How Do You Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer

Enjoy perfectly crispy pizza the next day! Here’s how to easily reheat pizza in an air fryer to bring those leftovers back to life.

Reheating pizza can feel like a gamble—microwaves turn it soggy, and ovens take forever. But an air fryer? It’s a game-changer, delivering a crispy crust and melty cheese in just a few minutes. After analyzing top-ranking Google results for “How Do You Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer,” I’ve noticed most articles follow a straightforward structure: a quick intro, step-by-step instructions, and tips for variations like thin or thick crust. They address key questions—temperature settings, timing, and cleanup—but often skimp on details like troubleshooting common issues or optimizing for different air fryer models. Some lack depth on frozen pizza or specific topping challenges. Here’s a detailed guide that fills those gaps, walking you through every step to revive your leftover pizza like it’s fresh from the pizzeria.

Why an Air Fryer Works So Well

Air fryers use rapid air circulation and a powerful heating element to cook food evenly, making them perfect for reheating pizza. Unlike microwaves, which zap moisture into the crust, or ovens, which can dry out toppings, air fryers crisp the bottom while keeping the cheese gooey. The high-speed hot air mimics the environment of a pizza oven, reheating slices in a fraction of the time. Plus, they’re energy-efficient—no need to heat a full oven for a single slice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Pizza

Here’s how to get that just-baked texture in under 5 minutes. This method works for refrigerated or frozen pizza, whether it’s thin crust, deep dish, or loaded with toppings.

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Preheating takes 2-3 minutes and ensures even cooking from the start. Skipping this can lead to a burnt bottom before the toppings are warm. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, let it run empty at 350°F for a couple of minutes. For oven-style air fryers, place the tray in the middle position to avoid direct heat from the top element.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza

Place your pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the tray. Don’t stack or overlap slices—air needs to circulate for that crispy crust. If your pizza is extra cheesy or greasy, line the basket with perforated parchment paper or aluminum foil with holes poked in it to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. For delicate toppings like fresh basil or tomatoes, lightly spray the pizza with cooking oil to keep them from burning. If you’re worried about toppings like pepperoni crisping too much, remove them, air fry the slice halfway, then add them back.

Step 3: Set the Time and Cook

Cooking time depends on crust thickness and whether the pizza is refrigerated or frozen. Here’s a breakdown:

• Thin crust (refrigerated): 2-3 minutes at 350°F. Check at 2 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• Regular or thick crust (refrigerated): 3-4 minutes at 350°F. Deep dish may need 5-6 minutes at 325°F for even heating.
• Frozen pizza: 8-12 minutes at 350°F. Start checking at 8 minutes to prevent burning.

Keep an eye on the pizza, as air fryer models vary. If the crust browns too quickly, lower the temperature by 25°F or cover the top with a small piece of foil. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the crust should feel crisp when tapped.

Step 4: Remove and Serve

Use tongs or a spatula to carefully remove the pizza—air fryer baskets get hot! Let it cool for a minute to avoid burning your mouth. Pair it with a quick side like a vegetarian Caesar salad or air fryer fried pickles for a full meal vibe.

Tips for Perfect Results

Adjust for Your Air Fryer: Basket-style air fryers (like Ninja or Cosori) cook faster but fit fewer slices—usually 1-2 at a time. Oven-style air fryers (like Instant Pot Vortex) can handle more slices but may need an extra minute. If your model runs hot, start with the lower end of the time range.

Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t skip preheating, as it leads to uneven heating. Overcrowding the basket traps air and leaves slices soggy. Setting the temperature too high (above 400°F) can scorch the crust before the cheese melts. Check frequently, especially with thin crust, to dial in the perfect timing for your setup.

Handling Toppings: For pizzas with sensitive toppings like spinach or fresh herbs, add them after reheating to keep their texture. If cheese slides off during cooking, use less oil or secure toppings with a light press before starting.

Frozen Pizza Hacks: For personal-sized frozen pizzas, follow the same 350°F setting but extend the time to 10-12 minutes. Flip the pizza halfway for even crisping. For frozen slices, thaw them in the fridge overnight for faster reheating, or add 2-3 extra minutes if cooking from frozen.

Cleanup Made Easy: Besides parchment or foil, wipe the basket with a damp cloth after cooling to remove grease. For stubborn cheese, soak the basket in warm soapy water for 10 minutes before scrubbing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reheat a whole pizza?

Yes, but it’s tricky in smaller air fryers. For basket models, reheat in batches. Oven-style air fryers with racks can handle a whole small pizza (8-10 inches) at 325°F for 6-8 minutes. Rotate the tray halfway for even cooking.

What if my pizza gets too crispy?

Reduce the temperature to 325°F and check after 2 minutes. Covering the top with foil can slow down browning. Next time, lower the cooking time by 30 seconds.

Is it safe to use foil or parchment?

Yes, as long as they’re perforated for airflow and don’t cover the entire basket. Secure them with the pizza’s weight to prevent flapping. Check your air fryer’s manual for specific guidelines.

Can I reheat other pizza types?

Absolutely! This method works for homemade, takeout, or store-bought pizza, including flatbread or French bread styles. Adjust time based on thickness—thinner bases like naan need just 2-3 minutes.

Why Not Other Methods?

Compared to alternatives, air fryers shine. Microwaves make crusts chewy and toppings rubbery. Ovens take 10-15 minutes to preheat and can dry out cheese. Stovetops work but require constant flipping and only handle one slice at a time. Air fryers combine speed, ease, and quality, making them the top choice for pizza lovers. For more air fryer tips, check out Air Fryer World.

Believe it or not, it’ll actually be crispy!