If you’ve ever tried reheating leftover pizza in the microwave, you know the disappointment — soggy crust, rubbery cheese, and all the flavor lost. The oven does a better job, but it takes too long when all you want is a quick bite. The solution? Reheat pizza in an air fryer.
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple because they can make food crispy without much oil, but they’re also excellent for reviving leftovers. When you reheat pizza in the air fryer, the crust gets perfectly crisp, the cheese melts just right, and the toppings taste almost as fresh as the day you ordered it.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about reheating pizza in the air fryer, including step-by-step instructions, tips for different types of pizza, common mistakes to avoid, and even some creative leftover pizza recipes.
Why Use an Air Fryer to Reheat Pizza?
Before we dive into the method, let’s talk about why reheating pizza in the air fryer works so well.
- Crispy Crust Every Time – No soggy bottoms like the microwave.
- Even Heating – The hot air circulates around the pizza, making sure the toppings and cheese heat evenly.
- Quick & Convenient – No need to preheat your oven for 20 minutes. An air fryer is ready to go in just a minute.
- Restaurant-Style Results – Leftover pizza tastes almost as good as fresh delivery.
If you love pizza (and who doesn’t?), this is the method you’ll never stop using.
How to Reheat Pizza in Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to bring your cold pizza back to life:
What You’ll Need:
- Leftover pizza slices
- An air fryer (basket or oven-style)
- Parchment paper (optional, but keeps cheese from sticking)
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 2–3 minutes.
- Arrange the Pizza Slices
- Place the pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Avoid overlapping slices so they heat evenly.
- Reheat the Pizza
- Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Thicker pizzas may need closer to 5 minutes, while thin crust slices may be ready in just 3 minutes.
- Check for Doneness
- The cheese should be bubbly, and the crust should feel crispy when tapped.
- If needed, add another minute, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Serve Immediately
- Remove the slices carefully (they’ll be hot!) and enjoy your crispy, gooey pizza.
✅ Pro Tip: If you’re reheating multiple slices, do it in batches. Overcrowding will make the pizza heat unevenly.
Best Temperature for Reheating Pizza in Air Fryer
One of the most common questions is: What’s the best temperature to reheat pizza in an air fryer?
The sweet spot is 350°F (175°C).
- Any lower, and your pizza may turn soggy.
- Any higher, and you risk burning the crust before the toppings heat through.
For deep-dish pizza, you may want to lower the temp to 325°F and cook longer so the cheese and toppings warm without burning the crust.
How Long to Reheat Pizza in Air Fryer
The cooking time depends on the type of pizza:
- Thin Crust Pizza: 3 minutes
- Regular Hand-Tossed Pizza: 3–4 minutes
- Thick Crust or Pan Pizza: 4–5 minutes
- Deep-Dish Pizza: 5–6 minutes at 325°F
Always start with less time and check your pizza — you can always add more time, but you can’t undo burnt crust!
Reheating Different Types of Pizza in Air Fryer
Not all pizzas are the same. Here’s how to adjust for different styles:
1. Thin Crust Pizza
- Air fry at 350°F for 3 minutes.
- Keep a close eye since the crust can crisp up quickly.
2. New York-Style Pizza
- Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
- Perfect balance of crispy base and gooey cheese.
3. Chicago Deep Dish
- Lower the temp to 325°F and cook for 5–6 minutes.
- This allows the cheese and toppings to heat through without burning the crust.
4. Frozen Pizza Slices
- Add an extra 2–3 minutes since they start cold.
- Check halfway and adjust as needed.
5. Specialty Pizzas (BBQ, Veggie, Meat Lovers)
- Same method as regular slices, but make sure meat toppings are fully warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though reheating pizza in an air fryer is simple, here are some mistakes you should avoid:
- Overcrowding the Basket – Air needs to circulate, so keep slices in a single layer.
- Setting the Heat Too High – This can burn the crust while leaving cold cheese.
- Not Preheating – A quick preheat ensures even heating from the start.
- Leaving It in Too Long – Pizza can go from crispy to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on it.
How to Keep Pizza From Drying Out in Air Fryer
If you’re worried about your pizza getting too dry, here are two hacks:
- Place a small piece of foil under the slice (with holes poked in it) to protect the crust slightly.
- Add a few drops of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket (not on the pizza) to create a little steam.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Pizza
If you don’t want to eat plain reheated slices, try these fun ideas:
- Pizza Croutons – Cut slices into cubes, air fry until extra crispy, and toss them on salad or soup.
- Pizza Wraps – Fold a slice in half, reheat, and dip in marinara for a handheld snack.
- Pizza Quesadilla – Layer two slices face-to-face in the air fryer for a gooey, cheesy creation.
- Breakfast Pizza – Crack an egg on top before reheating for a quick morning meal.
FAQs About Reheating Pizza in Air Fryer
1. Can you put aluminum foil in the air fryer when reheating pizza?
Yes, but make sure to poke holes in it for airflow.
2. Do you need oil to reheat pizza in the air fryer?
No oil needed! The crust crisps naturally.
3. Can you reheat stuffed crust pizza in the air fryer?
Yes, just add an extra minute since the crust takes longer to heat.
4. What’s the difference between reheating pizza in an air fryer vs oven?
The oven takes longer, while the air fryer gives faster, crispier results.
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Reheat Pizza
If you’ve been tossing leftover pizza in the microwave and settling for soggy slices, it’s time to change that. Reheating pizza in the air fryer is hands down the best method.
- Quick (3–5 minutes)
- Crispy and cheesy like fresh pizza
- Works for all styles — thin crust, hand-tossed, deep dish
So, the next time you have a few slices left from last night’s dinner, don’t reach for the microwave. Grab your air fryer and enjoy pizza the way it was meant to be: hot, crispy, and delicious.