Craving that cheesy, crispy bite of your favorite childhood snack? If you grew up loving those mini frozen pizzas, you’re in for a tasty upgrade. Making mini frozen pizza in air fryer isn’t just quicker—it gives you a crispier crust, gooey cheese, and a way better bite than the oven or microwave.
Let’s dive into how to cook mini frozen pizza in the air fryer the right way!
Also try:
- Totino’s Pizza in Air Fryer – Another nostalgic frozen pizza favorite that turns out perfectly crispy in minutes.
- Frozen French Bread Pizza in Air Fryer – A classic freezer snack that gets melty and golden in the air fryer.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview – mini frozen pizza in air fryer
Yes, cooking mini frozen pizza in air fryer is easy and quick. For best results, preheat your air fryer to 360–400°F (182–204°C) and cook for 5–10 minutes, checking around the 5-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Step-by-Step Summary:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360–400°F for 2–3 minutes before cooking.
- Place the frozen mini pizza inside the air fryer basket. Add extra toppings now if desired.
- Air fry for 5–10 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Start checking around the 5-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
Why Make Mini Frozen Pizza in Air Fryer?
After testing every cooking method out there, I can confidently say — the air fryer wins when it comes to frozen pizzas.
Here’s how this small appliance changed my pizza game:
Speed That Actually Matters
Air fryers cook frozen mini pizzas in just 6–8 minutes, compared to 12–15 in a traditional oven.
Feeding hungry kids or needing a quick study snack? This time-saving matters.
Crispy Crust Every Single Time
The circulating hot air gives a crisp bottom crust you just can’t get in a microwave.
Trust me—I’ve had too many soggy microwave disasters.
Even Heating Without Hot Spots
Unlike old toaster ovens that burn the edges but leave the middle cold, air fryers heat evenly.
No more molten cheese and frozen dough situations!
Better Than the Oven
Ovens take longer to preheat and use more energy.
Air fryers preheat in just 3 minutes — and deliver even better results.
Want more proof that air fryers beat ovens? Try these Air Fry Tyson Panko Chicken Breast Tenderloins—juicy inside, crispy outside, done in minutes!
How to Cook Mini Frozen Pizza in Air Fryer – Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy steps to make mini frozen pizza in air fryer crispy and delicious every time
Preheating Your Air Fryer
Make sure to warm your air fryer to 400 degrees for at minimum 3-5 minutes. This is a must and I’m confident in this one! I would often avoid preheating when stressed and the result was always disappointing. The pizza was not evenly cooked and would take longer overall.
Placing the Pizza Properly
Take your mini pizza that’s frozen from the packaging and place it in the basket of your air fryer. Be sure to leave at least one inch of space around the pizza, if you’re cooking more than pizzas.
This is something I’ve learned through trial and error: avoid aluminum foil or parchment paper. It’s a good idea to clean up however it hinders any air flow that would make the crust crisp. The pizza won’t stick in the basket so you don’t need to be concerned about it.
The Cooking Process
Now is the time to make magic! Make your frozen mini pizza in the air fryer for 6-8 mins at 400°F. Start checking it at the 6 minutes mark. You need the edge to be golden brown, and it should bubble and be lightly caramelized.
I usually set a timer for 6 minutes and make sure to check it every minute thereafter. Air fryers can differ considerably and the most important thing to avoid is to have cheese burnt (been there and done it, learned from my mistakes!
Time and Temperature Guidelines for Perfect Results
After testing various brands and styles I’ve compiled this helpful reference guide. Be aware that these are only starting points for your air fryer. It may run warm or cool, and you should adjust according to your needs.
Standard Mini Personal Pizzas
- Temperature: 400degF
- Time 6- 8 minutes
- Look for golden edges and bubbly, melted cheese as signs it’s ready.
Mini Deep-Dish Pizzas (like Red Baron)
- Temperature: 400degF
- Time 6- 8 minutes
- What to look for? Crust is firm when lightly press
Ellio’s Pizza or French Bread Style
- Temperature: 350degF
- Time 5-6 minutes
- What to look out for The bread is toasty and cheese is melting
Frozen Mini Pizza Bagels in Air Fryer
- Temperature: 375degF
- Time is 4-6 minutes
- What to look out for What to look for: Crispy bagel The toppings are heated to the point of melting
What I’ve learned is that various kinds and brands cook differently. The ones with thick crusts require some extra time and the thinner-crust varieties are able to go from perfect to burn in less than 30 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on them while they cook!
Looking for a detailed breakdown on how long to cook different types of frozen pizzas in the air fryer? Air Fry Any Time offers an excellent guide that matches many of the time and temp tips shared here.
And If you’re cooking frozen snacks beyond pizza, this Tai Pei Potstickers in Air Fryer guide will help you nail timing and texture.
How to Reheat Leftover Pizza in Air Fryer
Let’s face it, the leftover pizza can be a gorgeous thing. However, reheating it isn’t easy. Microwaves can make it soggy and ovens can take a long time. Air fryers are the best way to bring pizza leftovers into a new life.
The Reheating Process
- Pre-heat your air fryer to 350degF for 3 mins.
- Place any pizza leftovers inside the bin (don’t overhang them)
- Cook for a couple of minutes, until it’s heated through
- Verify that your cheese has cooled and that the crust is crisp
- Just like leftover pizza, Air Fryer Salisbury Steaks reheat beautifully in the air fryer without losing flavor or texture.
I first discovered this technique after having some leftover pizza left from eating out and now I prefer the pizza that I reheated from the air fryer over fresh at times. The crust has this incredible crisp texture that is difficult to replicate in any other method.
Tips for Achieving a Crispy Crust on Mini Frozen Pizza in Air Fryer
Through my time I’ve learned a few tips that will transform air fryer mini-pizzas from decent to incredible. Here are some of my top suggestions:
For the Crispiest Crust
- Don’t use foil or parchment paper because it blocks airflow
- Space between pizzas to allow adequate air circulation
- Let the pizza sit for a couple of minutes following cooking to allow the crust to become firm.
Preventing Burnt Cheese
This was the biggest hurdle I faced when I first began air-frying pizzas. Here’s what I have found to work:
- The pizzas should be placed in the middle but not too close to the heating element.
- Be sure to check frequently in the last couple of minutes during cooking.
- In the event that your cheese has begun to brown too fast, lower the temperature by 25 degF.
Creative Topping Ideas
One of my favorites is the addition of fresh toppings to frozen pizzas in mini-portions. Try these combos:
- Fresh basil leaves are added at the last few minutes of cooking.
- Red pepper flakes for a hot kick
- Hot honey drizzled over the top, after cooking
- Extra cheese (because why wouldn’t you?)
Best Air Fryer for Mini Frozen Pizza – Does It Matter?
I’ve tried mini pizzas with many different air fryers and this is what I’ve learned:
- Air fryers that look like baskets (like Ninja or Cosori) are ideal for pizzas that are mini
- Air fryers that are oven-style require an additional 1-2 minutes cooking time
- In the event that your air fryer is running hot, begin with a 25degF cooler temperature.
Creative Serving Ideas for Mini Frozen Pizza in Air Fryer
Mini pizzas are great as is, however I enjoy making them into something extra. Here are some suggestions I’ve tested with excellent results:
Make Them Appetizer-Sized
Make each miniature pizza six tiny triangles. Serve the mini pizzas as appetizers for parties. I tried this at the game day celebration last year and they were gone in a matter of minutes!
Perfect Pairings
- Serve it with an easy side salad to offset the depth
- Garlic bread can make everything better
- Try different dip sauces such as ranch, marinara, garlic Aioli
- Serve mini pizzas with a side of Air Fryer Frozen Mini Tacos for a fun party combo.
Kid-Friendly Lunch Ideas
My nephew is a fan of when I cook the “pizza buffet” with different mini pizzas. I’ll cook 3-4 varieties and let him choose what he prefers. It’s become a tradition whenever he comes to visit.
Looking for a kid-friendly lunch idea? Add Air Fryer Frozen Pancakes to the menu for a balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook frozen mini pizza in air fryer?
Frozen mini pizza usually cooks in 5 to 10 minutes at 360–400°F (182–204°C). Begin checking at the 5-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for mini frozen pizza?
Yes, preheating your air fryer for 2–3 minutes helps cook the mini pizza evenly and makes the crust crispier.
Can I add extra toppings to frozen mini pizzas before air frying?
Absolutely! You can add extra cheese, pepperoni, or veggies before placing the pizza in the air fryer. Just avoid overloading it, as that can make it soggy.
Should I line the air fryer with parchment paper or foil?
It’s optional. If food sticks to your air fryer basket, consider using perforated parchment paper. Avoid foil unless your air fryer manual allows it.
Can I reheat leftover mini pizza in the air fryer?
Yes! Just reheat at 320°F (160°C) for 2–3 minutes until the pizza is hot and the crust is crisp again.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the most thorough instructions there are times when things don’t go well. Here are the solutions to the most frequently-asked questions I’ve come across:
Pizza Cooks Unevenly
- Check that your air fryer is heated
- Do not overfill the basket.
- Turn the pizza around halfway through cooking if required.
Cheese Burns Before Crust Crisps
- Lower the temperature by 25degF.
- Cover the area with a small piece made of aluminum foil to last for final two minutes
- Consider cooking for longer time at lower temperatures
Bottom Isn’t Crispy Enough
- You should make sure that you’re not using parchment paper.
- Increase the cooking time by about 1-2 minutes
- Make sure that the air fryer basket is in good condition and is not obstructing airflow
Why Air Frying Frozen Mini Pizza Works Best
After many years creating mini-pizzas in every way that I could, I’m always returning on the technique of an air fryer. It blends the power of a microwave along with crisp results from an oven. The hot air circulation ensures a perfectly golden, crispy crust while keeping the toppings melty and delicious.
The most appealing aspect? It’s virtually 100% foolproof once you’ve got the timing right. I’ve taught this technique to my family, friends as well as my teenage neighbor, and all have excellent results.
Mini Frozen Pizza in Air Fryer – A Fun Snack Idea
There’s something magical about the smell of mini pizzas crisping up in the air fryer—it instantly brings back childhood memories.
With golden crust, melty cheese, and fast cook time, mini frozen pizza in air fryer is the ultimate snack fix.
So next time you’re craving comfort food, just pop a mini frozen pizza in your air fryer—quick, crispy, and totally satisfying!
After your savory pizza snack, treat yourself with a sweet twist—try this Cinnamon Toast in Air Fryer, a warm, sugary favorite.
Delicious Mini Frozen Pizza in Air Fryer – Quick & Crispy in 10 Minutes!
Equipment
- airfryer
- Silicone tongs (optional)
- Parchment paper or foil (optional for easier cleanup)
Ingredients
- 2 mini frozen pizzas any brand like Bagel Bites, Totino’s, Red Baron, etc.
- Optional toppings: extra cheese pepperoni slices, olives, or chili flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer : Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place Frozen Pizzas: Add the mini frozen pizzas directly into the air fryer basket/tray. Don’t overlap.
- Air Fry: Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 7–8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Check & Serve: Use tongs to remove. Let cool for 1–2 minutes, then enjoy hot!
Notes
- Want it extra crispy? Add 1–2 more minutes.
- Add extra shredded cheese halfway for melty topping.
- For a softer crust, reduce temp to 360°F and cook slightly longer.
- Cooking multiple mini pizzas? Increase cook time by 1–2 minutes.
- With Dip: Marinara, ranch, or garlic sauce
- On the Side: Serve with fries or a side salad
- For Kids: Cut into halves or quarters before serving
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or microwave for 1 min (softer texture).
