How to Cook Frozen Pizza in a Convection Oven? (Instructions & Tips)

Last Updated on August 8, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

To cook frozen pizza in a convection oven, preheat the oven to the temperature specified in the pizza box. Place the pizza directly on the oven rack or a preheated pizza stone. Cook for the shorter time recommended, checking for the desired doneness. Convection cooking may require slightly shorter cooking times.

What Are The Instructions That You Have To Follow For Convection Bake Pizza?

To make a convection bake oven pizza, there are some instructions that you need to follow. The best option for you is to follow the written instructions precisely. You will find a set of instructions with the package. Setting the temperature of the oven is the most significant part when it comes to making pizza. So, here are some of the general guidelines that you have to follow while making a frozen pizza in a convection setting.

1. The first thing that you have to do is to heat the oven 25 degrees lower than the instructed Fahrenheit. For instance, if the instruction shows that you need to bake the pizza at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, you have to make sure you are 400 degrees. If your oven is capable of adjusting temperatures, you have to set it at 425 degrees, so that it can adjust to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Next, you have to place the frozen pizza in the oven. There are numerous tools that you can use to place your frozen pizza into the oven. For instance, you can use a pizza screen or a large pizza pan. Well, if you want to take our recommendation, we would suggest you use a pizza screen. It is a round baking tool crafted from expanded aluminum. It also comprises a solid aluminum rim. 

3. Place the pizza on the center rack of the oven. After that, you need to bake it for 12 to 18 minutes. Well, during that time, you have to set the timer at the lowest possible time. It will help you to understand the functionality of the convection setting of your oven. 

4. Whenever the timer goes off, make sure to check it a bit. If you want to achieve a crispier crust, you need to keep that pizza in the oven for fewer minutes.

5. Next, you need to remove pizza from the oven, after the timer switches off. You will find that the crust is crispy and the center is a bit doughy as well as bubbly.

6. Before you cut the pizza, make sure to give it five minutes before it. It will make the pizza cooler. It will ensure that you will enjoy the juicy layers of the pizza. 

Some Tips That Will Help You To Cook Your Pizza In The Convection Settings

If you want to cook frozen pizza in a convection setting perfectly, you need to follow some tips. Well, the fundamental thing that you need to understand is that convection is the mode of setting. Whenever you are using the convection setting, it is similar to normal heating. However, the only difference is that it involves an exhaust system as well as a fan. The purpose of convection cooking is to create a steady temperature around your food. It will ensure that your food is getting heated evenly as well as quickly. Besides, the exhaust system will soak the moisture from the oven so that the food becomes a bit brownish and crispy. 

So, here are some of the tips that you can follow to cook a frozen pizza perfectly in a convection setting.

How to Cook Frozen Pizza in a Convection Oven
TipsDescription
Lower Down The Temperature By 25 Degrees FahrenheitYou need to comprehend the fact that both heatings, as well as cooking, are quite efficient when it comes to convection settings. Therefore, you don’t need a high temperature to accomplish the same results. Hence, always lower the temperature by 25 degrees.
Avoid Crowding The OvenThe next thing that you need to follow is that deter yourself from crowding the oven. The reason is, whenever you are doing convection cooking, there should be space to let the air circulate. So, if you are overcrowding the oven, there is a possibility that it will block the air from flowing. Well, the food will get cooked, but it will be not efficient enough.
Keep On Checking The FoodCompared to usual baking, you can cook your food more quickly as the efficiency of this setting is better. Check your food halfway with the help of the recommended cooking gauge. After that, you need to check it frequently when the cooking is about to end. Check the look and smell of your food. It will help you to understand the degree of your cooking.
Use Roasting Pans As Well As Low-Sided Baking SheetsWell, we would recommend you to use the roasting pans or the low-sided baking sheets. It will help in the process of circulation. If the circulation of the air is up to the mark, it will make your food crispier. In the case of Pizza, you will get an amazingly crispy crust.

Bake vs. Convection Bake Pizza: Which Is Better?

When it comes to baking a pizza, the method used can drastically impact the final product. Two popular methods are traditional baking and convection baking. Both methods have their unique sets of advantages and potential drawbacks. Let’s dive into an analysis of these two methods to determine which is better for baking the perfect pizza.

1. Traditional Baking: The Classic Method

Traditional baking refers to using a standard oven that heats from the bottom. This allows the pizza to cook from the bottom up.

  • Advantages
    Traditional baking provides a good crust if the pizza is baked at a high temperature and for a short period. It’s ideal for deep-dish pizzas and thicker crusts because the pizza has ample time to cook slowly and thoroughly.
  • Drawbacks
    The major drawback of traditional baking is that the heat distribution may not be as even, leading to parts of the pizza being less cooked than others. The chance of the pizza top burning before the base cooks thoroughly is also a concern.

2. Convection Baking: The Modern Way

Convection baking involves the circulation of heat by a fan providing even faster cooking.

  • Advantages
    Convection baking can provide an even bake, making it more suited for thin-crust pizzas, as the bottom and top cook evenly. Faster cooking times due to improved heat distribution is another significant advantage.
  • Drawbacks
    While the even cook is advantageous, a convection oven can dry out the pizza if it’s not monitored closely. Also, some of the cheesier or topping-heavy pizzas may not fully cook in the middle before the crust starts to harden.

Comparison Table

Traditional BakingConvection Baking
Ideal forThick Crusts, Deep-Dish PizzasThin Crusts
Cooking TimeLongerShorter due to improved heat distribution
Evenness of CookPotentially unevenMore even
Risk of Drying OutLowerHigher

In conclusion, deciding which method is better depends largely on the type of pizza being baked. Traditional baking suits thicker crusts and deep-dish pizzas, while convection baking caters best to thin-crust pizzas. Therefore, both methods have their place in the art of pizza baking, and neither one can be definitively declared superior. Good pizza baking relies on understanding the characteristics of the dough and toppings and choosing the suitable baking method accordingly. And finally, constant monitoring is essential in preventing overcooking or drying regardless of the chosen technique.

FAQ

How Long It Takes To Cook A Frozen Pizza In A Convection Setting?

If you are following the instructions precisely, you will be able to cook a frozen pizza within 12-18 minutes. You don’t need to wait much. 

How do I make my pizza crust crispy in a convection oven?

The key to getting your crust crispy is to cook it at high heat for an extended time period. This will ensure that the outside of your dough will cook quickly while the inside stays soft and smooth.

Make sure you let the pizza crust cook in a medium-high heat oven for about 10 minutes. Then turn the heat to low and cook for about 15 minutes. Check every 5 minutes to make sure it’s not burning.

Final Verdict

Cooking a frozen pizza in a convection setting is quite easy. All you have to do is to know the process. If the cooking process is up to the mark, it will be not an issue. It will provide you with the perfect crunch of the crust. Besides, the middle of the pizza will be a bit bubbly and doughy.

References:

https://www.pizzabien.com/blogs/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-cooking-pizza-in-a-convection-oven
https://www.slicepizzeria.com/convection-oven-frozen-pizza/