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

Reheating leftover pizza often feels like a gamble. Microwave it, and you get a soggy, rubbery mess with congealed cheese. Pop it in the oven, and you might wait 20 minutes just for it to crisp up—only to end up with unevenly heated slices. But there’s a better way: using an air fryer to reheat pizza delivers that fresh-from-the-oven crunch, melty cheese, and warm sauce every time. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to reheat pizza in an air fryer, why it works so well, and pro tips to avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re reviving last night’s pepperoni or a gourmet veggie slice, this method will make your leftovers taste just as good as the first bite.

Why Air Fryers Are the Best Tool for Reheating Pizza

Before diving into the “how,” let’s understand why air fryers outperform other appliances for pizza reheating. Unlike microwaves, which use radiation to heat water molecules (leaving crusts soft and cheeses watery), air fryers rely on rapid, high-heat air circulation (typically 300–400°F/150–200°C). This process, similar to convection baking but faster, does three critical things for pizza:

1. ​Crisps the Crust: The hot air dries out moisture from the crust’s surface, restoring its crunch without overcooking the interior.

2. ​Melts Cheese Evenly: Direct, circulating heat gently warms cheese to a gooey, stretchy texture rather than overheating it into a hard, oily mess.

3. ​Revives Toppings: Veggies, meats, and sauces retain their flavor and texture better than in microwaves, where steam can make veggies soggy or sauces split.

Compared to ovens, air fryers heat up in seconds (no preheating required for most models) and use less energy. They’re also smaller, so you can reheat a single slice or a few pieces without wasting oven space. For busy home cooks or apartment dwellers, air fryers turn pizza leftovers into a 5-minute fix.

Step-by-Step: How to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer (Perfect Every Time)

Follow these steps to ensure your reheated pizza is crispy, cheesy, and satisfying:

​1. Prep Your Pizza​

• ​Let it sit at room temperature: If your pizza has been in the fridge, take it out 10–15 minutes before reheating. Cold pizza straight from the fridge can heat unevenly, leaving the center cool while the crust burns.

• ​Cut into slices (if not already)​: Air fryers work best with individual slices. Stacked slices trap steam, leading to soggy bottoms. If you must reheat multiple slices, leave space between them (no overlapping).

• ​Optional: Lightly brush the crust with oil: For extra-crispy crusts (especially thin-crust or gluten-free), a quick brush of olive oil or avocado oil adds flavor and promotes browning. Skip this if you prefer a lighter crunch.

​2. Set the Air Fryer Temperature and Time​

Most air fryers heat quickly, so start with these general guidelines (adjust based on your model and pizza thickness):

• ​Thin-crust pizza (e.g., New York-style)​: 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes.

• ​Thick-crust or deep-dish pizza: 325°F (160°C) for 4–5 minutes. Thicker crusts need lower heat to cook through without burning the edges.

• ​Frozen pizza (never cooked before)​: Follow package instructions, but air fryers often require 380°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes—check halfway to avoid overcooking.

Pro Tip: If your air fryer has a “reheat” setting, use it—but still monitor closely. These settings vary by brand and may not account for pizza’s specific needs.

​3. Place Pizza in the Air Fryer Basket​

Lay slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. For extra insurance against sticking, line the basket with parchment paper or a perforated air fryer liner (avoid non-stick sprays, as they can burn at high temps).

​4. Check and Flip (If Needed)​​

Midway through cooking (after 2 minutes for thin crust, 3 minutes for thick), open the air fryer and flip the slices. This ensures even crisping on both sides. If the crust is browning too fast, reduce the temperature by 25°F (15°C) for the remaining time.

​5. Let It Rest Before Serving​

Once done, remove the pizza and let it sit for 1–2 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing it from sliding off when you take a bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer

Even with the best method, mistakes can happen. Here’s what to watch out for:

​Mistake 1: Overcrowding the Basket​

Piling slices on top of each other traps steam, making the bottom crust soggy and the top cheese rubbery. Stick to one layer with space between slices. If you have more pizza than fits, reheat in batches.

​Mistake 2: Using Too High Heat​

Air fryers cook fast—too high a temperature can burn the crust before the cheese melts. Start with 350°F (175°C) and adjust down if needed. Thicker crusts especially need lower heat to cook through evenly.

​Mistake 3: Skipping the Room-Temperature Step​

Cold pizza from the fridge takes longer to heat, increasing the risk of overcooking the exterior. Letting it sit for 10–15 minutes balances the heating process.

​Mistake 4: Not Checking Doneness​

Air fryers vary by brand and wattage. Always check the pizza at the minimum recommended time. Look for golden-brown crust edges, melted cheese, and warm sauce (use a fork to test the center if unsure).

Advanced Tips for Next-Level Reheated Pizza

Want to elevate your leftover pizza? Try these pro tricks:

• ​Add Fresh Toppings: Sprinkle a little extra cheese, red pepper flakes, or basil on top before reheating. The residual heat will melt the new cheese and warm the seasonings.

• ​Revive Stale Crusts: If the crust is rock-hard from the fridge, spritz it lightly with water before air frying. The moisture will create steam, softening the crust while the air fryer crisps the exterior.

• ​Use a Rack Insert: Some air fryer accessories include small wire racks. Placing pizza on a rack lifts it off the basket, allowing hot air to circulate underneath for extra-crispy bottoms.

• ​Make “Pizza Bites”​: Cut leftover pizza into small squares, toss with a little olive oil and garlic powder, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes. They make perfect snacks or salad toppers.

How to Store Pizza for Air Frying Later

Proper storage ensures your pizza reheats well. Follow these guidelines:

• ​Refrigerate within 2 hours: Hot pizza left out attracts bacteria. Let it cool to room temperature, then wrap individual slices in parchment paper (to absorb moisture) and place in an airtight container or zip-top bag.

• ​Freeze for longer storage: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes, then follow the air fryer steps above (add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time).

• ​Avoid plastic containers: Plastic can trap steam, making the crust soggy. Parchment or wax paper is better for maintaining crispness.

Is Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer Healthy?

Air frying is generally healthier than microwaving or deep-frying. Since it uses little to no oil (unless you brush the crust), reheated pizza retains fewer added fats. However, keep in mind that leftover pizza is still calorie-dense—enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For a lighter option, pair your reheated slice with a side salad or fresh veggies.

Final Thoughts: Air Fryer Reheated Pizza = Best Leftovers Ever

Reheating pizza in an air fryer isn’t just convenient—it’s the closest you’ll get to fresh-baked taste without firing up the oven. By following the steps above, avoiding common mistakes, and using pro tips, you’ll transform cold, lifeless slices into crispy, melty masterpieces. Whether you’re a college student with a mini fridge full of leftovers or a family reviving Sunday dinner, this method turns pizza night into a daily possibility.

So next time you have leftover pizza, skip the microwave. Grab your air fryer, set the temperature, and get ready to enjoy a slice that tastes even better than the first.