How to Reheat Pizza

There’s nothing quite like pizza night. It’s the perfect crowd-pleasing meal for a casual get-together or a cozy night at home. While a fresh pizza straight out of the oven can’t be beat, leftover pizza can be every bit as good—if you know how to reheat it right!

Many of us have tried common methods for reviving leftover pizza, like using the microwave, oven, toaster oven, or even an air fryer, only to end up with a soggy crust, rubbery cheese, or lackluster flavor. But with some trial and error, it turns out that some methods work much better than others. We’re here to share the secrets to bringing back that mouthwatering, freshly baked texture and taste.

We tested several methods to find the best way to reheat pizza. Each approach has its unique pros and cons, from convenience to how close it gets to that original “just-baked” quality. After more than a few soggy crusts, we learned that some methods really shine over others. So, let’s dig in and see how to store and reheat your pizza to bring your leftovers back to that fresh-from-the-oven flavor.

Storing Pizza for Perfect Reheating

The first step to enjoying leftover pizza is to store it properly. Avoid the temptation to simply leave it in the cardboard box or toss it onto a plate in the fridge. The best way to store leftover pizza is to place it in an airtight container, or to wrap each slice individually with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps moisture out and prevents the cheese from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the fridge.

Avoid storing pizza in a bag or loosely covered container, as this will make it stale quickly. The goal is to maintain that balance of moisture and keep the cheese and crust in prime condition, ready for a perfect reheat.

Reheating Pizza in the Microwave

Using the microwave will get you the quickest results, but it’s not our top recommendation for the best way to reheat pizza. While this method is definitely convenient and minimizes cleanup, it usually results in a soft, rubbery crust. However, if speed is what you need, we do have a few tips for reheating pizza in the microwave.

A quick trick for better results is to use a microwave-safe plate cover or cloche, which acts as a splatter shield that traps steam to help the cheese melt evenly. Time will vary based on the microwave and the size of the pizza slice, but typically around 30 seconds to a minute should be enough.

The microwave heats the pizza quickly, but the crust tends to get chewy, and the cheese doesn’t always melt as uniformly. So if you’re in a rush, reheating pizza in the microwave is a decent option—but many of the other methods we’ll cover will give you a tastier slice.

Reheating Pizza in the Air Fryer

This method is definitely a contender for the best way to reheat pizza! When you air fry leftover pizza, you get super crispy results that the other techniques simply cannot match. Set the air fryer to around 250-275°F, then place your slice on the basket rack. Wrapping the slice in foil can keep it from drying out too much, although this step is optional and depends on your preference.

Reheating pizza in an air fryer is a fantastic technique because it heats the pizza evenly and results in a nice crispy crust. The cheese usually melts well without becoming overly gooey. Cleanup is minimal, making it a hassle-free option. However, you’ll want to watch the time carefully when you air fry leftover pizza to avoid over-crisping.

Reheating Pizza in the Oven

If you’re really after that fresh-baked taste, the oven could be your best method! Reheating pizza in the oven is a great way to get a more authentic, “just out of the oven” texture, though it requires a bit more patience than some of the other techniques. Set the oven to a low temperature (around 250-275°F), place the slice on a baking sheet, and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out.

Reheating pizza in the oven takes about 10 to 15 minutes—but trust us, it’s worth the wait. You’ll get a nicely reheated slice with an evenly warm crust and perfectly melted cheese. The downside is that it’s slower and uses more energy, but the results are usually much tastier than those with faster methods.

Reheating Pizza in the Toaster Oven

The toaster oven provides a happy medium between the microwave and the full-size oven. Set the temperature to around 275°F and place your slice directly on the rack. Depending on the thickness of the crust, you may want to wrap it in foil for a softer texture or leave it unwrapped if you prefer it crispier.

The toaster oven’s smaller space allows for even heating, resulting in a crisp crust and well-melted cheese. It’s easy to clean up afterward and reheating pizza generally requires less time than in a conventional oven, making it a great choice for almost any slice.

Other Methods for Reheating Pizza

For those who love experimenting, there are a couple of unique options for reheating pizza. One surprisingly effective method is using a stovetop pan with a lid and a small amount of steam. Place the pizza in a pan over medium heat, add an ice cube (or a small splash of water) on the side, and immediately cover it with a lid. The ice will create steam, melting the cheese perfectly while keeping the crust crispy from the pan’s direct heat.

Another alternative for how to reheat pizza is to use a grill, especially if you’re reheating multiple slices at once. The grill will give the crust a nice char while thoroughly warming the slice and melting the cheese, adding a unique flavor.

Get Amazing Results When Reheating Pizza

Experimenting with these methods can be a fun way to discover what works best for your favorite pizza. Whether you prefer the convenience of the microwave, the crunch of the air fryer, the reliable results of the oven, or the stovetop’s perfect balance of crispy crust and gooey cheese, you’re sure to find a foolproof method for how to reheat pizza that brings your slice back to life! If you need a starting point, our favorite method is the air fryer.

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