How to Reheat Leftover Pizza (Without Ruining it!)
There are two kinds of people in this world: those who eat their leftover pizza cold, and those who insist on heating it up.
We’re not here to judge. Cold pizza has its place, especially when you’re standing in front of the fridge at 9 a.m. wondering what to have for breakfast.
But if you’re looking to bring yesterday’s pizza back to its crispy, cheesy glory, there’s a little more to it than throwing a slice in the microwave and hoping for the best.
The good news? Reheating pizza properly is surprisingly easy, and you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.
Let’s break down four simple answers to the age old question that you type into google… “How to reheat pizza?”
1. The Frying Pan: Our Pick for a Crispy Slice
Best for: One or two slices, especially if you love a crispy bottom crust.
If you’ve never reheated pizza in a frying pan, this might change your leftover pizza routine.
The trick is getting the crust nice and crispy while warming the cheese and toppings without drying them out.
Here’s how:
- Place your leftover pizza in a non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. No oil needed.
- Let the bottom of the crust warm and crisp for a couple of minutes.
- Add a small splash of water to the empty part of the pan, away from the pizza.
- Cover the pan with a lid to trap the steam and help melt the cheese.
- Continue heating until the toppings are hot throughout and the crust is crispy.
Approximate time: 4–7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your pizza.
Why does it work? The direct heat helps restore that satisfying crunch to the crust, while the steam gently warms the toppings.
Just be careful not to add too much water. We’re reheating pizza, not making soup.
2. The Oven: Best for Reheating Several Slices
Best for: Family leftovers, multiple slices, or thicker pizzas.
If you’ve got half a pizza left over from last night’s dinner, the oven is a great option.
It takes a little longer than the other methods, but it’s an easy way to heat several slices at once without sacrificing too much of that fresh-from-the-oven texture.
Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place your pizza slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Put the baking sheet on the middle rack.
- Heat for approximately 8–12 minutes, checking periodically.
- Remove once the pizza is thoroughly heated and the crust has regained some crispiness.
Approximate time: 8–12 minutes, plus preheating.
A helpful tip: For a crispier bottom, preheat the baking sheet along with your oven, then carefully place the slices on it.
The oven is particularly useful when you’re reheating pizza for more than one person. Everyone gets a hot slice at roughly the same time, and nobody has to stand over the stove.
3. The Air Fryer: Quick, Easy, and Crispy
Best for: One or two slices when you’re short on time.
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for good reason, and leftover pizza is one of the things they handle particularly well.
The circulating hot air helps warm the toppings while crisping the crust. It’s quick, requires very little cleanup, and doesn’t involve heating an entire oven.
Here’s how:
- Preheat your air fryer to approximately 325°F (160°C), if your model recommends preheating.
- Place one or two slices in the basket without overlapping them.
- Heat for approximately 3–6 minutes.
- Check regularly to avoid overcooking the cheese or burning thinner crusts.
- Continue heating as needed until the pizza is thoroughly hot.
Approximate time: 3–6 minutes.
Keep in mind that every air fryer is a little different. Thin-crust pizzas may heat much faster than thick, heavily topped slices.
Our advice? Start with less time and check frequently. You can always heat pizza a little longer, but you can’t un-burn your pepperoni.
4. The Microwave: When You Just Want Pizza, Now
Best for: Convenience and speed.
We know. We’ve spent this entire article talking about crispy crusts, and now we’re bringing up the microwave.
But sometimes you’re hungry, you’ve got 60 seconds, and you’re not interested in turning lunch into a cooking project.
Fair enough.
The microwave can absolutely do the job. Just don’t expect the same crispy results you’d get from a frying pan or oven.
Here’s how:
- Place your pizza on a microwave-safe plate.
- Heat in short intervals of approximately 30 seconds.
- Check the pizza between intervals and rotate the plate if necessary.
- Continue until the slice is heated all the way through.
- Let it sit briefly before eating, as the cheese and toppings can become very hot.
Approximate time: 1–2 minutes, depending on your microwave and the size of the slice.
The biggest downside is texture. Microwave heating can leave the crust soft or chewy rather than crispy.
But if speed is your priority, there’s nothing wrong with taking the easy route.
So, What’s the Best Way to Reheat Pizza?
It really depends on what you’re looking for.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.
| Method | Approx. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Frying pan | 4–7 minutes | Crispy crust, 1–2 slices |
| Oven | 8–12 minutes + preheat | Multiple slices, even heating |
| Air fryer | 3–6 minutes | Quick, crispy results |
| Microwave | 1–2 minutes | Convenience and speed |
Times are estimates, not guarantees. Pizza thickness, toppings, appliances, and starting temperature all make a difference. Whatever method you choose, reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
Our recommendation? Go with the frying pan when you’ve got a couple of slices and want great texture. Use the oven when you’re feeding the family, and reach for the air fryer when you’re looking for something quick and crispy.
The microwave? It gets an honourable mention for being there when you need it.
Don’t Forget: How You Store Your Pizza Matters Too
Even the best reheating method can’t save pizza that wasn’t stored properly.
If you want your leftovers to be just as enjoyable tomorrow, a little care goes a long way.
- Refrigerate promptly. Don’t leave your leftover pizza sitting out for more than two hours.
- Use an airtight container or wrap your slices well. This helps keep them from drying out in the fridge.
- Eat refrigerated leftovers within 2–3 days. If you won’t finish them in time, freeze them for later.
- Only reheat what you’re going to eat. Avoid repeatedly cooling and reheating the same leftovers.
And remember, pizza that has been left out overnight on the counter should be thrown away, even if it looks and smells perfectly fine.
Food safety is more important than saving one last slice.
One Last Slice of Advice
Good pizza deserves a good second helping.
Whether you’re enjoying leftovers from family pizza night, grabbing a quick lunch between meetings, or sneaking that last slice before somebody else finds it, a few extra minutes can make a surprising difference.
Try the frying pan method next time you’ve got leftover pizza in the fridge. You might be pleasantly surprised by how well it turns out.
And if you’ve picked up one of Howie’s frozen Take n’ Bake pizzas, remember those are a different story. They’re meant to be cooked at home, not reheated like leftovers. You’ll find the proper cooking directions on our Cooking Instructions page.
From our kitchen to yours, enjoy every slice!
The Howie’s Pizza Team