How To Reheat Pizza Without Losing Its Crispy, Cheesy Goodness

Reheating pizza might seem simple, but doing it wrong can turn a delicious slice into a sad, soggy mess. The goal is to bring back that warm, melty cheese, crispy crust, and tasty toppings—almost as good as when it first arrived. Whether you’re using an oven, pan, microwave, or air fryer, here’s how to do it right.

Why it matters

Pizza is one of those foods that can easily go from amazing to disappointing if reheated incorrectly. Throwing it in the microwave without thinking usually results in a limp crust and rubbery cheese. To get the best results, you need to focus on keeping the crust crisp, the cheese gooey, and the toppings flavorful.

1. Oven method (best for several slices)

The oven is the classic choice if you want your pizza to feel fresh again.

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 190–200°C (375–400°F).
• Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper, or use a pizza stone. You can also place slices directly on the oven rack for extra crunch.
• Optional: Drop a few drops of water on the crust edges to prevent it from drying out.
• Bake for 8–10 minutes, checking around the 7-minute mark. The cheese should be bubbling and the crust crispy.
• Let it sit for 1–2 minutes before eating.

2. Pan method

No oven? A skillet works surprisingly well.

Steps:

• Place a slice in a dry non-stick pan over low to medium heat. No oil needed.
• Heat for 2–4 minutes until the bottom crisps up.
• Add a few drops of water to the pan (away from the pizza) and cover with a lid to steam the cheese.
• Heat for another 1–2 minutes, then enjoy.

3. Microwave method

Microwaving is quick, but it can make your crust rubbery. Here’s a simple trick to avoid that:

Steps:

• Place the pizza slice on a microwave-safe plate.
• Put a half-filled glass of water next to it in the microwave.
• Heat on medium power for 45–60 seconds. The water absorbs some microwaves, keeping the crust from turning rubbery.

4. Air fryer method

Air fryers are perfect for reheating pizza with a crispy finish.

Steps:

• Set the air fryer to 170–180°C (340–360°F).
• Arrange slices in a single layer—don’t stack them.
• Heat for 3–5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.

Mistakes to avoid

• Microwaving without the water trick.
• Overheating, which dries out the cheese and toppings.
• Skipping preheating in the oven, causing uneven heat.
• Using too high heat too quickly, burning the crust while leaving the toppings cold.

The best method

• Full box of leftovers? Oven is your best option.
• Want a fast, crispy slice? Pan method works perfectly.
• Quick solo snack? Microwave with water is convenient.
• Lucky enough to have an air fryer? You’ll get fast, crispy results every time.

With the right method, reheating pizza can bring it back to life. Crispy crust, melty cheese, and flavorful toppings are all possible—even with leftovers.