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

Yes, you can warm up pizza in an air fryer—and it’s one of the best ways to revive leftover slices with a perfectly crispy crust and evenly melted cheese. Unlike microwaves, the air fryer’s circulating heat prevents sogginess while quickly reheating your pizza in just 3–5 minutes. For optimal results, preheat the air fryer and avoid overcrowding to preserve that fresh-baked texture.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Air fryers effectively reheat pizza with crispy results.
• Preheat for crispiness: Always preheat your air fryer for best texture.
• Use low temperature: Set to 325°F to avoid burning or drying out.
• Single layer only: Reheat slices in one layer to ensure even heating.
• Check frequently: Monitor after 3-4 minutes to prevent overcooking.
• Add moisture if needed: A splash of water helps revive dry crusts.

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

Let’s face it—leftover pizza is one of life’s greatest joys. That perfect slice from last night’s takeout, with its crispy crust and gooey cheese, can bring back memories of a satisfying meal. But reheating pizza often feels like a gamble. The microwave turns it into a chewy, rubbery mess, and the oven takes too long and sometimes dries it out. Enter the air fryer—a kitchen gadget that’s been gaining fans for its speed, efficiency, and ability to crisp up food without a lot of oil. But can you warm up pizza in an air fryer? Spoiler alert: yes, and it might just be the best way to do it.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably stared at your leftover slices, wondering if there’s a way to make them taste as good as they did fresh. I’ve tried every method under the sun—microwaving, stovetop, oven, even the toaster oven—and while some work better than others, none have quite nailed that perfect balance of crispy crust and melty cheese. That’s why I decided to put the air fryer to the test. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about reheating pizza in an air fryer, from the science behind why it works to step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and even how to handle different types of pizza. Whether you’re a die-hard pizza lover or just looking for a better way to revive last night’s leftovers, this guide has got you covered.

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

How Air Frying Works

The air fryer uses rapid air circulation to cook food, mimicking the effects of deep frying but with little to no oil. A powerful fan blows hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist. This makes it ideal for reheating pizza because it restores the texture of the crust without drying it out or making it soggy.

Think of it like a mini convection oven. The hot air hits all sides of the pizza slice, heating it evenly and quickly. Unlike the microwave, which heats food from the inside out and often results in a limp crust, the air fryer crisps up the outside first, locking in moisture. This is why so many people swear by it for reheating fried foods, including pizza.

Benefits Over Other Methods

Let’s compare the air fryer to other popular reheating methods:

• Microwave: Fast but often leaves the crust rubbery and the cheese unevenly melted. It’s the go-to for convenience, but not for taste.
• Oven: Great for large quantities, but it takes 15-20 minutes and can dry out the pizza if you’re not careful.
• Stovetop: A cast-iron skillet can give you a crispy crust, but it requires constant attention and can burn easily.
• Toaster Oven: A solid middle ground, but not as fast or efficient as an air fryer.

The air fryer wins because it’s fast (3-5 minutes), energy-efficient, and delivers consistent results. Plus, it’s easy to use—just pop the slices in, set the timer, and walk away. No babysitting required.

Real-Life Example: My First Attempt

I’ll never forget my first time reheating pizza in the air fryer. I had a leftover slice of pepperoni from my favorite local pizzeria. I preheated the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), placed the slice in the basket, and set the timer for 3 minutes. When I pulled it out, I was shocked—the crust was crispy, the cheese was bubbly, and the pepperoni had that perfect little curl at the edges. It tasted almost as good as when it was fresh. Since then, I’ve never looked back.

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

Preparing Your Pizza

Before you even think about turning on the air fryer, make sure your pizza is ready to go. Here’s what to do:

• Check the crust: If it’s already a bit crispy, you’re in good shape. If it’s soft, the air fryer will work wonders.
• Remove excess moisture: If your pizza has been sitting in the fridge, the cheese and toppings might have released some water. Blot the surface with a paper towel to prevent sogginess.
• Cut large slices: If you have a big slice, consider cutting it in half or quarters. This helps it fit better in the air fryer basket and ensures even heating.

Pro tip: If your pizza has a lot of toppings (like a loaded meat lovers), you might want to remove a few of the heavier ones (like sausage or mushrooms) and reheat them separately. This prevents them from drying out or burning.

Temperature and Timing

The key to perfect reheated pizza is finding the right balance between temperature and time. Here’s a general guideline:

• 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes: This is the sweet spot for most pizzas. The crust gets crispy, and the cheese melts evenly without burning.
• Adjust for your air fryer: Some models run hotter than others. If your pizza burns at 350°F, try lowering it to 325°F and adding a minute or two.
• Check at the 3-minute mark: Every air fryer is different, so don’t set it and forget it. Open the basket at 3 minutes to see how it’s doing. If it needs more time, add 30 seconds to a minute.

For thin-crust pizza, stick to the lower end of the time range (3-4 minutes). Thick-crust or deep-dish pizza might need 5-6 minutes to heat through properly.

Arranging the Slices

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you’re reheating multiple slices, leave space between them so the hot air can circulate. Overcrowding leads to uneven heating and can make the crust soft instead of crispy.

If you’re reheating more than two slices, consider doing them in batches. Yes, it takes a little longer, but the results are worth it. Trust me, you don’t want to sacrifice texture just to save a minute or two.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results Every Time

Use Parchment Paper or a Liner

Cheese and sauce can stick to the air fryer basket, especially if you’re reheating multiple slices. To make cleanup easier, use a small piece of parchment paper or a reusable air fryer liner. Just make sure it’s cut to fit the basket and doesn’t block the airflow.

I learned this the hard way—after my third time scraping melted cheese off the basket, I finally invested in some liners. Now, cleanup is a breeze, and I don’t have to worry about ruining the nonstick coating.

Add a Splash of Moisture

If your pizza is a bit dry, try this trick: place a small oven-safe dish of water in the bottom of the air fryer (not touching the pizza). The steam will help keep the cheese and toppings from drying out. Just don’t overdo it—too much moisture can make the crust soggy.

Another option is to lightly brush the crust with olive oil before reheating. This adds a little crispness and helps prevent dryness. A few drops of water on the cheese can also help it melt more evenly.

Experiment with Toppings

Reheating pizza in the air fryer is a great opportunity to get creative. If your slice is looking a bit sad, add some fresh toppings after reheating. A sprinkle of Parmesan, a drizzle of hot honey, or some chopped fresh basil can take it to the next level.

For extra flavor, try brushing the crust with garlic butter before reheating. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, add a few slices of fresh mozzarella and pop it back in for an extra minute to melt.

Handling Different Types of Pizza

Thin-Crust Pizza

Thin-crust pizza reheats beautifully in the air fryer. The key is to keep the temperature around 350°F and the time short (3-4 minutes). This ensures the crust stays crispy without burning.

If your thin-crust pizza has a lot of sauce, you might want to blot it lightly with a paper towel before reheating. Too much sauce can make the crust soggy, especially if the pizza has been sitting in the fridge for a while.

Thick-Crust and Deep-Dish Pizza

Thick-crust and deep-dish pizza take a bit more time to heat through. Start at 350°F for 5 minutes, then check and add more time if needed. The goal is to get the center warm and the cheese melted without burning the edges.

For deep-dish pizza, consider removing the toppings and reheating them separately. This prevents the cheese from burning while the crust heats up. Once the crust is warm, add the toppings back and give it another minute to meld together.

Stuffed Crust and Gourmet Pizzas

Stuffed crust pizza can be tricky because the cheese inside the crust can overheat and burn. To avoid this, lower the temperature to 325°F and increase the time to 5-6 minutes. This gives the heat time to penetrate without scorching the edges.

Gourmet pizzas with delicate toppings (like arugula, prosciutto, or fresh herbs) should be reheated at a lower temperature (325°F) for 3-4 minutes. Add the fresh toppings after reheating to preserve their texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overcooking

One of the biggest mistakes people make is leaving the pizza in too long. Air fryers are powerful, and it’s easy to go from “perfectly crispy” to “burnt to a crisp” in a matter of seconds. Always check at the 3-minute mark and add time in small increments.

If you’re reheating multiple batches, remember that the air fryer will be hotter after the first batch. You might need to reduce the time or temperature slightly for subsequent batches.

Using the Wrong Temperature

Not all pizzas are created equal, and neither are all air fryers. If your pizza is coming out too dark or too light, adjust the temperature. A good rule of thumb is to start at 350°F and tweak from there.

Some air fryers have a “reheat” setting, which is usually around 300°F. This is great for delicate foods, but it might not be hot enough for pizza. If your pizza isn’t crisping up, try increasing the temperature to 350°F or 375°F.

Ignoring the Crust

The crust is the star of the show, so don’t neglect it. If your crust is coming out soft, try brushing it with a little olive oil or butter before reheating. This adds flavor and helps it crisp up.

Another trick is to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the pizza. A hot basket means a crisper crust from the get-go.

Data Table: Air Fryer Reheating Times for Different Pizzas

Pizza Type	Temperature (°F)	Time (Minutes)	Notes
Thin-Crust	350	3-4	Blot excess sauce to prevent sogginess
Thick-Crust	350	5-6	Check at 5 minutes; add toppings separately if needed
Deep-Dish	325	6-7	Reheat toppings separately to avoid burning
Stuffed Crust	325	5-6	Lower temp prevents cheese from overheating
Gourmet	325	3-4	Add fresh toppings after reheating

Conclusion: The Best Way to Reheat Pizza?

So, can you warm up pizza in an air fryer? Absolutely—and it might just be the best way to do it. The air fryer delivers crispy crust, melty cheese, and evenly heated toppings in a fraction of the time it takes with other methods. Plus, it’s easy to use, energy-efficient, and makes cleanup a breeze.

Of course, no method is perfect. You’ll need to experiment with temperature and timing to find what works best for your air fryer and your favorite pizzas. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Whether you’re reheating a single slice or a whole box of leftovers, the air fryer is a game-changer. It’s fast, consistent, and delivers restaurant-quality results every time. So the next time you’re staring at that sad slice in the fridge, don’t reach for the microwave—fire up your air fryer and enjoy pizza that tastes almost as good as it did fresh.

Happy reheating!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes! An air fryer reheats pizza quickly while keeping the crust crispy. The circulating hot air evaporates moisture, preventing sogginess better than microwaving.

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

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place a single layer of slices in the basket, and heat for 3-4 minutes. Flip halfway for even crispness.

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

Most pizza slices take 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Thicker or deep-dish crusts may need an extra minute or two.

Can you reheat frozen pizza in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Cook frozen pizza at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway. Adjust time based on thickness for a fully heated center.

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

No, oil isn’t necessary. The air fryer’s dry heat crisps the crust naturally. Lightly brushing oil is optional for extra crispness.

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

Yes, but avoid overcrowding. Reheat in batches if needed to ensure even heating. Overlapping slices may result in uneven crispness.