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Reheating leftover pizza shouldn’t feel like a gamble. If you’ve ever ended up with rubbery cheese, dried-out crust, or soggy slices from the microwave, you’re not alone. The good news? Learning how to reheat refrigerated pizza in an air fryer is one of the easiest, fastest, and most reliable ways to bring your pizza back to life, crispy on the bottom, bubbly on top, and evenly heated through.
This guide is written specifically for beginners and home cooks who want consistent, pizzeria-quality results without guesswork. We’ll walk through the why, the how, and the mistakes to avoid, plus answer common questions so you can reheat pizza like a pro every time.
Why Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer
Before jumping into the steps, it helps to understand why the air fryer is such a game-changer for leftover pizza.
The Simple Science Behind It
Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speed around the food. This creates:
- Even heat distribution (no cold centers)
- Moisture evaporation from the crust (restoring crispness)
- Gentle re-melting of cheese without overcooking toppings
Unlike a microwave, which heats unevenly and traps steam—the air fryer removes excess moisture while reheating, preventing sogginess.
Compared to Other Reheating Methods
| Method | Result |
| Microwave | Fast, but soggy crust and rubbery cheese |
| Oven | Great results, but slow and energy-intensive |
| Skillet | Crispy bottom, but easy to burn |
| Air Fryer | Fast, crispy, evenly heated, minimal effort ✅ |
That’s why many chefs and home cooks agree: the air fryer is the best way to reheat refrigerated pizza.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy tools or accessories, just a few basics.
Essential Tools
- Air fryer (basket or oven-style both work)
- Refrigerated pizza slices (cold, straight from the fridge)
- Tongs or spatula (for safe removal)
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Optional but Helpful
- Parchment liner with holes (to reduce cleanup)
- Aluminum foil (for very thin crusts or delicate toppings)
- Oil spray (rarely needed, but helpful for very dry crusts)
Good to know: You do not need to pre-oil the basket. Most pizza already contains enough fat.
How to Reheat Refrigerated Pizza in Air Fryer (Step by Step)
This is the most reliable, beginner-friendly method that works for most pizza styles.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C)
- Preheat for 3–5 minutes
Why this matters: Starting with a hot air fryer helps the crust crisp immediately instead of absorbing heat slowly and turning chewy.
Step 2: Arrange the Pizza Slices
- Place pizza in a single layer
- Do not overlap slices
- Leave space for air circulation
If reheating multiple slices, work in batches for best results.
Step 3: Reheat
- Cook at 350°F for 3–5 minutes
- Check at the 3-minute mark
- Add 1–2 more minutes if needed
Most slices are done when:
- Cheese is melted and slightly bubbly
- Crust feels firm and crisp when lifted
Step 4: Rest Briefly and Serve
- Remove carefully with tongs
- Let rest for 30–60 seconds
- Serve and enjoy immediately
That short rest allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing toppings from sliding off.
Timing Guide by Pizza Type
Different pizzas need slightly different handling. Use this as a quick reference.
Thin Crust Pizza
- Temperature: 350°F
- Time: 2–4 minutes
- Tip: Watch closely—it crisps fast
Thick Crust or Pan Pizza
- Temperature: 330–350°F
- Time: 4–6 minutes
- Tip: Lower temp prevents burnt bottoms
Deep Dish or Stuffed Crust
- Temperature: 320–330°F
- Time: 5–7 minutes
- Tip: Cover loosely with foil for first 2–3 minutes
Gluten-Free or Cauliflower Crust
- Temperature: 350°F
- Time: 3–5 minutes
- Tip: Check early; these dry out faster
Pro Tips & Best Practices (From Test Kitchens)
These small adjustments make a big difference.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the microwave first, then air fryer
- Overcrowding the basket
- Reheating straight from frozen without adjusting time
- Using high heat to “speed things up”
High heat burns crust before cheese melts.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- For extra-crispy crust: Add 30–60 seconds at the end
- For dry slices: Lightly mist the crust edge with water
- For lots of toppings: Lower temp by 10–15°F and extend time
- For kids’ slices: Use lower heat for gentler reheating
Food Safety Notes (Important for Beginners)
- Reheat pizza only once
- Refrigerated pizza should be eaten within 3–4 days
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) if you’re unsure
If pizza smells sour or looks slimy, discard it.
Common Questions About Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer
Can you reheat cold pizza directly from the fridge?
Yes. That’s actually ideal. Cold pizza reheats more evenly than room-temperature slices in an air fryer.
Do you need to preheat the air fryer for pizza?
Strongly recommended. Preheating ensures a crispy crust and prevents uneven heating.
How do you keep pizza from drying out in an air fryer?
- Use moderate heat (around 350°F)
- Avoid overcooking
- For very dry slices, mist the crust edge lightly with water
Can you reheat pizza with lots of cheese or toppings?
Absolutely. Lower the temperature slightly and add an extra minute to allow toppings to heat without burning.
Is reheating pizza in an air fryer better than in the oven?
For small portions, yes. It’s faster, uses less energy, and delivers similar crispness without waiting for a full oven preheat.
Can you stack pizza in an air fryer?
No. Stacking blocks airflow and leads to uneven heating and soggy spots.
When NOT to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer
While air fryers are incredibly versatile, there are a few situations where another method may be better.
- Very large slices that don’t fit flat
- Pizza loaded with delicate fresh greens (like arugula)
- Ultra-thin crust slices that burn easily (unless closely monitored)
In these cases, a skillet or conventional oven may give better control.
Alternative Methods (Quick Comparison)
If an air fryer isn’t available, here are your next-best options.
Skillet (Stovetop)
- Best for crispy bottoms
- Requires attention
- Can burn easily
Oven
- Best for reheating many slices
- Longer preheat time
- Higher energy use
Microwave
- Fastest
- Least desirable texture
- Use only if speed matters more than quality
Still, for most households, the air fryer remains the easiest and most reliable method.
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Reheat Refrigerated Pizza
Once you learn how to reheat refrigerated pizza in an air fryer, it’s hard to go back. This method is:
- Beginner-friendly
- Fast and energy-efficient
- Consistently crispy and delicious
By using the right temperature, avoiding overcrowding, and following simple timing guidelines, you can enjoy leftover pizza that tastes almost as good as fresh, sometimes even better.
Reheat smarter, reduce food waste, and enjoy every last slice.