Frozen Pizza Sticks in the Air Fryer (Quick & Easy & So Crispy!)

Frozen pizza sticks in the air fryer are a game-changer for snack time! Forget about waiting for your oven to preheat or dealing with soggy microwave results. This easy air fryer recipe delivers perfectly crispy crusts and gooey melted cheese in just minutes, making it the ultimate solution for satisfying your pizza cravings quickly.

Why You’ll Love Frozen Pizza Sticks in the Air Fryer

• Quick and Easy: In just 11 minutes, you’ll have hot and crispy pizza sticks ready to enjoy. No preheating or extra prep required—straight from the freezer to your plate!
• Perfect Texture: The air fryer gives these pizza sticks a wonderfully crispy crust while keeping the cheese and filling perfectly gooey. It’s the ideal balance of crunch and melt.
• Kid-Friendly: These pizza sticks are a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re a perfect snack for busy afternoons, game nights, or casual get-togethers.
• Minimal Cleanup: No need for extra pans or baking sheets. The air fryer makes cleanup a breeze, leaving you with more time to enjoy your delicious creation.
• Better than the Microwave: Air frying enhances the texture and taste of pizza sticks, giving you a professional-quality result at home. Say goodbye to soggy crusts forever!

Ingredients for Frozen Pizza Sticks in the Air Fryer

• Frozen Pizza Sticks: The main ingredient! Use your favorite brand for this recipe. They cook perfectly straight from frozen without any need to defrost.

For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Frozen Pizza Sticks in the Air Fryer

• Air Fryer: The key to achieving a crispy crust and gooey interior.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely removing the hot pizza sticks from the air fryer.
• Plate: For serving and enjoying your pizza sticks fresh out of the air fryer.

How to Make Frozen Pizza Sticks in the Air Fryer

• Open the box and remove the frozen pizza sticks from their packaging.
• Arrange the pizza sticks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Set the air fryer to 370°F and cook for 11 minutes.
• Once cooking is complete, carefully check one pizza stick to ensure the center is fully heated. If needed, cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
• Serve immediately and enjoy! Break each pizza stick in half to reveal the melted cheese inside.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these crispy pizza sticks with green onion or ranch dipping sauce for extra flavor.
• Serve them as a snack alongside fresh kale and apple salad for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Perfect for game nights or movie marathons—serve with other air-fried appetizers like mozzarella sticks or chicken wings.
• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil for a gourmet touch.
• Serve them warm on a platter for an easy party appetizer everyone will love!

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Arrange the pizza sticks in a single layer with a little space between them. This allows the hot air to circulate and cook them evenly. If making a large batch, cook in multiple rounds.
• Adjust cooking time if needed: Air fryers can vary in performance. If your pizza sticks aren’t golden and crispy after 11 minutes, give them an extra 2–3 minutes.
• Check the center for doneness: Before serving, break one pizza stick in half to ensure the cheese and filling are hot. If it’s still cold, pop it back into the air fryer for another minute or two.
• Shake the basket halfway through: For the most even cooking, shake the air fryer basket gently about halfway through the cooking time.
• Serve immediately: Pizza sticks are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer when the crust is crispy and the cheese is perfectly gooey. Waiting too long can make them lose their texture.
• Experiment with dipping sauces: Marinara is a classic choice, but these also pair well with garlic butter, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo for a twist.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Types of Pizza Sticks: Not all pizza sticks are created equal! You can use cheese-filled, pepperoni, or even veggie-packed pizza sticks depending on your preference. Each variation cooks just as easily in the air fryer.
• Add Seasoning: Sprinkle some Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper on the pizza sticks before cooking for extra flavor. This little addition can make them taste even more gourmet.
• Low-Carb Option: If you’re looking for a lower-carb snack, try cauliflower-based pizza sticks. These cook beautifully in the air fryer and offer a lighter alternative.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Many brands offer gluten-free pizza sticks. Follow the same instructions, and enjoy a crispy, gluten-free snack.
• Make it Cheesy: Top the pizza sticks with shredded mozzarella and cook for an extra minute to melt the cheese. This adds an extra layer of indulgence.
• Add a Dip Bar: Pair your pizza sticks with a variety of dips like marinara, Alfredo sauce, or barbecue sauce to mix up the flavors. This is great for serving guests or kids.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftovers (unlikely!), let the pizza sticks cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating in the Air Fryer: To maintain the crispy crust, reheat the pizza sticks in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. This will bring back the crunch without drying them out.
• Reheating in the Microwave: For a quicker option, you can microwave them for 30–45 seconds. However, this method will make the crust softer.
• Freezing Cooked Pizza Sticks: If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 370°F for about 5–7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook multiple batches of pizza sticks in the air fryer?

Yes, you can! However, it’s important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking. Cook in batches if needed, and remember to shake the basket between each batch for the best results.

What if my pizza sticks aren’t crispy?

If your pizza sticks don’t come out crispy, they may need more cooking time. Add an extra 2–3 minutes in the air fryer at 370°F and check again. Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process can also help.

Can I use homemade pizza sticks instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you’re using homemade pizza sticks, you can still air fry them. Adjust the cooking time depending on the size and filling. Start with 8–10 minutes at 370°F and check for doneness.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

No preheating is necessary for this recipe. The air fryer works efficiently from a cold start, saving you time and hassle.

What are the best dips to serve with pizza sticks?

Marinara sauce is a classic option, but you can also try ranch dressing, garlic butter, spicy mayo, or even honey mustard for a unique twist. Having a variety of dips makes it fun for guests and family!

How do I know when the pizza sticks are fully cooked?

The exterior should be golden brown and crispy, and the interior filling should be hot and gooey. Break one pizza stick in half to check for thorough heating before serving.

Can I cook other snacks with the pizza sticks?

It’s best to cook pizza sticks by themselves to ensure even cooking. However, if you’re making similar-sized snacks like mozzarella sticks, you could experiment by cooking them together, ensuring adequate spacing in the basket.

Other Easy Pizza Recipes

Crescent Roll Pizza Recipe – Quick, Tasty, and Fun!: A simple and fast way to make personal-sized pizzas with a flaky crescent roll crust.

Cheesy Garlic Pizza Recipe: Loaded with gooey cheese and savory garlic, this pizza is a flavor-packed favorite.

Crescent Roll Pizza Snacks: Bite-sized and perfect for parties, these crescent roll snacks are a pizza lover’s dream.

Grilled Pita Pizza Recipe – Mushroom and Veggie Delight!: A healthy, crisp pita crust topped with melted cheese and fresh vegetables.

Portobello Mushroom Pizza with Fresh Basil and Tomatoes: A low-carb pizza alternative featuring juicy portobello mushrooms as the base.

Tortilla Pizza – Mexican-Style Recipe: Thin, crispy tortillas loaded with zesty Mexican-inspired toppings.

Low-Carb Eggplant Pizza Recipe (Gluten-Free Option): Delicious eggplant slices topped with your favorite pizza ingredients for a healthy twist.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Frozen Salisbury Steak in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Biscuit Roll-Ups by Jimmy Dean
• Air Fryer Mushrooms – Sliced and Perfectly Cooked!