Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

Cooking pizza in the air fryer gives you a crisp crust, bubbling cheese and a reheated slice that actually tastes fresh, all in about 8 to 10 minutes. This guide walks you through choosing a pizza, preparing your basket, setting the right temperature and timing, and avoiding the soggy-center problem that trips up most beginners. Whether you are working with frozen pizza, leftover takeout or a homemade dough round, the same principles apply.

Why the Air Fryer Works Well for Pizza

An air fryer is a compact convection oven. A fan pushes hot air around the food at high speed, which dries the surface quickly and browns it. That is exactly what a pizza crust needs. A conventional oven takes longer to preheat and spreads heat more slowly, so the bottom of the crust often stays pale while the toppings overcook. In a small basket, the hot air reaches the underside of the crust more directly, which is why air fryer pizza often has a firmer, crispier base.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries (2026): Expert Picks.

The trade-off is size. Most home air fryers hold a pizza up to about 10 to 12 inches, and some models only take 6- to 8-inch rounds. Check the basket dimensions before you buy frozen pizzas or plan a homemade dough recipe. Manufacturers usually list the maximum diameter in the product specifications.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these items so the process goes smoothly:

  • An air fryer with a basket or tray large enough for your pizza
  • Parchment paper cut to fit the basket, with holes or without (see the mistakes section)
  • A flat spatula or pizza peel for transferring the pizza
  • A pair of tongs for rotating or checking the crust
  • An instant-read thermometer if you are cooking homemade pizza with raw meat toppings
  • Your pizza, either frozen, refrigerated, leftover or homemade

How to Cook Frozen Pizza in the Air Fryer

Frozen pizza is the easiest starting point. Most packaging gives oven instructions, but air fryers run hotter and faster than most ovens, so you will usually need a lower temperature and a shorter time.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set the air fryer to 375°F and preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating matters because it starts browning the crust immediately. Without it, the bottom can steam before it crisps.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza

Remove the pizza from its box and any plastic wrap. Frozen pizza usually comes on cardboard, which can scorch or catch fire at high heat. Take the pizza off the cardboard and place it directly on parchment or in the basket. If the pizza is larger than your basket, cut it in half or use a smaller frozen pizza.

Step 3: Cook in Stages

Air fry for 6 minutes, then pull the basket and check. Look at the bottom of the crust and the cheese. If the crust is still pale or the cheese has not melted, return the pizza and cook 2 to 3 minutes more. Most thin-crust frozen pizzas finish in 8 to 10 minutes total. Thicker, rising-style crusts may need 12 to 14 minutes.

Step 4: Rest Before Slicing

Let the pizza sit for 1 to 2 minutes. This lets the cheese set so it does not slide off when you lift a slice.

How to Reheat Leftover Pizza in the Air Fryer

Reheating is where the air fryer really shines. Microwaved pizza turns rubbery, but an air fryer restores the crisp texture.

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 3 minutes.
  2. Place one or two slices in a single layer. Do not stack them.
  3. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes for thin slices, or 4 to 6 minutes for thick, deep-dish style slices.
  4. Check that the cheese is hot and bubbling and the crust is crisp. Add 1 minute if needed.

Leftover pizza cooked this way often tastes better than the original slice because the crust regains texture it lost in the refrigerator.

How to Make Homemade Pizza in the Air Fryer

Homemade pizza takes a little more planning, but the method is simple. You can use store-bought dough, refrigerated dough or a fresh homemade base. Keep the round small enough to fit your basket with a little space around the edges, usually 6 to 8 inches for most models.

Step 1: Shape the Dough

Roll or press the dough into a flat round about 1/4 inch thick. Thinner dough crisps faster and is less likely to stay doughy in the center. Let the shaped dough rest for 10 minutes if it springs back when you stretch it.

Step 2: Par-Bake the Crust

Brush the top lightly with olive oil and air fry at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes, until the surface sets and the edges start to color. Poke any large bubbles with a fork. This step prevents a soggy base once you add sauce and cheese.

Step 3: Add Toppings and Finish

Spread a thin layer of sauce, leaving a border around the edge. Use no more than 1/2 cup of sauce for a 7-inch round, or the center will stay wet. Add shredded mozzarella, then your toppings. Cook at 375°F for 4 to 6 minutes, until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

If you use raw meat toppings, cook them fully first or use pre-cooked sausage or pepperoni. Use a thermometer to confirm ground meat reaches 160°F and chicken reaches 165°F. Most homemade pizzas with precooked toppings are done when the crust is golden and the cheese is fully melted.

Temperature and Timing Reference

Use this table as a starting point. Every air fryer runs slightly differently, so adjust by a minute or two based on your results.

Pizza Type Temperature Time Notes
Frozen thin crust 375°F 8 to 10 minutes Flip or rotate halfway if browning unevenly
Frozen rising crust 360°F 12 to 14 minutes Lower heat helps the center cook through
Leftover slice (reheat) 350°F 3 to 6 minutes Single layer, do not stack
Homemade dough, par-baked 350°F 3 to 4 minutes Before adding toppings
Homemade, with toppings 375°F 4 to 6 minutes Cook until cheese bubbles

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overloading the pizza. Too many toppings and too much sauce keep the center wet. Stick to a light layer.
  • Skipping preheating. A cold basket gives you a pale, floppy crust.
  • Leaving cardboard under frozen pizza. Remove it before cooking.
  • Crowding the basket. Air needs room to circulate. Cook one pizza at a time for the best results.
  • Covering the bottom with parchment without holes. Solid parchment can block airflow, so use perforated liners or keep the paper small and weighted by the pizza.
  • Forgetting to check early. Air fryers vary, so check at the halfway point the first few times you cook.

Tips for Better Results

  • Use a crisper, thinner crust for the most even results. Thick deep-dish pizzas often need a lower temperature and longer time.
  • Place a sheet of parchment under the pizza only if you use a perforated liner. Otherwise, let the basket surface do the work.
  • Add fresh basil, arugula or a drizzle of olive oil after cooking, not before, so the greens stay bright.
  • For extra crunch on frozen pizza, brush the crust edge lightly with oil before cooking.
  • Let leftover pizza come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before reheating if it has been refrigerated for a long time. This helps the center heat evenly.
  • Keep a small notebook of times and temperatures for your favorite brands. Your air fryer will have its own quirks.

If you are new to the appliance, the basics in How to Use an Air Fryer: A Beginner’s Guide cover preheating, basket loading and temperature control in more detail. Once you are comfortable, you can expand into other foods too; Top 10 Things to Cook in an Air Fryers: Expert Picks for Every Kitchen offers ideas that use the same techniques.

These items make pizza in an air fryer easier and more consistent. Pick a size that fits your basket and your cooking habits.

  • Perforated air fryer parchment liners. Good for keeping cheese off the basket while allowing airflow. View on Amazon
  • Silicone-tipped tongs. Lift and rotate pizza slices without tearing the crust. View on Amazon
  • Instant-read digital thermometer. Useful when cooking homemade pizza with raw meat toppings. View on Amazon
  • Small pizza peel or thin spatula. Makes sliding homemade rounds into the basket easier. View on Amazon

FAQ

Can you cook pizza in an air fryer?

Yes. Most air fryers can cook frozen pizza, leftover slices and small homemade rounds. Use 350°F to 375°F and check the pizza at the halfway point.

What temperature should I use for pizza in the air fryer?

For frozen thin-crust pizza, 375°F works well. For reheating slices, use 350°F. Thick or rising crusts do better at 360°F for a longer time so the center cooks through.

How long does frozen pizza take in an air fryer?

Most thin-crust frozen pizzas take 8 to 10 minutes. Thicker pizzas may need 12 to 14 minutes. Always check the cheese and the underside of the crust before serving.

Can I use an air fryer for pizza with a thick crust?

You can, but lower the temperature to about 360°F and extend the time. Thick crusts need more time to cook through without burning the top.

Do I need parchment paper for pizza in the air fryer?

It is optional. Parchment or perforated liners keep cheese from sticking to the basket and make cleanup easier. Use perforated liners so airflow is not blocked.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Preheat the air fryer, use less sauce, par-bake homemade dough before adding toppings and avoid overloading the pizza. Thin layers of sauce and cheese cook more evenly.

Is it safe to cook raw meat toppings on an air fryer pizza?

Cook raw meat fully before adding it, or use precooked meats. Use a food thermometer to confirm safe internal temperatures, and if you have questions about food safety, consult a food safety professional or your local health department.

Can I reheat pizza in an air fryer without drying it out?

Yes. Reheat at 350°F for 3 to 6 minutes and check often. Keeping the slices in a single layer helps them heat evenly without drying the cheese.

Conclusion

Pizza in the air fryer is one of the quickest ways to get a crisp, hot slice at home. Use a moderate temperature, preheat the basket, keep toppings light and check early. Once you learn the timing for your model, frozen pizza, leftovers and homemade rounds all become simple weeknight meals.

Ready to choose one?

Colin Foster

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home cooking with appliances guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.