10 Easy Steps to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer
To reheat pizza in your air fryer, start by gathering your leftover slices and preheat the air fryer to 350°F for a few minutes.
Reheating pizza in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, perfectly warm slices. Line the basket with parchment paper and arrange the slices in a single layer.
Set the timer for 3 to 5 minutes, adjusting for crust thickness. Use tongs to carefully remove the hot pizza, letting it cool slightly before enjoying.
Keep your air fryer clean afterward for best results.
Follow these steps, and you’ll soon master crisp, perfectly warmed pizza every time.
Key Takeaways
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 2-3 minutes to ensure even heating and a crispy crust.
- Place pizza slices in a single layer on parchment paper inside the basket to prevent sticking and overcrowding.
- Reheat pizza for 3-5 minutes, adjusting time based on crust thickness, and monitor until cheese bubbles and crust crisps.
- Use tongs and a spatula to safely remove hot pizza, placing it on a heat-resistant surface to cool briefly.
- Clean the air fryer basket with mild soap after use, drying it thoroughly to maintain performance and prevent rust.
Gather Your Leftover Pizza and Air Fryer

Before you start reheating, gather your leftover pizza slices and make certain they’re properly refrigerated to keep them fresh. Next, pick an air fryer that fits the number of slices you want to reheat. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as that can lead to uneven cooking.
If you want an easier cleanup and to prevent sticking, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper before placing the pizza inside. Also, inspect the thickness of the pizza since thicker slices usually need a longer cook time than thin crusts. Make certain your air fryer is clean from any leftover oil or food bits to get the best reheating pizza results.
Preheat the Air Fryer to 350°F

Before you start reheating, set your air fryer to 350°F and let it preheat for about 2-3 minutes. This temperature helps crisp the crust evenly while warming the toppings just right.
Skipping this step can leave your pizza soggy and unevenly heated.
Ideal Temperature Setting
Setting your air fryer to 350°F guarantees even heat distribution, giving your pizza a perfectly crispy crust and melted cheese. This ideal temperature assures each slice reheats evenly, whether you’re dealing with thin or thick crust pizza. When you preheat your air fryer to 350°F, it mimics the fresh pizza experience by crisping the crust while melting the toppings just right.
Thin crust pizza slices usually take about 3 minutes to reheat at this temperature, while thicker ones may need 4 to 5 minutes. If you notice your pizza browning too fast, you can lower the temperature slightly to 325°F to avoid burning. Sticking with 350°F for reheating pizza slices in your air fryer consistently delivers the best results every time.
Preheat Duration Guide
To get the best results at 350°F, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer for about 2 to 3 minutes. This preheat duration lets the heating element and fan reach the right temperature, ensuring proper heat distribution. When you preheat your air fryer, you avoid uneven heating that can make your pizza soggy instead of giving it a crispy crust.
Since air fryers heat up much faster than conventional ovens, this short preheat time is enough to prepare your appliance for reheating. Keep in mind that preheat duration may vary depending on your air fryer’s make and model, so always check the manual. Properly preheating guarantees your pizza in the air fryer cooks evenly and tastes just like fresh.
Benefits of Preheating
Preheating your air fryer to 350°F gives you three key benefits: even cooking, a crispy crust, and faster reheating. When you preheat the air fryer, the hot air circulates properly around each pizza slice, preventing uneven heating that can cause a chewy center or burnt edges. This step guarantees you get ideal results every time.
Plus, preheating helps develop that desirable crispy crust, avoiding sogginess often seen when reheating pizza. It also cuts down the total reheating time to just 3-5 minutes, so you’re not waiting around longer than necessary. Skipping this step risks inconsistent texture and flavor, but by taking just 2-3 minutes to preheat, you maintain your pizza’s original quality with ease.
Prepare the Air Fryer Basket With a Liner

When you prepare the air fryer basket with a liner, you make cleanup easier and prevent your pizza from sticking. Start by lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone mat, both excellent choices for easy cleanup and to keep your pizza from sticking. Be certain the liner has perforations or poke holes to maintain proper air circulation, which is essential for even reheating.
Avoid using aluminum foil, as it can block airflow and reduce the air fryer’s efficiency. Also, verify that the liner fits snugly in the basket without overlapping the edges; overlapping can cause it to catch on the heating element, potentially creating a hazard. Regularly inspect your liner for wear and replace it when needed to keep your air fryer working at its best.
Taking these steps guarantees your pizza reheats evenly and your air fryer stays clean without any hassle.
Arrange Pizza Slices in a Single Layer
Although it might be tempting to stack your pizza slices, arranging them in a single layer guarantees each piece reheats evenly and crisply. When you place the pizza slices flat and spaced out in the air fryer basket, you allow hot air to circulate freely around each slice. This circulation is key to avoiding unevenly reheated pizza, where some parts turn soggy while others burn.
Overlapping slices block the hot air, leading to inconsistent textures and less crispy results. For best results, lay the pizza slices side by side without touching. Using a perforated parchment liner can further improve airflow and makes cleanup easier.
Set the Timer for 3 to 5 Minutes
Set your air fryer timer for 3 to 5 minutes to reheat your pizza perfectly. How long you set the timer for 3 to 5 minutes depends mainly on your pizza’s thickness. For thin-crust pizza, 3 minutes usually does the trick, while thick-crust or deep-dish pizza might need the full 5 minutes to heat evenly.
Since air fryer models vary, you may need to adjust the timing slightly to match your specific device. As the timer counts down, be sure to monitor the pizza closely, especially during the last minute, to avoid burning. Look for melted cheese bubbling and a crispy crust forming—that’s your signal the pizza is ready.
Setting the timer properly guarantees your pizza heats through without drying out or getting soggy, delivering a satisfying texture and taste every time.
Monitor the Pizza for Desired Crispiness
Since air fryer models and pizza thickness vary, you’ll want to keep a close eye on your pizza as it reheats to achieve that perfect crispiness without burning. Start by monitoring your pizza after about 3 minutes at 350°F. This check lets you gauge how the reheating process is progressing, especially if you’re working with a thick crust.
If the edges start browning too fast, reduce the temperature to 325°F to prevent burning while still crisping the crust. For thick crust or deep-dish pizza, keep monitoring up to 7 minutes to guarantee it’s heated through without losing its texture. Regularly checking allows you to balance crispiness and melted cheese perfectly.
Adjust Cooking Time for Thin or Thick Crusts
When reheating pizza, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time based on the crust thickness to get the best results. For thin crust pizza, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and reheat leftover pizza for about 3 minutes, checking for crispy perfection. Thin slices heat quickly, so keep an eye to avoid burning.
Thick crust or deep-dish pizza requires more attention; set the air fryer to 300°F and reheat for 5-7 minutes to guarantee the cheese melts and the crust heats through evenly. If you notice the crust browning too fast, lowering the temperature to 325°F helps prevent burning while achieving a crispy texture. Always place the slices in a single layer without overlapping to promote even cooking.
Use Tongs to Safely Remove the Pizza
When your pizza is hot and fresh from the air fryer, use tongs to remove it safely and avoid burns. Opt for silicone-tipped tongs or a spatula to protect the basket and keep the slice intact.
Handle the pizza carefully to prevent dropping it or spilling toppings as you take it out.
Handling Hot Pizza Safely
Two tools you’ll want to have on hand for safely handling hot pizza are tongs and a spatula. Using tongs helps you avoid contact with hot surfaces and steam, reducing burn risks. For larger slices, combining a spatula with tongs guarantees you securely lift the pizza without dropping it.
After removing the pizza, let it cool briefly to prevent burns when eating.
Keep these tips in mind when handling hot pizza:
- Use tongs with a firm grip to handle slices safely.
- Support the pizza with a spatula when necessary.
- Place the hot pizza on a heat-resistant surface to protect your counters.
Following these steps will help you enjoy your reheated pizza safely and comfortably.
Best Tools for Removal
A reliable pair of tongs with a heat-resistant grip makes safely removing hot pizza from the air fryer much easier and prevents burns. You’ll want tongs that offer a firm grip to avoid dropping the pizza during transfer.
If your pizza sticks to the basket or parchment liner, a silicone spatula can help lift slices gently without tearing. Always check that the parchment liner isn’t stuck to the pizza before removing it to guarantee a clean transfer.
Remember to let the pizza cool briefly to avoid steam burns when handling. Using these tools properly helps you remove your reheated pizza safely and neatly, making the whole process smooth and risk-free.
Preventing Pizza Damage
To prevent pizza damage, always use tongs or a spatula to remove slices from the air fryer. This guarantees safe handling of hot slices and helps you avoid burns. The air fryer heats quickly, so keeping a safe distance using tongs is essential.
Plus, tongs give you a better grip, preventing the pizza from sliding or breaking apart during reheating.
Here’s how tongs help you prevent damage:
- Maintain safe handling by avoiding direct contact with hot slices
- Securely grip pizza slices to keep toppings intact
- Minimize the risk of dropping or spilling while removing pizza
Using tongs makes reheating pizza in an air fryer safer and more effective, preserving every delicious slice perfectly.
Let the Pizza Cool Slightly Before Serving
Although it’s tempting to dig in right away, letting your pizza cool for a minute or two after reheating in the air fryer makes a big difference. When you let the pizza cool slightly before serving, you avoid burning your mouth on hot cheese and toppings. This brief pause also helps the cheese set, making each slice easier to handle without everything sliding off.
Plus, cooling allows the crust to remain crispy while the cheese holds its shape better, enhancing the overall texture. Letting the pizza rest for a moment helps redistribute moisture within the slice, preventing a soggy crust that can happen if you eat it immediately. Finally, serving the pizza after it’s cooled just enough lets its flavors shine through, rather than being masked by excessive heat.
Clean the Air Fryer Basket After Use
Once the air fryer basket cools, make sure to remove any crumbs and residue to keep it clean. Use mild soap and a soft sponge to gently wash away grease without damaging the basket.
Finally, dry it thoroughly before storing to prevent rust and maintain performance.
Remove Crumbs and Residue
Because crumbs and residue can build up quickly after reheating pizza, you should clean the air fryer basket soon after it cools down. Start by removing any parchment paper or silicone mats used during cooking to prevent leftover crumbs.
Then, focus on wiping the basket clean to maintain your air fryer’s performance and longevity. Here’s how to effectively remove crumbs and residue:
- Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the basket, targeting all visible crumbs and residue.
- For stubborn spots, soak the basket in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge to avoid damaging the basket’s surface.
Regular cleaning guarantees even cooking and keeps your air fryer in top shape for reheating pizza and other meals.
Use Mild Cleaning Agents
When the air fryer basket has cooled, you should clean it using mild dish soap and warm water to protect its non-stick coating. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the surface. Use a soft sponge to gently scrub away any leftover food particles without scratching the basket.
If you encounter tough residue, soak the basket in warm, soapy water for a few minutes before cleaning it again. This approach guarantees the air fryer stays in good condition and maintains its performance.
Regularly using mild dish soap and a soft sponge helps extend the lifespan of your air fryer’s non-stick coating, making cleanup easier and keeping your appliance ready for the next pizza reheating session.
Dry Thoroughly Before Storage
Although cleaning the air fryer basket right after use removes most residue, you need to dry it completely before storing to prevent rust and odors. After washing with warm soapy water, make certain no moisture lingers in the basket. This step is vital for maintaining your air fryer’s performance and longevity.
To keep your basket clean and hassle-free, consider these tips:
- Line the basket with parchment paper to minimize food contact and ease cleanup.
- Air dry the basket thoroughly or pat it dry with a clean towel before storage.
- Store the basket in a dry, well-ventilated area to avoid trapped moisture.
Following these practices guarantees your air fryer basket stays in great shape, ready for reheating pizza without unwanted smells or damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Way to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer?
The best way to reheat pizza in an air fryer involves preheating to 350°F, which is a key pizza reheating technique for crispy crust secrets. You’ll want to arrange slices in a single layer to guarantee even cooking—this air fryer tip prevents sogginess. Cook for 3-4 minutes, checking frequently.
It’s a perfect leftover pizza idea and quick meal solution. For thicker crusts, lower the pizza temperature settings to 300°F and heat longer.
How to Get Pizza Crispy in an Air Fryer?
Think of your air fryer as a magic lantern, revealing the perfect crispy pizza. To get that ideal crust texture, set your air fryer settings to 350°F. Arrange pizza toppings evenly and avoid overcrowding.
Cook for about 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness, to guarantee cheese melting without sogginess. This precise cooking time enhances flavor and crispiness. If the crust browns too fast, lower the temperature to 325°F to balance crispness and flavor enhancement.
What Is the Best Way to Heat up Leftover Pizza?
The best way to heat up leftover pizza is by using pizza reheating techniques that preserve toppings and texture. Set your air fryer to the ideal pizza temperature, around 350°F, for crispy crust and melted cheese. Consider your pizza topping preferences to avoid overcooking delicate ingredients.
Air fryer benefits include quick meal solutions and even heating. Store leftover pizza properly in airtight containers to maintain freshness before reheating for the perfect bite.
How to Put Pizza in an Air Fryer?
Think of your air fryer basket as a stage where pizza slices perform their crisping dance. For perfect pizza placement, lay each slice flat without overlapping, letting the air circulate freely.
Adjust air fryer settings to 350°F for even reheating. Consider pizza size and toppings—thicker slices and loaded toppings need slightly longer cooking time.
These reheating techniques guarantee your pizza revives its original flavor and texture, making every bite just right.
Conclusion
Now you know reheating pizza in your air fryer is quick and easy! Did you know that nearly 60% of people say leftover pizza is their favorite snack? With these simple steps, you’ll enjoy that crispy, melty slice just like fresh.
Plus, using your air fryer saves time and keeps your pizza tasting great. The air fryer method ensures even heating and a perfect crust every time. So next time you’ve got pizza leftovers, fire up your air fryer and enjoy a delicious snack in minutes!
Reheating pizza in an air fryer is one of the best ways to bring back that fresh taste and texture. Follow these 10 easy steps to reheat pizza in an air fryer and enjoy your favorite leftover pizza anytime.