Air Fryer: Reheating Food, Safe?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They're versatile, fast, and energy-efficient. But can you use them to heat up leftovers?

The short answer is yes. Air fryers are great for reheating food and can be used for everything from pizza and fries to chicken and fish. They're especially good for dishes that benefit from a crispy texture, like fried foods or roasted vegetables.

Reheating food in an air fryer offers several advantages over traditional methods. The hot air circulation ensures even heating, so you don't get those cold spots you might get with a microwave. It also helps retain moisture, so your food doesn't dry out. And, of course, it gives you that crispy exterior without the need for excess oil.

There are a few things to keep in mind, though. First, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This can lead to uneven heating and longer cooking times. Second, different foods require different temperatures and cooking times, so it's important to keep an eye on your food to avoid overcooking or burning.

So, the next time you have leftovers, don't be afraid to break out the air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to enjoy your favorite meals again.

Reheating pizza in an air fryer

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to between 325-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating the air fryer is important for achieving the best results and ensuring your pizza is cooked evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Slices

Remove your desired number of pizza slices from the refrigerator and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure the pizza slices do not overlap as this will affect cooking time and evenness. If you are using a basket-style air fryer, you may need to cook the slices in batches. For oven-style air fryers, you can place multiple slices on a baking tray, ensuring there is space between them.

Step 3: Cook the Pizza

Cook the pizza for 3 to 4 minutes. For thinner crusts, 2-3 minutes may be sufficient, while thicker crusts may need an extra minute or two. Check the pizza regularly to ensure it is not burning and adjust the temperature or cooking time as needed. If you are using an oven-style air fryer, remember that the higher the shelf, the quicker the pizza will reheat.

Step 4: Check and Remove the Pizza

Once the pizza has reached your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and enjoy! Be careful not to leave the pizza in the air fryer for too long after it is warmed through, as it will continue to cook and may dry out or burn.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use tongs to remove the pizza slices from the air fryer to avoid burning your fingers.
• For extra crispy slices, spray them with a little olive oil before cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or tray. Leave space around the food to allow for proper air circulation.
• Depending on the type of toppings, you may want to remove them before reheating and add them back during the last minute or two of cooking to avoid burning.
• Parchment paper or a silicone liner can be used for easy cleanup.
• If using foil, be sure to cut holes in it to allow for proper air circulation.

Reheating fried chicken in an air fryer

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Preheat the air fryer: Set the temperature to between 360-375°F (180-190°C). Preheating is important to get the air fryer hot enough to crisp up the chicken.
• Prepare the chicken: If you like, spray or brush the chicken with a little oil for extra crispiness. You can also add more seasoning to the chicken before reheating.
• Arrange the chicken in the basket: Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece to allow for proper airflow. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will prevent the chicken from crisping up properly.
• Reheat: Place the basket in the air fryer and reheat for 5-7 minutes. For larger pieces of chicken, you may need to reheat for up to 8-10 minutes.
• Flip or shake: After the initial reheating, gently flip the chicken pieces or shake the basket to ensure even heating.
• Continue reheating: Return the basket to the air fryer and continue reheating for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly heated.
• Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is important for both food safety and to ensure the chicken is nice and hot.

Tips:

• The time and temperature may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, as well as the model of your air fryer. Start checking for doneness around the 5-minute mark and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Always allow the chicken to come to room temperature before reheating. This helps the inside cook thoroughly without over-browning the crust.
• Don't reheat the chicken more than once to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
• If you're working with multiple pieces, you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

What Not to Do:

• Don't reheat fried chicken in the microwave. The moisture in the microwave can make the chicken soggy and toughen the coating.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will prevent the hot air from circulating properly and may lead to uneven cooking.

Enjoy your crispy and juicy fried chicken!

Reheating fries and other fried foods in an air fryer

Reheating fried foods in an air fryer is a great way to ensure they regain their crispy texture without becoming greasy. While microwaving fried foods is likely to leave them soggy, air fryers use hot air to crisp up the outside of fried foods while keeping the inside tender.

Fries

To reheat fries in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 350–400°F. Then, arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket or tray, allowing for air circulation. Cook for 2–6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fries. For thinner fries, check after 2 minutes to make sure they don't burn.

Fried Chicken

You can reheat fried chicken in an air fryer to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Preheat the air fryer to 350–375°F and lay the chicken in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 3–5 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until heated through.

Other Fried Foods

You can also reheat other fried foods, like onion rings, chicken nuggets, and mozzarella sticks, in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350–400°F and place the food in the basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 2–3 minutes, or until the food reaches your desired level of crispiness.

Tips

• Preheat the air fryer for 3–4 minutes before adding food.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow for even cooking.
• Check the food regularly to prevent burning or drying out.
• Flip the food or shake the basket halfway through cooking for a more even cook.
• If your food starts to look dry, add a spritz of oil and lower the temperature.
• Reheating times will vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer, as well as the type and amount of food you are reheating.

Reheating grilled or roasted vegetables in an air fryer

Preparation:

Before reheating your grilled or roasted vegetables in the air fryer, make sure they are fresh, not frozen. Frozen vegetables tend to steam in the air fryer instead of developing a charred exterior. Cut your vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. You can use a variety of tender vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, onions, eggplant, asparagus, broccoli, and cauliflower. If using root vegetables or firmer options, adjust the cooking time and cook them separately to avoid overcooking the tender veggies.

Marinade:

Create a delicious marinade by mixing extra virgin olive oil or regular olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian herbs, and black pepper. You can also use a combination of dried thyme, basil, and oregano if you don't have an Italian herb blend. The marinade adds flavor and helps char the vegetables.

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Mix your vegetables with the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. If using mushrooms, add them last as they tend to absorb liquid quickly. Cook the vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Set the timer for 12 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Once done, season with salt to taste.

Reheating:

You can reheat your grilled or roasted vegetables in the air fryer to recapture that fresh-off-the-grill flavor. Set the air fryer to 400°F and reheat for 3 to 4 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but this may result in a loss of the char and crispy texture.

Storage:

Store your grilled or roasted vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. While some sources mention freezing as an option, it may result in sogginess and a loss of crispness.

Reheating baked goods in an air fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). This is a lower temperature than you would use for other foods, as you want to heat your baked goods all the way through without burning the outside.

Next, place your baked goods inside the air fryer basket. It's best to place them in a single layer to ensure even heating, and you may need to cook in batches if you have a lot. You can spritz them with a little water before reheating to restore moisture.

Reheat for 3-5 minutes, and your baked goods will be good as new!

Some examples of baked goods that you can reheat in an air fryer include:

• Quiche
• Fried pies
• Pastries
• Muffins
• Croissants
• Cookies
• Pizza

Frequently asked questions