Can You Reheat Pizza in the Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time

Yes, you can reheat pizza in the air fryer perfectly every time—it’s the ultimate method for restoring crispy crusts and melty cheese without sogginess. With precise temperature control (350–375°F) and a quick 3–5 minute cook time, your leftover slices will taste just as delicious as fresh from the oven.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can reheat pizza in the air fryer for crispy results every time.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for optimal texture and even heating.
• Use a single layer to avoid soggy crusts and ensure crispiness.
• Reheat for 3-5 minutes to prevent drying while reviving freshness.
• Add a splash of water to keep cheese moist without overcooking.
• Avoid overcrowding to maintain airflow and consistent reheating performance.

Can You Reheat Pizza in the Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time?

Let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like the first bite of a fresh, hot pizza. The crust is crisp, the cheese is gooey, and the toppings are still dancing with flavor. But what happens when you have leftovers? You stare at that slice in the fridge and wonder: Can I reheat pizza in the air fryer without turning it into a leathery, dried-out mess? If you’ve ever tried microwaving pizza, you know the answer—soggy crust, rubbery cheese, and a sad, lifeless slice that’s barely recognizable as the delicious meal you had the night before. But the air fryer? That might be the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed.

I’ve been there. After a long day, the last thing I want is to waste a perfectly good slice of pizza. But I also don’t want to compromise on taste or texture. That’s why I started experimenting with different reheating methods, and the air fryer quickly became my go-to. Not only does it bring back that crispy crust, but it also keeps the cheese perfectly melted without overcooking the toppings. And the best part? It’s fast, easy, and doesn’t require any special skills. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about reheating pizza in the air fryer—from the science behind why it works to step-by-step instructions, tips, and even a few common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or just someone who hates food waste, this method might just change your leftovers game forever.

Why the Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer for Reheating Pizza

Let’s start with the basics: why the air fryer works so well for reheating pizza. Unlike the microwave, which heats food from the inside out using radiation, the air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to reheat food evenly. This means the outside of your pizza gets crispy while the inside stays warm and moist—just like it was fresh out of the oven.

How Hot Air Circulation Works

The air fryer’s fan blows hot air at high speeds around the food, creating a convection effect. This mimics the conditions of a traditional oven but in a much smaller, more efficient space. For pizza, this is ideal because:

• The crust crisps up quickly without drying out.
• The cheese melts evenly without becoming greasy.
• Toppings stay flavorful and don’t burn or shrivel.

Think of it like a mini oven that’s always ready to go. No preheating required, and it’s much faster than a conventional oven. Plus, because the air fryer uses less energy, it’s a more eco-friendly option for reheating small portions.

Comparing Air Fryer vs. Other Reheating Methods

Here’s a quick breakdown of how the air fryer stacks up against other common reheating methods:

• Microwave: Fast but soggy. The crust absorbs moisture, and the cheese becomes rubbery. Not ideal for texture lovers.
• Oven: Great for texture but slow. Requires preheating and takes 10–15 minutes. Overkill for just one or two slices.
• Stovetop (skillet): Crispy crust, but you need to watch it closely to avoid burning. Also, the cheese can stick to the pan.
• Air fryer: The Goldilocks option—just right. Fast, crispy, and hands-off. Perfect for single slices or multiple servings.

I once tried reheating a slice in the microwave for 30 seconds, then in the air fryer for 2 minutes. The difference was night and day. The air fryer slice had a crunchy crust, gooey cheese, and even the pepperoni was perfectly crisp. The microwave slice? A soggy, cheesy disappointment. That’s when I became a convert.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Pizza in the Air Fryer

Now that you know why the air fryer is the best tool for the job, let’s get into the nitty-gritty: how to do it right. The process is simple, but a few key steps make all the difference in getting that perfect slice.

Prepping Your Pizza

Start by taking your pizza out of the fridge and letting it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes. This helps it reheat more evenly. If your pizza is stacked with other slices, separate them to avoid sticking. For extra crispiness, lightly brush the crust with olive oil or a thin layer of butter—this helps the edges get golden brown without drying out.

Setting the Air Fryer

Most air fryers have a temperature range of 350°F–400°F. For pizza, I recommend starting at 360°F. This is hot enough to crisp the crust without burning the cheese or toppings. If your air fryer has a “reheat” setting, use it—it’s usually around 350°F and designed for leftovers.

• Single slice: Place it directly in the basket, leaving space around it for air circulation.
• Multiple slices: Arrange them in a single layer. Overlapping slices will steam instead of crisp.
• Deep-dish or thick-crust pizza: Use a lower temperature (350°F) and add 1–2 minutes to avoid burning the top while the center heats.

Timing and Monitoring

Here’s where precision matters. Overcooking is the biggest risk when reheating pizza in the air fryer. Follow these guidelines:

• Thin-crust pizza: 3–4 minutes at 360°F.
• Thick-crust or deep-dish: 4–6 minutes at 350°F.
• Frozen pizza (thawed): 4–5 minutes at 360°F.

Check your pizza halfway through. If the cheese is bubbling and the crust is browning, it’s ready. If it needs more time, add 30-second increments. Pro tip: Use tongs to lift the slice and peek at the bottom—if it’s golden brown, you’re golden.

Finishing Touches

Once your pizza is out of the air fryer, let it cool for 30 seconds. This helps the cheese set slightly, preventing a molten cheese burn. For extra flavor, sprinkle on fresh herbs (like basil or oregano), a drizzle of hot sauce, or a dash of garlic powder. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few drops of balsamic glaze—it pairs surprisingly well with reheated pizza.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong when reheating pizza in the air fryer. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. When slices are stacked or too close together, hot air can’t circulate properly. The result? Soggy crusts and uneven heating. Always leave at least 1 inch of space between slices. If you’re reheating a whole pizza, do it in batches. Your patience will be rewarded with crispy, restaurant-quality results.

Ignoring Temperature and Time

Every air fryer is different. Some run hotter than others, so don’t rely solely on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Start with a lower temperature (350°F) and shorter time (3 minutes), then adjust as needed. I once cranked my air fryer to 400°F and ended up with a charred crust and cold center—lesson learned.

Forgetting to Preheat (or Preheating Too Much)

While most air fryers don’t require preheating, a 2-minute head start can make a difference, especially for thicker crusts. But don’t overdo it—preheating for more than 3 minutes can dry out the pizza. A quick 2-minute preheat at 360°F is usually enough.

Not Checking for Moisture

If your pizza has a lot of wet toppings (like mushrooms, olives, or fresh veggies), they can release water during reheating, making the crust soggy. To fix this:

• Blot excess moisture with a paper towel before reheating.
• Place a small piece of parchment paper under the slice to absorb steam.
• Reheat in shorter bursts (2 minutes, then check, then 1 more minute).

Using the Wrong Basket Liners

Some people use silicone liners or aluminum foil to catch grease, but these can block airflow. Instead, use air fryer-specific parchment paper (with holes) or skip liners altogether. If your basket gets greasy, wipe it down with a damp cloth between batches.

Tips for Different Pizza Types

Not all pizzas are created equal, and neither are their reheating needs. Here’s how to tailor your air fryer technique to different styles of pizza.

Thin-Crust Pizza

Thin crust is the easiest to reheat because it crisps up quickly. Use 360°F for 3–4 minutes. Keep an eye on it—thin crust burns faster than thick crust. For extra crunch, lightly brush the top with olive oil before reheating.

Thick-Crust and Deep-Dish Pizza

These pizzas need more time to heat through. Lower the temperature to 350°F and extend the time to 4–6 minutes. Check the center with a fork—if it’s hot, it’s done. If you’re reheating a whole deep-dish pizza, consider slicing it into smaller pieces first for even heating.

Stuffed Crust Pizza

The stuffed crust can be tricky because the cheese inside needs to melt without burning the outside. Use 350°F for 4–5 minutes, then flip the slice halfway through. This ensures both sides of the crust get crispy.

Frozen Pizza (Leftover)

If you thawed a frozen pizza and didn’t eat it all, don’t refreeze it—reheat it in the air fryer instead. Follow the same steps as fresh pizza (360°F, 4–5 minutes). The air fryer will revive it better than the microwave ever could.

Veggie-Loaded or Wet Toppings

For pizzas with lots of veggies or wet toppings (like BBQ chicken or pineapple), pat the toppings dry before reheating. You can also place a small heat-safe bowl of water in the air fryer to add moisture and prevent drying out.

Gluten-Free or Cauliflower Crust

These crusts can be delicate. Use a lower temperature (340°F) and shorter time (2–3 minutes). They crisp up fast, so check frequently. A light spray of olive oil helps prevent crumbling.

Data Table: Reheating Times for Different Pizza Types

Pizza Type	Temperature (°F)	Time (Minutes)	Tips
Thin crust	360	3–4	Brush crust with oil for extra crisp
Thick crust	350	4–6	Check center with fork
Deep dish	350	5–7	Slice into smaller pieces
Stuffed crust	350	4–5	Flip halfway through
Frozen (thawed)	360	4–5	Pat dry to remove excess moisture
Veggie-loaded	350	3–4	Blot toppings with paper towel
Gluten-free/cauliflower	340	2–3	Light spray of oil to prevent crumbling

Remember, these are starting points. Your air fryer might run hotter or cooler, so adjust as needed. The goal is to get that perfect balance of crispy crust, melted cheese, and warm toppings—every single time.

The Verdict: Is the Air Fryer the Best Way to Reheat Pizza?

After testing countless methods, I can confidently say: yes, the air fryer is the best way to reheat pizza. It’s fast, efficient, and delivers results that rival a fresh slice. No more soggy crusts, no more rubbery cheese, and no more waiting 15 minutes for the oven to preheat. Just pop your slice in the air fryer, set the timer, and enjoy.

But it’s not just about convenience—it’s about flavor. The air fryer’s ability to crisp the crust while keeping the inside moist is unmatched. And with a few simple tips (like not overcrowding the basket or adjusting time for different pizza types), you can achieve perfect results every time. Whether you’re reheating a classic pepperoni, a veggie-loaded masterpiece, or a gluten-free cauliflower crust, the air fryer has you covered.

So, the next time you have leftover pizza, don’t reach for the microwave. Grab your air fryer, follow these steps, and savor that second (or third) bite just as much as the first. Because let’s face it—good pizza is too delicious to waste. And with the air fryer, you don’t have to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you reheat pizza in the air fryer without making it soggy?

Yes, reheating pizza in the air fryer is one of the best ways to maintain its crispiness. The air fryer’s circulating hot air removes moisture while crisping the crust, avoiding the sogginess common with microwaves.

What’s the ideal temperature to reheat pizza in an air fryer?

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for optimal results. This temperature reheats the toppings thoroughly while keeping the crust crunchy—usually in 3-5 minutes.

How long should you reheat pizza in the air fryer?

Most slices take 3-5 minutes in the air fryer at 350°F. Thicker or deep-dish pizzas may need an extra minute or two, but always check to avoid overcooking.

Can you reheat multiple pizza slices in the air fryer at once?

Yes, but arrange slices in a single layer with space between them for even airflow. Overcrowding can lead to uneven reheating and softer crusts.

Does reheating pizza in the air fryer work for all pizza types?

Absolutely! Whether it’s thin-crust, thick-crust, or stuffed deep-dish, the air fryer handles it well. Just adjust time slightly for thicker styles to ensure the center heats through.

Is reheating pizza in the air fryer better than using a microwave or oven?

Yes, the air fryer outperforms both by combining speed (like a microwave) with crispiness (like an oven). It’s the ideal method for restoring pizza to its fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.