Mastering Leftover Pizza: How to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer for Ultimate Crispy Perfection

Tired of soggy, disappointing leftover pizza? The air fryer is your ultimate secret weapon for transforming chilled or even frozen slices into a fresh-tasting, crispy delight. Say goodbye to chewy crusts and uneven heating – with an air fryer, perfect pizza is just minutes away. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from precise temperatures and times to expert tips for all types of pizza, ensuring every bite is as good as the first!

If you’re new to air frying, reheating pizza is an excellent and incredibly satisfying starting point. It’s straightforward, requires minimal effort, and delivers impressive results that will make you wonder why you ever considered other reheating methods. The powerful circulating hot air of an air fryer ensures that the crust gets wonderfully crispy and golden, while the cheese melts beautifully and the toppings heat through perfectly without becoming dry or rubbery. This technique has become a staple for many, transforming the humble leftover slice into a truly enjoyable experience.

Watch How to Reheat Pizza in Your Air Fryer!

Learn the simple steps to perfect air-fried pizza with our quick video tutorial.

Reheat Pizza in Air Fryer (Including Frozen Pizza)

By Summer Yule

Transform your leftover pizza from soggy to spectacularly crispy with the magic of your air fryer! This method guarantees a perfectly heated, crunchy crust and gooey cheese every time, whether your pizza is chilled or frozen.

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Cook Time:
3-5 minutes

Total Time:
3-5 minutes

Course:
Dinner, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine:
Italian, American

Servings:
1 (adjustable)

Calories:
270 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 slice leftover pizza (chilled or frozen)
• Cooking oil spray (optional, especially for frozen pizza or to prevent sticking)

Instructions

Reheating Chilled Leftover Pizza in Air Fryer:

1. Place pizza slices in a single layer on your air fryer tray or in the air fryer basket. It’s crucial to avoid overlapping to ensure even crisping and proper air circulation around each slice.
2. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. If you are using an air fryer oven, position the tray on the top rack for optimal crispness.
3. Pro Tip: For thin crust pizzas, 3 minutes is often sufficient. Regular or thicker crusts might require 4-5 minutes. Always monitor your pizza closely, as air fryer models can vary. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the crust golden and crispy.

Reheating Frozen Pizza in Air Fryer:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This preheating step is vital when working with frozen items to achieve immediate crisping and thorough heating.
2. Carefully place 1-2 frozen pizza slices in the preheated air fryer basket or on the tray, ensuring they do not overlap. If you’re concerned about the crust drying out or sticking to the basket, a very light spray of cooking oil on the bottom of the crust can be beneficial.
3. Air fry for 5-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The precise cooking time will vary based on the size of the slice, the thickness of the crust (thicker crusts will naturally take longer, while thin crusts will be quicker), and the specific air fryer model you are using. Continuously monitor your pizza, looking for beautifully melted and bubbling cheese and a golden, crispy crust.

Equipment

• Air Fryer (basket or oven style)

Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule

This recipe is generally suited for individuals focused on weight maintenance and active lifestyles. A typical medium slice of combo pizza (e.g., featuring sausage, pepperoni, peppers, and onions) can contain approximately 270 calories, 24 grams of net carbohydrates, and 14 grams of protein. Please be aware that the exact nutritional values will vary significantly based on the specific type of pizza you choose, its ingredients, and your precise portion size. Pizza is a food that many find easy to overeat, so mindful portion control is especially important if you have specific weight loss goals.

To enhance the satiety of your pizza meal without dramatically increasing the calorie count, consider pairing your slice with a large, fresh side salad or a serving of air-fried frozen vegetables. When selecting your pizza, options like thin crust, vegetable-topped, or classic cheese pizzas typically offer lighter alternatives. For those seeking a healthier, protein- and fiber-rich crust, exploring chickpea flour options can be an excellent choice. Conversely, pizzas with stuffed crusts, generous meat toppings, or “the works” are usually higher in energy, particularly when accompanied by popular sides like air-fried french fries or garlic bread.

Important: All nutritional information provided is an estimate. It can fluctuate based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, as well as your individual portion sizes.

Estimated Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 270 kcal
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Protein: 14 g
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Sodium: 630 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 12% DV
Calcium: 25% DV
Iron: 14% DV

Nutrition Info Disclaimer

All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.

The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.

“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food.

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🍕 Reheating Chilled Leftover Pizza in an Air Fryer

Reheating chilled pizza in an air fryer is a game-changer, delivering results far superior to a microwave or even a conventional oven. For this simple yet effective method, all you truly need are your leftover pizza slices and, potentially, a light cooking oil spray if your specific pizza tends to stick or you desire an extra-crispy base. This technique works wonders for every kind of pizza imaginable – whether it’s a timeless cheese, a robust pepperoni, a vibrant veggie, or a unique chicken bacon ranch. The fundamental requirement is that your pizza has already been thoroughly cooked and safely refrigerated.

The Process for Chilled Pizza:

• No Preheat Required: A major advantage for chilled pizza is that preheating your air fryer is typically unnecessary, saving you valuable time and energy. You can place the pizza directly into a cold air fryer.
• Single Layer for Perfection: Place one to two pizza slices at a time directly onto your air fryer tray or into the air fryer basket. It is absolutely crucial to avoid overlapping the slices. Overlapping will cause the cheese to melt and stick them together, severely impeding even heating and preventing that sought-after all-around crispness.
• Group by Crust Thickness: If you’re reheating multiple slices, try to group pizzas of similar crust thickness together. This practice helps ensure uniform cooking and consistent results across all slices.
• For Air Fryer Oven Users: If you own an air fryer oven model, always position the tray on the top rack. This placement ensures optimal crispness and the most efficient cooking.
• Universal Appliance Compatibility: This method is remarkably effective across a wide array of air fryer brands and models, including popular ones like Ninja, Cosori, Philips, Pampered Chef Air Fryer, Actifry, Kalorik, Nuwave, Instant Vortex, and Cuisinart. While there might be slight variations in specific cooking times between different manufacturers and models, the core principles for achieving a perfectly reheated slice remain consistent. Always keep a close eye on your pizza the first time you attempt this with your particular air fryer model to fine-tune the timing.

By diligently following these straightforward steps, you are guaranteed to achieve a perfectly reheated slice of pizza with a delightfully crispy crust and exquisitely melted cheese, making it taste as fresh and delicious as if it had just come out of the pizzeria oven!

➕ How Long to Reheat Pizza in Air Fryer

For chilled leftover pizza, air fry for 3-5 minutes at 400°F (200°C). You’ll notice that subsequent batches might cook slightly faster since the air fryer will already be warmed up. Always check for your desired level of crispness and perfectly melted cheese before serving.

How to Reheat Thin Crust Pizza in Air Fryer

Thin crust pizzas, known for their delicate nature, truly shine when reheated in an air fryer. They typically require even less time than their regular or thicker-crusted counterparts. Aim for approximately 3 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The objective is to achieve a wonderfully crisp bottom and perfectly bubbling cheese without scorching the edges or making the crust too brittle. It’s important to keep a very close watch on thin crusts, as they can transition from perfectly done to overdone remarkably quickly due to their reduced thickness.

🥶 How to Reheat Frozen Pizza in Air Fryer

Reheating frozen pizza slices in an air fryer is a remarkably efficient and delicious way to enjoy a quick meal, often yielding results that surpass traditional oven baking. The primary distinctions when reheating frozen pizza, compared to chilled slices, are the absolute necessity of preheating the air fryer and a slightly extended cooking duration. Adhere to these step-by-step instructions for perfectly reheated frozen pizza that tastes like it was just made:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to a temperature of 400°F (200°C) for a full 5 minutes. This crucial initial preheating step ensures that the frozen pizza starts cooking instantly upon placement, which is fundamental for achieving that coveted perfectly crispy crust and thoroughly cooked toppings.
2. Arrange Slices Carefully: Place one to two frozen pizza slices in a single, non-overlapping layer inside your preheated air fryer basket or on the tray. Maintaining a single layer is vital to allow the hot air to circulate freely and effectively around each entire slice. If you have any concerns about the pizza crust potentially drying out or adhering to the basket, a very light and even spray of cooking oil on the bottom of the crust prior to air frying can be highly beneficial.
3. Air Fry to Desired Perfection: Reheat the frozen pizza for a duration of 5-10 minutes at the consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C). The exact cooking time required will depend on several important factors: the overall size of the pizza slice, the specific thickness of its crust (pizzas with thicker crusts, such as deep dish, will inherently require more time, whereas thin crust varieties will cook more rapidly), and the unique characteristics of your particular air fryer model. Always make sure to continuously monitor your pizza throughout the cooking process, looking for unmistakably bubbling cheese and a beautifully golden, crispy crust as indicators of readiness.

By meticulously following these detailed steps, your frozen pizza will emerge from the air fryer with an impressive, fresh-baked quality, boasting a satisfyingly crispy texture where it matters most and delightfully gooey, melted toppings.

🌡 What Temperature to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer

For optimal results, whether you are reheating chilled or frozen pizza slices, I consistently recommend utilizing a temperature of 400°F (200°C) in your air fryer. This specific higher temperature, when synergized with the air fryer’s rapid and consistent air circulation, is ideally suited for quickly crisping up the pizza crust and melting the cheese to perfection without the risk of overcooking or drying out the toppings. This temperature setting reliably ensures that your pizza achieves that perfect balance of irresistible crunch and satisfying chewiness with every bite.

Why the Air Fryer is the Best Way to Reheat Pizza

The quest for perfectly reheated pizza often ends in disappointment, with common issues like soggy crusts, unevenly heated toppings, or dried-out cheese. However, the air fryer distinguishes itself as the unequivocally superior method for several compelling and practical reasons:

• Unmatched Crispiness: The primary and most celebrated advantage of using an air fryer is its exceptional ability to deliver an incredibly crispy crust. Unlike microwaves, which notoriously zap moisture and lead to a rubbery texture, the air fryer’s powerful circulating hot air effectively mimics a convection oven, efficiently “frying” the crust to a delightfully crunchy perfection.
• Remarkable Speed and Efficiency: Reheating pizza in an air fryer is astonishingly fast. Chilled slices can be ready in a mere 3-5 minutes, and even frozen ones typically require only 5-10 minutes. This is significantly quicker than using a conventional oven, which demands a prolonged preheating period of 10-15 minutes before any actual cooking can commence.
• Ultimate Convenience: Most air fryers are designed to be compact countertop appliances, making them readily accessible for a quick and effortless meal. There’s no need to engage and heat up a large, energy-consuming oven for just a few slices, thereby saving energy and keeping your kitchen comfortably cooler.
• Consistent and Even Heating: The relentless and consistent airflow within the air fryer ensures that your pizza heats through uniformly from all sides, from the very top of the toppings down to the bottom of the base. This effectively eliminates bothersome cold spots or the common issue of overly hot, rubbery cheese that can frequently plague other reheating methods.
• No More Soggy Mess: The ultimate adversary of leftover pizza is sogginess. The air fryer actively and effectively combats this by rigorously crisping the crust, fundamentally preventing it from becoming limp, chewy, and utterly unappetizing.

Tips and Tricks for Air Fryer Pizza Perfection

To ensure that every single slice of air-fried pizza you prepare is an absolute masterpiece, radiating perfect crispness and flavor, keep these essential expert tips in mind:

• Avoid Overcrowding: This is arguably the most critical rule. Always place pizza slices in a single, non-overlapping layer. Overlapping or stacking them will severely obstruct the vital airflow, inevitably leading to uneven cooking, reduced crispness, and a generally inferior result. If you have numerous slices to reheat, it’s always best to work in smaller batches.
• Monitor Closely and Adjust: Be aware that air fryers can vary significantly in their power, efficiency, and overall cooking performance. Especially the very first time you reheat pizza in a new air fryer, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on the process. Check the pizza halfway through the suggested cooking time to gauge its progress and prevent any unwelcome burning.
• Handle Delicate Toppings with Care: If your pizza features toppings that are particularly prone to burning or drying out quickly (such as thinly sliced pepperoni, specific vegetables, or fresh herbs), consider a strategic approach. You can gently remove these delicate toppings briefly, reheat the pizza crust and cheese for the majority of the cooking time, and then carefully add the toppings back in for just the last minute or two of heating.
• The “Water Trick” (Optional for Moisture): For those who prefer an extra touch of moisture in their pizza or to help prevent the cheese from drying out too much, a clever trick can be employed. Place a tiny, oven-safe ramekin or a small, heat-resistant dish containing about a tablespoon of water in a corner of the air fryer basket while the pizza reheats. This adds a minimal amount of steam to the cooking environment.
• Optimal Storage is Key: For the absolute best reheating experience and to maintain the quality of your pizza, always store leftover slices properly. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. This helps to prevent the pizza from drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Customize Your Crispiness Level: The beauty of the air fryer is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the cooking time to match your personal preference for crispiness. If you adore an extra-crispy crust, simply add an additional minute to the cooking time. For a slightly softer, chewier crust, reduce the cooking time by about 30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer

Does reheating pizza in air fryer make it crispy?

Absolutely! The air fryer is celebrated specifically for its exceptional ability to produce a perfectly crispy pizza crust. Its rapid, circulating hot air functions much like a high-powered convection oven, expertly drawing out any excess moisture and thoroughly crisping the dough, making it vastly superior to methods like microwave reheating, which often result in a soggy texture.

How long to reheat deep dish pizza in air fryer?

Deep dish pizza, owing to its substantial thickness, naturally requires a longer reheating time. After approximately 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C), you should check its internal temperature and the desired crispness. If the crust isn’t quite at your preferred level of crispness but the toppings appear to be darkening too quickly, a useful strategy is to carefully remove the toppings, air fry the crust for an additional 1-2 minutes, and then return the toppings for the final minute of heating. This technique is excellent for preventing the toppings from burning while ensuring the thick crust is heated thoroughly.

Can you reheat a whole pizza in an air fryer?

Typically, no, it is not practical to reheat a standard full-sized pizza in most air fryers. The majority of air fryer baskets or trays are specifically designed to accommodate only 1-2 slices at a time. While some exceptionally large air fryer oven models might be able to fit a small personal pizza, generally, any full-sized pizza will need to be cut into individual slices for effective air frying. This slicing is also crucial for maximizing the crisping effect, as proper air circulation is needed around each piece.

How to reheat pizza in a conventional oven?

If an air fryer is not readily available, a conventional oven is a reliable alternative for reheating pizza. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pizza slices for approximately 10 minutes. Alternatively, a hotter oven set to 400°F (200°C) can reheat it more quickly, usually within 5-8 minutes. It’s important to remember that this method necessitates a longer preheating period (typically 10-15 minutes) compared to the instant heating of an air fryer.

Can you use pizza stones in air fryers?

Yes, it is possible, but it largely depends on the specific type and internal dimensions of your air fryer. Small pizza stones or other ceramic plates that can fit safely into your air fryer basket or oven, particularly in larger air fryer oven models, can indeed be used. These can significantly help in achieving an even crispier bottom crust by providing direct radiant heat. Always ensure that any stone or plate you use is explicitly oven-safe and leaves sufficient space for adequate air circulation around the pizza. Some air fryer brands even offer specific pizza accessory kits, such as a pizza stone designed for the Dash Chef Series Air Fryer Oven or a comprehensive pizza set for the Power Air Fryer. You might also find that accessories from other brands can be adapted if they fit securely into your specific model.

How to reheat pizza in the toaster oven?

A toaster oven serves as an excellent and highly effective alternative if an air fryer isn’t accessible, as it operates on a similar principle to a miniature convection oven. To reheat pizza in a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the pizza slices inside for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the crust has achieved your desired level of crispness. This method offers a convenient and quick solution for single or a few slices.

Air Fryer vs. Skillet for Reheating Pizza: Which is Better?

Both the air fryer and a hot skillet can produce a delightfully crispy crust. A cast iron skillet on the stovetop excels at creating an exceptionally crispy bottom crust through direct contact heat, often enhanced by using a lid to perfectly melt the cheese on top. The air fryer, however, achieves an all-around crispness through its efficient circulating hot air, making it a simpler, more hands-off process with less active management. For consistent, all-encompassing crisping with minimal effort, the air fryer frequently emerges as the preferred method. For a truly exceptional, almost fried bottom crust that requires a bit more attention, a skillet remains a very strong contender.

👩🏻‍🍳 Explore More Air Fryer Pizza Recipes

Now that you’ve mastered the art of reheating leftover pizza to perfection, why not expand your culinary horizons and try preparing other delicious pizza creations directly in your air fryer? The versatility of this appliance extends far beyond just leftovers!

• Air Fryer Frozen Pizza: Learn how to cook a full frozen pizza from scratch, achieving a crisp crust and melted toppings every time.
• Totino’s Pizza Rolls Air Fryer: Discover the secret to perfectly crispy Totino’s Pizza Rolls, far superior to microwave preparation.
• Frozen Mini Pizza in Air Fryer: Quick, easy, and satisfying personal pizzas or English muffin pizzas made effortlessly.