Cold pizza has its place – and is it wrong that we might actually prefer it? – but when you want that fresh-out-the-box experience the next day, reheating it properly can make all the difference.
Unfortunately, many of us are ruining leftovers without realising it. From soggy bases to rubbery cheese, the wrong reheating method can turn last night’s takeaway into a disappointment.
According to James Nice, pizza expert at Craft Pizza, common mistakes – especially relying on the microwave – are stopping people from getting the crispy crust and gooey toppings they're after.
The good news? Fixing it is surprisingly simple.
The best ways to reheat leftover pizza
Best overall: the air fryer
It’s no surprise the air fryer tops the list. Loved by foodies and pizza experts alike, it’s one of the quickest and easiest ways to bring leftover pizza back to life.
“The circulating hot air crisps the crust evenly while melting the toppings,” says James.
For the best results, set your air fryer to 190-200C and cook slices for three to five minutes. Don't have an air fryer? Read on.
Best for multiple slices: the oven
If you’re reheating pizza for more than one person, the oven remains a reliable option.
Preheat your oven to 180-200C and cook the slices for five to 10 minutes. The dry heat helps keep the base crisp while melting the cheese evenly.
James also recommends placing pizza on a lower rack for more even heating.
The chef-approved trick: the frying pan
Food writer Elly Curshen, best known for her clever #RolloverLeftovers series, has long sworn by reheating pizza in a frying pan, pointing out that not everyone owns an air fryer – and that heating a whole oven for a couple of slices can feel a little excessive
Start by placing the slice in a non-stick pan over a medium-low heat for a couple of minutes to crisp the base.
Then add a few drops of water away from the pizza and cover the pan with a lid. The steam melts the cheese without making the crust soggy.
Finish by removing the lid for a final minute to remove any excess moisture.
Is microwaving pizza really that bad?
While the microwave is often considered the worst option for leftover pizza, it can still work if you’re short on time.
James recommends placing a dry paper towel underneath the slice before reheating to help absorb excess moisture and reduce sogginess.
He also advises heating pizza in short bursts rather than all at once, so you can keep an eye on the texture and avoid overcooking.
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
