A frozen pizza in the air fryer comes out with a crispier base than the oven, in roughly half the time — as long as it fits. Here's the timing and the one thing to check first.
Key takeaways
Q: How long does frozen pizza take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry frozen pizza at 180°C (360°F) for 8–12 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and the base is crisp.
Q: Can you put a whole pizza in an air fryer?
A: Only if it fits the basket — many full-size pizzas don't. Personal-size and stone-baked pizzas are ideal, or cut a larger one to fit.
Times & temperatures
| Pizza | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Personal / small | 180°C / 360°F | 8–10 min |
| Thin / stone-baked | 180°C / 360°F | 7–9 min |
| Thicker base | 180°C / 360°F | 10–12 min |
Will it fit?
This is the main limitation: a standard 12-inch frozen pizza won't fit most baskets. Personal-size, mini and stone-baked pizzas are perfect; for a larger one, cut it in half and cook in two goes, or check your basket's diameter first.
Crispy-base tips
- Cook straight from frozen — no need to thaw.
- Don't add oil — the base crisps on its own.
- Watch the cheese near the end so it doesn't catch.
Making a frozen-food spread? See frozen chips and frozen sausage rolls, with everything on the cooking times chart.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cook a frozen pizza in an air fryer?
Yes, if it fits the basket — cook at 180°C for 8–12 minutes. Personal-size and stone-baked pizzas work best; large pizzas may need cutting.
Why is my air fryer pizza base soggy?
Usually too low a temperature or a base too thick for the time. Cook at 180°C and give a thicker base a couple of extra minutes.
Do you preheat the air fryer for pizza?
A short 3-minute preheat helps the base crisp from the moment the pizza goes in, but it isn't essential.