Air Fryer: Reheating Food, Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient kitchen appliance that can be used for a variety of purposes, including reheating food. They are especially useful for those who have limited space, such as students living in dorms or people living in small apartments. Air fryers use hot air instead of oil to cook food, making them a healthier alternative to deep frying. When it comes to reheating food, air fryers are a great option for crispy foods like pizza, fried chicken, and pastries. However, they may not be the best choice for reheating foods with high liquid content, such as soups, stews, or dishes with sauces.

Reheating pizza in an air fryer

Yes, an air fryer can be used to reheat food. It is particularly good for reheating pizza, as it can leave the crust crispy and avoid the sogginess that can come from reheating in a microwave.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit (some sources suggest up to 375 degrees). If your air fryer has a pizza preset button, be aware that this is likely calibrated for cooking frozen pizza, so the temperature and time will be too high for reheating.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza

Place your pizza slices in the air fryer basket or oven tray. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping, to allow for even cooking. You can use foil or parchment paper if you want to avoid cheese dripping into the basket, but this is not necessary. If using foil, cut holes to allow for air circulation.

Step 3: Reheat the Pizza

Reheat the pizza for 3-4 minutes, checking after 1 minute to ensure it is not burning. The time will depend on the thickness of the pizza and the amount of toppings, so you may need to add more time for thicker slices or pizzas with lots of toppings.

Step 4: Serve the Pizza

Once the pizza is warmed to your liking, carefully remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips:

• If your pizza starts to brown or burn before it is warmed through, reduce the temperature by 25-30 degrees.
• If your toppings are burning, remove them before reheating and add them back in for the last 1-2 minutes.
• For extra crispy pizza, spray the slices with a little olive oil before cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or tray. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to fit 2-3 slices at a time.
• Do not stack the pizza slices.

Reheating steak in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat steak in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Take your leftover steak out of the fridge and let it come up to room temperature for around 20 minutes.
• Spray or brush the steak with olive oil. This will help the steak reheat quickly and evenly, and stop it from drying out. You can also add some steak seasoning if you like.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F/190°C for 2-3 minutes.
• Place the steak in the air fryer basket, making sure it is lying flat and not curled up. If you are reheating multiple steaks, place them in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
• Reheat the steak at 380°F/190°C for 2-3 minute intervals. After each interval, check the internal temperature and flip the steak. Keep doing this until the steak reaches at least 110°F/43°C in the thickest part.
• Serve the steak with garlic butter or your favourite steak sauce.

Some important things to keep in mind:

• It is best to reheat steak only once, so only reheat the amount you plan to eat.
• If you have leftover steak after reheating, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days and eat it cold, or use it for a salad or sandwich.
• The best results will be with rare or medium-rare steaks, as they will have time to warm through without overcooking.
• If you are reheating multiple steaks, try to use ones with similar thicknesses, as this will help them cook more evenly.

Reheating chicken in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat chicken in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparation

Before you start reheating your chicken, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will help it reheat more evenly. If your chicken has a sauce or breadcrumbs, place it on parchment paper in the air fryer to prevent sticking.

Preheating

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 360°F (182°C). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. You can also brush the chicken with a little oil or use a cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

Reheating

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece for proper airflow. If you are reheating bigger pieces, you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the chicken for 5-8 minutes. Flip the chicken for even reheating after 6 minutes.

Checking for Doneness

After the initial reheating, start checking the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should register at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is thoroughly reheated and safe to eat. If your chicken is not yet done, continue reheating in 1-2 minute intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.

Optional Crisping Step

If you prefer your chicken to be crispier, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking time. Be careful not to overcook the chicken.

Safety Tips

According to USDA guidelines, it is important to only reheat chicken in the air fryer once to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination. Always use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw chicken separate from cooked chicken and wash your hands, utensils, and countertops after handling raw chicken. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and store them in shallow containers.

Reheating Chinese food in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat Chinese food in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to reheat fried foods, as it can make them crispy again without the need for a deep fat fryer.

If you're reheating a dish with sauce, like sweet and sour chicken balls, it's recommended to use a piece of parchment paper to line the air fryer basket. This will prevent the food from sticking. You should also add a touch of oil and stir at least once during the reheating process.

The temperature and timing will depend on the type of food you're reheating. For example, prawn toast and pancakes will take less time than ribs and salt and pepper chicken wings.

• Salt and pepper chicken wings: 160°C/320°F for 6 minutes
• Prawn toast: 160°C/320°F for 3 minutes
• Egg fried rice: 160°C/320°F for 4 minutes. It's recommended to use a ramekin with some butter to prevent the rice from drying out
• Spring rolls and sweet and sour chicken balls: 160°C/320°F for 5 minutes
• Chinese spare ribs: 180°C/320°F for 6 minutes. It's recommended to use a silicone container to prevent the sauce from dirtying the air fryer
• Crispy duck and pancakes: Shredded duck at 160°C/320°F for 3 minutes, and pancakes (still in their wrapper) at 120°C/250°F for 1 minute

It's important to note that the cook time and temperature may vary depending on the quantity of food and the specific air fryer model, so you may need to adjust the settings accordingly.

Reheating tortilla chips in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat food, and tortilla chips are no exception. In fact, using an air fryer to reheat tortilla chips can make them feel brand new. Not only is it quick and easy, but it also yields a deliciously crispy finish. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reheat tortilla chips in an air fryer:

Preparing Your Air Fryer and Tortilla Chips:

Before you start reheating, preheat your air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, spread out your tortilla chips in a single layer on the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even reheating. If your chips are stale or have lost their crispiness, you can lightly spray them with oil or cooking spray to help revive them.

Adding Seasonings or Toppings:

If desired, sprinkle on some salt, chili powder, or shredded cheese for extra flavor. Be sure to add any toppings before placing the basket in the air fryer.

Reheating the Tortilla Chips:

Place the basket of tortilla chips into the preheated air fryer and set the timer for 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on the chips to ensure they don't burn, and shake the basket halfway through for even reheating.

Checking and Adjusting:

Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the basket and check if the chips have reached your desired level of crispiness. If they need more time, return them to the air fryer for another 1-2 minutes.

Cooling and Serving:

When the chips are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. Enjoy your freshly reheated tortilla chips!

Tips for Perfect Results:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even heating and crispiness.
• Blot the chips with a paper towel before reheating if they have excess moisture or oil.
• Add a bit of oil and sprinkle some salt or seasoning before reheating for enhanced flavor and texture.
• Experiment with different seasonings and toppings to create your favorite flavor combinations.

Frequently asked questions