Leftover Pizza: Air Fryer Magic!

If you're looking to revive leftover pizza, an air fryer is the best way to do it. It's super quick, easy, and gives you a perfectly crispy crust and gooey melted cheese in just a few minutes. No more soggy crust or dry, burnt pizza!

Compared to a microwave or a conventional oven, an air fryer is faster, more energy-efficient, and gives a better texture to your leftover pizza.

Reheating pizza in an air fryer: the best way?

Air fryers are a great way to reheat leftover pizza. They're fast, easy to use, and give your pizza a perfectly crispy texture with gooey, melted cheese. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the best results:

Step 1: Preparation

Place your leftover pizza slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly and gives you that desired crispiness. You can place the pizza directly into the basket or line it with a disposable parchment paper liner, a reusable silicone liner, or aluminium foil for easier cleanup. If using parchment paper or foil, it's a good idea to poke a few small holes to ensure proper airflow.

Step 2: Air Frying

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 320°F to 350°F (160°C to 176°C). The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and personal preference. For thin-crust pizza, air fry for around 3 minutes, and for thick-crust pizza, air fry for about 4 minutes. Keep an eye on your pizza, as cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model and the thickness of your pizza.

Step 3: Customisation and Tips

If you want to prevent toppings from burning, you can remove them before air frying and add them back for the last minute or two of cooking. Additionally, spraying a light coating of oil on your pizza before air frying can enhance crispiness. It's important to note that some air fryer models heat up faster than others, so adjust your timing accordingly.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Once the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy and golden, carefully remove the pizza from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Enjoy your freshly reheated pizza!

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer:

• Speed: Air fryers heat up quickly and cook your pizza in just a few minutes, much faster than a conventional oven.
• Ease of Use: Simply place your slices in the air fryer for a few minutes, and you're done! No need to preheat or fuss with multiple settings.
• Perfect Texture: Air fryers deliver a hot, crispy crust with perfectly melted cheese, whether it's thin crust, deep dish, or any other type of pizza.
• Cleanup: Air fryers are easy to clean, and using liners or foil makes cleanup even simpler.

How to reheat pizza in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat leftover pizza. The air fryer will give you a hot, crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese in a matter of minutes.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Turn on your air fryer and let it preheat for about 2-3 minutes. The ideal temperature will depend on the type of pizza you are reheating. For thin-crust pizza, preheat the air fryer to 325°F (160°C). For thick-crust or deep-dish pizza, preheat to 300°F (about 150°C).

Step 2: Arrange the Pizza Slices

Place the pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to heat the slices in batches. You can place the pizza directly into the basket or line the basket with a disposable parchment paper liner or reusable silicone liner for easy cleanup. If using parchment paper, it is recommended to punch a few small holes in the paper under the crust to allow air to circulate.

Step 3: Air Fry

Close the basket and set the timer. For thin-crust pizza, air fry for 2-4 minutes. For thick-crust pizza, air fry for 4-7 minutes. Check on your pizza occasionally to ensure it is heating to your liking. If it is browning too quickly, lower the temperature by 25 degrees. If the cheese is not melted or the middle is not hot, add more time as needed.

Step 4: Remove and Serve

Carefully remove the hot pizza from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula and enjoy!

Tips:

• Keep an eye on your pizza to avoid overcooking or burning.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper air circulation and even heating.
• There is no need to spray oil on the pizza as the cheese already contains enough oil.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature for reheating leftover pizza in an air fryer is 350°F (175°C-176°C). However, if you find that your pizza is browning too quickly, you can lower the temperature to 325°F (150°C-160°C).

The time required to reheat the pizza will depend on the thickness of the crust and the amount of toppings. Thin crust pizzas typically take 2-4 minutes, while thick crust or deep-dish pizzas may need 4-7 minutes. It is recommended to check the pizza after 3 minutes to ensure it is heating evenly and to prevent overcooking.

If you are reheating multiple slices, it is best to cook them in batches to ensure even heating. Additionally, placing the slices in a single layer with some space between them will help achieve optimal crispiness.

Air fryer vs. microwave vs. oven

Air fryers, microwaves, and ovens are all appliances used for cooking and heating food. However, each device does so through unique methods and produces different results.

Air Fryers

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying. They use hot air circulation to cook food, creating a crispy exterior and evenly cooked interior. They are ideal for cooking foods that benefit from a crispy texture, such as French fries, chicken wings, and breaded items. Air fryers offer a wide range of cooking options, including frying, grilling, baking, and roasting. They are relatively easy to use and clean, with most models featuring intuitive control panels and removable non-stick cooking baskets or trays. Air fryers are also more time and energy-efficient than ovens, as they are smaller in size and can rapidly preheat and cook food.

Microwaves

Microwaves, on the other hand, use microwave radiation or electromagnetic waves to generate heat and cook food from the inside out. They are known for their convenience and speed, making them ideal for quickly reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen food, cooking vegetables, and heating beverages. Microwaves usually offer more settings and distinctive heating capabilities, such as options for cooking chicken and meat and adjusting the heat level.

Ovens

Ovens, like air fryers, use hot air circulation to cook food, but they take longer to preheat and cook. They are suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks and can accommodate larger portions of food compared to most air fryers.

Best for Reheating Pizza

When it comes to reheating leftover pizza, both air fryers and microwaves can be used. However, air fryers are often preferred as they can deliver a crispy crust and melted cheese in just a few minutes. They also tend to keep foods moist without drying them out, as microwaves sometimes do. For best results, place the pizza slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to around 350°F (176°C) for 3-4 minutes.

In conclusion, while all three appliances have their advantages, the choice between an air fryer, microwave, or oven depends on individual needs and preferences. Air fryers are ideal for those who want a crispy and healthier alternative to deep frying, microwaves cater to those who prioritize convenience and speed, and ovens offer a traditional cooking experience with greater capacity.

Air fryer pros and cons

Yes, you can put leftover pizza in an air fryer. In fact, it's considered one of the best ways to reheat leftover pizza, as it produces a perfectly crispy crust and gooey melted cheese in a matter of minutes.

Now, here are the pros and cons of using an air fryer:

Pros

• Fast cooking: Air fryers preheat and cook food much faster than standard ovens, making them ideal for quick snacks or family meals.
• Even cooking: Air fryers circulate hot air to cook food evenly on all sides, resulting in a perfect crisp and flavour that rivals deep-fried recipes.
• Less oil required: Air fryers require significantly less oil than deep or shallow frying, making them a lower-fat cooking option.
• Safer: Air fryers are safer than handling a vat of hot oil, reducing the risk of accidental burns from oil splashes.
• Easy to clean: Air fryers are generally easier to clean than traditional frying methods, as there is less grease and residue to deal with.

Cons

• Limited food options: Not all foods can be cooked in an air fryer. Certain foods, like leafy greens, can burn easily, while others, like roasted broccoli, can dry out quickly.
• Small capacity: Air fryers typically have a smaller capacity than standard ovens, making them less ideal for cooking large meals for bigger families.
• Overcooking: Due to their fast heating and high temperatures, air fryers can easily overcook or even burn food, especially if left unattended.
• Bulky appliance: Air fryers can be bulky and require sufficient space on kitchen countertops, making them less suitable for compact kitchens.
• Noise: Some air fryer models have built-in fans that can be noisy during use, which may be a nuisance for some users.

Frequently asked questions