If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a leftover pizza box and wondering, “Can I just pop this in the air fryer?” The answer is a resounding yes.
Air fryers aren’t just for chips or chicken wings, they’re surprisingly brilliant for pizza too. Whether you’re reheating last night’s takeaway or craving a quick homemade slice, this little kitchen gadget delivers crisp crusts and melted cheese faster than your oven could preheat.
How to Cook Pizza in an Air Fryer (Fresh or Frozen)
1. Preheat the air fryer
Most modern air fryers heat up within a couple of minutes. Set yours to around 180°C to 200°C depending on the thickness of your pizza. Preheating helps you achieve that classic crispy crust.
2. Prep your pizza
If you’re working with a fresh pizza, make sure it fits inside your air fryer basket. For frozen pizza, let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature to soften slightly so the toppings don’t burn before the base cooks.
3. Don’t overload the basket
One common mistake is trying to cook multiple slices at once. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so overcrowding prevents even cooking. Stick to one or two slices for the best results.
4. Cook time and temperature
- Fresh pizza: 7-9 minutes at 190°C
- Frozen pizza: 10-12 minutes at 200°C
- Reheating leftover pizza: 3-4 minutes at 170°C
Check halfway through, if the cheese is bubbling and the edges are golden, it’s done!
Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer: Game-Changing Crispiness
If you’ve ever reheated pizza in the microwave, you know how disappointing soggy bases can be. The air fryer solves that problem effortlessly. The circulating heat restores the crisp crust while keeping the toppings gooey and delicious.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Place slices in the basket (no overlap).
- Set to 170°C for about 3 minutes.
- Let it rest for 30 seconds before biting in.
The result? Pizza that tastes almost as good as when it first came out of the oven – maybe even better.
Why Air Fryer Pizza Works So Well
Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation, which mimics the effect of a traditional stone pizza oven, just on a smaller scale. The result is a crispy base and perfectly melted toppings, without the long preheating or mess of a full-size oven.
It’s ideal for busy Londoners who want pizza on demand, whether you’re coming home after work or having mates round for a late-night snack. Plus, it’s energy-efficient, meaning you’re saving time and cutting costs.
Final Bite
So yes, you absolutely can cook pizza in an air fryer, and it’s a total game-changer for quick, delicious results. Whether you’re reviving cold slices or making a mini margherita from scratch, the air fryer is your shortcut to perfect pizza without the wait. But if you fancy skipping the fuss altogether, try ICCO pizza delivery across London, in Soho or Fitzrovia, for handmade pizzas baked the traditional way; hot, fresh, and ready when you are.
