Air Fryer Pizza: Reheating Made Easy And Quick

If you're a pizza lover, you know that leftover pizza is a magical food that tastes good hot, cold, or at room temperature. But if you're looking to revive that crispy crust and gooey cheese, an air fryer is the best way to reheat your pizza.

Air fryers are like mini convection ovens that cook food using hot air instead of hot oil. They're super quick and easy to use, and you don't have to worry about monitoring or preheating your food as much as you would with a traditional oven.

To reheat your pizza in an air fryer, simply place your slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. You can use perforated parchment paper or aluminium foil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, but it's not necessary. Set your air fryer to between 325°F and 375°F, and cook for 3-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of your crust and the amount of toppings. Keep an eye on your pizza to make sure it doesn't burn, and you'll have hot, crispy pizza in no time!

How to prepare your pizza for the air fryer

Preparing your pizza for the air fryer is simple and will ensure you get the best results. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer

First, you need to check what type of air fryer you have. If you have a basket-style air fryer, you will only be able to reheat one or two slices at a time, depending on the size of the basket. If you have an oven-style air fryer, you can fit as many slices as will fit on the rack or tray.

Step 2: Line Your Air Fryer

Next, line the floor of the basket or the rack/tray with perforated aluminium foil or parchment paper. You can cut the holes yourself. This will allow air to flow through and crisp up the crust while preventing sticking.

Step 3: Prepare Your Pizza

Place your pizza slices on top of the foil or paper. If your pizza has lots of cheese, it may be helpful to put a piece of parchment paper underneath to catch any that melts off. Punch a few small holes in the paper directly under the crust to ensure air can still get through.

If you are concerned about your toppings drying out, you can spray the top of the pizza with cooking spray. Alternatively, remove any toppings that may burn, dry out, or become overly crisp during reheating.

Step 4: Set Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (176°C). The time will depend on the thickness of your pizza crust. For thin crust, air fry for around 3 minutes. For thick crust, air fry for around 4 minutes. If your pizza is frozen, this will take around 8-12 minutes.

Step 5: Check Your Pizza

Open the basket and check your pizza. If it is browning too quickly, lower the temperature by 25°F. If the crust is not crispy enough, air fry for another minute and then check again.

Step 6: Remove and Serve

Once your pizza is reheated to your liking, remove it from the air fryer with a spatula or tongs and serve.

And that's it! Enjoy your freshly reheated pizza.

The best temperature to reheat pizza in an air fryer

Reheating pizza in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy crispy pizza without the sogginess of a microwave or the time-consuming preheating of an oven. The air fryer's rapid hot air technology ensures a crispy crust and evenly heated pizza.

The ideal temperature to reheat pizza in an air fryer depends on the type of crust. For thin-crust pizza, preheat your air fryer to around 325°F–350°F (160°C–176°C) and cook for 2–4 minutes. For thick-crust or deep-dish pizza, lower the temperature to around 300°F (150°C) and cook for 4–7 minutes.

It's important to note that air fryers vary in terms of heating efficiency, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing accordingly. Additionally, always place the pizza slices in a single layer with some space between them to ensure even heating and crispiness.

Some air fryer models have different settings, such as reheat, which may affect the temperature and timing. It's recommended to refer to your air fryer's instructions for specific details on reheating pizza.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy delicious, crispy reheated pizza without having to worry about soggy or burnt slices!

How long to reheat pizza in an air fryer

Reheating pizza in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy perfectly crispy pizza. The length of time it takes to reheat pizza in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the crust and the specific model of the air fryer.

For thin-crust pizza, reheat at 350°F (176°C) for 3-4 minutes. For thick-crust pizza, reheat at the same temperature for 4-6 minutes. It's important to note that different air fryer models heat up at different rates, so keep an eye on your pizza to ensure it doesn't burn.

If you're reheating frozen pizza, the process will take about double the time. Set your air fryer to 350°F (176°C) and cook for 8-12 minutes, checking on the pizza after 8 minutes.

To ensure even heating and optimal crispiness, place the pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each slice. You can also place a piece of parchment paper under the slices to catch any cheese or oil that melts off and to make cleanup easier.

Now you can enjoy your favourite pizza, crispy and hot, straight from your air fryer!

Why you should use an air fryer instead of an oven

Air fryers have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. Here are several reasons why you should use an air fryer instead of an oven:

Faster Cooking

High-velocity air and a smaller cooking area mean that air fryers can cook food much faster than conventional ovens. Air fryers can preheat in as little as two minutes, and their concentrated heat means that cooking times can be reduced by 20% compared to traditional ovens.

Compact Size

Air fryers are much smaller than ovens, taking up less valuable counter space. Their compact size also means that food is closer to the heating elements, further reducing cooking times.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers are more energy-efficient than ovens, as they heat up quickly and only heat a small, targeted area. This means you use less energy to cook the same amount of food.

Improved Airflow

Air fryers are designed to maximise airflow, ensuring consistent and even cooking. The fan is located at the top of the appliance, directly below the heating element, ensuring that hot air is circulated efficiently around the food.

Reheating Food

Air fryers are ideal for reheating leftovers, especially dry foods like pizza, chips, and battered foods. They can quickly revive last night's pizza to crispy perfection, with melted cheese and crispy toppings, without drying out the base.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Air fryers are easy to use and clean, with most parts being dishwasher-safe. They also don't require the use of baking sheets, further reducing cleanup time and effort.

How to reheat pizza in an oven if you don't have an air fryer

If you don't have an air fryer, the oven is the next best option for reheating pizza. It's a tried-and-true method that reliably produces fresh-tasting results and a crispy crust.

Here's how to reheat pizza in an oven:

Preparation

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) or 375°F, depending on your oven and the desired crispiness of your pizza. While the oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Reheating the Pizza

Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, place the pizza slices onto the hot baking sheet and put it in the oven. Bake the pizza for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you're using a toaster oven, the pizza will only need to bake for 3 to 4 minutes.

Tips for Optimal Results

For the absolute crispiest crust, use foil instead of a baking sheet. Alternatively, place the baking sheet in the oven while it's preheating, and then put the pizza slices directly on the hot pan. If you want to heat multiple slices at once, an oven-safe cooling rack placed over the baking sheet will help achieve even crispiness.

Frequently asked questions