Reviving Cold Pizza: Air Fryer To The Rescue

If you're a fan of cold pizza, stop reading now. For those who like their pizza hot, an air fryer can be a great way to reheat leftover slices. It's faster than an oven, as there's no need to preheat, and it's much better than a microwave, which can make pizza soggy. Air fryers can give you a crispy crust and gooey cheese in just a few minutes. But be careful not to overdo it – you might want to start with a lower temperature and keep an eye on your pizza to make sure it doesn't burn.

Reheating pizza in an air fryer: the ideal temperature and time

Reheating leftover pizza in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a crispy crust and gooey, melted cheese. The air fryer's rapid hot air technology ensures even heating, preventing the sogginess and chewiness that can occur when reheating pizza in a microwave or a conventional oven.

Ideal Temperature

The ideal temperature for reheating pizza in an air fryer depends on the type of crust. For thin crust pizza, set the air fryer to between 325°F and 350°F (160°C to 176°C). For thick crust or deep-dish pizza, a lower temperature of 300°F to 320°F (about 150°C) is recommended to ensure the middle is heated through without drying out the crust.

Ideal Time

The ideal time for reheating pizza in an air fryer also depends on the type of crust. Thin crust pizza typically takes 2 to 4 minutes, while thick crust or deep-dish pizza may take 4 to 7 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the pizza while it is reheating, as the time can vary depending on the thickness of the crust and the specific air fryer model. Check the pizza occasionally to ensure it is heated to your liking, and add more time as needed.

Step-by-Step Guide

• Preheat the air fryer: Turn on your air fryer and set it to the desired temperature. Allow it to preheat for about 2 to 5 minutes.
• Arrange the slices: Place the pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. For easy cleanup, you can place a piece of parchment paper or a disposable perforated parchment liner under the slices to catch any cheese or oil that melts off.
• Air fry: Close the basket and set the timer according to the crust type and your desired level of crispiness. For thin crust, air fry for 2 to 4 minutes. For thick crust, air fry for 4 to 7 minutes.
• Remove and serve: Carefully take out the pizza slices from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula and enjoy!

Tips

• It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure each slice has enough space around it for optimal crispiness.
• If you are reheating thick crust pizza and find that the crust is heating too quickly compared to the middle, you can use a small piece of aluminium foil to lightly cover the top of the pizza for the remaining cooking time.
• If your pizza starts to burn before it is heated all the way through, you can cover it with aluminium foil.

How to avoid soggy or burnt pizza

Yes, you can put cold pizza in an air fryer. Here are some tips to avoid soggy or burnt pizza:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Always preheat your air fryer to ensure that your pizza reheats evenly and quickly. This helps to ensure that the pizza heats evenly and quickly.

Avoid Overcrowding the Basket

Make sure each slice has enough space around it for optimal crispiness. Packing too many slices into the air fryer basket can limit air circulation, leading to soggy, unevenly reheated pizza.

Choose the Right Temperature

Reheating at too high a temperature can scorch your pizza, while too low a temperature may leave it under-heated and soggy. 350°F is a good starting point for thin-crust pizza, but you may need to lower the temperature to 300°F and increase the time to 5-7 minutes for deep-dish or thick-crust pizza.

Consider the Pizza Thickness

Different types of pizza require different reheating times. Thin crust might only need 2-3 minutes, while a deep-dish slice might need up to 7 minutes. Adjust the temperature and timing based on the pizza you have.

Check for Doneness

Don’t assume that the pizza is ready just because the timer goes off. Peek in frequently to avoid over-cooking it. If the cheese has melted and the middle is hot, your pizza is ready to eat. If not, give it another minute or two.

Use Parchment Paper

Using parchment paper can make cleanup easier and help to catch any cheese or oil that melts off the sides. However, be sure to punch a few small holes in the parchment paper to ensure proper air circulation.

Why an air fryer is better than a microwave or oven

Air fryers are a fantastic alternative to microwaves and ovens, offering a range of benefits that make them a worthy investment for any kitchen. Here are some reasons why an air fryer is a better option than a microwave or a conventional oven:

Healthier Cooking:

Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to cook food, resulting in a crispy texture similar to deep-fried dishes but with significantly less oil. This makes air fryers a healthier alternative to deep frying, as they can reduce the amount of fat and calories in your food without compromising on taste and texture.

Versatility:

Air fryers are incredibly versatile and can be used for frying, baking, roasting, and grilling. With an air fryer, you can prepare a wide range of dishes, from fries and chicken wings to cakes and roasted vegetables. This makes air fryers a more versatile option than microwaves, which are primarily used for reheating, defrosting, and cooking simple dishes.

Speed and Efficiency:

While air fryers may take longer than microwaves due to the preheating requirement, they are still much faster than traditional ovens. Air fryers have a smaller cooking space, which means they can preheat and cook food more quickly, making them ideal for time-efficient cooking.

Texture and Taste:

Air fryers excel at retaining the original flavour and texture of your food, especially when it comes to pizza! They create a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist and cooked evenly, which is a common issue with microwaves.

Easy to Clean:

Both air fryers and microwaves are relatively easy to clean, but air fryers may require a bit more maintenance due to the grease and oil buildup. However, with dishwasher-safe and non-stick parts, air fryers can be easily maintained with periodic deep cleaning.

In conclusion, while both microwaves and air fryers have their advantages, air fryers offer a wider range of benefits that make them a valuable addition to any kitchen. Whether you're looking for healthier cooking options, more versatile cooking methods, or simply want to enjoy your favourite crispy snacks without the guilt, an air fryer is a great choice.

The best way to prep your pizza for an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat your leftover pizza. They are fast, easy to use, and give your pizza a perfectly crispy texture with gooey, melted cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide to prepping your pizza for an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza

Take your leftover pizza out of the fridge. If your pizza has a lot of cheese, it is helpful to lay a piece of parchment paper underneath to catch any cheese or oil that melts off the sides. Punch a few small holes in the parchment paper directly under the crust to ensure proper air circulation. You can also use aluminium foil or a silicone liner for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most guides recommend preheating between 325°F (160°C) and 350°F (176-180°C) for about 2-5 minutes.

Step 3: Arrange the Pizza Slices

Place the pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to heat the slices in batches. Leave a little space between the slices to ensure proper air circulation.

Step 4: Air Fry

Close the basket and set the timer. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pizza crust. For thin crust pizza, air fry for 2-4 minutes. For thick crust or deep-dish pizza, lower the temperature to around 300°F (150°C) and air fry for 4-7 minutes. Check on your pizza occasionally to ensure it is heating evenly and not burning. If it is browning too quickly, lower the temperature by 25 degrees.

Step 5: Remove and Serve

Once your pizza is heated to your liking, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula and enjoy!

Tips:

• If your pizza starts to burn before it is heated all the way through, cover it with aluminium foil, folding the foil under the pizza to ensure the hot air cannot lift it.
• For thicker crusts, you may want to increase the temperature to 350°F.
• If you find that the crust is heating too quickly compared to the middle, use a small piece of aluminium foil to lightly cover the top of the pizza for the remaining cooking time.

Tips for reheating different types of pizza

Reheating leftover pizza in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a hot, crispy slice with gooey, melted cheese. Here are some tips for reheating different types of pizza in an air fryer:

Thin Crust Pizza:

• Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C) or 350°F (176°C).
• Place the pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring no overlap.
• Set the timer for 2-3 minutes for super-thin crust, or 3-4 minutes for regular thin crust. Keep an eye on it, as thin crust can burn quickly.

Thick Crust or Deep Dish Pizza:

• Preheat your air fryer to a lower temperature, around 300°F (150°C).
• Arrange the pizza slices in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap.
• Thick crust pizzas will need more time, around 4-7 minutes. Check after 4 minutes to see if it's heated through and adjust the timing as needed.

Extra Cheesy or Greasy Pizza:

• Place a piece of parchment paper under the pizza slices to catch any cheese or oil that melts off. You can also use a disposable parchment liner or a reusable silicone liner for easy cleanup.
• Punch a few small holes in the parchment paper directly under the crust to ensure proper air circulation.

Frozen Pizza:

• Cook frozen pizza at 350°F (176°C) for 8-12 minutes.
• Check on it at the 8-minute mark and continue cooking as needed.

Preventing Toppings from Burning:

• Lightly spray the top of the pizza with oil to prevent common toppings like bell peppers and olives from burning.
• For fresh toppings like basil and tomatoes, which are typically added after cooking, oil can help but they may still be hard to prevent from burning.

General Tips:

• Always preheat your air fryer for even and quick heating.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to soggy, unevenly reheated pizza.
• Avoid using too high of a temperature, as this can dry out the crust and make the cheese too runny.
• Check on your pizza frequently to avoid overcooking.

Frequently asked questions