Reheating Food: Air Fryer Magic

Air fryers are a great alternative to microwaves when it comes to reheating food. They can be used to reheat a wide variety of foods, from pizza to chicken wings, and are especially good at making leftovers crispy again. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food, which helps to preserve the texture of the food and avoid sogginess. They are also faster and more energy-efficient than ovens, making them ideal for small to medium-sized portions.

Reheating 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 making them soggy.

Here's what you need to do:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-375°F (180-190°C).
• Place your pizza slices flat in the middle of the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure they are in a single layer and don't overlap. Thicker crusts may need a little longer to heat through, so consider giving them an extra minute or two.
• Reheat for 3-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of your pizza. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn.
• Check the internal temperature of the pizza has reached at least 165°F (73.8°C).
• Carefully remove the pizza from the air fryer and enjoy!

Some extra tips:

• If you want your pizza slices extra crispy, spray them with a little olive oil before cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket or tray. You don't want the slices to stick together or not heat up properly.
• Use tongs to remove the slices so you don't burn your fingers.
• If your toppings look like they might burn, remove them before reheating and add them back in for the last minute or two.
• Don't reheat the pizza again after this—it's best to only reheat what you will eat.

Reheating chicken 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. If you're looking to reheat chicken in particular, here are some detailed instructions to help you get the best results:

Preparation

If your chicken is in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to remove some of the chill. This will help it reheat more evenly. You can then brush the chicken with a little bit of oil or use a cooking spray to help bring out the crispiness.

Air Fryer Settings

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F-360°F (175°C-182°C) and heat it up for a few minutes. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Arranging the Chicken

Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for proper airflow and optimal hot air circulation. If you're reheating bigger pieces, you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Reheating

Place the basket into the air fryer and reheat for 4-6 minutes. After this, turn the chicken pieces and reheat for another 2-5 minutes or until fully warmed through. Larger chicken pieces will take longer.

Checking for Doneness

Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. This is the temperature at which the chicken is safe to eat, 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 time. However, be careful not to overcook it.

Safety Tips

• Always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
• Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw chicken separate from cooked chicken. Wash your hands, utensils, and countertops thoroughly after handling raw chicken.
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking and store them in shallow containers to allow for rapid cooling.
• Avoid reheating leftovers multiple times, as this increases the risk of bacterial contamination.

Storing Reheated Chicken

• After reheating, allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature for no more than 2 hours.
• Divide the chicken into smaller portions, if necessary, before storing.
• Use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags for storage.
• Label the containers with the contents and the date of reheating.
• Place the containers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of reheating.
• While you can freeze cooked chicken, it's generally not recommended to freeze it after reheating as it can affect the texture and taste.

Reheating steak in an air fryer

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

Preparation

Before you start, make sure you only have one portion of steak to reheat, as meat can only be reheated once for food safety reasons. It is best to use the air fryer for reheating individual portions.

Take your steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the steak cook more evenly and prevent it from drying out.

Air Fryer Settings

Preheat your air fryer for 2-5 minutes at 380-400°F/190-204°C. A preheated air fryer will ensure the steak doesn't become overcooked on the outside before the centre is warmed.

Reheating the Steak

Place the steak inside the air fryer basket. If you are reheating multiple steaks, ensure they are in a single layer and not touching each other. This is so the hot air can reach all sides of the steak and reheat it evenly.

Spray or brush the steak with olive oil. This is optional but helps to conduct heat, keeping the steak juicy. You can also add steak seasoning if you wish.

Reheat the steak at 380°F/190°C for 2-3 minutes. Flip the steak over and check the internal temperature. Continue reheating until the steak reaches at least 110°F/43°C in the centre of the thickest part.

Serving

Top the steak with garlic butter or your favourite steak sauce and serve.

Tips

• The air fryer is great for reheating steak as it keeps the exterior crisp and the interior juicy.
• Rare or medium-rare steaks are best for reheating as they won't overcook while warming through.
• Reheating times will be shorter for sliced steak or steak bites.
• Avoid drying out your steak by focusing on a lower temperature of 160°C/320°F.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. If reheating a lot of food, cook in batches.
• Check the food regularly to ensure it doesn't burn or dry out.

Reheating fries in an air fryer

To reheat fries in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Then, arrange the fries in a single layer in the fryer basket. This will allow hot air to circulate around the fries, ensuring they all reheat evenly. If you have a lot of fries, you may need to cook them in batches. Finally, heat the fries for 3-5 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

You can spritz the fries with a little oil to help them get crispier, but this is optional. If you are reheating thicker fries, they may need a minute or two longer to heat up.

Reheating burgers in an air fryer

Step 1: Preparing the burger

Remove any toppings or condiments such as lettuce, tomato, onions, and mayonnaise. These ingredients can become wilted or soggy when reheated, so it is best to add them back after the burger is heated. Wrap the burger patty loosely in aluminium foil to prevent it from drying out. The foil helps trap moisture and ensures the burger stays juicy.

Step 2: Preheating the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This temperature and preheating time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so consult the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 3: Reheating the burger

Place the foil-wrapped burger patty in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space for proper air circulation. Set the timer for 3-4 minutes as a starting point, but be aware that the time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your burger and the model of your air fryer. Close the air fryer and let it cook the burger. You can flip the burger halfway through for more even heating if desired.

Step 4: Checking the temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check that the burger has reached a minimum internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to eliminate any potential bacteria. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the burger, ensuring it is not touching the foil, and wait for an accurate reading.

Step 5: Serving the reheated burger

Remove the burger from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful burger. Finally, add back your desired toppings and condiments and serve with your favorite sides.

Tips:

• You can reheat burgers with or without the bun. Heating the bun will give it a light and crispy flavor.
• If reheating a fast-food burger, you may want to remove any toppings and heat the patty separately to avoid overcooking the vegetables.
• If you find any cold spots in your burger, simply place it back in the air fryer for an additional minute or two.
• You can also reheat cheeseburgers in the same way, adding extra cheese if desired.

Frequently asked questions