Reheating Food Safely: Using Your Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat your food. They are like mini convection ovens, so they can quickly reheat leftovers without drying them out. They also make food crispy again, something a microwave can't do.

You can reheat almost any type of food in an air fryer, including leftover pizza, French fries, fried snacks, chicken, steak, burgers, and roasted or air-fried vegetables.

However, there are some foods that you shouldn't put in an air fryer. These include leafy greens like spinach or arugula, large cuts of meat or whole roasts, creamy or cheesy sauces, soups, stews, and soft cakes.

To reheat food in an air fryer, simply place the food in the basket, add a light spray of oil, and set the temperature to 360°F (180°C). Shake the basket or flip the food halfway through to ensure even cooking. Reheat until the food reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How to reheat pizza in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat food in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to reheat leftovers and get them crispy again without drying them out.

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F for a few minutes. Place the pizza slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. You can line the basket with parchment paper, aluminium foil, or a silicone liner for easy cleanup.

Cook the pizza for 3-4 minutes, checking occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. If it's browning too quickly, lower the temperature by 25 degrees. If it's not done after 4 minutes, simply add more time as needed.

For thin-crust pizza, preheat the air fryer to 325°F and cook for 2-3 minutes. For thick-crust or deep-dish pizza, preheat to 300°F and cook for 5-7 minutes.

There's no need to spray oil on the pizza as the cheese already has enough oil in it. However, if you wish to prevent cheese from sticking to the basket, you can place a piece of parchment paper underneath the slices.

Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even and quick heating. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to soggy, unevenly reheated pizza.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy leftover pizza that's crispy and delicious, just like it's fresh out of the oven!

How to reheat steak in an air fryer

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

• Allow the steak to come to room temperature before reheating. This will help it cook more quickly and reduce the risk of drying out.
• Slice the steak. This will help it reheat more quickly and evenly, resulting in the juiciest steak.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F or 360°F.
• Place the steak in the air fryer basket. If you have sliced your steak, check it after about three minutes to avoid overcooking. For a whole steak, cook for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on its size and thickness. A very thick steak may take an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature of the steak. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to consume. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
• Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Some additional tips for reheating steak in an air fryer:

• It is best to reheat only the amount of steak you will finish. Reheating multiple times can affect the quality of the steak.
• If you want your steak to be rare or below well-done, be aware that consuming leftovers that haven't been sufficiently heated poses a risk. The USDA recommends reheating leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F.
• You can spritz the steak with a bit of oil before reheating to help refresh the crispness.

How to reheat chicken in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat food in an air fryer! In fact, it's a great way to reheat chicken and ensure it stays moist and juicy. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Let the Chicken Come to Room Temperature:

Remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps the chicken reheat more evenly and prevents the outside from drying out before the inside is heated through.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 360°F (180°C). You don't have to preheat it for long; a few minutes will do.

Prepare the Chicken:

Brush the chicken with a thin layer of olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray. This helps retain moisture and restore crispness. You can also add extra seasoning at this point if desired.

Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer Basket:

Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure there is enough space between each piece for optimal airflow and even cooking. If you're reheating larger pieces, you may need to do this in batches.

Reheat the Chicken:

Place the basket into the air fryer and reheat for 5-6 minutes initially. Then, use tongs to carefully turn the chicken pieces, so they cook evenly on all sides. Continue reheating for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly warmed through.

Check the Internal Temperature:

Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the recommended temperature for safe consumption, according to USDA guidelines.

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. However, be careful not to overcook the chicken.

Tips for Reheating Chicken in an Air Fryer:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• If your chicken is coated with sauce or breadcrumbs, place it on parchment paper in the basket to prevent sticking.
• Remember to adjust the reheating time based on the thickness and size of your chicken pieces.
• Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Experiment with seasonings or sauces to add extra flavor to your reheated chicken.

How to reheat burgers in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat food in an air fryer! In fact, it's a great way to ensure maximum flavour and texture. Here's how to reheat burgers in an air fryer:

• Take the burgers out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
• Place the burgers in the air fryer basket or on a tray in a single layer. If you want to add cheese, now is the time!
• Reheat the burgers at 300°F (149°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
• If you're reheating fast-food burgers, you may want to remove any toppings such as lettuce and tomato, as these will get slightly cooked. You can always add them back in after reheating if you prefer them cool.
• If you're reheating the burgers with the bun, add a toothpick to secure the top so it doesn't fly off! The bun will come out lightly crisped.
• If you find any cold spots in your burger after reheating, simply pop it back into the air fryer for an additional minute or two.
• Enjoy your juicy, delicious, freshly reheated burger!

Tips for Reheating Burgers in an Air Fryer:

• For even cooking, make sure the burgers are spaced evenly in the air fryer basket for optimal airflow.
• If you're reheating cheeseburgers, add an extra slice of cheese before reheating if you want more cheese.
• If you're making burgers specifically to reheat later, leave the cheese off until you're nearly finished reheating them.
• If you're reheating multiple burgers, cook them in batches so you don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• You can also reheat egg rolls in the air fryer!

How to reheat vegetables in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat vegetables in an air fryer and it's a great way to get them crispy again. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preheat Your Air Fryer

First, you need to set the right temperature for the type of vegetables you are reheating. For firm vegetables like broccoli or carrots, preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (190°C). For leafy greens or soft vegetables like zucchini or spinach, preheat it to around 325°F (165°C).

Prepare Your Vegetables

Before placing the veggies in the air fryer, brush them with olive oil or cooking spray. This step is optional but it can help enhance their texture and prevent sticking. You can also season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika to add some extra flavor.

Air Fry Your Veggies

Place the vegetables in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even heating. Set the desired temperature and timing based on their original doneness. It usually takes around 3-5 minutes for most veggies to heat through thoroughly. Halfway through the cooking time, gently flip or stir the veggies to ensure even browning and reheating.

Tips:

• Monitor the cooking process to prevent overcooking or undercooking, as the reheating time may vary depending on the type and quantity of vegetables.
• If you have a variety of leftover veggies, combine them to create a colorful and flavorful mix. Reheating different types together saves time and makes for an appetizing side dish.
• For roasted vegetables, try to use a good mixture of colored vegetables to make a vibrant side dish. Slice the vegetables into even-sized pieces so that they cook at the same rate.

Frequently asked questions