How Long to Reheat Pizza in Air Fryer for Perfectly Crispy Slices Every Time

Who doesn’t love leftover pizza? It’s quick, comforting, and just as delicious the next day—if reheated the right way. While microwaving can leave it soggy and the oven takes forever, your air fryer is a game-changer for bringing that crispy crust and gooey cheese back to life.

Reheating pizza in an air fryer is not only fast but also gives you results that taste fresh out of the oven. Whether it’s a thin crust, deep dish, or loaded with toppings, knowing the right timing ensures your slice is perfectly warm without drying out or burning.

Why Reheat Pizza In An Air Fryer?

Reheating pizza in an air fryer is a game changer for leftover pizza lovers. It evenly warms the slices while preserving the original textures. The air fryer’s circulating hot air crisps the crust to perfection, restoring it to its fresh-from-the-pizzeria state. Unlike microwaves, which can make pizza soggy, or ovens, which are time-consuming, the air fryer delivers a crispy crust and bubbling cheese in just minutes.

Using an air fryer also ensures that the pizza doesn’t dry out or burn, making it a reliable option for any type of slice. Whether you’re indulging in thin crust, deep dish, or stuffed crust, the air fryer keeps the flavor and consistency intact, elevating your reheating process significantly.

Tools And Equipment You Need

To achieve perfectly reheated pizza slices with a crisp crust and gooey cheese using an air fryer, you need just a few essential tools. Here is what you’ll need to get started.

Air Fryer Options

Standard Basket Air Fryer: Most home air fryers come with a basket configuration, which works perfectly for reheating pizza slices. Ensure yours has adjustable temperature settings for precision.
Air Fryer Oven: If you have an air fryer oven, its increased size makes it ideal for reheating multiple slices simultaneously. Opt for an oven with a rack for even airflow.
Compact Air Fryer: A smaller air fryer works well for single servings or when space is limited. Choose one with a non-stick tray for easy cleanup.

Parchment Paper Liners: These prevent cheese from sticking to the basket while also ensuring an easy cleanup afterward.
Kitchen Tongs: Use heat-resistant tongs to safely place and remove hot pizza slices from the fryer without damaging the crust or toppings.
Digital Thermometer: This ensures your pizza is properly reheated to a safe internal temperature for enjoyable eating.
Pizza Cutter: If your slices are too large for the air fryer, a cutter can help resize them without disrupting the toppings or shape.

Ingredients

Leftover Pizza Types

Thin Crust Pizza: Ideal for quick reheating due to its lighter texture.
Deep Dish Pizza: Requires a bit more time to ensure the thicker base is thoroughly warmed.
Stuffed Crust Pizza: The air fryer perfectly crisps the outer crust while evenly reheating the filling.
Wood-Fired or Artisan Pizza: The air fryer preserves the signature smoky and crispy edges.

Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle basil, oregano, or parsley for a vibrant touch.
Garlic Powder or Chili Flakes: Add a burst of flavor or spice.
Shredded Cheese: Melt an extra layer of mozzarella, parmesan, or cheddar.
Olive Oil Spray: Lightly coat the crust for added crispiness.

Directions

Follow these straightforward steps to reheat your pizza in an air fryer for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. By preparing each step correctly, you’ll ensure every slice is crispy, warm, and delicious.

Prep The Air Fryer

Place a parchment paper liner or a silicone liner in the basket to avoid sticking.
Check the basket or tray for any leftover residue from previous use and clean if necessary to prevent unwanted flavors.
Arrange your tools—like heat-resistant tongs and a pizza cutter—within reach for a seamless process.

Preheating The Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. If unsure about your air fryer’s settings, consult the manual for accurate instructions.
Let it preheat for 2-3 minutes to ensure even heat distribution, which is essential for crisping the crust and reheating the toppings evenly.

Remove the pizza slices from storage and allow dense types like deep dish or stuffed crust to sit out for 5 minutes to reduce reheating time.
Reshape larger slices using a pizza cutter if needed to fit the air fryer basket without stacking or overlapping. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation.
For an extra boost of flavor, add a light mist of olive oil or sprinkle additional toppings like shredded cheese, chili flakes, or garlic powder.

How Long To Reheat Pizza In Air Fryer

Reheating pizza in an air fryer is quick and simple, but the time required depends on the type of pizza slice. Adjust the heat and timing to ensure your pizza reheats evenly without overcooking.

Thin Crust Pizza

For thin crust pizza, set your air fryer to 350°F. Place your slices in a single layer without overlapping. Reheat for 3-4 minutes, checking at the 3-minute mark for crispiness. If the edges aren’t crisp yet, give it an extra minute. Ensure the crust is golden and the cheese melts evenly for the best results.

Thick Crust Or Deep-Dish Pizza

Thick crust or deep-dish pizza requires a bit more time. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for even heating. Reheat the slices for 5-6 minutes, pausing halfway to check if the crust is warming up and the toppings are heated through. Use a digital thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F to ensure it’s thoroughly reheated.

Frozen Pizza Slices

If you’re reheating frozen pizza slices, preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Place the slices inside, and cook for 6-8 minutes. Start checking at 6 minutes, ensuring the cheese is bubbling and the slice is hot throughout. For extra flavor, sprinkle on additional cheese or toppings during the last minute.

Tips For Perfectly Heated Pizza

Reheating pizza in an air fryer is simple, but following a few tips ensures optimum results. Keep your slices crisp, flavorful, and perfectly heated by focusing on both the crust and toppings.

Avoiding Overcooked Crust

To prevent the crust from becoming dry or too crunchy, don’t set the temperature too high. Stick to 350°F for thin crust or 375°F for thicker pizza. Lower temperatures allow the pizza to heat evenly without charring or hardening the crust. Use a parchment liner to reduce direct heat exposure to the crust and make cleaning easier.

Check on the pizza a minute before the recommended reheating time ends. This prevents overcooking and ensures the texture remains perfectly crispy but not brittle.

Maintaining The Toppings’ Flavor

Toppings can lose flavor or texture if overheated. Avoid reheating pizza for too long as this can dry out cheeses, meats, or vegetables. Monitor your pizza closely and check for bubbling cheese and warm toppings indicating it’s ready to eat.

To revive and enhance the flavor, you can lightly spray the pizza with olive oil before reheating or add extra shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or spices like garlic powder and chili flakes after reheating. These small additions will elevate the taste while maintaining the integrity of your pizza toppings.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your reheated pizza into a gourmet experience with these serving ideas that will delight your taste buds. Whether you enjoy pizza as a snack, meal, or party treat, these tips will elevate every slice.

Pairings for Pizza

Drinks: Serve your reheated pizza with a cold glass of soda, sparkling water, or a craft beer for a classic combination. For a refreshing twist, pair with lemonade or an iced tea.
Sides: Complement your pizza with a crisp green salad, garlic breadsticks, or a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Sauces: Enhance flavors by drizzling ranch dressing, spicy sriracha, or garlic aioli over your slice.

Presentation Tips

Cut and Serve: Use a pizza cutter to divide slices into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easy sharing.
Plating: Arrange slices on a wooden serving board or a colorful platter for an aesthetic touch. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color.
Garnishes: Top reheated slices with freshly grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil to bring out the pizza’s richness.

Pizza Bar: Lay out various sauces, shredded cheese, and seasonings for guests to customize their reheated slices.
Pairing Theme: Organize a movie night and serve your reheated pizza with popcorn and themed drinks for a fun experience.
Brunch Option: Use reheated pizza as a base, adding a fried egg or avocado slices for a breakfast-style twist.

By adding thoughtful touches, you can make your reheated pizza the star of any dining table or gathering.

Conclusion

Reheating pizza in an air fryer is a game-changer for bringing your leftovers back to life. With the right tools and a few simple steps, you can enjoy crispy crusts and perfectly melted cheese in just minutes. Whether it’s thin crust, deep dish, or stuffed crust, the air fryer ensures your pizza tastes fresh and flavorful every time.

Experiment with toppings, spices, or serving ideas to take your reheated pizza to the next level. With this method, you’ll never settle for soggy or bland pizza again.