Air Fryer: Warming Food Efficiently?

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens and microwaves when it comes to reheating food. They can be used to reheat almost any type of food, except water-based dishes such as soups and stews. Air fryers are ideal for reheating crispy foods, as they preserve the food's flavour and texture, ensuring that it is crispy rather than soggy. The recommended safe internal temperature to reheat food is 165°F or 73.8°C.

Reheating pizza in an air fryer

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to 350°F/175°C. However, some suggest 325°F/160°C, and if you're looking for a crispier crust, you can go up to 400°F.
• Place the pizza: Put your pizza slices in the air fryer basket or oven-style air fryer. Make sure they lie flat and don't overlap, usually in a single layer.
• Cook: For regular crust pizza, cook for 3-4 minutes. For thicker crusts, add an extra minute or two. For thin crusts, 2 minutes at a high temperature should be enough. Check your pizza regularly to ensure it's not burning.
• Check and remove: Keep an eye on your pizza, as air fryers can quickly go from perfectly melted to burnt. Remove the pizza from the air fryer when it's done to your liking.

Tips:

• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your pizza. The recommended safe internal temperature for reheating foods is 165°F/73.8°C.
• For easy cleanup, use parchment paper or a silicone liner.
• If you want your pizza slices extra crispy, spray them with a little olive oil before cooking.
• If you notice your pizza starting to brown too much, especially the crust, turn the heat down by 25-30°F.
• Avoid using aluminum foil, as it can be dangerous unless you poke holes in it for airflow.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. The hot air needs to circulate freely.

Reheating chicken in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat chicken in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your chicken is moist, juicy, and safely reheated.

Preparation

Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the best results. Firstly, if your chicken is in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to remove some of the chill. This helps the chicken reheat more evenly.

You can then brush the chicken with a little bit of oil or use a cooking spray to enhance crispiness and prevent sticking. You can also add a little extra seasoning at this point if you feel your chicken needs it.

Air Frying

Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space between each piece for optimal hot air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent proper airflow and result in uneven reheating.

Preheat the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (some sources recommend 360°F or 375°F). Lightly coat the air fryer basket with a layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Load the basket into the air fryer and reheat the chicken for 5-8 minutes. Then, turn the chicken pieces carefully with tongs to ensure even cooking on all sides. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue reheating for another 5 minutes or until thoroughly warmed through.

Checking for Doneness

It is important to ensure that your reheated chicken is safe to eat. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a digital meat thermometer to get an accurate reading.

Tips for Maintaining Crispiness

• Preheat the air fryer to create an ideal environment for crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow for even air circulation.
• Use a light coating of oil to help restore crispiness.
• Monitor the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
• If the chicken seems dry during reheating, add a little bit of chicken stock, water, or another liquid to the air fryer basket.
• Let the reheated chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Safety Precautions

• Always ensure that reheated chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent food poisoning.
• Avoid reheating chicken multiple times to mitigate the risk of contamination.
• According to USDA guidelines, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days.
• Wash your hands, utensils, and countertops thoroughly after handling raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.

What Not to Reheat in an Air Fryer

While an air fryer is great for reheating crispy foods like fried chicken, it may not be the best option for water-based dishes or large pieces of meat like roasts. These items can take too long to come to temperature and may be better suited for reheating in the oven or on the stovetop.

Now you know how to reheat your chicken in an air fryer! Enjoy your moist and juicy chicken safely with these helpful tips and guidelines.

Reheating steak in an air fryer

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

• Remove steak from the fridge: Take your leftover steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the steak cook more evenly and prevents it from drying out.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 370°F to 380°F (187°C to 190°C) and preheat for 2 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the air fryer is at the desired temperature when you place the steak inside, preventing overcooking.
• Prepare the steak: Lightly spray or brush the steak with olive oil or avocado oil. Oil helps conduct heat, ensuring that the steak reheats quickly and stays juicy. You can also add steak seasoning if desired.
• Place the steak in the air fryer: Put the steak in the air fryer basket. If you are reheating multiple steaks, place them in a single layer, ensuring they are not stacked or touching. This allows hot air to circulate around each steak for even cooking.
• Reheat the steak: Reheat the steak at 370°F to 380°F (187°C to 190°C) for 2 to 3 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the steak using a meat thermometer. For food safety, ensure the steak reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73.8°C).
• Flip and reheat, if necessary: Flip the steak and continue reheating for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. If desired, you can add sauces or cheese during the last minute of cooking.
• Serve: Once the steak is reheated to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Some additional tips for reheating steak in an air fryer:

• It is best to reheat steak only once for food safety reasons. Reheat only the portion you plan to consume, and store the rest for later.
• The ideal temperature for reheating steak is around 320°F to 380°F (160°C to 190°C). Higher temperatures may dry out the steak or continue cooking it, changing the doneness.
• If you are reheating multiple batches of steak, group steaks of similar thickness together. Thickness is a key factor in determining how long steaks take to reheat.
• You can add a slice of butter on top of the steak while reheating for added flavour and moisture.

Reheating French fries in an air fryer

An air fryer can be used to reheat French fries, making them crispy and delicious. The air fryer is one of the best ways to reheat fries as it crisps them up again without using any extra oil.

To reheat French fries in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Place the fries in a single layer inside the basket and add a tiny bit of oil or spritz with cooking spray. Then, air fry for 2-6 minutes, shaking them around halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the quantity of fries and the specific air fryer being used.

Reheating a burger in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Burger

Remove the burger from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly and prevents it from drying out. If your burger has any delicate toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles, remove them and set them aside. You can always add them back later.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F to 400°F. The preheating time may vary depending on your air fryer model, but it usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 3: Place the Burger in the Air Fryer

Place the burger patty, along with the bun if desired, in the air fryer basket or on an air fryer tray. Make sure to place them in a single layer and not stacked to ensure even heating. If you're reheating a cheeseburger, place the cheese on top of the patty for maximum melting.

Step 4: Reheat the Burger

Set the timer for 2 to 5 minutes. The reheating time will depend on the size of your burger and the power of your air fryer. Keep an eye on your burger to avoid overcooking. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 160°F to 165°F.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

Once your burger is heated through, add back any toppings you removed earlier. You can also add condiments such as mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce. Serve your juicy, crispy burger with your favourite sides, such as French fries, tater tots, or onion rings. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Results:

• Don't crowd the air fryer basket. Reheat one burger at a time to maintain proper airflow.
• Consider the type of toppings. Delicate toppings like lettuce and tomato are best added after reheating to avoid overcooking.
• Avoid overcooking by keeping the reheating time short. Remove the burger from the air fryer as soon as it's heated through.
• For a crispy bun, separate the top and bottom halves and place them in the air fryer. This gives them a light and crispy texture.
• If reheating a fast-food burger, you may want to remove toppings and heat the patty and bun separately. That way, you can avoid overcooking the toppings.
• If you encounter cold spots in your burger, simply pop it back into the air fryer for an additional minute or two until it's warmed to your liking.

Frequently asked questions