The short answer: The best way to reheat pizza is in a skillet on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, then add a few drops of water, cover and cook for 1 more minute. The pan re-crisps the bottom while the steam melts the cheese. An oven at 450°F for 5 to 8 minutes or an air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes also work well. The microwave is the fastest, but it leaves the crust soft.

Why leftover pizza goes soggy

Fresh out of the oven, a crust is crisp on the bottom and soft inside. As it cools, two things happen. First, moisture from the sauce and cheese moves into the dough, softening the base. Second, the starch in the crust slowly re-crystallizes, a process called retrogradation, which makes the inside feel firm and stale. Good reheating reverses both: it drives moisture out of the bottom and heats the starch enough to soften it again.

How to reheat pizza in a skillet (best method)

1. Put a dry nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the slice and heat it uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes, until the bottom is crisp.

3. Add a few drops of water to the pan, away from the slice, and cover with a lid.

4. Cook for about 1 minute, until the cheese melts.

The direct contact with the hot pan crisps the base, and the short burst of steam melts the top without drying it out. This is the method that gets closest to a fresh slice.

How to reheat pizza in the oven

1. Put a baking sheet on the middle rack and preheat the oven to 450°F with the sheet inside.

2. Place the slices on the hot sheet.

3. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and the bottom is crisp.

Preheating the sheet matters. A cold pan heats slowly and lets the crust steam instead of crisp. The oven is the easiest way to reheat several slices or a whole pie at once.

How to reheat pizza in an air fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.

2. Place one or two slices in the basket in a single layer.

3. Heat for 3 to 4 minutes, checking after 3.

The circulating hot air crisps the crust quickly. Large slices may need to be folded or cut to fit, and toppings can dry out if you leave them too long.

How to reheat pizza in the microwave

1. Put the slice on a microwave-safe plate.

2. Place a cup of water in the microwave next to it.

3. Heat for 30 to 45 seconds.

The water absorbs some of the energy and adds moisture to the air, which keeps the crust from turning tough and chewy. Even so, the microwave can’t make the bottom crisp. If you have one more minute, finish the slice in a hot pan.

Which method should you use?

• Best texture: skillet

• Several slices or a whole pie: oven

• Fast and crisp: air fryer

• Fastest: microwave, finished in a pan if you can

How to store leftover pizza

Let the pizza cool, then wrap slices in foil or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Refrigerated leftover pizza is best eaten within 3 to 4 days. Don’t leave it in the box at room temperature overnight. For longer storage, wrap slices individually and freeze them; reheat frozen slices in the oven at 375°F for about 10 to 12 minutes.

Why some crusts reheat better than others

A crust’s structure decides how well it comes back. Dough that has fermented slowly develops a stronger, more open structure that crisps again instead of turning leathery. Ours cold-ferments for 72 hours, which is one reason our slices hold up well the next day. You can read more about it in our guide to cold-fermented pizza dough.

Ordering for a group and expecting leftovers? Our party planning guide helps you order the right amount.

FAQ

What is the best way to reheat pizza?

In a skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, then covered with a few drops of water for 1 more minute. It crisps the bottom and melts the cheese.

What temperature should I use to reheat pizza in the oven?

450°F on a preheated baking sheet, for 5 to 8 minutes.

How long do you reheat pizza in an air fryer?

3 to 4 minutes at 350°F.

Why does microwaved pizza get chewy?

Microwaves heat the water inside the crust, which turns to steam and then escapes, leaving the bread tough. A cup of water next to the slice helps a little.

How long does leftover pizza last in the fridge?

Up to 3 to 4 days if it’s wrapped or stored in an airtight container.