How to Reheat Pizza
Leftover pizza slices, any style.
The Short Answer
The best way to reheat pizza is in the oven or a skillet. The oven at 375 degrees F for 8-10 minutes restores a crispy crust without drying out the toppings. A skillet on the stovetop with a lid works even faster.
Reheating Methods
🔥 Oven
Temperature: 375°F
Time: 8–10 minutes
Place slices directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet. No need to preheat for thin crust. Thick or deep dish may need 12-15 minutes.
📡 Microwave
Time: 0.5–1 minutes
Place a cup of water alongside the pizza. Heat in 30-second intervals. Fast but the crust will be soft.
💨 Air Fryer
Temperature: 350°F
Time: 3–5 minutes
Excellent results. Check at 3 minutes to prevent burning the cheese.
🍳 Stovetop
Time: 5–8 minutes
Cold skillet, medium-low heat, cover with a lid. Add a few drops of water before covering for steam that melts the cheese perfectly.
Do not microwave pizza without a cup of water; the crust becomes rubbery and chewy.
The skillet method is the best-kept secret in leftover pizza. Cold skillet, medium-low heat, lid on, 2-3 drops of water for steam. The bottom gets shatteringly crispy while the steam melts the cheese perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Never put a pizza box in the oven. Cardboard can catch fire at oven temperatures. Always transfer slices to a baking sheet or oven rack.
From frozen, heat in the oven at 375 degrees F for 12-15 minutes. No need to thaw first.
The Bottom Line
The best way to reheat pizza is in the oven or a skillet. The key to great reheated food is low-and-slow heat, moisture retention, and patience. Rushing with high heat dries food out and creates uneven hot and cold spots. When in doubt, go lower and slower. Make sure leftovers reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Source: USDA Leftovers Safety | Last verified: March 26, 2026 | Our methodology