pizza may not be ideal for deep-dish varieties. To get the best results:

• Use 375°F for thin crust and 350°F for thick crust.
• Adjust the time based on your air fryer’s power and pizza size.
• If unsure, start at a lower temperature and increase gradually.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll consistently get the perfect air fryer frozen pizza. Now, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Conclusion

Cooking air fryer frozen pizza is a quick and easy way to enjoy a crispy, delicious meal without the wait. By using the right temperature settings, avoiding common mistakes, and trying simple hacks like adding fresh toppings or using parchment paper, you can take your frozen pizza to the next level.

Compared to a traditional oven, an air fryer cooks pizza faster, crisps up the crust perfectly, and requires less energy. Whether you prefer thin crust, thick crust, or gluten-free options, adjusting the cooking time and temperature ensures the best results.