Is it better to reheat pizza in an air fryer or microwave

A Beginner-Friendly, Expert-Backed Guide to Crispy Crust and Melty Pizza.

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Leftover pizza is a gift, but reheating it can feel like a gamble. Too often, the microwave turns your slice into a rubbery, soggy disappointment. The oven takes forever. And the air fryer? Everyone swears by it, but is it really better?

If you’ve ever wondered is it better to reheat pizza in an air fryer or microwave, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive, kitchen-tested guide breaks down which method works best, why it works, and how to do it properly, even if you’re a total beginner.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to reheat pizza to match your priorities: speed, texture, energy use, or convenience.

Air Fryer vs Microwave: Side-by-Side Comparison

Factor	Air Fryer	Microwave
Texture	Crispy crust, melty cheese	Soft, sometimes rubbery
Speed	3–6 minutes	1–2 minutes
Ease	Slight setup	Push-button simple
Energy Use	Efficient for small batches	Very efficient
Best For	Quality and flavor	Convenience and speed

The Leftover Pizza Problem (And Why It Matters)

Reheating pizza sounds simple, but it’s one of the most common kitchen frustrations.

The real-world problems people face:

• Microwaved pizza gets soft, chewy, or rubbery
• Cheese overheats while the crust stays limp
• The oven takes too long for one or two slices
• Reheated pizza never tastes “fresh” again

The truth is, how you reheat pizza matters just as much as how it was cooked. Different appliances heat food in very different ways, which affects moisture, texture, and flavor.

So, is it better to reheat pizza in an air fryer or microwave? Short answer: It depends on what you value most.

Let’s break it down step by step.

Why This Question Matters: How Reheating Methods Actually Work

Before choosing a winner, it helps to understand how each method heats pizza.

Microwave Heating (Moisture-Based Heat)

• Uses electromagnetic waves to excite water molecules
• Heats food from the inside out
• Fast—but adds moisture and softens structure

Air Fryer Heating (Dry, Circulating Heat)

• Uses rapid hot air circulation (like a mini convection oven)
• Heats food evenly from the outside
• Removes moisture and restores crispness

This fundamental difference explains why air-fried pizza tastes closer to fresh—and why microwaved pizza often doesn’t.

What You’ll Need (For Each Method)

For Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer

• Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
• Leftover pizza slices
• Optional: parchment liner or foil (per manufacturer guidelines)

Substitutes: If you don’t have an air fryer, a convection toaster oven is the closest alternative.

For Reheating Pizza in a Microwave

• Microwave-safe plate
• Leftover pizza slices
• Optional: microwave-safe cup of water or paper towel

Why the extras help: They reduce moisture loss and prevent rubbery cheese.

How to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer (Best Results)

If your goal is crispy crust and evenly melted cheese, this is the method most experts recommend.

Step 1: Preheat (Optional but Recommended)

• Set air fryer to 350°F (175°C)
• Preheat for 2–3 minutes

Preheating helps the crust crisp faster without overcooking the toppings.

Step 2: Arrange the Pizza

• Place slices in a single layer
• Do not stack
• Leave space for air circulation

Step 3: Reheat

• Cook for 3–5 minutes
• Check at the 3-minute mark

Thicker crust or loaded toppings may need up to 6 minutes.

Step 4: Rest Briefly

• Let pizza sit for 30–60 seconds
• This allows cheese to set and prevents burns

Why the Air Fryer Works So Well

• Restores crispness to the crust
• Melts cheese evenly
• Avoids sogginess
• Reheats fast without drying out toppings

How to Reheat Pizza in a Microwave (Fastest Option)

If speed matters more than texture, the microwave still has a place.

Step 1: Prepare the Plate

• Place pizza on a microwave-safe plate
• Add a small cup of water beside it

This creates steam and reduces rubbery texture.

Step 2: Heat in Short Bursts

• Microwave on medium power (50–70%)
• Heat for 30 seconds at a time
• Check between bursts

Total time: 60–90 seconds

Step 3: Let It Rest

• Rest for 20–30 seconds
• Heat continues after the microwave stops

Why the Microwave Struggles

• Softens crust
• Uneven heating
• Cheese can overcook quickly

Still, it’s unbeatable for speed and convenience.

Pro Tips for Air Fryer

• Don’t overcrowd the basket
• Use lower temps for thin crust
• Check early to avoid burnt cheese
• Avoid wax paper (fire risk)

Microwave Pro Tips

• Always use reduced power
• Add a cup of water
• Avoid overheating—short bursts are key

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Reheating pizza at full microwave power
• Using foil in a microwave
• Overloading the air fryer
• Reheating cold pizza straight from the fridge without spacing

FAQ: Answering Common Pizza Reheating Questions

1. Is it better to reheat pizza in an air fryer or microwave for taste?

Air fryer. It restores crispness and melts cheese evenly, making pizza taste closer to fresh.

2. What’s the fastest way to reheat pizza?

The microwave is fastest, typically under 2 minutes.

3. Does reheating pizza in an air fryer dry it out?

Not if done correctly. Use moderate heat (350°F) and short cook times.

4. Can you reheat pizza in an air fryer without preheating?

Yes, but preheating improves crust texture and reduces cook time.

5. Is reheated pizza safe to eat?

Yes, if stored properly and reheated to steaming hot (165°F internal temperature).

Avoid the Air Fryer If:

• Pizza has very delicate toppings (arugula, fresh herbs)
• Cheese is already overcooked
• Slices are extremely thin

Avoid the Microwave If:

• You want crispy crust
• Pizza is thick or heavily topped
• Texture matters more than speed

Alternative Ways to Reheat Pizza

Skillet (Stovetop)

• Excellent crust
• Requires more attention
• 5–7 minutes

Oven

• Best for multiple slices
• Takes longest
• 10–15 minutes

Final Verdict: Is It Better to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer or Microwave?

Yes, reheating pizza in an air fryer is better for overall quality. It delivers:

• Crisp crust
• Evenly melted cheese
• Less sogginess
• More “fresh pizza” flavor

That said, the microwave still wins for speed and simplicity. If you’re in a rush, it gets the job done, especially with the right technique.

The Best Choice Depends On You:

• Choose air fryer for taste and texture
• Choose microwave for speed and convenience

Conclusion: Reheat Smarter, Not Harder

So, is it better to reheat pizza in an air fryer or microwave? For most people, most of the time, the air fryer is the clear winner.

But knowing how and when to use each method lets you enjoy leftover pizza the way it deserves, hot, satisfying, and never soggy.

Reheat wisely, reduce food waste, and enjoy every last slice.