Summary

• The skillet method quickly crisps pizza crust and melts cheese in under 5 minutes.
• Oven reheating uses a hot baking sheet to keep pizza crisp and avoid sogginess.
• Air frying heats pizza evenly with superhot air for a fresh-baked texture.
• Microwaving alone makes pizza soggy, so it’s best to avoid it or combine it with a skillet.
• Proper storage and reheating keep leftover pizza tasty and safe to eat.

Nobody likes biting into soggy, limp leftover pizza; it’s a letdown when the crust is chewy or the cheese turns rubbery. The microwave is usually to blame, it traps steam and leaves your crust damp and lifeless

But don’t worry! You can revive your leftover pizza with simple methods that utilize dry, direct heat to make the crust crispy and the cheese melty again, just like it was fresh from the pizzeria. 

Our top pick is the skillet method, which gives you a perfect crust and gooey cheese in just a few minutes. The oven and air fryer are close seconds, great for reheating multiple slices at once. 

These easy tricks will make your leftovers taste so good that you might even prefer them over the original pizza night. 

Let’s learn the best ways to reheat pizza and keep every slice delicious and crisp!

Top 3 Methods

These are the best, most popular ways to reheat pizza, loved by pizza fans for bringing back that fresh-baked taste. They’re easy to do and work every time, whether you’re reheating one slice or a whole pie.

Skillet Method

Grab a nonstick or cast iron skillet and heat it dry on medium heat for 1–2 minutes until it’s nice and hot. Place a pizza slice in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until the crust gets crispy. To melt the cheese perfectly, add a teaspoon of water to the side of the pan, cover with a lid, and let it steam for 1 minute. 

This method is a winner because the direct heat crisps the crust fast, while the steam melts the cheese without making anything soggy. 

It’s perfect for a quick lunch or snack, and you don’t need fancy tools, just a pan you already have. Try it with a side of ranch dip for extra flavor. 

Oven Method

Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a baking sheet inside while it preheats for at least 10 minutes to get the sheet super hot. Carefully place your pizza slices on the hot baking sheet and bake for 5–10 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melty. 

This method works great because the hot sheet pulls moisture out of the crust right away, keeping it crisp instead of soggy. It’s the best choice when you’re reheating several slices for a family meal or game night. 

For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of oregano on top before baking to boost the pizza flavor. This method takes a bit longer but gives you that pizzeria-quality result every time.

Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for a couple of minutes. Place pizza slices in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap, and cook for 3–5 minutes until the crust is crisp and the cheese is gooey. 

Pizza Pack’s stackable trays make it easy to store slices separately, so they’re ready to pop into the air fryer without sticking together. This method shines because the superhot air moves around the pizza, heating it evenly and keeping the crust nice and crunchy without trapping moisture. 

It’s perfect for one or two slices when you want a quick, delicious meal. If you’re new to air frying, Pizza Pack’s trays are a game-changer for keeping your fridge organized and your pizza fresh.

Honorable Mention & Methods to Avoid

Some methods work okay in a pinch, but others are a no-go if you want to avoid soggy pizza. Here’s what to try and what to skip.

Toaster Oven

Set your toaster oven to a medium setting and place a pizza slice on the rack or tray. Run two cycles, about 4–6 minutes total, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning. 

This method is handy for small kitchens, dorms, or apartments where you don’t have a full oven. It can crisp the crust nicely if you watch it closely, but it’s not as reliable as a skillet or oven because it can heat unevenly. 

Use it when you’re short on space but have a little time to babysit your slice.

Never Microwave Solo

Microwaving pizza by itself is a big mistake; it traps steam, leaving you with a wet crust and rubbery cheese. If you’re really in a rush, microwave a slice for 30 seconds on 50% power to warm it slightly, then move it to a skillet for 2 minutes to crisp the crust. 

This combo can save you in a pinch, but it’s the least tasty option compared to skillet, oven, or air fryer. Skip the microwave unless you’re desperate, and even then, always finish with another method for better texture.

Science-Backed Tips to Prevent Sogginess

Don’t stack pizza slices when reheating, as overlapping traps steam and makes the crust soggy; store them with parchment paper to keep them separate. Use medium heat for all methods; high heat can burn the crust before the cheese melts properly. 

Letting pizza sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before reheating in a skillet helps it crisp evenly, but it’s optional if you’re in a hurry. 

For heavy-topping or deep-dish slices, lower the heat (e.g., 325°F for air fryer or oven) and add 1–2 minutes to ensure the toppings heat through without burning the crust. These tips keep your pizza crisp and delicious every time. 

Conclusion

For the best reheated pizza, go with the skillet method for its speed and perfect crust-cheese balance. It’s ready in under 5 minutes. 

An oven and air fryer are great for reheating multiple slices, offering crispy results for family meals. Toaster ovens work okay in small spaces, but microwaves are a last resort due to sogginess. 

Choose your method based on how many slices you have and how much time you can spare. With these tips, soggy pizza is history, and every slice will taste fresh and delicious. 

Want fresher leftovers? Grab a Pizza Pack microwavable, collapsible, dishwasher-safe to keep slices ready for perfectly crisp reheating.

FAQs

What’s the best way to reheat pizza?

The skillet method crisps the crust and melts cheese perfectly in just 2–3 minutes.

Can I use an air fryer to reheat pizza?

Yes, air fry at 350°F for 3–5 minutes with Pizza Pack trays to keep slices separate.

Why does microwaving make pizza soggy?

Microwaves trap steam, softening the crust; use a skillet to finish if you must microwave.

How do I store pizza for reheating?

Pizza Pack’s airtight trays keep slices fresh and ready for crispy reheating.

How do I reheat thick pizza slices?

Use lower heat and add 1–2 minutes to heat toppings evenly without burning.

Reminder: See Pizza Pack on Good Morning America on September 4th, 2025!