Can I Reheat Pizza in Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide to Crispy Leftovers

Yes, you can absolutely reheat pizza in an air fryer—and it’s the best way to restore that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispiness. The air fryer’s rapid, even heat circulation quickly reheats the entire slice while keeping the crust crunchy and the cheese perfectly melted. With just a few minutes and no preheating required, it beats microwaves and matches traditional ovens in convenience and taste.

Key Takeaways

• Reheat pizza in air fryer for crispy crusts in 3-5 minutes.
• Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for even reheating.
• Use a single layer to avoid soggy or uneven results.
• Add a splash of water to keep cheese moist and prevent drying.
• Check pizza halfway through to avoid overcooking or burning.
• Store leftovers properly in airtight containers for best reheating results.
• Avoid overcrowding—reheat one or two slices at a time.

Why Reheating Pizza Is a Science (And an Art)

Let’s be honest — leftover pizza is a gift. That cold, cheesy slice from last night’s binge-watch session holds a special place in our hearts. But reheating it? That’s where things get tricky. The microwave turns it soggy, the oven takes forever, and the stovetop? Well, it works… if you’re patient and have a good pan.

Enter the air fryer — the kitchen gadget that’s been quietly revolutionizing how we cook and reheat food. It promises crispy fries, golden chicken wings, and even reheated pizza that tastes *almost* as good as fresh. But can you really reheat pizza in an air fryer and get that perfect balance of crispy crust and gooey cheese? As someone who’s ruined more than a few slices trying to perfect the reheat, I’ve tested it all. And yes, the air fryer can be your secret weapon — but only if you do it right.

In this guide, we’re diving deep into the world of air fryer pizza reheating. We’ll explore why it works, how to do it perfectly every time, what types of pizza respond best, and even how to troubleshoot common issues. Whether you’re a college student, a busy parent, or just someone who loves a good leftover slice, this is your ultimate playbook.

How the Air Fryer Works Its Magic on Leftover Pizza

The Science Behind Crispy Reheating

Air fryers use rapid air circulation to mimic deep frying — but without the oil. A heating element warms the air, and a powerful fan pushes it around the food at high speed. This creates a convection effect that crisps the surface while keeping the inside moist.

When it comes to pizza, this is ideal. The hot air quickly evaporates moisture from the crust, giving it that satisfying crunch. Meanwhile, the toppings and cheese heat evenly without turning into a rubbery mess. Unlike microwaves, which heat food from the inside out using water molecules (leading to soggy crust), air fryers work from the outside in — preserving texture.

Why Air Frying Beats Other Methods

• Speed: Air fryers preheat in minutes and reheat pizza in 3–5 minutes, compared to 10–15 minutes in a conventional oven.
• Even heating: No cold spots or overcooked edges — especially helpful for thick-crust or deep-dish pizzas.
• Minimal mess: No greasy pans or splatter. Just place the slice in and walk away.
• Energy efficiency: Air fryers use less energy than ovens and heat up faster, making them ideal for quick reheats.

One night, I compared reheating the same pepperoni slice in a microwave, toaster oven, and air fryer. The microwave version was lukewarm with a floppy crust. The toaster oven was better, but the cheese bubbled unevenly. The air fryer? Crispy edges, melty cheese, and a crust that crackled when I bit into it. Winner, winner, pizza dinner.

Real Talk: It’s Not Perfect for Every Pizza

While the air fryer excels at reheating many types of pizza, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Thin, delicate crusts (like Neapolitan or wood-fired) can burn easily. And if your pizza is *really* old (more than 3 days in the fridge), even the air fryer can’t fully revive it — though it’ll still do a better job than most methods.

The key is temperature control and timing, which we’ll cover in the next section. But first, know this: the air fryer isn’t magic. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it works best when you know how to use it.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer

Step 1: Prep Your Pizza

Start with your leftover slice(s). If they’re stacked, separate them — you don’t want them sticking together or reheating unevenly. For best results, use pizza that’s been stored in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 3–4 days.

Pro tip: If your pizza is dry or the cheese is stiff, place a small cup of water in the air fryer drawer (not touching the pizza). The steam helps keep the cheese from drying out while the crust crisps up.

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer (Yes, Really)

Preheating takes 2–3 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This ensures even heating from the first second. Cold air fryers can lead to undercooked centers and overcooked edges.

Not all air fryers have a preheat function — just set the temperature and let it run empty for a few minutes. A preheated air fryer is like a preheated oven: it makes all the difference.

Step 3: Arrange the Pizza

• Place slices in a single layer. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
• Leave space between slices — at least 1 inch — so hot air can circulate.
• For large slices (like New York style), you might need to reheat one at a time.

Example: I have a 5.8-quart air fryer. I can fit two medium slices or one large slice comfortably. If I try to squeeze in three, the middle one ends up soft and pale.

Step 4: Set Temperature and Time

Here’s where things get specific. The ideal settings depend on your crust type:

Pizza Type	Temperature	Time	Notes
Thin-crust (NY style, flatbread)	325°F (160°C)	3–4 minutes	Watch closely — thin crusts burn fast
Regular crust (chain, frozen)	350°F (175°C)	4–5 minutes	Ideal balance of crisp and heat
Thick-crust (deep dish, Sicilian)	375°F (190°C)	5–6 minutes	May need a flip halfway through
Stuffed crust (cheese-filled)	350°F (175°C)	5 minutes	Check center — cheese can retain cold

Important: These are starting points. Your air fryer may run hotter or cooler. Always check at the minimum time and add 30–60 seconds if needed.

Step 5: Flip (Optional but Recommended)

For thick or deep-dish pizzas, flip the slice halfway through. This ensures even heating on both sides. Use tongs or a spatula — the basket gets hot!

I learned this the hard way with a Chicago deep-dish. The top was perfectly crispy, but the bottom was still cool. One flip later, and it was restaurant-quality.

Step 6: Check and Serve

After the timer goes off, open the drawer. The crust should be golden and crisp, the cheese bubbly and melty. If it’s not quite there, add 30 more seconds.

Let it cool for 30–60 seconds before eating — the cheese will be molten hot. Trust me, burnt mouth is not the way to enjoy your perfect slice.

What Types of Pizza Work Best (And Which Don’t)

Winners: These Pizzas Shine in the Air Fryer

• New York style: Thin, foldable, crispy — the air fryer brings back that street-pizza crunch.
• Frozen pizzas: Often dry when microwaved, but the air fryer restores the crust’s texture.
• Deep-dish: The high heat crisps the thick crust without overcooking the cheese.
• Pan-style (like Pizza Hut): The air fryer re-crisps the buttery bottom layer.
• Vegetarian with lots of toppings: The air circulates around veggies, preventing sogginess.

I reheated a leftover frozen pepperoni pizza from Costco. The microwave version was a floppy, cheesy mess. The air fryer version? Crispy edges, evenly heated cheese, and a crust that tasted like it just came out of the oven. My kids didn’t even notice it was leftovers.

Challengers: Proceed with Caution

• Wood-fired or Neapolitan: The delicate crust can burn easily. Use lower heat (300°F) and shorter time (2–3 minutes).
• Gluten-free crust: Often more fragile. Place on a parchment liner to prevent sticking and breakage.
• Very old pizza (4+ days): The cheese may not melt well, and the crust can turn leathery. Still edible, but not ideal.
• Pizza with delicate toppings (fresh herbs, arugula, etc.): These can wilt or burn. Add them after reheating.

One time, I tried reheating a gourmet pizza with fresh basil and prosciutto. The basil turned black in 90 seconds. Lesson learned: add fresh toppings after the air fryer does its work.

Creative Twists: Beyond Plain Reheating

The air fryer isn’t just for reheating — it can upgrade your leftovers:

• Re-crisp a soggy crust: Even if your pizza sat out, a 2-minute air fryer blast can rescue it.
• Make a mini pizza melt: Add extra cheese and pepperoni, then air fry for 2 minutes.
• Turn it into a breakfast pizza: Top with a fried egg and air fry for 3 minutes at 325°F.
• Create a garlic knot crust: Brush with garlic butter and air fry for 1 minute.

Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Pizza Problems

Problem: Pizza Is Soggy or Undercooked

Causes:
– Air fryer not preheated
– Overcrowded basket
– Too low temperature
– Too much moisture in the pizza (e.g., from wet toppings)

Fixes:
– Always preheat.
– Reheat in batches if needed.
– Increase temperature by 25°F and add 1–2 minutes.
– Pat wet toppings (like mushrooms or tomatoes) with a paper towel before reheating.

Problem: Crust Is Burnt but Cheese Isn’t Melted

Causes:
– Too high temperature
– Too long cook time
– Thin or delicate crust

Fixes:
– Lower temperature to 325°F.
– Check at 2 minutes and add time in 30-second increments.
– Use the “water trick” (small cup of water in the drawer) to add steam and protect the crust.

Problem: Cheese Is Burnt or Pulls Off

Causes:
– Cheese is exposed directly to heat
– Pizza was too cold (frozen or fridge-cold)

Fixes:
– Place a small piece of parchment paper over the cheese for the first 2 minutes.
– Let pizza sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before reheating.
– Use a lower temperature (325°F) and longer time (5 minutes).

Problem: Pizza Sticks to the Basket

Causes:
– Basket isn’t seasoned or lined
– Cheese is overcooked and fused to the metal

Fixes:
– Use parchment paper liners (cut to fit).
– Lightly spray the basket with oil (but not too much — it can smoke).
– Let the pizza cool for 1 minute before removing — the cheese will contract and release.

I once forgot the parchment liner. The cheese fused to the basket like industrial glue. After 10 minutes of scraping, I learned my lesson: always use a liner.

Air Fryer vs. Other Reheating Methods: The Showdown

Microwave: The Quick and Soggy

Pros: Fast (1–2 minutes), convenient.

Cons: Soggy crust, uneven heating, rubbery cheese.

Best for: When you’re in a hurry and don’t care about texture.

Oven/Toaster Oven: The Reliable (But Slow) Choice

Pros: Even heating, crispy results, handles multiple slices.

Cons: Takes 10–15 minutes (including preheat), uses more energy.

Best for: Reheating a whole pizza or when you have time to spare.

Stovetop (Skillet Method): The Crisp Master

How it works: Heat a non-stick skillet on medium, add pizza, cover with a lid for 2 minutes to melt cheese, then remove lid and cook 1–2 minutes more to crisp the crust.

Pros: Crispy crust, melty cheese, no gadgets needed.

Cons: Requires attention, can burn easily, not great for multiple slices.

Best for: Single slices when you want restaurant-quality results.

Air Fryer: The Goldilocks Option

Pros:
– Crispy crust (like stovetop)
– Fast (3–5 minutes)
– Even heating (like oven)
– Minimal mess
– Energy-efficient

Cons:
– Limited capacity
– Requires preheating
– Not ideal for very delicate or very large pizzas

Best for: 1–2 slices, when you want speed and quality.

In a head-to-head test, I reheated the same slice using all four methods. The air fryer won for balance — it was crispy, fast, and easy. The stovetop came close, but I had to babysit it. The oven was good but slow. The microwave? Only if I was starving and desperate.

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer the Ultimate Pizza Reheater?

So, can you reheat pizza in an air fryer? Absolutely — and when done right, it’s often the best method for bringing leftovers back to life. The air fryer gives you crispy crust, melty cheese, and even heating in just a few minutes. It’s faster than an oven, crispier than a microwave, and more convenient than the stovetop.

But it’s not foolproof. Success depends on knowing your air fryer’s quirks, using the right temperature and time, and prepping your pizza properly. A little trial and error is normal — even I’ve had my share of burnt edges and undercooked centers. But once you get the hang of it, reheating pizza becomes a joy, not a chore.

Remember the golden rules:
– Preheat your air fryer.
– Don’t overcrowd the basket.
– Use parchment liners to prevent sticking.
– Check early and adjust as needed.
– Let it cool before biting — that cheese is hot!

And if you’re feeling adventurous, use the air fryer to upgrade your leftovers. Add extra cheese, turn it into a breakfast pizza, or re-crisp a soggy crust from yesterday’s lunch. The air fryer isn’t just a reheater — it’s a kitchen tool that can make your pizza better than ever.

So go ahead, grab that leftover slice, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy a crispy, cheesy bite that tastes like it just came from your favorite pizzeria. Because with the air fryer, every slice — even the leftovers — deserves a second chance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reheat pizza in an air fryer without making it soggy?

Yes, reheating pizza in an air fryer is one of the best ways to retain its crispy crust and melty cheese. The circulating hot air quickly reheats slices while evaporating excess moisture, avoiding the sogginess common with microwaves.

How long should I reheat pizza in the air fryer for best results?

Reheat pizza in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. Check after 3 minutes to prevent overcooking, adjusting time based on slice thickness and your air fryer model.

What’s the best way to reheat cold pizza in an air fryer?

Place cold pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Preheat the air fryer for 1–2 minutes first to mimic a hot oven, then reheat for 3–4 minutes for a crispy finish.

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

Yes, but avoid overcrowding the basket. Reheat in batches if needed, leaving space between slices for air circulation to ensure even reheating and crispiness.

Is reheating pizza in an air fryer healthier than other methods?

Reheating pizza in an air fryer requires little to no oil, making it a healthier option than pan-frying. The rapid air circulation reduces the need for added fats while achieving a crispy texture.

Can I use an air fryer to reheat frozen pizza?

Absolutely! For frozen pizza, increase the time to 5–7 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Check halfway through to flip or adjust for even reheating without burning the edges.