How to Reheat Pizza in Air Fryer: The Ultimate Guide for Crispy, Delicious Results Every Time

Reheating pizza can be a tricky task. Too often, you end up with a soggy, limp slice or a dry, overcooked mess—far from the fresh-out-of-the-oven magic you remember. But what if I told you there’s a way to bring your leftover pizza back to life with crispy crusts, melty cheese, and all the flavor intact? Enter the air fryer: your new best friend for reviving cold pizza. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to reheat pizza in an air fryer, step by step, so you can enjoy restaurant-quality results every time. Whether you’re dealing with thin-crust, deep-dish, or even frozen pizza, these methods will ensure your slice tastes just as good as when it was first baked.

Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for Reheating Pizza

Before diving into the “how,” let’s understand why air fryers outperform other reheating methods like microwaves, ovens, or toasters. Here’s the science behind it:

Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speeds around food, a process that mimics deep frying but with little to no oil. This rapid airflow does two critical things for reheated pizza:

1. ​Crisps the Crust: Unlike microwaves, which heat from the inside out and leave crusts soft and chewy (thanks to steam), air fryers dry out excess moisture on the crust’s surface. The result? A crunchy, golden base that tastes freshly baked.

2. ​Melts Cheese Evenly: The consistent heat melts cheese without burning it, avoiding the rubbery texture microwaves often produce. For pizzas with toppings like pepperoni or veggies, the air fryer’s airflow ensures toppings stay crisp, not soggy.

Compared to ovens, air fryers heat up faster (no preheating for 10–15 minutes!) and use less energy. They’re also more precise, letting you control temperature and time to avoid overcooking. Even better, most air fryer baskets are designed to fit standard pizza slices, making the process quick and hands-off.

Step-by-Step: How to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer

Now, let’s get to the practical part. Follow these steps to reheat your pizza perfectly every time.

Step 1: Prep Your Pizza and Air Fryer

Start by taking your leftover pizza out of the fridge. If it’s been stored in an airtight container or plastic wrap, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes. This helps it warm up slightly, reducing the temperature shock when it hits the hot air fryer (and prevents condensation, which can make the crust soggy).

Next, check the pizza’s condition. If it’s very cold or has a thick layer of toppings (like extra sauce or veggies), pat the top lightly with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. This step is optional but can prevent sogginess, especially for deep-dish or stuffed-crust pizzas.

As for the air fryer: Ensure the basket is clean and dry. You don’t need to line it with parchment paper or foil—doing so can trap steam and prevent the crust from crisping. If your pizza slices are small (like personal pan slices), you can place them directly on the basket. For larger slices (12–14 inches), arrange them in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Overlapping traps steam between slices, leading to soft spots.

Step 2: Set the Temperature and Time

The key to perfect reheated pizza is balancing heat and time. Too low, and the crust stays soft; too high, and the cheese burns. Here’s the sweet spot:

​Temperature: 350°F (175°C). This is warm enough to melt cheese and crisp the crust without scorching. Some air fryers use Celsius, so adjust accordingly.

​Time: 3–5 minutes. The exact time depends on your pizza’s thickness, size, and how cold it was. Thinner slices (like New York-style) may only need 3 minutes, while thicker deep-dish slices might take closer to 5. Always start with 3 minutes and check—air fryers vary in power, and you can always add more time if needed.

Step 3: Heat and Check for Doneness

Place the pizza in the preheated air fryer (or put it in as it heats up, if your model doesn’t require preheating—though preheating ensures even cooking). Let it cook undisturbed for the first 2 minutes. Then, open the basket and flip the slices with tongs or a spatula. Flipping ensures both sides of the crust crisp evenly, especially if your air fryer has hot spots.

After flipping, continue heating for another 1–3 minutes. Check for doneness by lifting a slice: the crust should be golden brown and firm, with no soft or doughy spots. The cheese should be bubbly and melted, not burnt or rubbery. If the crust is still pale, add 30 seconds–1 minute more. If the cheese is starting to brown too much, reduce the time next time.

Step 4: Let It Rest and Serve

Once done, remove the pizza from the air fryer and let it rest for 1–2 minutes before eating. This allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing it from sliding off the crust when you take a bite. Serve immediately—you’ll have a slice that’s crispy, cheesy, and tastes almost as good as fresh.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

Even with the best method, you might run into issues. Here’s how to solve them:

My Pizza Is Still Soggy—Why?

Sogginess usually comes from excess moisture. If your pizza was very cold or had wet toppings (like fresh basil or pineapple), patting the top with paper towels before heating can help. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket—space allows air to circulate and dry the crust.

The Crust Is Burning Before the Cheese Melts

This often happens with thin-crust pizzas or if your air fryer runs hot. Lower the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and extend the time to 4–6 minutes. Alternatively, cover the pizza loosely with a piece of aluminum foil during the last minute of heating to protect the crust while melting the cheese.

My Deep-Dish Pizza Takes Forever to Heat

Deep-dish pizzas have thick crusts and dense toppings, so they need more time. Try heating at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway. You can also preheat the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to speed up the process.

Can I Reheat Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer?

Absolutely—and it’s better than microwaving or baking in an oven. Follow the same steps: place the frozen slice (no need to thaw) in the air fryer, set to 375°F (190°C), and heat for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway. The air fryer’s hot air will thaw and crisp the crust simultaneously, resulting in a better texture than a microwave’s soggy output.

Pro Tips for Next-Level Reheated Pizza

Want to take your reheated pizza from good to great? Try these pro tips:

• ​Add a Little Oil: For extra-crispy crusts, brush the top of the pizza with a tiny bit of olive oil before heating. Just a light coat—too much, and it might burn.

• ​Use a Rack Insert: If your air fryer has a wire rack accessory, place it in the basket. Elevating the pizza allows hot air to circulate underneath, crisping both top and bottom crusts.

• ​Experiment with Toppings: If your pizza has wilting veggies (like mushrooms or spinach), sprinkle a little water on them before heating. The steam will revive their freshness without making the crust soggy.

• ​Store Pizza Properly for Easier Reheating: To ensure your pizza reheats well, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Avoid freezing if possible—if you must freeze, wrap slices individually in parchment paper and then in a freezer bag to prevent sticking.

Why This Method Beats Other Reheating Options

Let’s quickly compare air frying to other common methods:

• ​Microwave: Leaves crust soft and chewy due to steam. Cheese can clump or become rubbery.

• ​Oven: Takes 10–15 minutes to preheat, and even then, crusts may not get as crispy as with an air fryer.

• ​Toaster Oven: Similar to a regular oven but smaller—great for one slice, but less efficient for multiple.

• ​Skillet on Stovetop: Can work for single slices, but requires constant attention to avoid burning.

The air fryer combines speed, convenience, and superior results—making it the clear winner for reheating pizza.

Final Thoughts

Reheating pizza in an air fryer isn’t just easy—it’s the best way to reclaim that fresh-baked magic. By following the steps above, you’ll avoid soggy crusts, rubbery cheese, and overcooked toppings, ensuring every slice tastes like it just came out of the pizzeria. Remember to adjust time and temperature based on your pizza’s thickness, and don’t be afraid to experiment with pro tips like adding a drizzle of oil or using a rack insert.

So the next time you have leftover pizza, skip the microwave and reach for your air fryer. With just a few minutes, you’ll have a crispy, melty, delicious slice that’s ready to enjoy—no delivery required.

Try it today, and taste the difference for yourself!