Should You Make Frozen Pizza In The Air Fryer?

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Most people don't stray from the tried-and-true method of baking a frozen pizza in the oven ... but if they did, they could be eating that enticing pie a little sooner. Heating it in an air fryer like the Chefman Air Fryer can shave a few minutes off the average cooking time. You can also keep your kitchen cooler if you are enjoying a frozen pizza in the dog days of summer because air fryers don't emit as much heat as an oven. It also uses less energy, slightly reducing your power bill and keeping more of your precious dough in your pocket.

The one caveat about cooking frozen pizza in the air fryer is that many models aren't big enough to fit an entire pie. The easiest way to get around this is to opt for personal-sized pizzas. If you have a full-sized pie, cutting it into quarters will also work. Whichever you choose, it is crucial to make sure there is ample room around the edges so hot air circulates evenly around the pizza.

Once the air fryer is preheated to 380 degrees Fahrenheit, just place the frozen pizza in the basket and set the timer for six to eight minutes. Understand that various factors affect the actual time it takes to get a crispy crust and gooey cheese, including how many watts your air fryer pumps out and how thick the crust is. A thin-crust pizza is going to cook quickly, whereas a softer, thicker crust will need extra time to crisp up.

Because all the various frozen pizzas from the grocery store will cook a little differently and air fryers have their own nuances to consider, it is a good idea to stick around while it heats. If you just set it and forget it, you might come back in eight minutes to a pie that has ventured beyond crispy into burnt territory. Check halfway through to make sure everything is going as planned. You may also want to turn it to ensure even cooking.

If you came home with a frozen pizza that piles on the toppings, you'll also want to make sure that generous quantity of goodies doesn't burn before the crust is done. Spraying the toppings with oil will keep them moist while the crust becomes crispy. On the other hand, if you came home with a plain cheese pizza and want to knock it up a notch, consider adding vegetables to elevate a boring frozen pizza. It might take a few attempts to nail down the precise cooking time, but once you have figured it out, you will appreciate how fast the air fryer works when your stomach is grumbling for a meal.