Who can resist a perfectly reheated slice of pizza that tastes just as good as when it was first made? Many of us have settled for cold pizza or used a microwave, only to end up with a soggy crust and unevenly melted cheese. Luckily, there are best ways to reheat pizza that maintain its delicious texture and flavor.
Here’s how to get your leftover pizza just right.
Exploring the Best Ways to Reheat Pizza
1. Air Fryer - Quick and Crispy
Freepik | An air fryer appliance, known for healthier frying, excels in reviving pizza slices too.
One of the best ways to reheat pizza is using an air fryer. This versatile appliance isn’t just for making healthier fried foods; it’s also perfect for reheating pizza. Here’s how you do it:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Place the pizza slice in the fryer basket.
- Cook for 2-4 minutes.
- Enjoy your evenly reheated pizza with a crispy crust.
2. Oven - Best for Multiple Slices
If you need to reheat several slices at once, the oven is your best friend. This method mimics the reheating process of pizza shops that use wood-fired or brick ovens. Here’s what you need to do:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F.
- Place a cast-iron skillet or pizza stone inside.
- Add a pan of water at the bottom of the oven.
- Place pizza slices on the skillet or stone.
- Heat for 4-5 minutes for thick crust or 2 minutes for thin crust.
According to Frank Tuttolomondo, owner of Mama’s TOO!, using a preheated surface crisps the bottom of the pizza while the oven's convection or broiler function melts the cheese and heats the toppings. For added moisture, place a pan of water at the bottom of the oven to keep the pizza from drying out.
3. Reheating on the Stovetop
Freepik |senivpetro | Using a skillet to reheat pizza revolutionizes the experience.
Reheating pizza on a skillet is a game-changer. Chris Ancona, former head pizzaiolo for Roberta's, shares his technique: "Heat a nonstick skillet until water droplets sizzle.
Add the pizza slice and a few droplets of water, then cover with a lid. The steam gently heats the toppings while keeping them moist, and the crust gets crispy." In just one to two minutes, your pizza will be perfectly reheated.
The Microwave Conundrum
Although microwaving is the fastest method, it’s often the least satisfying. The crust tends to become chewy, and the cheese doesn’t melt properly. If you must use a microwave, here are a few tips to improve the outcome:
- Use a Microwave-Safe Plate: Place your slice on a microwave-safe plate.
- Paper Towel Trick: Place a damp paper towel over the top to keep moisture in.
- Short Intervals: Microwave in 30-second intervals to avoid overheating.
Choose Your Method
Freepik | pressfoto | The oven excels at reheating multiple slices and ensures they retain a quality that's nearly identical to the original.
So, which is the best way to reheat pizza? It largely depends on the equipment you have and how many slices you’re reheating. The air fryer is quick and keeps the crust crispy. The oven is perfect for multiple slices and delivers a near-original quality. The skillet method is surprisingly effective, especially if you prefer a crisp crust and evenly heated toppings.
By following these methods, you can enjoy your leftover pizza just as much as when it was fresh. Say goodbye to soggy crusts and uneven cheese, and hello to delicious, reheated pizza every time.