Should I thaw frozen pizza before baking in the oven or when cooking air fryer frozen pizza? We will share how to cook frozen pizza perfectly here and answer all your questions.
New to cooking frozen pizza and wondering all the things so it turns out just right? Well, should I thaw frozen pizza before baking might be a question you have on your mind. We will talk about why or why you shouldn’t do this and the reasons why here. (affiliate links present)
How To Bake a Frozen Pizza
Well there are instructions on the back of every box you’d pick up at the store but they may not answer all the things either. In the oven is typically the device of choice if it is full size like Digiorno, California Pizza Kitchen or the other many brands out there.
We have actually did show you frozen pizza on the grill a few years back but that was kinda’ just for fun. I mean it did work but unless your kitchen is under construction it wouldn’t be the method of choice. It’s better to cook in a device where the temperature is even the entire time.
Jump to:
How to Bake Trader Joe’s Frozen Pizza
Grocery stores typically have their own brand too. I find that in general they are okay, some better than others but the less you pay the fewer toppings and thinner crust you’re going to end up with. I like Digiorno and Freschetta probably the best without the stuffed crust option. That is just kinda’ weird, doesn’t make it any better.
How to Cook Frozen Pizza Air Fryer
If it is summertime and the last thing you want to do is turn on your oven then I would opt for this method. Just follow our air fryer frozen pizza directions (above) and have at it. Pizza rolls in air fryer are pretty killer too as a snack. This will make for a crispier frozen pizza in the shortest amount of time, period.
This is an option if you are cooking individual pizzas that are small enough to fit into the basket. Those typically fit one at a time if you have a 5 quart or larger. A large air fryer typically has shelves and you may be able to fit 2-3 at a time that way.
Should you defrost frozen pizza before cooking it?
NO, no and did I say no to that?? There are several reasons why this is not a good idea, let me break it down for you here: Let me start by saying that it is unlikely it would grow bacteria in that short period of time so you don’t have to worry about keeling over or anything, you’ll be perfectly fine BUT…..
- The ingredients were WELL tested to specifically go straight from the freezer to the shelf in your oven (or a pizza stone). If you defrost it first the timing will be totally off and you’d have to watch it almost the whole time to ensure it didn’t burn. Who wants to do that??
- Pizza dough that is already frozen is meant to be cooked right away. If you sit it on the countertop it will not only get super gooey and eeehhhhhk but it will sweat a bit and get yucky wet. Not only will it stick to the pan and probably not come off but the texture will be off when baked.
- Frozen cheese has been tested to cook and melt well from hard. If you defrost it and then heat it it doesn’t melt that great and once again, the texture is kinda’ disgusting.
Get it??
How to Cook Frozen Pizza in the Oven
Time needed: 22 minutes
How to Cook Frozen Pizza
- Preheat
Preheat oven to the temperature directed on the back of your box.
- Unwrap
Remove your pie from the freezer and open the box. Unwrap the wrapper and discard. Do NOT thaw it out, they are meant to bake directly from frozen.
- Bake
Once your oven is preheated, either set your pizza in the oven directly on the middle oven rack or use a pizza pan that has small holes on the bottom. This type of pan will get crust a little crispier than a baking sheet would. Bake the pizza for the time designated on the back of your pizza box.
FYI: If you thaw your pizza the timing and temperature will be completely off. It will be safe to eat but no telling what temp or length to cook them long. It will definitely cook faster. - Slice
When the top is lightly golden brown and cheese is melted, remove from the oven and set to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This will help the cheese from melting all over the place and off of your pieces.
Now after it’s done you might have leftovers. This is how to reheat pizza in air fryer so it tastes new again. Love cooking from rock hard to perfection? Give our frozen chicken breasts in oven a whirl another night for a healthier option.
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Dennis Tryon
Sunday 23rd of October 2022
When I get the pizza from the sore I don't think it is frozen. It seems to me that it is simply in a cold compartment. 1. If it is soft is terribly hard to remove it from the plastic bag? How do I get a pizza that is not frozen hard onto a cooking stone? 2. Should I freeze it first? 3. Should I be using a pizza paddle? Metal or wood? 4. Is flour required in the process?
Dennis Tryon
Monday 31st of October 2022
@Dennis, Again, @The Typical Mom, can you give me a link of the type of pan you would prefer? How about this Should I be using a pizza paddle? Metal or wood?
Dennis
Wednesday 26th of October 2022
@The Typical Mom, can you give me a link of the type of pan you would prefer? How about this Should I be using a pizza paddle? Metal or wood?
The Typical Mom
Sunday 23rd of October 2022
I would freeze first properly. Personally I prefer a metal round pan with holes on the bottom so it can get crispy top to bottom. No flour necessary since it should be non stick surface.
Joanna Lewis
Wednesday 14th of September 2022
After I bake a self rising Digiorno pizza, the bottom is done and crispy but parts of the crust toward the center are doughy. Any tips? I’ve read that some people say to thaw the pizza first but none of the articles mention self rising crust like yours does. Thanks!
The Typical Mom
Wednesday 14th of September 2022
Sounds like your rack may be too low in your oven, try moving it up one rung next time.