Reheating Food Safely: Using Your Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat your food. Whether it's leftover pizza, chicken, or fries, an air fryer can help bring back the crunch without the sogginess of a microwave or the hassle of an oven. Air fryers are versatile, fast, and easy to use, and they also use less energy than an oven. However, they may not be suitable for reheating large quantities of food or certain types of dishes such as salads, soups, or large roasts.

Reheating pizza in an air fryer

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature range for reheating pizza is between 325°F to 375°F (160°C to 180°C). Preheating ensures that your pizza crust gets crispy, and it's especially important if you want a quick reheat.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Slices

Take your leftover pizza slices out of the refrigerator and place them directly on the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure the slices are in a single layer and do not overlap. This arrangement allows for even cooking and proper air circulation. If you're concerned about cheese dripping into the basket, you can use perforated parchment paper or aluminium foil with holes cut into it.

Step 3: Reheat the Pizza

Now, it's time to reheat your pizza! Place the air fryer basket with the pizza slices inside and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes. For thicker crusts or deep-dish pizzas, you may need to add an extra minute or two. Keep an eye on your pizza to ensure it doesn't burn.

Step 4: Check and Adjust

After the initial cooking time, quickly open the air fryer basket to check on your pizza. If it's warmed to your liking, take it out and enjoy! If it needs a little more time, cook it for another 1-2 minutes at a time, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

Tips for the Best Results:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or tray. The number of slices you can heat at once will depend on the size of your air fryer.
• For extra crispy slices, spray them with a little olive oil or avocado oil before cooking.
• Use tongs to remove the slices from the fryer basket to avoid burning your fingers.
• If your toppings are prone to burning, consider removing them before reheating and adding them back during the last 1-2 minutes.
• Remember that reheated pizza may cook a little quicker with each subsequent batch.

The air fryer is a fantastic alternative to microwaves or ovens for reheating pizza. It preserves the texture of your pizza, ensuring a crispy crust and melted cheese without sogginess or rubberiness. It's faster, uses less energy, and delivers consistent results.

So, the next time you have leftover pizza, give your air fryer a go! It's a simple way to enjoy a delicious, crispy slice without the dryness or unevenness of other reheating methods.

Reheating chicken in an air fryer

Here's a step-by-step guide to reheating chicken in an air fryer:

• Take your chicken out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps it reheat more evenly.
• Brush the chicken with a little oil or cooking spray. This will help make it crispy.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for the air to circulate. If you're reheating bigger pieces, you may need to do this in batches.
• Set the temperature to between 350°F and 400°F (175°C and 200°C). Reheat for about 3-5 minutes for wings, 5-7 minutes for tenders or nuggets, and 8-10 minutes for larger pieces like breasts or thighs.
• Flip the chicken halfway through for even heating.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's thoroughly reheated and safe to eat.
• If you want your chicken to be extra crispy, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking.

Some top tips for reheating chicken in an air fryer include:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation.
• If your chicken is coated with sauce or breadcrumbs, place it on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Remember to adjust the reheating time based on the thickness of your chicken pieces.
• Always check the internal temperature to ensure it's safe to eat.
• Experiment with seasonings or sauces to add extra flavour.

Reheating steak in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat steak in an air fryer. It's one of the best ways to reheat your steak, as it gets nice and hot without drying out.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reheat your steak:

Remove the steak from the fridge and let it rest.

Take your steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes to bring it closer to room temperature. This reduces the reheating time and helps the steak heat more evenly.

Prepare the steak.

Look at the amount of steak you have and decide how best to slice it. You want to end up with pieces that are as close in size as possible to promote even cooking.

Prepare your air fryer.

Grease your air fryer basket with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking. You can also line your air fryer with parchment paper or a silicone liner for easier cleanup.

Place the steak in the air fryer.

Place the steak in the air fryer basket. For optimal results, avoid stacking or overcrowding the basket. Leave space between the steaks to ensure proper air circulation.

Add some butter or oil.

Adding a slice of butter or a light spray/brush of oil to your steak will help it reheat quickly and stay juicy. You can also add some steak seasoning if desired.

Preheat the air fryer.

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature range for reheating steak is between 350°F and 390°F (180°C to 200°C).

Reheat the steak.

Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and reheat for about 3-10 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your steak. For thicker cuts like ribeye or T-bone, aim for 5-6 minutes. Flip the steak halfway through to ensure even heating.

Let the steak rest.

After reheating, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful steak.

Serve and enjoy!

Your steak is now ready to be served! Enjoy your perfectly reheated steak, and feel free to add some garlic butter or your favorite steak sauce on top.

Some additional tips for reheating steak in an air fryer:

• Always reheat steak to a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
• Avoid reheating steak multiple times. Reheat only the portion you intend to consume.
• If you have leftover reheated steak, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and consume it cold or use it in dishes like steak salad or sandwiches.
• For best results, use an air fryer with a basket to ensure hot air reaches all surfaces of the steak.

Now you know how to reheat steak like a pro! Enjoy your juicy and flavorful steak, and feel free to experiment with different seasonings and sauces to enhance your steak experience.

Reheating French fries in an air fryer

If you're looking to reheat French fries in an air fryer, you're in luck! The air fryer is a great way to reheat fries, as it keeps them crisp and tasty, just like they were when they were first cooked. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect reheated French fries:

• Preheat your air fryer: While some sources say that preheating is not necessary, others recommend preheating your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes for the best results and maximum crispness.
• Prepare the French fries: Place your leftover French fries in the air fryer basket. You can use any type of fry, including steak fries, sweet potato fries, waffle fries, or crinkle fries. Just make sure you don't fill the basket too full. It's okay to have multiple layers, but leave some space for air circulation.
• Add oil (optional): You can spritz the fries with a light coating of avocado oil, olive oil, or cooking spray. This will help to restore crispness and is especially recommended if your fries are looking a bit dry. However, if you're looking for a healthier option, you can skip this step.
• Set the temperature and time: Set your air fryer to 350°F–400°F (180°C–200°C). The higher temperatures will give a crispier result. Reheat for 3–6 minutes, depending on the quantity of fries and your desired level of crispness. For a small amount of fries, 4 minutes is usually enough.
• Shake the basket: Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or flip the fries to ensure even heating.
• Check for doneness: After the cooking time is up, check to make sure your fries are heated through. If they need a little more time, you can add another minute or two, but keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Serve: Once your fries are nice and warm, serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Reheating a burger in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat burgers, especially if you want to keep them juicy and delicious. They're quick, simple, and easy to use. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reheat a burger in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Burger

Take the burger out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. If it's a fast-food burger, you may want to remove any cold toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or sauces. You can also disassemble the burger by removing the toppings and separating the patty from the bun to ensure even heating.

Step 2: Place the Burger in the Air Fryer

Place the burger patty in the air fryer basket first. If you're adding cheese, this is the time to do so. You can also add a liner to the basket for easy cleanup. Make sure to leave enough space for proper airflow and don't overcrowd the basket.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Time

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This temperature will ensure that your burger is warmed evenly without drying it out. Set the timer for 2-3 minutes for a standard-sized patty. For larger burgers, you may need a little extra time. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Reheat the Buns

Add the buns to the air fryer basket and heat them together with the patty for an additional minute. This will ensure that both the patty and the buns are warmed nicely without drying out. You can also toast the buns separately for a crispier texture.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Once everything is heated, take the burger out of the air fryer and assemble it by adding the toppings back on. You can also add your favourite condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup, or mustard. Serve your juicy, freshly reheated burger with a side of your choice, such as fries or onion rings.

Tips:

• Always use a single layer when placing food in the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow and even heating.
• Avoid reheating the burger multiple times as it can affect the quality and make it drier.
• If you're reheating a cheeseburger, place the cheese on the top side of the patty for maximum melting.
• Consider using a meat thermometer to ensure the burger reaches an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F.

Frequently asked questions