professional kitchen with a commercial air fryer cooking a crispy, golden pizza, surrounded by chefs preparing ingredients

February 13, 2025 Lisa Santorelli

Cook Pizza in an Air Fryer? Here's How

Yes, and it’s a game-changer! Whether using a home or commercial air fryer, you’ll get a crispy crust in minutes—no preheating drama. Want perfect pizza without the wait? Stick around for tips, tricks, and the ultimate air fryer pizza experience!

Yes, You Can! (But There Are Some Things to Consider)

Making pizza in an air fryer is quick, simple, and delicious. But before you throw a frozen slice in and hope for the best, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, size matters. Not all pizzas will fit neatly into an air fryer basket, so you might need to opt for a personal-sized pizza or trim a larger one to fit. Next, different crusts react differently—thin crusts crisp up fast, while thicker ones need a little extra time to cook through.

Also, toppings can make or break your pizza. Overloading it with cheese and veggies might sound tempting, but too much moisture can lead to a soggy crust. And don’t forget about airflow—giving your pizza enough space ensures it cooks evenly without burnt edges or an undercooked centre.

olourful professional kitchen countertop displaying fresh pizza ingredients, including vibrant bell peppers, tomatoes, basil, shredded mozzarella, sliced pepperoni, and pizza dough, with a commercial air fryer in the background

How to Cook Pizza in an Air Fryer

If you’ve got five minutes, you’ve got time for pizza. Here’s how to do it right:

Preheat your air fryer to 400-425°F. This step is key for getting that crispy crust.
Prep your pizza. If you’re using store-bought dough, roll it out to fit the air fryer basket. If it's frozen, no need to thaw—just toss it in.
Add toppings, but keep them light. Too much cheese or sauce can make the crust soggy.
Cook it up:
- Frozen pizza: 5-7 minutes at 400°F
- Fresh pizza: 3-5 minutes at 425°F
- Reheating slices: 2-3 minutes at 350°F
Check if it’s done. The crust should be crisp, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.

professional chef in a lively, well-lit kitchen perfecting an air fryer pizza, checking the crispiness while adjusting the commercial air fryer settings

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pizza

Size Matters

Air fryers aren’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is pizza. If your pizza is too big for the basket, cut it into sections and cook in batches. Overcrowding blocks airflow, leaving you with unevenly cooked pizza—crispy on one side, limp on the other.

Types of Crust

A good crust is the foundation of great pizza.

Thin crust cooks up quickly and gets delightfully crispy.
Thick crust needs a little extra time at a slightly lower temperature so it cooks through without burning.
Pre-made crusts are an easy, time-saving option and usually cook evenly.
Homemade dough lets you control thickness and texture—just roll it out evenly to avoid raw spots.

Mastering air fryer pizza is all about balance. Play around with toppings, sauces, and cooking times to find your perfect bite. Once you nail it, you’ll never look at frozen pizza the same way again.