Quick answer: Reheat pizza in an air fryer at 160–175°C (320–350°F) for 3–5 minutes. Preheat for 2 minutes, lay the slices in a single layer without overlapping, check at the halfway mark and rest for 30 seconds. Thin crust needs 3 minutes; deep-dish or stuffed crust needs 5–6.
Leftover pizza goes rubbery in the microwave because microwaves heat the water in the food, which softens the crust. An air fryer blows hot, dry air around the slice instead, so the base crisps up again while the cheese re-melts. This guide covers the exact time and temperature, how to handle different crusts, and the mistakes that make reheated pizza soggy or burnt. It’s part of our air fryer recipes collection.
Time and temperature for reheating pizza
| Pizza | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thin crust slice | 175°C / 350°F | 3–4 min |
| Regular hand-tossed slice | 175°C / 350°F | 4–5 min |
| Deep dish / pan pizza | 160°C / 320°F | 5–6 min |
| Stuffed crust | 160°C / 320°F | 5–6 min |
| Frozen leftover slice | 160°C / 320°F | 6–8 min |
| Garlic bread / bread pizza | 175°C / 350°F | 3 min |
Thicker pizza needs a lower temperature and more time so the middle heats through before the crust over-browns. For a fresh snack rather than leftovers, try our 6-minute air fryer bread pizza.
How to reheat pizza in an air fryer (step by step)
- Preheat for 2 minutes at the temperature in the table above (how to preheat).
- Place slices in a single layer. Don’t stack or overlap them; leave a little space for air.
- Heat for 3–5 minutes, checking at the halfway point.
- Rest for 30 seconds before eating so the cheese settles.
Watch it being done: reheating pizza in the air fryer (YouTube Short).
Air fryer vs microwave vs oven for leftover pizza
| Method | Texture | Time | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air fryer | Crisp base, melted cheese | 3–5 min | Best for 1–3 slices |
| Microwave | Soft, chewy crust | 1–2 min | Fast but poor texture |
| Oven / OTG | Crisp | 10–15 min incl. preheat | Better for a whole pizza |
For more on how the two appliances differ, see air fryer vs microwave and air fryer vs oven.
Tips for perfect reheated pizza
- Reheat similar slices together. A thin slice and a thick slice won’t finish at the same time.
- Dry pizza? Put a small heatproof cup with a little water in the basket to add a touch of steam without softening the base.
- Cheese dripping? Use a perforated parchment liner. A small piece of foil also works under the slice, as long as it doesn’t cover the basket holes — tomato sauce is acidic, so parchment is the better choice.
- Add flavour: brush the crust edge with a little garlic butter or olive oil before reheating.
- Don’t overdo it. Start with less time and add 1 minute at a time; overheated crust turns hard.
Frequently asked questions
Can you open the air fryer while reheating pizza?
Yes. Pulling the basket out to check doesn’t harm the pizza; most air fryers pause automatically and resume when you close the drawer.
How do I reheat pizza in the air fryer without it getting soggy?
Preheat, don’t overlap the slices, and don’t cover the whole basket with foil. Dry, circulating air is what keeps the base crisp.
Is it better to reheat pizza in the air fryer than the microwave?
For texture, yes — the air fryer gives a crisp crust, while the microwave makes it soft and chewy. The microwave is only faster.
What if I don’t preheat the air fryer?
It still works; add 1–2 minutes. Preheating helps the base crisp before the cheese overcooks.
Can you reheat a whole pizza in an air fryer?
Only if it fits flat in the basket. Most baskets fit 2–3 slices at a time, so reheat in batches or use an oven for a whole pizza.
More reheating and quick air fryer guides