How To Cook Totino’s Pizza In Air Fryer [FULL GUIDE]

Totino’s pizzas have become a staple in busy households because they are inexpensive, nostalgic, and satisfyingly crisp when cooked correctly. While the oven method works just fine, the air fryer has quickly become the preferred tool for achieving a beautifully browned crust and evenly melted cheese in far less time. The compact cooking chamber of an air fryer circulates hot air rapidly around the pizza, giving it a texture remarkably close to a traditional oven bake but without the lengthy preheating time or energy usage. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook Totino’s pizza in an air fryer: ideal temperatures, perfect timing, how to avoid common mistakes, and professional tips for consistently delicious results.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature To Cook Totino’s Pizza In Air Fryer

The ideal temperature to cook a Totino’s pizza in an air fryer is 380°F (193°C).

This temperature strikes the perfect balance between:

• Allowing the crust to crisp rather than scorch
• Melting the cheese evenly
• Preventing the toppings from drying out
• Ensuring the pizza cooks fully through the center

While some air fryer recipes suggest higher temperatures (400°F or above), Totino’s pizzas are thin and cook extremely fast. Too much heat risks burning the edges before the crust has time to fully crisp.

How Long To Cook Totino’s Pizza In Air Fryer

At 380°F, a Totino’s pizza generally takes 8 to 10 minutes to cook.

Time varies depending on:

• How powerful your air fryer’s heating element is
• Your air fryer basket size and airflow
• The style of Totino’s pizza (Party Pizza, personal pizza, etc.)
• Whether you preheat the air fryer

For most models:

• Preheated air fryer: about 8 minutes
• Non-preheated air fryer: closer to 10 minutes

Always start checking at the 7-minute mark.

How To Tell If It Is Done

A Totino’s pizza is perfectly cooked when:

• The cheese is fully melted and bubbling gently across the surface.
• The crust is golden brown around the edges.
• The center of the pizza feels firm when lifted with tongs (not soggy or limp).
• Toppings appear slightly crisped but not burnt.
• Steam escapes when gently bending the pizza, indicating heat all the way through.

If the center still looks pale or the cheese has a dull appearance rather than a glossy melt, give it another minute.

Ingredients Needed

Cooking a Totino’s pizza in an air fryer is straightforward and requires only the essentials:

• 1 Totino’s Pizza (Party Pizza or personal size)
• Optional: Nonstick spray or parchment designed for air fryers (to prevent sticking)
• Optional additions: shredded cheese, pepper flakes, garlic powder, or extra toppings that cook quickly (avoid raw meats)

How To Cook Totino’s Pizza In Air Fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) if your model requires it.
2. Prepare the basket. Lightly spray with nonstick spray or use perforated parchment to keep the pizza from sticking.
3. Remove the Totino’s pizza from its packaging.
4. Place the pizza directly into the air fryer basket. Make sure it lies flat and does not overlap the sides.
5. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes depending on whether you preheated the unit.
6. Check at the 7-minute mark for doneness.
7. Continue cooking until the cheese is fully melted and the crust has crisped.
8. Carefully remove the pizza using tongs or a spatula.
9. Let it cool for 1-2 minutes before cutting or serving.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Temperature?

Using a different temperature will change how the pizza cooks:

Lower Temperatures (320°F-350°F)

• The pizza will cook more slowly.
• Cheese may melt before the crust crisps.
• The center may remain soft or doughy.
• Expect cook times closer to 12-14 minutes.

Higher Temperatures (390°F-400°F)

• Edges may darken too quickly.
• Cheese can blister or burn.
• The bottom may overcook before the center heats through.
• Totino’s pizzas are thin, making them sensitive to excessive heat.

If you must use a different temperature because of air fryer limitations, adjust cook time accordingly and monitor closely.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Cooking Time?

Changing the cooking time alters texture and doneness:

Shorter Cooking Time

• Cheese may not fully melt.
• Crust will be pale and pliable.
• Center may be undercooked or cool.

Longer Cooking Time

• Crust may become overly dark or brittle.
• Cheese can dry out or harden.
• Toppings may burn, especially at high temperatures.

Totino’s pizzas cook fast, so even a minute or two matters. Always check frequently the first time you try a new air fryer model.

When Things Go Wrong

Even simple recipes can go sideways. Common issues include:

Pizza Flies Around The Basket

• The fan in some air fryers is strong.
• Use a metal rack, air fryer parchment, or place something heat-safe (like a trivet) lightly on top during the first minute until cheese begins melting.

Soggy Center

• Air fryer may be overcrowded or too low in heat.
• Increase temperature to 380°F and give it an extra minute.

Burned Edges But Soft Center

• Temperature is too high or pizza is too close to heating element.
• Lower temp to 360-370°F and cook a bit longer.

Cheese Spills Into The Basket

• Pizza was placed unevenly or toppings shifted.
• Use parchment or trim any overhang before cooking.

Expert Tips

• Do not thaw the pizza first. Totino’s cooks best straight from the freezer.
• Avoid stacking pizzas. Airflow must reach the top surface.
• Rotate halfway through if your air fryer heats unevenly.
• Add extra toppings sparingly. Heavy toppings may prevent even melting.
• Let the pizza rest after cooking. This allows the cheese to set and reduces cracking.
• Always check early. Air fryers vary widely in power.

FAQs

What Temperature Should I Set My Air Fryer To Cook Totino’s Pizza?

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). This temperature ensures that the crust becomes crispy while the cheese melts evenly without burning.

How Long Should I Cook A Totino’s Pizza In An Air Fryer?

Cook the pizza for 6 to 8 minutes. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the pizza and the specific air fryer model, so check for a golden-brown crust and bubbly cheese as indicators.

Do I Need To Preheat The Air Fryer Before Cooking Totino’s Pizza?

Yes, preheating the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes helps achieve a more evenly cooked pizza and ensures the crust turns crispy rather than soggy.

Should I Remove The Totino’s Pizza From The Packaging Before Air Frying?

Absolutely. Remove any plastic wrap or cardboard and place the pizza directly in the air fryer basket or on a perforated tray to allow hot air circulation.

Can I Cook More Than One Totino’s Pizza At A Time In The Air Fryer?

It depends on the size of your air fryer. For best results, cook one pizza at a time. Stacking or overlapping pizzas can result in uneven cooking and a soggy crust.

Do I Need To Flip The Pizza During Air Frying?

No, flipping is generally unnecessary. The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, so the top and bottom cook simultaneously. However, if your air fryer has hot spots, you may rotate the pizza halfway through for even browning.

Can I Add Extra Toppings To Totino’s Pizza Before Air Frying?

Yes, you can add toppings, but avoid overloading the pizza, as excessive toppings may prevent the crust from crisping properly. Light additions like extra cheese, pepperoni, or vegetables work well.