Make-Ahead Freezer Meals: Air Fryer Reheating Tips

can make ahead freezer meals be reheated in air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat make-ahead freezer meals. They are like mini convection ovens, which means they can reheat food quickly and evenly. This helps to retain the texture of the food, keeping things like French fries, fried chicken, and pizza crispy rather than soggy.

You can reheat almost any food in the air fryer, but it works best for foods like pizza, French fries, fried snacks, chicken, steak, burgers, and roasted vegetables. It is not ideal for reheating soups, stews, pasta, rice, leafy greens, whole roasts, or cheese without a coating.

To reheat food in an air fryer, place the food in the air fryer basket and spritz with olive oil or avocado oil (optional). Set the air fryer to between 350-400°F (175-204°C) and cook until heated through. For best results, shake or flip the food halfway through.

Characteristics	Values
Can make-ahead freezer meals be reheated in an air fryer?	Yes
What containers should you use for make-ahead freezer meals?	Freezer-safe storage products, e.g. freezer plastic containers with lids, aluminum freezer containers with lids
How do you make ahead freezer meals?	Make an extra batch and freeze for later, or make several recipes and prep them for the freezer
How long will the freezer meals last?	3-6 months, sometimes longer for soups
What foods freeze well?	Pancakes, waffles, biscuits, fruit, vegetables
What temperature should you reheat food in an air fryer?	360°F (180°C) is a good starting point, but temperature varies depending on the food
How long should you reheat food in an air fryer?	Varies depending on the food, but generally 3-5 minutes

What You'll Learn

Make-ahead freezer meals that can be reheated in an air fryer
The best foods to reheat in an air fryer
Foods that should not be reheated in an air fryer
How to reheat make-ahead meals in an air fryer?
Air fryer recipes for make-ahead meals

Make-ahead freezer meals that can be reheated in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook a meal quickly, but they're also perfect for meal prepping. You can easily prepare a variety of freezer meals and reheat them in the air fryer for quick and easy dinner prep. Here are some make-ahead freezer meal ideas that can be reheated in an air fryer:

Barbecue Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Separate 2 lbs of chicken wings into drums and wings.
Add 1 tablespoon each of garlic powder, brown sugar, paprika, and chili powder.
Mix well and store in a freezer container.
On serving day, thaw the meal and place it in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Shake the contents and cook for another 10 minutes at 400 degrees.
Serve with carrot and celery sticks, and a dip made with ranch mix, sour cream, and mayo.

Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken

Chop 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
Add 1 tablespoon each of minced garlic, roughly chopped onion, and roughly chopped green bell pepper.
Also add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 tablespoon each of rice wine vinegar and soy sauce.
Mix well and store in a freezer container.
On serving day, thaw the meal and place it in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Serve over cooked rice with a sauce made from ketchup, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and salt/pepper.

Air Fryer Shrimp Fajitas

Roughly slice 1 onion, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 red bell pepper.
Add 2 packs of fajita seasoning mix and mix well.
Store in a freezer container.
On serving day, thaw the meal and place it in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 375 degrees for 13 minutes. Stir the contents and air fry for another 13 minutes at 400 degrees.
Serve on tortillas with sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, lime juice, and cooked rice on the side.

Air Fryer Hawaiian Ham Toss

Peel, core, and chop 1 pineapple. Roughly chop 1 red onion and 1 green bell pepper.
Chop 2 lbs of ham into 1-2 inch chunks.
Add 1 tablespoon each of brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and brown mustard.
Mix well and store in a freezer container.
On serving day, thaw the meal and place it in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, stirring once during the cook cycle.
Serve with prepared stuffing on the side.

Air Fryer Cilantro Lime Chicken

Halve 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Add 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper.
Mix well and store in a freezer container.
On serving day, thaw the meal and place it in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping the chicken once.
Serve with an avocado mash (avocado, cilantro, and seasonings) and cooked black beans on the side.

Garlic Lemon Air Fryer Salmon & Asparagus

Use 1 lb of frozen salmon fillets.
Add lemon juice from 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon each of minced garlic and dried parsley, and 1 lb of asparagus (ends removed).
Store in a freezer container.
On serving day, thaw the meal and place it in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Flip the fillets and air fry for another 8 minutes at 350 degrees.
Serve with cooked rice pilaf on the side.

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The best foods to reheat in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat your food and ensure that it stays crispy. They are perfect for reheating frozen, make-ahead meals and can be used for a variety of dishes. Here are some of the best foods to reheat in an air fryer:

Pizza

Reheat your pizza in an air fryer and say goodbye to soggy, rubbery bases. Place the slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer and heat for around 3-4 minutes at 350°F. You can also reheat calzones and cheesy bread in the same way.

French Fries

Leftover fries can be crispy again! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 2-5 minutes. You can also reheat other fried foods like onion rings, zucchini fries, and tater tots.

Chicken Wings and Tenders

Air fryers are great for reheating chicken wings and tenders, ensuring a crispy exterior without drying out the meat. Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F and cook for 3-7 minutes for wings and 5-7 minutes for tenders.

Fried Chicken

Just like chicken wings, you can reheat fried chicken in the air fryer without it becoming soggy. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Asian Food

Most Asian dishes are stir-fried or fried, so they work well in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 2-3 minutes. If the dish has a lot of sauce, heat it separately.

Quiche, Empanadas, and Fried Pies

Reheat these dishes in an air fryer to avoid a soggy crust. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 2-5 minutes.

Waffles and French Toast

For crispy waffles and French toast, preheat your air fryer to 360°F and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Hamburgers

Disassemble your burger and remove any cold toppings and sauces before placing it in the air fryer. Heat the patty for 3-4 minutes at 350°F, then add the buns and heat for another minute.

Steak

To reheat steak without overcooking it, preheat your air fryer to 360°F. If your steak is refrigerated, let it come to room temperature first. Heat for 3-5 minutes.

Spring Rolls and Egg Rolls

Keep the wrapper crispy and the filling warm by placing them on the frying plate inside the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 350°F and cook for 3 minutes on each side.

Fish and Chips

For fish and chips, place the fish on an air fryer rack and spritz with oil. Air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes, then flip the fish and add the chips. Spritz with oil and air fry for another 5 minutes.

Chicken

Reheat chicken in the air fryer by preheating to 350-400°F and placing the chicken in the basket without overcrowding. Reheat for 3-10 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.

Sautéed/Roasted Vegetables

Reheat your veggies at 360°F for 3-5 minutes. Separate them and spray with a little oil for the best results.

Meatloaf

Slice the meatloaf or leave it whole, then place it in the air fryer basket at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.

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Foods that should not be reheated in an air fryer

While air fryers are a great way to cook a meal quickly, there are some foods that are not suitable for reheating in an air fryer.

Anything with a wet batter, such as fried chicken, will not cook well in an air fryer. The batter will drip down into the base of the machine, making a mess and potentially setting off the alarm on models with alert systems. Instead, opt for a dry coating or flour mixture when air-frying chicken.

Similarly, foods with a lot of sauce, such as stews, chillies, and bolognese, are not ideal for air fryers. The hot air circulation can cause the liquid to splatter, resulting in a messy and potentially dangerous situation. It is recommended to stick to stovetops or ovens for these saucy dishes.

Popcorn is another food that should be avoided in air fryers. Most models cannot reach the required temperature to pop the kernels, and the kernels can become lodged in the heating element, creating a fire hazard.

Large, bone-in meat cuts, like a whole chicken, are better suited for roasting in an oven. Air fryers may not cook these evenly, leading to overcooked breast meat and undercooked thighs. Smaller pieces, like chicken wings, are better suited for air fryers.

Bacon is also not ideal for air fryers. The hot air causes the bacon fat to spray all over the inside of the machine, resulting in a greasy mess. Turkey bacon, which is leaner, is a better option for air frying.

Cheesy dishes should be approached with caution in an air fryer. Cheese can melt quickly and drip into the base of the tray, so it's best to use a small amount of cheese and ensure it won't drip.

Leafy greens, such as spinach, collard, or kale, are not ideal for air fryers. The light leaves can fly around the basket, resulting in uneven cooking. Sturdier vegetables, like broccoli, are better options for air frying.

Lastly, raw rice and grains should not be cooked in an air fryers. They need to be boiled or cooked first and then added to the air fryer for a crispy finish.

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How to reheat make-ahead meals in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat make-ahead meals. They are like mini convection ovens, so they are great for reheating food in a short amount of time. Here is a guide on how to reheat make-ahead meals in an air fryer:

Preheating the Air Fryer:

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for best results. Set the air fryer to 350-400°F/175-204°C for 4-5 minutes before placing the food inside.

Placing the Food in the Air Fryer:

When placing the food in the air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket. Leave some space between the items to allow hot air to circulate freely. For foods like French fries, you can cook them in multiple layers, but do not fill the entire basket. For thicker items like steak, cook them in a single layer. If you have a large amount of food, cook it in batches.

Reheating Time and Temperature:

The time and temperature will vary depending on the type of food, its size, and the quantity. As a general guideline, reheat foods at 350-370°F/175-187°C for 3-5 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check if the food has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F/73.8°C.

Oil and Seasonings:

You can spritz the food with a little bit of oil, such as avocado or olive oil, to help it get crispy again. This step is optional but can enhance the texture. You can also add seasonings or cheese during the last minute of cooking to prevent them from burning.

Foods Suitable for Reheating in an Air Fryer:

Almost any food can be reheated in an air fryer, especially those that you want to be crispy again. This includes leftover pizza, French fries, fried snacks like onion rings and chicken nuggets, chicken, steak, burgers, and roasted or air-fried vegetables.

Foods Not Suitable for Reheating in an Air Fryer:

Certain foods are not recommended for reheating in an air fryer. These include leafy greens like spinach or arugula, whole roasts like roast beef or whole chicken, cheese without a coating (except grilling cheeses like halloumi), soups, stews, pasta, and rice. These foods may take too long to reheat or may not benefit from the air fryer's cooking method.

Tips for Reheating Meat:

For reheating meat, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the air fryer. This will help the meat cook more evenly and prevent it from drying out. Check the internal temperature of the meat with a thermometer, and ensure it reaches 165°F/73.8°C.

Reheating Stale Food:

The air fryer can also be used to revive stale food and make it crispy again. For example, you can place stale chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook them at 380°F/190°C for 1-2 minutes.

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Air fryer recipes for make-ahead meals

Air fryers are a great way to cook a meal quickly, but they are also perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare a variety of freezer meals and reheat them in the air fryer for quick and easy dinner prep. Here are some make-ahead air fryer meal recipes to get you started:

Beef and Bean Burritos

To make beef and bean burritos, simply cook your favourite beef and bean filling on the stovetop and allow it to cool completely. Wrap the filling in tortillas and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to eat, pop them in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal.

Lemon Pepper Chicken

For lemon pepper chicken, marinate chicken breasts or thighs in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Place the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze. When you're ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator and cook it in the air fryer until cooked through.

Sweet Sriracha Salmon

For a delicious and spicy salmon dish, marinate salmon fillets in a mixture of sriracha, honey, soy sauce, and garlic. Place the salmon in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze. When you're ready to eat, thaw the salmon and cook it in the air fryer until flaky and cooked through.

Ranch Chicken Tenders

Make a batch of your favourite ranch chicken tenders and allow them to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze. When you're ready to enjoy, pop them in the air fryer for a crispy and tasty treat.

Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Cut your favourite cut of steak into thin strips and marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, lime juice, cumin, and garlic. Chop up some bell peppers and onions and toss them with the steak. Place the mixture in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze. When you're ready to eat, thaw the mixture and cook it in the air fryer until the steak is cooked to your desired doneness.

Tips for Using Your Air Fryer:

Allow frozen meals to thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking in the air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer before adding your food for best results.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of meats.

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Frequently asked questions

What are some make-ahead freezer meals that can be reheated in an air fryer?

Some make-ahead freezer meals that can be reheated in an air fryer include:

- Chicken fajitas

- Beef & Bean Chimichangas

- Chicken Parmesan

- Chicken pot pies

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken, broccoli, bacon, and potato bake

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken wings

- Chicken nuggets

- Chicken Alfredo

- Chicken schnitzel

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken fajitas

- Chicken tenders and chicken nuggets

- Chicken breasts

- Chicken wings

- Chicken breasts

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken nuggets

- Chicken schnitzel

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken breasts

- Chicken Parmesan

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken Alfredo

- Chicken schnitzel

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken Parmesan

- Chicken Alfredo

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken wings

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken Parmesan

- Chicken Alfredo

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken Parmesan

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken Parmesan

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken Parmesan

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken Parmesan

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken Parmesan

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken Parmesan

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken tenders

- Chicken drumsticks

- Chicken drum

Make-Ahead Freezer Meals: Air Fryer Reheating Tips

What You'll Learn

Make-ahead freezer meals that can be reheated in an air fryer

Air Fryer Pork Chops: Timing for Thick Cuts

The best foods to reheat in an air fryer

Air-Fried Churros: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Foods that should not be reheated in an air fryer

Air Fryer Frozen Burritos: How Long to Cook?

How to reheat make-ahead meals in an air fryer

Air Fryer Poppers: The Perfect Timing for Crunchy Treats

Air fryer recipes for make-ahead meals

Air-Fryer Eggs: Quick 400-Degree Cooking Time

Frequently asked questions

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