How to Cook Perfect Pizza in an Air Fryer: A Complete Guide for Crispy, Delicious Results Every Time

Cooking pizza in an air fryer isn’t just possible—it’s a game-changer for small kitchens, quick meals, and anyone craving that perfect balance of crispy crust, melty cheese, and evenly cooked toppings. Unlike ovens, which can take 20+ minutes to preheat and often leave crusts soft or uneven, air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to deliver a golden, crunchy base in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re using store-bought frozen pizza, leftover takeout slices, or crafting your own dough from scratch, this guide will walk you through every step to ensure success, troubleshoot common issues, and help you master the art of air fryer pizza.

Why Air Fryer Pizza Works (and Why You’ll Love It)

Air fryers are designed to cook food by blasting it with hot air at high speeds, which mimics deep frying without the oil. For pizza, this means:

• ​Crispy crust: The intense airflow dries out moisture in the dough, preventing sogginess.

• ​Even cooking: Smaller baskets mean heat surrounds the pizza on all sides, eliminating cold spots common in large ovens.

• ​Speed: No preheating required (or just 1–2 minutes), cutting total cook time to 8–15 minutes.

• ​Versatility: Works with frozen, fresh, or homemade pizzas—no need to adjust recipes drastically.

If you’ve ever struggled with soggy store-bought pizza reheated in the microwave or a half-cooked oven pizza, the air fryer is your new best friend.

Step 1: Choose the Right Pizza (and Prep It Properly)

Not all pizzas are created equal in an air fryer. Here’s how to select and prep your base for optimal results:

Frozen Pizzas: Your Easiest Start

Frozen pizzas are designed for convenience, but most need tweaks for air fryer success. Skip the oven instructions—here’s what to do:

• ​Do not thaw: Thawing makes the crust soggy. Cook straight from frozen.

• ​Remove excess packaging: Take off any cardboard or plastic, but leave the pizza on its tray if it’s designed for oven use (most frozen pizza trays are metal and air fryer-safe). If not, transfer to a perforated parchment paper-lined air fryer basket (parchment prevents sticking without blocking airflow).

• ​Adjust temperature/time: Most frozen pizzas call for 400°F (200°C) in the oven. In the air fryer, start at 380°F (193°C) for 8–12 minutes—lower temps prevent burning before the center thaws and cooks.

Fresh or Homemade Pizzas: Control the Crust

Homemade or fresh store-bought dough gives you full control but requires attention to thickness:

• ​Keep crust thin: Aim for a ¼–½ inch (6–12mm) thick crust. Thicker dough takes longer to cook, risking a burnt top and raw center.

• ​Pre-bake the base (optional)​: For extra-crispy crusts, bake the dough alone in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes before adding toppings. This sets the base and prevents toppings from making it soggy.

• ​Drain moisture from toppings: Wet ingredients like fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, or mushrooms release water, which softens the crust. Pat fresh mozzarella dry with paper towels, and slice veggies thinly or roast them first to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Load the Air Fryer Basket Correctly

How you place the pizza in the basket impacts airflow and even cooking:

• ​Avoid overcrowding: Leave space around the pizza—no overlapping slices or stacking. Crowding traps steam, leading to soggy edges.

• ​Use perforated accessories: If your air fryer has a pizza rack or perforated basket, use it. These elevate the pizza, letting hot air circulate underneath for a crispier base.

• ​Flip halfway (if needed)​: For very thick pizzas or if your air fryer has hot spots, flip the pizza halfway through cooking. Use tongs or a spatula—be gentle to avoid tearing the crust.

Step 3: Master Temperature and Time

The biggest variable in air fryer pizza is your specific model—brands like Ninja, Instant Pot, or Cosori vary in power. Use these guidelines as a starting point, then adjust:

​Pro Tip: Invest in an air fryer thermometer to monitor internal temp. Pizza is done when the crust is golden-brown and the internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C)—this ensures toppings are safe and cheese is fully melted.

Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Pizza Issues

Even with perfect prep, you might hit snags. Here’s how to fix them:

Soggy Crust

• ​Cause: Too much moisture from toppings, undercooked dough, or low heat.

• ​Fix: Pat toppings dry, pre-bake the base, or increase temp by 20°F (10°C) next time.

Burnt Toppings, Raw Crust

• ​Cause: Thin crust cooked too long at high heat, or thick crust with dense toppings.

• ​Fix: Use a lower temp (360–380°F/182–193°C) for thick pizzas, or pre-cook toppings like sausage or peppers before adding to the pizza.

Cheese Not Melting

• ​Cause: Low temp or insufficient time. Shredded mozzarella melts better than sliced.

• ​Fix: Add cheese in the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, or use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for faster melting.

Step 5: Elevate Your Air Fryer Pizza with Pro Tips

Once you nail the basics, experiment with these upgrades:

Brush the Crust with Oil

A light coat of olive oil or garlic butter on the crust edge before cooking adds richness and extra crispness.

Use a Pizza Stone (If Compatible)

Some air fryers fit small pizza stones. Preheat the stone in the basket for 2 minutes, then place the pizza on it—this mimics a pizzeria oven for a blistered, authentic crust.

Try Gourmet Toppings

Air fryers are great for bold flavors. Top with caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or prosciutto (add in the last 2 minutes to avoid crisping too much).

Make Mini Pizzas

Cut dough into 4-inch circles for personal pizzas. They cook in 5–7 minutes—perfect for kids or appetizers.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Keep Your Air Fryer Pizza-Ready

After cooking, let the air fryer cool, then wipe the basket with a damp cloth. For stuck-on cheese or sauce, soak the basket in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes before scrubbing. Avoid steel wool—scratches can trap bacteria and reduce airflow.

Final Thoughts: Why Air Fryer Pizza Deserves a Permanent Spot in Your Kitchen

Air fryer pizza isn’t just a hack—it’s a reliable, fast, and delicious way to enjoy pizza on your terms. By following these steps, you’ll avoid soggy crusts, uneven cooking, and burnt toppings, and gain confidence to experiment with flavors. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, whipping up a quick weeknight meal, or impressing guests with a homemade pie, the air fryer proves that great pizza doesn’t require a big oven or hours of prep.

Give it a try tonight—your crispy, cheesy masterpiece awaits.