You have a leftover slice of pizza and you’re wondering how long to cook a slice of pizza in an air fryer. The good news is, it’s one of the fastest and best ways to bring that slice back to life, giving you a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese in minutes.
This guide will give you the exact times and temperatures you need. We’ll cover different types of pizza, from thin crust to deep dish, and even frozen slices. You’ll also get tips to prevent toppings from flying around and how to get that just-right texture. Let’s get your pizza hot and ready.
How Long To Cook A Slice Of Pizza In Air Fryer
The standard time and temperature for reheating a single refrigerated slice of pizza in an air fryer is 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This works great for most standard delivery or homemade slices with a medium crust.
Always preheat your air fryer for the best results. A hot air fryer starts cooking the pizza immediately, which helps the crust get crispy instead of soggy. Just set it to 350°F and let it run for about 3 minutes before you put your slice in.
Check the pizza at the 3-minute mark. If the cheese isn’t fully melted and bubbly, add another minute. Keep a close eye on it, as air fryers can vary in power and your slice could be done faster than you think.
Why the Air Fryer is the Best Tool for Leftover Pizza
Microwaves make pizza soggy. Ovens take too long to preheat for just one slice. The air fryer solves both these problems.
It uses rapid hot air to crisp the crust from the bottom up while gently reheating the toppings. The result is a slice that often tastes better than it did the first time. The edges get wonderfully crunchy, and the cheese melts perfectly without making the dough underneath soft.
It’s also incredibly efficient. You use less energy than heating a full oven, and it’s ready in a fraction of the time. For a quick lunch or snack, nothing beats it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Your Slice
Follow these simple steps for a perfectly reheated slice every single time.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Let it run for 3 minutes. This step is key for a crispy base.
- Prepare the Slice: Place your cold pizza slice directly in the air fryer basket. No plate or parchment paper is needed usually, as it can block airflow. If you’re worried about cheese dripping, you can use a small piece of foil under the crust edges.
- Cook: Slide the basket in and set your timer for 3 minutes.
- Check and Continue: After 3 minutes, peek at the pizza. If it needs more time, add 1-minute increments until the cheese is bubbling and the crust looks crisp.
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the slice with tongs or a spatula. Let it cool for a minute before eating, as the cheese will be very hot.
Important Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook one slice at a time for the best air circulation. If you must do two, make sure they aren’t touching or overlapping.
- For extra crispy crust, you can lightly spritz or brush the crust edge with a tiny bit of olive oil before cooking.
- If your slice has very large or loose toppings (like big pepperoni cups), you can place a toothpick through them to help secure them, though this isn’t usually necessary at 350°F.
Adjusting Times for Different Pizza Types
Not all pizza is created equal. The thickness of your crust and the amount of toppings will change the cooking time slightly.
Thin Crust Pizza
Thin crust pizza heats up very quickly. Use a slightly lower temperature or shorter time to prevent the edges from burning.
- Temperature: 325°F – 340°F
- Time: 2.5 to 3.5 minutes
- Watch it closely after the 2.5 minute mark. The goal is melted cheese without over-crisping the delicate crust.
Thick Crust, Deep Dish, or Pan Pizza
These hearty slices have more dough to heat through. You need a bit more time, but you still want to avoid burning the top.
- Temperature: 350°F – 360°F
- Time: 4 to 6 minutes
- A good trick is to place a small piece of foil over the top for the first 2-3 minutes. This allows the thick crust to warm up before the toppings get too much direct heat. Then, remove the foil to finish crisping the top.
Frozen Pizza Slices
Yes, you can cook a frozen slice directly in the air fryer! No need to thaw it first. It will just take a couple extra minutes.
- Temperature: 360°F
- Time: 5 to 7 minutes
- Check the center of the crust to ensure it’s heated all the way through. The outside cheese and toppings may look done before the inside is hot.
Reheating Multiple Slices at Once
If you need to reheat two or three slices for the family, you can. Just know that you’ll need to adjust your method a bit.
Arrange the slices in a single layer without letting them touch or overlap. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer basket. For two slices, add 1-2 minutes to the total cooking time. For three, you might need to add 2-3 minutes and consider lowering the temperature by 10-15 degrees to allow the heat to penetrate evenly without overcooking the edges.
Shaking or flipping the slices halfway through can help, but be gentle to not dislodge the toppings. Using tongs is the easiest way to manage this.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple task can have pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Using a Plate or Bowl: Never put a plate or use a accessory dish not meant for air frying unless your manual says it’s safe. It blocks the crucial airflow that makes the air fryer work.
- Setting the Temperature Too High: Starting at 400°F might seem faster, but it will likely burn the top of your pizza before the crust is properly reheated. 350°F is the sweet spot.
- Forgetting to Preheat: Skipping the preheat step often leads to a less crispy, slightly soggy crust because the pizza sits in a warming chamber instead of instantly cooking.
- Overcrowding the Basket: This is the most common error. Stacking or overlapping slices creates steam, which makes everything soft and chewy instead of crisp.
Creative Ideas for Your Air Fryer Pizza
The air fryer isn’t just for reheating. You can use it to make new pizza creations or refresh leftovers in fun ways.
“Fried” Pizza Rolls: Take a leftover slice, roll it up tightly from the crust end to the point, and secure it with a toothpick. Air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. You get a hot, portable pizza roll with a crispy exterior.
Pizza Croutons: Cut stale pizza crusts or a leftover slice (toppings and all) into small cubes. Toss them in the air fryer at 370°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking once. They make amazing salad croutons or a soup topping.
Reviving Day-Old Pizza: If your pizza has been in the fridge for two days, the crust might have dried out. Before air frying, lightly dab a few tiny drops of water on the crust edge with your finger. This creates a bit of steam during cooking to re-hydrate it just enough without making it wet.
Cleaning Your Air Fryer After Pizza
Cheese and grease can sometimes drip or splatter. Here’s how to clean up easily.
Always unplug the appliance and let it cool completely before cleaning. Remove the basket and pan. Soak them in warm, soapy water to loosen any melted cheese. Use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to clean. For stubborn grease on the heating element or inside the main unit, wipe gently with a damp cloth. Never submerge the main part of the air fryer in water. Regular cleaning prevents smoke and odd smells next time you cook.
FAQ Section
Can I reheat pizza in air fryer with parchment paper?
Yes, you can use a small piece of parchment paper with holes poked in it for airflow. It can help with cleanup, but it’s not necessary. Just make sure the paper doesn’t cover the entire basket and isn’t near the heating element.
How do you keep pizza from getting soggy in the air fryer?
Preheating is the number one trick to avoid soggy pizza. Also, make sure your slice is in a single layer with plenty of space around it for the hot air to circulate and remove moisture.
What is the best temperature for pizza in air fryer?
For most slices, 350°F is the ideal starting temperature. It heats the pizza through properly while crisping the crust without burning the toppings.
Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer with pizza?
Yes, but use it sparingly. A small square under the crust edge to catch drips is fine. Do not wrap the whole slice or line the entire basket, as it severely restricts airflow and can damage your appliance.
Why did my pizza get hard in the air fryer?
It was likely cooked too long or at too high a temperature. The air fryer’s intense heat can quickly dry out and over-crisp food. Next time, reduce the time by a minute and check it earlier.
Can I cook a frozen pizza slice in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Cook it at 360°F for 5-7 minutes directly from the freezer. No need to adjust anything, just give it a couple extra minutes compared to a refrigerated slice.
Troubleshooting Quick Guide
- Burnt Toppings but Cold Crust: Temperature too high. Lower to 340°F and cook a bit longer.
- Soggy Bottom: Air fryer wasn’t preheated, or basket is overcrowded. Always preheat and cook in a single layer.
- Cheese Not Melting: Cooking time too short. Add in 1-minute increments until bubbly.
- Toppings Flying Around: Secure large toppings with a toothpick, or cook at a slightly lower temperature.
Mastering your air fryer for pizza is a simple skill that pays off every time you have leftovers. With the basic guideline of 350°F for 3-4 minutes, and the adjustments for your specific slice type, you’ll never have to eat a soggy microwaved slice again. The key is to start with the standard time, check your pizza, and make a note of what works best for your favorite kind of pizza and your specific air fryer model. A little practice is all it takes to get perfect results consistently.