How to Reheat in Air Fryer: The Ultimate Guide to Crispy Leftovers

Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you haven’t discovered the magic of reheating in an air fryer yet, you’re in for a delicious surprise. Forget about soggy leftovers and lukewarm meals; the air fryer is here to save the day (and your taste buds)! In this article, we’ll dive into how to reheat your favorite foods in an air fryer, ensuring they come out crispy, hot, and absolutely irresistible. 

Why Choose an Air Fryer for Reheating?

Why should you ditch the microwave and reheat food in your air fryer instead? Here’s why:

• Keeps Food Crispy – Unlike microwaves that make food limp and soggy, air fryers circulate hot air to maintain crispiness.
• Prevents Drying Out – Unlike ovens that can suck the moisture out of food, air fryers quickly warm up food while keeping it juicy.
• Fast and Convenient – No waiting for an oven to preheat; an air fryer gets the job done in minutes.
• Uses Less Oil – You don’t need to add extra oil to make your food taste fresh again.

What Type of Containers Can You Put in An Air Fryer?

What Can You Reheat in an Air Fryer?

You might be wondering what foods are perfect for reheating in your air fryer. Well, get ready to be amazed because the list is long! Here are some of the best contenders:

• Pizza: Bring back that crispy crust and melty cheese!
• French Fries: No more limp fries; they’ll be golden and crunchy.
• Chicken Wings: Perfect for game day snacking.
• Vegetables: Revive those roasted veggies to their former glory.
• Breaded Foods: Think chicken tenders or mozzarella sticks—yum!

Foods You Should Avoid Reheating in an Air Fryer

While air fryers are amazing, they’re not great for everything. Here’s what you should avoid:

• Soup or liquid-heavy foods – Air fryers are not meant for reheating liquids.
• Cheesy pasta dishes – Cheese might drip and make a mess (unless you place it in a baking dish inside the fryer).
• Very delicate foods – Things like soft pastries can dry out too quickly if reheated at high heat.

How to Reheat Food in Air Fryer - Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know what you can reheat, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to do it like a pro!

Preheat Your Air Fryer

This is a crucial step! Preheating your air fryer ensures that your food cooks evenly and gets that desirable crispy texture. Set your air fryer temperature according to the type of food you’re reheating (more on that in the next section) and let it warm up for about 3-5 minutes.

Prepare Your Food

While your air fryer is preheating, get your food ready. If you’re reheating pizza, for instance, you might want to separate the slices. For fries or wings, arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.

Set the Temperature and Time

Here’s a quick reference chart for common foods and their recommended reheating temperatures and times:

Monitor Your Food

Check on your food halfway through the cooking time. Give it a little shake or flip it over to ensure it heats evenly. This is especially important for items like wings or fries!

Check for Doneness

When the timer goes off, take a peek at your food. If it’s heated through and crispy, great! If not, pop it back in for another minute or two.

Serve and Enjoy!

Once your food is perfectly reheated, it’s time to dig in! Whether you’re enjoying a solo snack or sharing with friends, you’ll love how delicious everything tastes.

How to Reheat Different Types of Food in an Air Fryer

Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer

Say goodbye to soggy, chewy microwave pizza! The air fryer brings back that crispy crust and gooey cheese.

How to do it:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (160°C).
2. Place pizza slices in a single layer (don’t stack them).
3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking after 3 minutes.
4. Once the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crisp, it’s ready to eat!

Pro Tip: If your crust is getting too hard, place a small cup of water in the air fryer while reheating to keep it from drying out.

Reheating Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer

Want to restore that crispy, golden crunch? The air fryer is perfect for reheating fried chicken!

How to do it:

1. Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange fried chicken in a single layer, leaving space for airflow.
3. Heat for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Enjoy crispy fried chicken that tastes fresh!

Pro Tip: If reheating thick chicken pieces, lower the temp to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 8-10 minutes to warm them evenly.

Reheating French Fries in an Air Fryer

No one likes limp, cold fries—air fryers make them crispy again!

How to do it:

1. Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread fries evenly in the basket (don’t pile them up).
3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
4. Sprinkle with a little salt and enjoy hot, crispy fries!

Pro Tip: If the fries seem dry, lightly spray them with oil before reheating.

Reheating Burgers in an Air Fryer

Want to reheat a burger without drying it out? The air fryer keeps the patty juicy and flavorful.

How to do it:

1. Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove toppings (lettuce, tomato, sauce) before reheating.
3. Heat the burger with the bun for 3-5 minutes, or just the patty for 4-6 minutes.
4. Reassemble and enjoy!

Pro Tip: Add a few drops of water or a tiny piece of butter on the patty to keep it moist.

Reheating Meatloaf in an Air Fryer

Meatloaf can dry out when reheated, but the air fryer keeps it juicy and flavorful with the right technique.

How to do it:

1. Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice meatloaf into 1-inch thick pieces for even reheating.
3. Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Pro Tip: Add a spoonful of sauce or broth on top before reheating to keep it moist.

Tips for Best Results When Reheating in Air Fryer

• Don’t Overcrowd: Give your food space to breathe. Overcrowding can lead to uneven heating and sogginess.
• Use Parchment Paper: For sticky foods, consider lining the basket with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.
• Experiment with Time and Temp: Every air fryer is a little different, so feel free to adjust times and temperatures to find what works best for you.
• Keep it Covered: For pasta or soft foods, lightly cover them with foil to retain moisture while still allowing for that crispy finish.

Conclusion

Reheating in an air fryer is not only quick and easy but also makes your leftovers taste incredible! With a little practice, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly crispy, hot meals in no time. So, dust off that air fryer and get ready to take your reheating game to the next level. Happy air frying!