Learn how to use an air fryer to reheat pizza to crispy perfection. Say goodbye to soggy leftovers and enjoy pizza that tastes just like new with these pro tips and common mistakes to avoid!

In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps to reheat pizza to perfection. Using an air fryer is a game changer to get a crispy crust and melted cheese every time.

Why Use the Air Fryer to reheat pizza?

Once you’ve reheated pizza in an air fryer, there’s no going back to the sogginess of the microwave or the time-consuming nature of the oven. It’s quick, it’s easy, and most importantly, it retains the original flavor and texture of your delicious pizza.

Before diving into the how-to guide, let’s explore why the air fryer is the ideal choice for reheating next-day slices of homemade pizza or leftover Pizza Hut takeout.

• Crispy Crust: The air fryer’s rapid hot air technology crisps up the crust without drying it out.
• Even Heating: Unlike a microwave, the air fryer heats your pizza evenly, preventing a soggy or chewy middle.
• Quick and Easy: It takes just a few minutes to get your pizza ready, making it a quick and convenient option.

I just love using an air fryer for pizza so much.

The best pizza I’ve ever made at home is my air fryer pizza recipe, using my viral naan dough as the crust and this delicious pizza red sauce. The crust turns out crisp on the bottom but soft and airy and light on the edges with melty cheese and caramelized toppings.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Reheating Leftover Pizza

Gather Your Supplies

• Leftover pizza slices
• A basket-style air fryer (here is my article on how to buy the best air fryer)
• Optional: parchment paper, aluminum foil or silicone liners. This makes for easy clean up!

Prep the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Turn your air fryer on and set allow it to preheat for about 2-3 minutes.

Reheat the Pizza

1. Arrange the Slices: Place the pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to heat the slices in batches.
2. Optional Step: If you wish, you can place a piece of parchment paper under the slices to prevent any cheese from sticking to the basket. However, this isn’t strictly necessary.
3. Air Fry: Close the basket and set the timer for 3-4 minutes. Check on your pizza after 3 minutes. If it needs more time, you can add an extra minute.

Savor the Goodness

1. Remove and Serve: Using a pair of tongs, carefully take out your newly crisped-up pizza and enjoy!

Reheating Thin Crust Pizza in an Air Fryer

Thin-crust pizza is loved for its crispy bottom and airy, yet slightly chewy rim. However, reheating it poorly can turn it into a soggy, unappetizing mess.

Here’s how to retain that beautiful texture when reheating thin-crust pizza in an air fryer.

Quick Steps:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Fire up your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) and let it warm up for about 2-3 minutes.
2. Layer Your Pizza: Place your thin-crust slices of pizza in a single layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring no overlap.
3. Timing Is Key: Set your timer for 2-3 minutes. Thin-crust pizza reheats quickly due to its thin nature.
4. Check and Serve: Open the air fryer and test for crispiness. If it’s to your liking, remove the pizza slices and enjoy!

Note: For super-thin crust pizza, keep an eye on it, as it can go from crisp to burnt quickly.

Reheating Thick Crust or Deep Dish Pizza in an Air Fryer

Leftovers of thick crust pizza, like Chicago-style or pan pizza, requires a little more finesse. You want the middle to be hot and the cheese to be melted without burning that wonderful, doughy crust.

Quick Steps:

1. Preheat to a Lower Temp: Set your air fryer to 300°F (about 150°C) and preheat for 2-3 minutes. The lower temperature ensures that the cold pizza slices heat all the way through without drying out.
2. Place the Pizza: Arrange your thick-crust slices in the air fryer basket, taking care to not let them overlap.
3. Extend the Time: Thick-crust pizzas will likely need a bit more time to heat thoroughly. Start with 4-5 minutes, then check for doneness.
4. Check and Serve: If the cheese has melted and the middle is hot to the touch, your pizza is ready to eat! If not, give it another minute or two.

Tip: If you find that the crust is heating too quickly compared to the middle, you can use a small piece of aluminum foil to lightly cover the top of the pizza for the remaining cooking time.

How to Reheat Pizza in an Oven-Style Air Fryer

Oven-style air fryers are essentially compact convection ovens that can effectively reheat pizza while retaining its original flavor and crispiness.

The design of these air fryers provides the advantage of better heat circulation, and often, more cooking space.

Here’s how to give your leftover pizza new life using an oven-style air fryer.

Quick Steps:

1. Preparation: No need to preheat for this method; cold-starting will help the pizza heat evenly. Lay a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet or use an air fryer tray to hold your slices. Make sure to arrange the pizza slices in a single layer with some space in between for air circulation.
2. Temperature and Time: Set your oven-style air fryer to 325°F (160°C) for thin crust or 300°F (150°C) for thick crust.
3. Cook Thin Crust: For thin-crust pizza, set the timer for 3-4 minutes.
4. Cook Thick Crust: For thick-crust pizza, set the timer for 5-7 minutes.
5. Check and Serve: Open the oven-style air fryer, carefully touch the middle of the pizza to make sure it’s hot, and ensure that the cheese has melted. If it meets your standards, your reheated pizza is ready to eat.

Pro Tip: Oven-style air fryers often come with multiple racks. If reheating more than a couple of slices, you can use multiple trays, but be sure to swap their positions halfway through the cooking time for even reheating.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If the pizza is still not as crispy as you’d like, simply add another minute to the cooking time.
• Don’t set the temperature too high, as this can dry out the crust and make the cheese too runny.

4 Common Mistakes When Reheating Pizza in the Air Fryer

Here are the most frequent mix-ups to avoid when reheating pizza in your air fryer:

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1. Skipping the Preheat

Many people throw their cold pizza slices into a cold air fryer, which can result in uneven heating. Always preheat your air fryer to ensure that your pizza reheats evenly and quickly.

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2. Overcrowding the Basket

Packing too many slices into the air fryer basket limits air circulation, leading to soggy, unevenly reheated pizza. Make sure each slice has enough space around it for optimal crispiness.

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3. Using the Wrong Temperature

Reheating at too high a temperature can scorch your pizza, while too low a temperature may leave it under-heated and soggy. 350°F is a good starting point, but see in post above for details on thick vs. thin crust pizza.

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4. Ignoring Pizza Thickness

Different types of pizza require different reheating times. Thin crust might only need 3 minutes, while a deep-dish slice might need up to 7 minutes. Adjust your temperature and timing based on the pizza you have.

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5. Not Checking for Doneness

Don’t assume that the pizza is ready just because the timer dings. Peek in frequently to avoid over-cooking it.

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By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure that your reheated pizza tastes almost as good as it did when it was first day fresh. Happy reheating!

FAQs About Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer

Just skimming through? Here are some quick answers to the commonly-asked questions about reheating pizza in an air fryer:

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How do I reheat pizza in an air fryer?

To reheat pizza in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the leftover pizza slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and air fry for about 3-5 minutes or until heated through and crispy. See above for the 4 common mistakes to avoid.

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

It typically takes 3-5 minutes to reheat pizza in an air fryer, but the exact time can vary depending on the thickness of the crust and your specific air fryer model. See above for full details.

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How do you reheat pizza in a vortex air fryer?

Reheating pizza in a vortex air fryer is similar to other air fryers. Preheat to 350°F and air fry for 3-5 minutes. The vortex air fryer may cook faster due to its technology, so check after 3 minutes.

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If you reheat pizza in an air fryer, what does it taste like?

Reheating pizza in an air fryer usually results in a slice that is close to its original texture and taste—crispy crust and melted cheese.

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How do you reheat Little Caesars pizza in an air fryer?

To reheat Little Caesars pizza in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and air fry the pizza slices for 3-5 minutes, checking for desired crispiness and temperature.

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How should you properly reheat leftover pizza in the air fryer?

To properly reheat leftover pizza, always preheat your air fryer first. Place the slices in a single layer and do not overcrowd the basket. Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.

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How do you reheat a deep dish pizza in an air fryer?

For deep dish pizza, it may take a little longer to reheat due to its thickness. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5-7 minutes, checking for desired temperature and crispiness.

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Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?

Yes, preheating helps to ensure that the pizza heats evenly and quickly.

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Can I reheat deep-dish or stuffed-crust pizzas?

Absolutely! You may need to adjust the cooking time, but the process remains the same.

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How many slices can I reheat at a time?

This depends on the size of your air fryer. Just make sure the slices don’t overlap to allow for even heating.

 

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Pizza (the ultimate easy recipe)
• Air Fryer Tuna Steak (a perfectly-seared ahi tuna every time!)
• How to Cook Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer 
• Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant (crispy, creamy perfection)
• Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast (no thaw!)
• Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs (moist + juicy)
• Air Fryer Roast Beef (wait, what? YES!)