The Perfect Air Fryer Pizza: Warming Time

If you're looking to warm up leftover pizza, an air fryer is the best way to revive it. It's much quicker than using an oven and won't leave you with a soggy crust or dry, burnt pizza like a microwave might. Air fryers take just a few minutes to get your pizza ready, making them a quick and convenient option.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the pizza-heating process. It ensures that your pizza reheats evenly and quickly, and it only takes a few minutes. Turn your air fryer on and set the temperature to between 300°F and 375°F. The exact temperature will depend on the type of pizza you are reheating. For example, thin-crust pizza should be reheated at a lower temperature than thick-crust pizza. Allow your air fryer to preheat for about 2-4 minutes.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can place your pizza slices inside. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping, as this will ensure even heating. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to heat the slices in batches. You can also place a piece of parchment paper under the slices to prevent any cheese from sticking to the basket and to make cleanup easier, although this is not necessary.

Now that you know how to preheat your air fryer for perfectly warmed pizza, you're ready to move on to the next steps: setting the cook time and temperature, and removing the pizza from the air fryer when it's done.

Prep the slices

The first step to reviving your leftover pizza is to prep the slices. This step is optional, but it will help prevent the toppings from drying out. Spray or drizzle the slices with a tiny bit of oil. If you're working with 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. To ensure air can get through, punch a few small holes in the parchment paper directly under the crust.

If you want to add an extra boost of flavour, sprinkle on some Italian seasoning, oregano, dried basil leaves or red pepper flakes before popping the pizza in the air fryer.

Add water to the outer basket

Adding water to the outer basket of your air fryer when reheating pizza is a great way to prevent the crust from drying out. This technique ensures that the crust stays moist as the pizza reheats. Simply pour 1 to 2 teaspoons of water into the drawer underneath the basket. As the pizza warms up, the water will turn into steam, keeping the crust from drying out.

It's important to note that adding too much water to your air fryer can be dangerous. If water comes into contact with electrical components, it could short circuit, damage the appliance, or even cause a fire. Therefore, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and exercise caution when adding water to your air fryer. Always make sure your appliance is unplugged and cooled down before adding any liquid.

Additionally, the amount of water you can add will depend on the size and capacity of your air fryer. Most models allow for up to 1/4 cup of liquid without causing any issues. However, it's always best to refer to your user manual for specific guidelines on how much water is safe and optimal for your particular model.

By following these instructions and being mindful of the potential risks, you can safely use water in your air fryer to enhance the taste and texture of your reheated pizza.

Place pizza slices in the air fryer

Placing pizza slices in the air fryer is a delicate art. You want to ensure they are evenly spaced, with no overlapping, to allow hot air to circulate and crisp up your pizza without drying it out.

First, place your slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to heat the slices in batches. You can place the slices directly into the basket, or, for easy clean-up, you can line the basket with a disposable parchment paper liner or a reusable silicone liner. If you're using a lot of cheese, it might be helpful to punch some holes in the parchment paper to allow air to circulate under the crust.

Next, you'll want to close the basket and set the temperature and timer. For thin-crust pizza, set the temperature to 350°F and the timer for 3-4 minutes. For thick-crust pizza, set the temperature to 350°F and the timer for 4-6 minutes. Check on your pizza regularly to ensure it's not burning, and adjust the temperature and timer as needed.

Finally, using tongs or a spatula, carefully remove your pizza from the air fryer and enjoy!

Air fry the pizza

Air-frying pizza is a great way to revive your leftovers and achieve a crispy crust and melted cheese. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176°C). This should take around 2 to 4 minutes. For thin-crust pizza, you can preheat to a slightly lower temperature, such as 325°F (160°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Slices

Place your leftover pizza slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This allows for even heating and prevents sogginess. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to heat the slices in batches. Optionally, you can place a piece of parchment paper, aluminium foil, or a silicone liner underneath the slices for easier cleanup, especially if your pizza is particularly cheesy or greasy.

Step 3: Air Fry the Pizza

Close the air fryer basket and set the timer. For thin-crust pizza, start with 2 to 3 minutes, and for thick-crust pizza, set the timer for 4 to 5 minutes. Check on your pizza occasionally to ensure it's heating to your liking. If it's browning too quickly, lower the temperature by 25 degrees. If it needs more time, simply add another minute or two until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.

Step 4: Remove and Serve

Using tongs or a spatula, carefully remove your freshly crisped pizza from the air fryer and enjoy!

Tips:

• The final cook time will depend on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of your pizza. Thinner crusts will cook faster, while thicker or deep-dish pizzas may require a few extra minutes.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure optimal crispiness.
• Be cautious when using preset buttons on your air fryer, as they may be calibrated for cooking frozen pizza and could result in overheating or overcooking.

Frequently asked questions