We'll admit that there's a certain appeal to eating cold pizza. On days when the last thing we want to do is wash another dish, we love eating a slice straight from the fridge—and often straight from the box. But not every type of pizza tastes good cold and not every situation warrants a cold slice.
Sturdier pies from our favorite delivery spot can withstand lower temps, but what about Neapolitan-style slices? A thin and delicate crust quickly veers into soggy territory after sitting overnight in the fridge. And in some instances, the idea of cold pizza is just straight up unappetizing. Nobody should have to subject themselves to subpar leftovers.
In our opinion, pizza is best enjoyed when it's hot, crispy, and melty. But if you think that experience is limited to a freshly made pie, think again. There are several ways to reheat leftover slices that can make pizza taste just as delicious as it did straight out of the oven.
Different methods achieve different results and require different amounts of effort and patience. That's why we're unpacking all of the ways you can reheat pizza, so you can choose the technique that works best for you.
How To Reheat Pizza In The Microwave
Step one: don't. I know you may be tempted by the ease and convenience, but I'd argue that you're better off eating a cold slice than eating a microwaved one. The heating mechanism of a microwave leaves pizza limp, soggy, and sad. If you're already going to the trouble of heating your pizza, you might as well do the slice some justice.
Best For: when you have literally no other option
How To Reheat Pizza In The Oven
This method takes a little bit of time, but it's ultimately not a lot of work (or clean-up), so it's totally worth it. Preheat the oven to 375°F, and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Once it's up to temp—be patient!—pop the tray into the oven for a few minutes. Then, throw the pizza onto the hot tray. This process ensures that the bottom of the pie gets nice and crispy as the top gets melty. After about 10 or 15 minutes, you've got a fresh, hot slice.
Best For: heating several slices at once
How To Reheat Pizza On The Stove
There are two different approaches when it comes to reheating pizza on the stove: the efficient method and the low and slow method. For the former, warm up a pan over medium heat and add your slice. It should warm most of the way through in just a couple minutes. To ensure that the cheese is nice and melty, add a few drops of water to the pan (far away from the crust) and cover it with a lid. As the water heats up, it'll steam the top of the pie and give you that amazing cheese pull.
The low and slow method is for people who are willing to wait a couple minutes for an extra crispy crust. Your secret weapon is a cast iron pan—it conducts and retains heat especially well, which is key for avoiding a soggy bottom. You can add your pie directly to the pan and heat it, uncovered, over medium low heat. And all you have to do is wait. Depending on the strength of your stove, this process will take between 7-10 minutes. You'll know it's done when the cheese starts to melt and bubble. By that point, your crust will be warmed and likely even crispier than it was when it was fresh.
Best For: achieving the crispiest crust
How To Reheat Pizza In An Air Fryer
An air fryer is great for getting food crispy, and that's especially true for leftovers. The appliance blends the convenience of a microwave and the crispiness of the oven—which makes it one of the most efficient methods for heating up a slice. Line the basket of your air fryer with perforated parchment paper or aluminum foil, then air fry your slice at about 360°F for three to six minutes.
Best For: heating pizza as quickly as possible
