We’ve all been there: leftover pizza. It’s a culinary conundrum. Do you brave the microwave for a sad, soggy slice? Or face the lengthy preheat and often-dry results of a conventional oven? If you’re looking for that perfect, crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside slice, your air fryer is about to become your new best friend. It’s a game-changer for reviving day-old pizza, transforming it from drab to fab in minutes.
But what’s the best air fryer setting for reheating pizza? It’s not just about tossing it in; a few smart tips can make all the difference between a decent bite and true pizza perfection. Let’s dive into the ideal temperature, time, and even a few tricks to ensure your leftover pizza rivals a fresh pie.
The Secret to Perfect Reheated Pizza: Best Air Fryer Settings
Getting the best air fryer setting for reheating pizza right is all about balancing heat, time, and moisture. Here’s the winning formula:
- Temperature: Aim for a moderate heat to crisp the crust without burning the cheese. 350°F (175°C) to 375°F (190°C) is usually the sweet spot. Lower temperatures might take too long, while higher ones can quickly char your toppings.
- Time: This depends on the thickness of your pizza and your air fryer’s power, but generally, 3 to 6 minutes will do the trick. Start with 3-4 minutes, then check. If it needs more, add 1-2 minutes at a time.
- Preheat is Key: Don’t skip this! Preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the pizza ensures even cooking and a rapid crisping action. Cold air fryers can lead to a chewy crust.
- Single Layer: For maximum crispiness, always arrange your pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overlapping slices will steam instead of crisp. If you have a lot of pizza, work in batches.
- The Water Trick (Optional but Recommended): For extra moisture and to prevent your cheese from drying out, place a tiny, oven-safe ramekin or a small piece of aluminum foil with a few drops of water in the corner of your air fryer basket. The steam helps keep the pizza from getting dry.
- Check for Crispy Goodness: Your pizza is ready when the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the crust is golden brown and crispy, just like it was fresh from the pizzeria.
Now that you know the general best practices, let’s look at some air fryers that excel at this task (and many others!), making them perfect companions for your pizza reheating adventures.
5 Top Air Fryer Oven Combos for Reheating Pizza
Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
This Hamilton Beach toaster oven is a fantastic all-rounder for anyone who loves the convenience of a traditional toaster oven but craves the crispy results of an air fryer. Its Sure-Crisp air fry convection function is specifically designed to circulate air efficiently, ensuring your leftover pizza slices get that beautiful, even crisp without excessive oil. It’s a compact powerhouse that’s great for smaller kitchens or anyone looking for a versatile appliance that can handle everything from toast to a 9-inch pizza with ease.
Key Features:
– POWERFUL AIR CIRCULATION FOR EVENLY BROWNED FOOD WITH LITTLE TO NO OIL
– AIR FRYER OVEN COMBO WITH 4 VERSATILE COOKING OPTIONS: Toasting, baking, broiling, and air frying
– 4 SLICE CAPACITY provides plenty of cooking space (fits 9″ pizza)
– INCLUDES METAL AIR-FRY BASKET, BAKE PAN AND BROIL RACK, plus a slide-out crumb tray
– EXCELLENT COOKING AND TOASTING PERFORMANCE with precise temperatures (200° to 450°F)
Pros:
– Excellent value for a combo unit
– Consistent and even air frying results
– Space-saving design that replaces multiple appliances
– Easy to clean with a slide-out crumb tray
– Simple and intuitive controls
Cons:
– Smaller capacity compared to some dedicated air fryers or larger combo units
– Might take slightly longer than dedicated air fryers for some tasks
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise this Hamilton Beach model for its reliable performance and versatility. Many highlight its ability to make perfectly crispy fries and chicken, and they’re particularly happy with how well it reheats pizza, giving it that fresh-from-the-oven texture. It’s often recommended for individuals or small families who want a dependable, multi-functional kitchen gadget without breaking the bank.
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Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Bring chef-level performance to your kitchen with the Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven. This isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a full-fledged multi-cooker designed to elevate virtually any meal. Its impressive 26-quart capacity and array of 25 cooking presets make it a versatile workhorse, perfect for large families or entertaining. The elegant French doors and interior light are not just stylish but also practical, allowing you to easily monitor your pizza as it transforms into a golden-fried masterpiece.
Key Features:
– A VERSATILE AIR FRYER AND MULTI-COOKER COMBO
– PERFECTLY DONE TOAST with automatic shut-off and indicator light
– 25 COOKING PRE-SETS for a variety of methods including Pizza, Reheat, Roast, and more
– DUAL-SPEED FAN and 360º superheated air circulation for golden fried crisping
– 26-QUART CAPACITY suitable for 4–6 people, fits 12” pizza or 6-lb chicken
– STAINLESS STEEL EXTERIOR with elegant French doors and interior light
Pros:
– Exceptionally large capacity for big meals
– Wide range of versatile cooking presets
– Superior air frying with powerful dual-speed fan
– Stylish design with convenient French doors
– Excellent for specific tasks like rotisserie chicken and perfect toast
Cons:
– Large footprint requires ample counter space
– Higher price point than basic air fryers
– May have a learning curve due to the many features
User Impressions:
Customers absolutely rave about the Emeril Lagasse air fryer’s size and versatility. They appreciate the ability to cook large quantities, making it ideal for family dinners and gatherings. The 25 presets are a big hit for simplifying cooking, and many users comment on the impressive crisping ability, especially for things like pizza and wings, which come out perfectly golden.
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CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven
The CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer is a modern kitchen marvel, designed for speed, convenience, and healthy cooking. With its rapid air heating elements, it cooks food faster than traditional ovens, often without the need for preheating – a huge plus when you’re craving that reheated pizza ASAP! Its 10-liter capacity is generous for family meals, and the 17 preset options on a sleek capacitive touch screen make operation incredibly simple, ensuring perfect results every time.
Key Features:
– Versatile countertop cooking: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, or roast
– Cook faster: No need to preheat, uses rapid air heating elements
– Healthy cooking made easy: Uses 98% less oil than traditional fryers
– Simplified set-up: 17 preset options and easy-to-use capacitive touch control screen
– All-inclusive: Includes three air flow racks, rotisserie oven spit, and drip tray
– Family-size meals: Extra-large 10-Liter capacity
– Monitor cooking progress: Interior lights and extra-large air fryer oven window
– Minimal clean-up: Removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts
Pros:
– Extremely fast cooking with no preheating needed
– Very versatile with multiple cooking functions
– Large capacity suitable for families
– User-friendly digital interface with many presets
– Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
– Digital controls might not appeal to everyone
– Takes up a fair amount of counter space
– Some users might find the internal space slightly awkward for very large, flat items.
User Impressions:
Customers frequently highlight the speed and efficiency of the CHEFMAN air fryer, noting how quickly it heats up and cooks. The digital presets are a major convenience, simplifying various cooking tasks. Many appreciate the healthy aspect of air frying and the ease of cleaning. It’s often recommended for busy households looking for a multi-functional appliance that delivers crispy results.
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Midea Flexify French Door Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo
The Midea Flexify French Door Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo takes efficiency and style to the next level. Featuring a “Cyclone Air Fryer” technology, it boasts 25% faster cooking with 90% less oil, thanks to its VDE-certified heat evenness and six heat tubes. This means virtually no preheating is required for air frying, getting your pizza crispy faster. Its large 26.4 QT capacity comfortably fits a 12-inch pizza, making it ideal for most family needs, and the precise temperature and time controls give you ultimate command over your cooking.
Key Features:
– Cyclone Air Fryer: 25% faster cooking, 90% less oil, no preheating for air fry
– Versatile 10 Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Pizza, Reheat, Slow Cook, Dehydrate, and Warm
– Large Capacity: 26.4 QT, fits one 12-inch pizza, 6 slices of toast, or 14 chicken wings
– Precise Temperature and Time Control: 5-degree F increments for temp (100°-450°F), 1-minute increments for time
– Elegant design: Stylish anti-scald double French doors and large LED digital display
– Includes crumb tray, air fry basket, baking rack, and baking tray
Pros:
– Exceptionally fast air frying due to Cyclone technology
– Very precise temperature and time control
– Generous capacity for family meals and larger items
– Numerous functions in one appliance
– Beautiful and modern aesthetic with convenient French doors
Cons:
– French door design requires more clearance on the counter
– Can be heavy to move if you need to store it away
– The fan can be a bit noisy during operation for some users.
User Impressions:
Users are consistently impressed by the speed and efficiency of the Midea Flexify. The “no preheat” feature for air frying is a huge draw, and many commend its ability to achieve perfectly crispy results on everything from fries to, of course, pizza. The large capacity and stylish design also receive high marks, making it a popular choice for busy kitchens.
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Romswi 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, 24-in-1
The Romswi 26QT French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo is an absolute beast when it comes to capacity and versatility. With a whopping 26QT interior, it’s capable of roasting a 6lb chicken or sliding in a full 12-inch pizza, catering to large families or ambitious meal preppers. What truly sets it apart are its 24 presets and food-specific modes, offering one-touch control for virtually any dish you can imagine. Its large LED display and intuitive laser knob make setting temperatures and times a breeze, while the dual-door design adds both elegance and functionality.
Key Features:
– Huge 26QT Capacity: Cooks for 4-6 people, fits 6lb chicken, 12-inch pizza, 6 slices toast
– 24 Presets + Food-Specific Modes: One-touch 360° easy control for air frying, baking, dehydrating, fermenting, pizza, steak, and more
– Large LED Display & Simple Controls: Set temps up to 450°F with laser knob, timer countdown, auto shutoff for toast
– 6 Accessories for Everything: Air fry basket, wire rack, crumb tray, rotisserie kit, roast basket, and glove
– Dual-Door Design for Smart Cooking: French doors open with a single pull, interior light
Pros:
– Massive capacity for large families or entertaining
– Unparalleled number of cooking presets for ultimate convenience
– User-friendly large LED display and intuitive controls
– Comes with a comprehensive set of accessories
– Elegant French door design with interior light for monitoring
Cons:
– Very large footprint on the countertop
– May be an overkill for individuals or very small households
– Learning curve to explore all 24 presets effectively
User Impressions:
Customers are overwhelmingly positive about the Romswi air fryer’s immense capacity and wide array of presets. They love the convenience of the one-touch functions and how well it handles large batches of food, from roasts to multiple pizza slices. The French door design is also a popular feature for its aesthetic appeal and ease of use. It’s consistently praised for delivering excellent, crispy results.
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Conclusion
Reheating pizza in an air fryer is truly a culinary revelation. Gone are the days of soggy crusts and dried-out cheese. By following the simple guidelines for the best air fryer setting for reheating pizza – around 350-375°F for 3-6 minutes with a quick preheat – you’ll unlock a world of crispy, delicious leftovers.
Whether you opt for a compact Hamilton Beach, a multi-tasking Emeril Lagasse, a speedy Chefman, an efficient Midea, or the super-sized Romswi, any of these top air fryer toaster oven combos will ensure your next slice of day-old pizza tastes as good, if not better, than when it was first served. So go ahead, enjoy that extra slice tonight, knowing tomorrow it’ll be just as fantastic!
FAQ Section
Q1: What is the ideal temperature for reheating pizza in an air fryer?
A: The ideal temperature for reheating pizza in an air fryer is typically between 350°F (175°C) and 375°F (190°C). This range allows the crust to crisp up nicely without burning the cheese or toppings.
Q2: How long should I reheat pizza in an air fryer?
A: For most pizza slices, 3 to 6 minutes is usually sufficient. Start checking after 3 minutes, especially if your air fryer is powerful or your pizza is thin. Add 1-2 minutes at a time until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden and crispy.
Q3: Should I preheat my air fryer before reheating pizza?
A: Yes, absolutely! Preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before placing the pizza inside ensures that the hot air immediately begins to crisp the crust. Skipping this step can lead to a less crispy result.
Q4: Can I reheat frozen pizza slices in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can! For frozen slices, you might need to adjust the temperature slightly lower (e.g., 325°F/160°C) and increase the cooking time (e.g., 6-10 minutes), checking frequently. The lower temperature helps thaw the pizza without burning the outside, while the longer time allows it to heat through.
Q5: How do I prevent my pizza from drying out in the air fryer?
A: To prevent your pizza from drying out, especially the cheese, try the “water trick.” Place a small, oven-safe ramekin or a tiny piece of aluminum foil with a few drops of water in the corner of your air fryer basket. The steam created will help keep the pizza moist.
Q6: Can I use parchment paper or aluminum foil when reheating pizza?
A: You can use a small piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil under your pizza slices to help with cleanup, but ensure it’s weighted down by the pizza to prevent it from flying up and hitting the heating element. Also, make sure it doesn’t block too much airflow in the basket, as good airflow is essential for crisping.
Q7: Why is an air fryer better than a microwave for reheating pizza?
A: An air fryer uses convection heat, circulating hot air around the pizza to crisp up the crust and melt the cheese evenly, mimicking the results of a conventional oven but much faster. A microwave, on the other hand, heats food by exciting water molecules, which often results in a soggy crust and rubbery cheese. For crispness and texture, the air fryer is vastly superior.