Can You Heat Pizza in an Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time

Yes, you can heat pizza in an air fryer perfectly every time—it’s the ultimate method for achieving a crispy crust and evenly melted toppings in just minutes. With precise temperature control and rapid air circulation, your leftover slice will taste as good as fresh, without the sogginess of a microwave or the wait of an oven.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Air fryers reheat pizza quickly and evenly with crispy results.
• Preheat first: Always preheat to 350–400°F for optimal texture and speed.
• Single layer only: Avoid stacking slices to ensure even heating and crispiness.
• Use 3–5 minutes: Reheat at 350°F for perfect crust without drying out.
• Add water trick: Place a small bowl of water to retain moisture in the pizza.
• Check frequently: Prevent burning by monitoring the last 1–2 minutes closely.

Can You Heat Pizza in an Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time

Let’s be honest: few things beat a warm, crispy slice of pizza straight from the oven. But what if your oven’s out of commission, or you just don’t want to wait 20 minutes for it to preheat? Maybe you’re reheating a few slices from last night’s delivery, and the microwave left them soggy in the middle and rubbery on the edges. Sound familiar? That’s where the air fryer comes in—a kitchen gadget that’s taken the world by storm, promising crispy results with minimal effort and energy. But can you heat pizza in an air fryer? And more importantly, can you do it perfectly every time?

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. I’ve tried reheating pizza in every way imaginable: the microwave (disaster), the oven (decent, but slow), and even a skillet (surprisingly good, but messy). When I first heard about using an air fryer for leftover pizza, I thought, “Sure, it’ll be crispy on the outside… but will the cheese burn? Will the crust turn into cardboard?” After months of testing, experimenting, and eating way too much reheated pizza, I’m here to tell you: yes, you can heat pizza in an air fryer—and do it better than most other methods. But like anything, it takes the right technique, the right settings, and a little know-how to get that golden, melty, crispy perfection every single time.

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

Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why. Why has the air fryer become such a beloved tool for reheating pizza? It all comes down to how it works—and how it mimics the ideal conditions for a perfect slice.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why That Matters for Pizza)

An air fryer uses rapid, circulating hot air to cook food. Think of it like a mini convection oven. Instead of submerging food in oil, it relies on high-speed fans to blow hot air around the food, creating a crisp, golden exterior while heating the inside evenly. This is exactly what you want when reheating pizza:

• Crispy crust: The hot air quickly re-crisps the bottom and edges without making the whole slice greasy.
• Even heating: Unlike the microwave, which heats from the inside out (and often overheats the cheese while leaving the crust soggy), the air fryer heats the entire slice uniformly.
• No preheating (usually): Most air fryers heat up in 2–3 minutes, so you’re not wasting energy or time.
• Energy efficient: Air fryers use less power than a full-sized oven, making them perfect for quick reheats.

I remember one evening when my oven died mid-dinner. I had a half-eaten pepperoni pizza from earlier, and I was starving. I tossed a slice into my air fryer, set it to 375°F (190°C), and walked away for 3 minutes. When I came back? Crispy, melty, and just as satisfying as it was the night before. That was the moment I became a believer.

Air Fryer vs. Other Reheating Methods

Let’s compare the air fryer to other common reheating options:

• Microwave: Fast, but often leaves the crust soft and the cheese rubbery. The texture is inconsistent, and the pizza can steam itself into a soggy mess.
• Oven: Great for large amounts, but takes 10–15 minutes to preheat and uses a lot of energy for just one or two slices.
• Stovetop (skillet method): Excellent for crispiness—especially with a lid to melt the cheese—but requires constant attention and can burn if you’re not careful.
• Air fryer: Fast (3–5 minutes), energy-efficient, and delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

The air fryer wins on speed, texture, and ease. It’s not just a reheating tool—it’s a pizza revival machine.

How to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’re convinced, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s how to heat pizza in an air fryer perfectly, every time—no guesswork, no burnt cheese, no soggy crust.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pizza

Start with your leftover pizza. Whether it’s thin crust, deep dish, or stuffed crust, it’s all fair game. But here’s the key: don’t stack slices. Air fryers need space for hot air to circulate. If you pile them up, the top slice will overcook while the bottom stays cold.

• Place one or two slices in the air fryer basket, leaving at least half an inch between them.
• If your air fryer is small, reheat in batches. It’s better to wait a few extra minutes than to ruin a slice.
• For extra-crispy results, you can lightly spray the crust with a little oil (optional, but great for thin or dry crusts).

Step 2: Set the Temperature and Time

This is where most people go wrong. Too high, and the cheese burns. Too low, and the crust stays soft. Here’s the sweet spot:

• Temperature: 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C)
• Time: 3 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness and crust type

For thin crust (like New York style): 3–4 minutes at 375°F
For thick or deep-dish crust: 4–5 minutes at 350°F
For frozen pizza slices: 5–6 minutes at 375°F (see next section)

Pro tip: Start at the lower end of the time range. You can always add 30 seconds if needed. It’s much harder to fix a burnt slice.

Step 3: Monitor and Flip (Optional)

Most air fryers heat from the top down, so the top of the pizza gets more exposure. If you want extra evenness:

• After 2 minutes, pause the air fryer and flip the slice(s).
• This ensures the bottom crust crisps up and the cheese melts evenly.
• Not necessary, but recommended for thicker or cheesier pizzas.

I usually flip my slices, especially when I’m reheating a meat-heavy pizza like a loaded pepperoni. It helps the cheese on the bottom side melt without burning the top.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

When the timer goes off, don’t just pull it out—check it. A perfectly reheated slice should have:

• A crisp, golden crust (no sogginess)
• Fully melted cheese (no cold spots)
• Warm, but not scalding, toppings

If it’s not quite there, add 30 seconds and check again. Remember: air fryers vary in power, so your first few tries might need slight adjustments.

Bonus Tip: Add a Drizzle After Reheating

Want to take it up a notch? Once the pizza is out, drizzle a little olive oil, balsamic glaze, or even a sprinkle of fresh basil. It brings back that “fresh from the pizzeria” feel and elevates the flavor.

Best Practices for Different Types of Pizza

Not all pizzas are created equal—and your reheating technique should reflect that. Here’s how to handle different styles for the best results.

Thin Crust Pizza (e.g., New York, Neapolitan)

Thin crust pizzas are the easiest to reheat in an air fryer. They crisp up quickly and evenly.

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Time: 3–4 minutes
• Tip: Don’t overload with toppings. Excess grease can cause smoke, especially with pepperoni.
• Pro move: Place a small piece of parchment paper under the slice to catch drips and prevent sticking.

I reheat my favorite NY-style pepperoni pizza this way almost every week. The crust gets that signature crunch, and the cheese stays stretchy—just like it was fresh.

Thick Crust and Deep-Dish Pizza

These take a bit longer because the crust is denser. You need to ensure the inside heats through without burning the outside.

• Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
• Time: 4–5 minutes
• Tip: Flip halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Pro move: If the cheese is still cold in the center, cover the air fryer basket with a loose foil tent for the last minute to trap heat without burning the top.

I once reheated a leftover deep-dish from a Chicago-style pizzeria. I was worried it would dry out, but the air fryer kept the crust soft inside while crisping the edges. A total win.

Stuffed Crust and Gourmet Pizzas

These are trickier due to the cheese-filled crust and delicate toppings (like fresh herbs or delicate meats).

• Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
• Time: 4 minutes, then check. Add 30 seconds if needed.
• Tip: Avoid flipping—stuffed crusts can leak cheese. Instead, use the foil tent method to gently melt the cheese without direct heat.
• Pro move: If the toppings look dry, spritz the slice with a little water before reheating. It creates steam to keep everything moist.

I tried this with a spinach-and-ricotta stuffed crust pizza. The air fryer melted the cheese inside the crust without making it ooze out everywhere. Impressive.

Frozen Pizza Slices

Yes, you can reheat frozen pizza in an air fryer—no thawing needed.

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Time: 5–6 minutes
• Tip: Space slices well. Frozen pizza is colder and takes longer to heat through.
• Pro move: Add a splash of water to the basket (not on the pizza) to create steam and prevent drying.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the most common air fryer pizza mistakes—and how to fix them.

Overcrowding the Basket

Air fryers rely on airflow. If you pile in too many slices, the hot air can’t circulate, and you end up with uneven heating.

• Fix: Reheat one or two slices at a time. It takes an extra 3 minutes, but the results are worth it.

Setting the Temperature Too High

Cranking it to 400°F might seem like a good idea for speed, but it’s a one-way ticket to burnt cheese and a charred crust.

• Fix: Stick to 350–375°F. It’s the sweet spot for even, controlled reheating.

Not Checking Midway

Air fryers vary in power. What works for my model might burn yours.

• Fix: Set a timer for 2 minutes, check the pizza, then decide if it needs more time. It’s better to undercook than overcook.

Ignoring the Crust Type

Reheating a thin crust the same way as a deep-dish? Not smart. Different crusts need different approaches.

• Fix: Adjust time and temperature based on crust thickness. When in doubt, go low and slow.

Forgetting to Flip (For Thick Pizzas)

As mentioned, air fryers heat from the top. If you don’t flip, the bottom stays soft.

• Fix: Flip halfway through—especially for thick or cheesy pizzas.

Data Table: Reheating Times and Temperatures by Pizza Type

Pizza Type	Temperature (°F)	Time (Minutes)	Flip Required?	Special Notes
Thin Crust	375	3–4	Optional	Use parchment to prevent sticking
Thick Crust	350	4–5	Yes	Foil tent for last 30 sec if needed
Deep-Dish	350	4–5	Yes	Check center for doneness
Stuffed Crust	350	4 (+30 sec)	No	Foil tent to prevent oozing
Frozen Slice	375	5–6	No	Add splash of water for steam
Gourmet (Fresh Toppings)	350	3.5–4	Optional	Spritz with water if toppings look dry

This table is your cheat sheet. Print it out, tape it to your fridge, or save it to your phone. It’ll save you from guessing every time.

Final Thoughts: Can You Heat Pizza in an Air Fryer Perfectly Every Time?

So, can you heat pizza in an air fryer perfectly every time? The answer is a resounding yes—but with a caveat: it depends on how you do it. The air fryer isn’t magic, but with the right technique, it comes pretty close.

You’ve now got the tools: the right temperatures, the timing, the flipping, the spacing. You know how to handle thin crusts, deep-dish, stuffed, and even frozen slices. You’ve learned what mistakes to avoid and how to troubleshoot when things go sideways. Most importantly, you’ve seen how the air fryer outperforms the microwave, saves energy compared to the oven, and delivers that satisfying crunch and melty cheese we all crave.

I’ve turned my air fryer into my go-to pizza reheater, and I haven’t looked back. Whether it’s a quick lunch, a midnight snack, or a way to enjoy leftovers without compromise, it never fails to impress. And the best part? It takes less time than it does to scroll through a food delivery app.

So next time you’ve got a few slices sitting in the fridge, don’t reach for the microwave. Grab your air fryer, set it to 375°F, and give it 3–4 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how close it gets to that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. Just don’t be surprised if your family starts asking for “air-fried” pizza every night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you heat pizza in an air fryer without it getting soggy?

Yes, you can heat pizza in an air fryer while keeping it crispy. The air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air reheats the crust evenly while preventing excess moisture buildup.

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

For best results, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat your pizza for 3-5 minutes. This method ensures a crispy crust and evenly melted toppings.

Can you heat frozen pizza in an air fryer?

Absolutely! To heat frozen pizza in an air fryer, cook it at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness. No need to thaw—just place it directly in the basket.

How long does it take to reheat pizza in an air fryer?

Reheating pizza in an air fryer typically takes 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Thicker or larger slices may need an extra minute or two.

Is it safe to reheat pizza in an air fryer with metal or cardboard?

No, never use metal or cardboard in an air fryer. Always place pizza directly on the basket or a parchment liner to avoid fire hazards or damage.

Can you heat deep-dish pizza in an air fryer?

Yes, but adjust the time and temperature. Heat deep-dish pizza at 325°F (160°C) for 6-8 minutes to ensure the center is warm without burning the crust.