No one wants a fridge-cold slice of pizza for breakfast. leftover pizza should taste as delicious as it did fresh from the oven. The good news is, that achieving this isn’t a fantasy! Mastering the best way to reheat pizza makes all the difference.

For years, the microwave seemed like the convenient option for reheating leftover pizza. But let’s face it, the results are often disappointing. The crust becomes soggy, and the cheese melts. Chris Ancona, a former head Pizzaiolo, explains the science behind this: “Microwaving creates textural problems. The pizza loses its crispness and becomes chewy in spots that were light and airy.” Even for pizza enthusiasts who believe “bad pizza” is still a good thing (because, well, it’s pizza!), there must be a better way to revive those leftover slices.

There are three methods for reheating pizza that deliver results far superior to microwaving, bringing your pizza close to its original glory.

Air Frying for Even Heat and Crispy Perfection

The air fryer, beloved for its ability to cook fried foods with minimal oil, also shines when it comes to reheating pizza. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the pizza slices for 2-4 minutes.

airfryereats | Instagram | Air fryers excel at reheating pizza with minimal oil.

“The air fryer circulates consistent heat from all directions,” explains Alan Rodriguez, regional operations director for Emmy Squared. “This maintains the integrity of the pizza’s taste, texture, and flavor.”

The air circulation ensures a crispy outer crust with a soft, delightful interior. Say goodbye to soggy pizza bottoms forever!

The Oven: Mimicking the Pizzeria Experience

For reheating multiple slices, the oven is your best bet. Remember those piping-hot slices you get from a pizzeria, often reheated in a wood-fired or brick oven? You can recreate that experience at home! Preheat your oven to 475°F and place a cast-iron skillet or pizza stone on the lower or middle rack while it preheats. Once hot, add the pizza slices and cook for 4-5 minutes for square slices or 2 minutes for thin-crust slices.

gatorfancl | Instagram | Place a pan of water on the oven’s bottom rack to keep slices moist.

This method works because of a two-pronged approach: “The preheated surface crisps up the pizza’s bottom,” explains Frank Tuttolomondo, owner of Mama’s TOO!. “Meanwhile, the convection or broiler setting melts the cheese again, heats the toppings, and revives the entire slice.” Ancona recommends placing a pan of water on the oven’s bottom rack to create a humid environment and prevent the slices from drying out.

The Skillet: A Simple Stovetop Technique

At a recent wedding, a guest overheard the father of the bride crediting his new son-in-law with teaching him the “best way to reheat pizza” – a technique involving a skillet on the stovetop. The father was so impressed by this method that he saw it as a testament to his daughter’s choice of a spouse! It seems this ingenious technique might have been a secret to many.

Stoutspizzaco | Instagram | Heat the pan until water droplets sizzle upon contact.

Ancona describes the method: “For optimal results, use a non-stick skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Heat the pan until water droplets sizzle when flicked onto the surface. Add your pizza slice and sprinkle about eight drops of water around it. Then, cover the pan with the lid. The water will turn to steam, reheating your toppings without drying them out.” Within a minute or two, you’ll have melted cheese, a crispy crust, and delicious, revived toppings.

So, ditch the microwave and embrace these effective methods for reheating pizza. With a little effort, you can enjoy leftover pizza that tastes almost as good as fresh!

Helen Hayward

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