Can You Heat Up Pizza in an Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide

Yes, you can heat up pizza in an air fryer—and it’s one of the best ways to achieve a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese without drying it out. With quick preheating and precise temperature control, your leftover slices will taste just like they’re fresh from the pizzeria in under 10 minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can reheat pizza in an air fryer for crispy results.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for even heating.
• Use a single layer to avoid soggy or unevenly heated slices.
• Reheat for 3-5 minutes depending on pizza thickness and crispness desired.
• Add a splash of water to keep cheese from drying out.
• Flip halfway through for consistent crispness on both sides.
• Avoid overcrowding to maintain airflow and optimal texture.

Can You Heat Up Pizza in an Air Fryer? The Ultimate Guide

Let’s be honest: few things in life are as satisfying as a perfectly reheated slice of pizza. That crispy crust, the melty cheese, the savory toppings—just thinking about it makes my stomach growl. But here’s the thing: reheating pizza can be a gamble. The microwave turns it soggy. The oven takes too long. And let’s not even get started on the toaster oven, which sometimes feels like it’s playing favorites with one slice while neglecting the rest.

Enter the air fryer—the kitchen gadget that’s taken the world by storm. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can you heat up pizza in an air fryer?” the answer is a resounding yes. But is it the best method? How do you avoid burning your precious slices? And what about different types of pizza, from thin crust to deep dish? In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know to master the art of reheating pizza in your air fryer, with practical tips, real-world examples, and a few lessons learned from my own pizza-reheating mishaps (yes, I’ve had a few).

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

If you’ve ever pulled a slice of last night’s pizza out of the fridge and stared at it with dread, wondering how to bring it back to life, the air fryer might just be your new best friend. Unlike the microwave, which heats food from the inside out and leaves your pizza limp and rubbery, the air fryer uses rapid, circulating hot air to crisp the exterior while gently warming the inside. The result? A slice that tastes like it just came out of the oven—no soggy crust, no cheesy mess.

How the Air Fryer Works Its Magic

The air fryer mimics the effects of deep frying (minus the oil) by circulating super-heated air around your food. This process, called convection, creates a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. For pizza, this means:

• Crispy crust: The hot air quickly dries out the outer layer of the crust, giving it that satisfying crunch.
• Even heating: Unlike the microwave, which can create hot spots, the air fryer heats your pizza evenly, so every bite is consistent.
• No soggy cheese: The rapid airflow prevents steam from building up, so your cheese stays melty, not watery.

The Science Behind the Perfect Slice

Think of reheating pizza like resuscitating a sleeping giant. You want to wake it up gently, not shock it. The air fryer’s ability to control temperature and airflow makes it ideal for this task. For example, if you set it too high, the cheese can burn before the crust crisps. Too low, and the crust stays soft. But with the right settings (which we’ll cover later), you can achieve that perfect balance of crunch and chew.

And here’s a fun fact: air fryers use up to 80% less oil than traditional frying, making them a healthier option for reheating—especially if you’re trying to avoid greasy takeout containers. Plus, they’re faster than the oven and more precise than the microwave. Win-win!

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

Alright, let’s get down to business. Reheating pizza in an air fryer isn’t rocket science, but there are a few key steps to follow to avoid turning your slice into a charred mess or a soggy disappointment. Here’s my tried-and-true method, complete with pro tips.

Prep Your Pizza and Air Fryer

Before you even plug in the air fryer, take a moment to prep:

• Remove any plastic wrap or cardboard: These can melt or catch fire. Transfer your pizza to a plate or cutting board.
• Check for toppings: If your pizza has delicate toppings (like fresh basil or arugula), consider removing them before reheating and adding them back afterward to prevent burning.
• Preheat your air fryer (optional but recommended): Most models heat up in 2-3 minutes. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for a quick warm-up. This ensures even heating from the start.

Arrange the Slices Properly

This is where many people go wrong. Overcrowding the basket is a one-way ticket to uneven heating. Instead:

• Place slices in a single layer: Leave at least ½ inch between each slice for airflow.
• Use the crisper plate (if available): This elevates the pizza, allowing air to circulate underneath. No crisper plate? A small trivet or even a crumpled piece of parchment paper can help.
• For thick-crust pizza (like deep dish): Cut slices into smaller pieces so heat can reach the center more easily.

Set the Time and Temperature

Here’s the golden rule: start low and slow. Here’s a quick reference:

• Thin crust or New York-style pizza: 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
• Thick crust or stuffed crust: 325°F (165°C) for 5-6 minutes.
• Frozen pizza (pre-baked): 375°F (190°C) for 4-5 minutes.

Pro tip: Set your timer for the minimum time, then check. You can always add 30-second increments, but you can’t un-burn your pizza!

Monitor and Flip (If Needed)

Most air fryers have a clear lid or window, so you can watch your pizza as it reheats. After the first 2 minutes:

• Check the cheese: It should be bubbly, not browned or smoking.
• Flip the slices (optional): If your model doesn’t have a crisper plate, flipping halfway ensures even browning.
• Rotate the basket (if needed): Some air fryers heat more intensely on one side. A quick 90-degree turn can fix this.

Air Fryer Settings for Different Types of Pizza

Not all pizzas are created equal—and neither are their reheating needs. The crust thickness, cheese type, and toppings all play a role in how your pizza reacts to the air fryer. Let’s break it down by type.

Thin Crust and New York-Style Pizza

These pizzas are all about that crisp, foldable crust. The air fryer is perfect for them, but you’ll want to avoid overcooking. Here’s how:

• Temperature: 350°F (175°C).
• Time: 3-4 minutes.
• Pro tip: Lightly spritz the crust with olive oil before reheating. It enhances crispiness without adding sogginess.

Example: I reheated a slice of my favorite NYC-style pepperoni pizza last week. At 350°F for 3 minutes, the crust was crisp, the cheese was melty, and the pepperoni was just starting to curl at the edges—perfection.

Thick Crust and Deep Dish Pizza

Thick crusts take longer to heat through, so lower the temperature and extend the time. The goal is to warm the center without burning the edges.

• Temperature: 325°F (165°C).
• Time: 5-6 minutes.
• Pro tip: Cut slices in half or quarters so heat reaches the center faster. Cover with aluminum foil for the first 3 minutes to prevent the top from drying out.

Example: My friend’s Chicago deep dish pizza was a challenge—the center was still cold after 5 minutes. I cut it into quarters, covered it with foil, and added 2 more minutes. The result? Warm, gooey cheese and a crust that wasn’t burnt.

Frozen Pizza (Pre-Baked)

Frozen pizzas are tricky because they’re already cooked. The air fryer can make them taste fresh out of the oven.

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C).
• Time: 4-5 minutes.
• Pro tip: Add a splash of water to the basket (not on the pizza) to create a little steam. This keeps the crust from drying out.

Pizza with Delicate Toppings (Veggie, Seafood, etc.)

Toppings like mushrooms, shrimp, or fresh herbs can burn or dry out quickly. The trick is to reheat the crust first, then add the toppings.

• Step 1: Reheat crust at 350°F for 2 minutes.
• Step 2: Add toppings, then cook for 1-2 more minutes at 325°F.
• Pro tip: Tent the pizza with foil to protect delicate toppings while the cheese melts.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even the best air fryer can’t save a poorly reheated pizza. I’ve made these mistakes—so you don’t have to.

Overcrowding the Basket

Air fryers need space for air to circulate. Pile on too many slices, and you’ll end up with:

• Soggy crusts (steam gets trapped).
• Uneven heating (some slices are cold, others are burnt).

Solution: Reheat 1-2 slices at a time. If you’re feeding a crowd, do it in batches.

Setting the Temperature Too High

It’s tempting to crank it up to “speed things up,” but high heat is the enemy of good reheating.

• Cheese burns before the crust crisps.
• Thin-crust pizza turns into a cracker.

Solution: Start at 350°F and adjust based on your pizza type. For thick crusts, go lower (325°F).

Not Checking the Pizza

Air fryers can vary in intensity. A “set it and forget it” approach often backfires.

• Some models run hotter than others.
• Altitude and humidity affect cooking times.

Solution: Check your pizza after 2 minutes. Add time in 30-second increments.

Ignoring the Crust

The crust is the star of the show, but it’s easy to neglect.

• Dry crust? Spritz with olive oil or water.
• Soft crust? Add 30 seconds at 375°F.

Beyond Reheating: Creative Ways to Use Your Air Fryer for Pizza

Why stop at reheating? Your air fryer can do so much more with pizza. Here are a few creative ideas to level up your pizza game.

Crisp Up Stale Pizza

Found a forgotten slice in the back of your fridge? The air fryer can revive it.

• Temperature: 350°F.
• Time: 2-3 minutes.
• Pro tip: Brush the crust with a little butter or garlic oil for extra flavor.

Make a “Pizza Pocket”

Got leftover pizza? Turn it into a quick snack.

• Step 1: Cut a slice in half, then layer with extra cheese or toppings.
• Step 2: Press the halves together (like a sandwich).
• Step 3: Cook at 375°F for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts.

Cook Mini Pizzas from Scratch

No need to turn on the oven for a small batch. The air fryer is perfect for:

• Mini pizzas on English muffins or naan bread.
• Personal-sized pizzas with your favorite toppings.
• Temperature: 375°F for 5-7 minutes.

Dehydrate Pizza for Camping or Snacks

Yes, really. Thin slices of pizza can be dehydrated for a portable, protein-rich snack.

• Temperature: 165°F (lowest setting).
• Time: 2-3 hours, flipping halfway.
• Pro tip: Remove cheese and add it back later to prevent melting.

Data Table: Air Fryer Pizza Reheating Times

Pizza Type	Temperature (°F)	Time (Minutes)	Special Tips
Thin Crust	350	3-4	Spritz crust with olive oil
Thick Crust	325	5-6	Cut slices in half, use foil
Deep Dish	325	6-7	Add water to basket for steam
Frozen Pizza	375	4-5	Cover with foil if cheese browns too fast
Stale Pizza	350	2-3	Brush with butter or garlic oil
Pizza with Delicate Toppings	350 (crust), 325 (toppings)	2 + 1-2	Tent with foil

Conclusion: The Air Fryer Pizza Revolution

So, can you heat up pizza in an air fryer? Absolutely—and you should. Whether you’re reheating a slice of last night’s takeout or reviving a frozen pizza from the depths of your freezer, the air fryer delivers results that the microwave and oven simply can’t match. Crispy crust, melty cheese, even heating—it’s like magic.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just about the gadget. It’s about how you use it. By following the steps in this guide—prepping your pizza, choosing the right settings, avoiding common mistakes—you’ll turn every reheated slice into a restaurant-quality experience. And with a little creativity, your air fryer can do so much more than reheat. It can transform, innovate, and even inspire.

So next time you’re staring at that sad, cold slice of pizza, don’t reach for the microwave. Plug in your air fryer, set the timer, and get ready to taste the difference. Trust me—it’s worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, reheating pizza in an air fryer keeps the crust crispy while melting the cheese perfectly. The circulating hot air prevents sogginess, making it one of the best methods for reheating pizza.

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

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness. Check halfway to avoid overcooking, especially for thin-crust pizzas.

Can you reheat cold pizza in an air fryer the next day?

Absolutely! The air fryer restores leftover pizza to its original freshness. For best results, place slices in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket.

Is reheating pizza in an air fryer better than using a microwave?

Yes, air fryers outperform microwaves by crisping the crust and evenly reheating toppings. Microwaves often make pizza rubbery or soggy, while air fryers retain texture.

Can you heat up frozen pizza in an air fryer?

Yes, cook frozen pizza in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure even cooking—no thawing required!

Do you need to use oil when reheating pizza in an air fryer?

No, oil isn’t necessary since the air fryer’s hot air crisps the crust naturally. However, a light spray can enhance browning for thicker crusts.