yipengee / Getty Images

How to Reheat Pizza the Right Way

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Emily Fazio | Last updated Jan 4, 2025 7:00 AM ET

If cold leftover pizza is your jam, move on. We're fans of hot toppings and extra-crispy crust when we want leftover pizza for dinner. But if you’ve ever tried to reheat pizza, you know it’s a delicate dance between recreating that original crispiness and gooey cheese perfection and avoiding flimsy, rubbery crusts or dry, chewy bits of cheese. Thankfully, there are foolproof ways to bring leftover pizza back to life without sacrificing taste or original texture, and we've tested it all. Whether you’re working with a store-bought slice or homemade pizza loaded with toppings, you don’t need fancy tools or hours of effort—just a few tricks and a couple of minutes to get your leftover slice right every time.

1. Reheat Pizza on the Stovetop

Using a skillet or non-stick pan is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reheat your leftover slice. This pizza reheating method works well because it keeps the crisp crust and heats the toppings evenly while keeping the texture just right.

Place a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Once warm, lay your pizza slice in the pan and cover it with a lid.
Heat for 2-3 minutes to crisp the bottom pizza crust.
Add a few drops of water to the pan (but not on the slice of pizza) to create steam; cover again for about 1 extra minute to get the cheese melting perfectly.

This approach avoids the pitfalls of the microwaved pizza’s sogginess and prevents the outer crust from turning rock-hard in the oven.

2. Reheat Pizza in the Oven

If you’re reheating a couple of slices, the oven rack is a favorite method. It takes a bit longer, but the results are worth it.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place your cold pizza slices in the preheated oven on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
To help keep the crispiest crust, you can use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
Heat for 8-10 minutes, checking every couple minutes to avoid over-baking (cooking time may vary).

The oven method is perfect for anyone who wants to reheat more than one slice of pizza at once while preserving that just-baked crisp texture.

3. Air Fryer for Quick, Crispy Results

If you own an air fryer, it’s a game-changing cooking method for reheating leftover pizza slices. The circulating hot air makes for an evenly heated crispy slice.

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Place a cold slice or two in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Heat for 3-4 minutes, checking the texture before removing.

The air fryer’s speed and consistent results make it a top choice for busy days.

Tips For Reheating Pizza Without Ruining It

Avoid microwaving whenever possible: It’s fast, but the microwave leaves pizza soggy and unevenly heated.
Use low heat when reheating: This prevents overcooking the toppings or drying out the crust.
Line your oven tray or skillet: Aluminum foil or parchment paper can keep cheese spills manageable and prevent sticking.
Don’t skip steam for the skillet method: A small amount of moisture can make all the difference in achieving perfectly melty cheese on your leftover slices.

FAQ

What’s the best way to reheat pizza without a microwave or oven?

The stovetop method is your best bet if you don’t have access to an oven or microwave. It requires nothing more than a skillet and a lid, making it a quick and effective option for crispy crust and evenly melted cheese.

How do you store leftover pizza to reheat later?

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in a piece of foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. For long-term storage, freeze individual slices in freezer-safe bags, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: