How to Reheat Pizza So It Tastes as Good as Day One

Updated: Feb. 12, 2024

So long, soggy slices! Here's the best way to reheat pizza using the oven, stove, microwave and air fryer.

Does the thought of day-old pizza give you chills? Whether it’s from a pizza place or a homemade pizza loaded with all the best toppings, the question of how to reheat pizza has troubled eaters for ages. Let’s set the record straight on how to do it right! Here are four easy ways to make that sad-looking slice taste hot and fresh.

How to Reheat Pizza in the Oven

Gettyimages 909240084 Reheat Pizza In Oven On Foil Jvedit2Novo Images/UIG/Getty Images

Done wrong, this method can result in a dry slice of cheesy goo. Here’s how to get it right.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F

It’s crucial that you allow the oven to heat up fully before you attempt to reheat your pizza. The last thing you want is for the pizza to get slowly warmer and warmer.

Step 2: Line a baking tray with foil

Line a baking tray or pizza pan with foil and pop it in the oven for a few minutes. The idea is to get the tray and foil piping hot before it touches the pizza.

Step 3: Put the pizza in the oven

Carefully take the hot tray out (be sure to use an oven mitt!) and place the pizza on it. Put the tray back into the oven for around 10 minutes, checking it now and then so it doesn’t burn. The end result should be a hot, crispy slice.

How to Reheat Pizza on the Stovetop

slice of pizza being removed from a paneldemir/Getty Images

If you don’t want to reheat your pizza in the oven, here’s a slightly quicker method. You can use a frying pan on the stovetop. It may be an unexpected method, but some people swear by it.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the pizza in the pan

Place a nonstick pan on medium heat. Put the cold slice of pizza directly into the pan and heat it for a couple of minutes.

Step 2: Add a couple of drops of water

Next, add a couple of drops of water to the pan’s base. Make sure that the drops are on the side of the pizza. (You don’t want them on top of the slice!)

Step 3: Cover the pan

Put the lid on top of the pan and continue to heat the pizza for another couple minutes. The idea is that the pan steams up and melts the cheese. Finally, take the slice out of the pan and enjoy the melted cheese and crispy base. Yum!

How to Reheat Pizza in the Microwave

Plate with slice of pizza in microwave ovenKonstantin Karpov/Getty Images

This is by far the most common method for reheating pizza but it can yield less-than-ideal results. For a slice that won’t disappoint, follow the steps below.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the pizza

Place your slice of pizza on a microwave-safe plate.

Step 2: Fill a cup with water

Fill a cup with water. Place the cup next to the plate in the microwave.

Step 3: Heat the pizza

Cook the pizza in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

How to Reheat Pizza in the Air Fryer

Heating Leftover Pizza in air fryer.Adisak Mitrprayoon/Getty Images

The air fryer is our go-to kitchen appliance for food that’s hot and crispy. An upgrade from the microwave method, this tactic is faster compared to reheating pizza in the oven or on the stovetop.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°.

Step 2: Layer the pizza

Line your air fryer basket with aluminum foil or an air fryer liner. Then place your pizza slices in the basket in a single layer.

Step 3: Heat and enjoy

Let the pizza cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then check to see if all the cheese has melted. If not, reheat the pizza in 30-second intervals until fully cooked.

Of course, there are plenty of cold pizza lovers out there, but for folks looking to recreate that hot, fresh pizza taste, these methods will get you there!

Start Fresh with Our Best-Ever Pizza Recipes.
1 / 1