Reheating Subs: Air Fryer Magic

If you're looking to revive a sub sandwich, an air fryer can be your best friend. It's a simple and easy way to bring the flavour back to life, giving you a melty, toasty, and tasty sandwich. The hot air circulated by the air fryer cooks everything evenly, and you can have a crispy warm bun and tender toppings in just 5 minutes.

The key to success is to ensure your sandwich doesn't dry out. Wrapping it in foil will help with this, and will also keep the ingredients intact and ensure the cheese melts perfectly. You can also add moisture by brushing the bread with olive oil or butter before reheating.

So, if you have leftover subs that you want to turn from soggy to crispy, the air fryer is a great option.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for reheating your sub in an air fryer will depend on several factors, including the type of air fryer you have, the size of your sub, and your personal preferences for crispness. Here are some general guidelines to help you achieve the best results:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Most sources recommend a temperature of around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to ensure even cooking. However, one source suggests a lower temperature of 250ºF for reheating sandwiches.

Next, prepare your sub. It is recommended to remove any fresh toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, or other vegetables, as these can become soggy or change texture when heated. You may also want to remove condiments like mayonnaise and ketchup and add them back after reheating. If your sub has cheese, you may want to leave it wrapped in foil to help it melt perfectly without making a mess. If your sub is on the lighter side, secure it with toothpicks to prevent it from blowing around in the air fryer.

Now, you're ready to place your sub in the air fryer. If you're using parchment paper or aluminium foil, create a pouch and leave some space for heat circulation within. Place your wrapped sub into the air fryer basket. If you're not using foil or paper, you can place the sub directly into the basket.

For timing, a good starting point is to reheat your sub for around 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, this may vary depending on the size and thickness of your sub, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Keep in mind that different air fryers have different temperature settings, so you may need to adjust the time accordingly. It is always a good idea to check on your sub periodically to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

If you want to add some extra crispness to your sub, consider increasing the temperature slightly or switching to “crisp” mode for the last few minutes of cooking.

Finally, once your sub is heated to your desired temperature, add back any fresh toppings or condiments that you removed earlier. Serve immediately while it's still hot and crispy!

Wrapping the sub

Wrapping your sub is an optional step when reheating it in an air fryer, but it can help prevent sticking and promote even cooking. You can use either parchment paper or aluminium foil for this purpose.

To wrap your sub, start by placing it on a sheet of foil. If your sub is particularly long, you may need to use multiple sheets of foil or parchment paper. Cut your sub in half lengthwise, and open it up like a book. Spread any desired condiments on the inside of the bread, and add your desired fillings. Close the sub, and wrap it tightly in the foil or parchment paper, leaving some space for heat circulation within the pouch.

If you are making a hot sandwich, such as a panini, you can also wrap your sub in foil before placing it in the air fryer. This will help to trap steam and melt the cheese gently without overheating.

It is important to note that wrapping your sub in foil or parchment paper may result in a less crispy exterior. If you desire a crispier texture, you can unwrap the sub and place it directly in the air fryer basket for the last few minutes of cooking.

Additionally, be careful not to wrap your sub too tightly, as this can cause the sandwich to become compressed. It is also important to avoid overstuffing your sub, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Aim for a well-balanced and properly assembled sandwich.

Fresh toppings

Firstly, it is recommended that you remove any fresh toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, or other vegetables, before placing your sub in the air fryer. This is because these types of toppings have a high moisture content and can make your sub soggy if added beforehand.

After removing your sub from the air fryer, it's time to add your fresh toppings. This step ensures that your sub tastes crisp and fresh. The contrast between the warm, melty interior and the cool, crisp freshness of the toppings is what makes a sub so appealing.

Some examples of fresh toppings to consider are:

• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Onion
• Pickles
• Sauteed peppers
• Mushrooms

You can also add condiments such as mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, or even a drizzle of olive oil or butter to enhance the flavour and moisture of your sub.

Remember, the key to a great sub is balance. Don't overstuff it with too many ingredients, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Instead, aim for a well-balanced and properly assembled sub with a variety of flavours and textures that will delight your taste buds.

Bread type

The bread type is a crucial factor when it comes to reheating a sub in an air fryer. Different types of bread will yield varying results, and some breads are better suited for reheating than others. Here are some considerations and tips for choosing the right bread and achieving the best outcome:

• Soft or porous bread, such as croissants or certain artisan loaves, may not be ideal for reheating in an air fryer. The intense heat can quickly dry out these types of bread, resulting in an undesirable texture.
• Thicker bread, such as French bread, sourdough, or ciabatta, is generally recommended for reheating in an air fryer. Thicker slices help prevent the exterior from burning or becoming too crispy while ensuring the interior is heated through.
• For a crispy texture, opt for crusty or firmer types of bread. The air fryer will enhance the crunchiness of the crust while keeping the interior soft and warm.
• If you're partial to softer bread, consider wrapping your sub in aluminum foil before placing it in the air fryer. This will help retain moisture and prevent the bread from drying out.

Preparation and Condiments:

• Before reheating, remove any delicate toppings or condiments such as lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, or cucumbers. These ingredients are best added back to the sub after reheating to maintain their freshness and texture.
• If your sub has sauces or condiments like mayonnaise, consider removing them temporarily as well. The high heat of the air fryer may cause these sauces to separate or become runny, compromising the taste and texture of your sub.
• Butter or mayonnaise can be spread on the bread before reheating to keep it moist and soft. This adds flavour and helps maintain the bread's texture.

Reheating Tips:

• To ensure even heating, cut your sub into smaller pieces or halves before placing it in the air fryer. This prevents the sub from overheating or undercooking and allows for better heat circulation.
• Preheating the air fryer is essential. Set it to around 320-350°F (160-175°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. This ensures consistent and efficient reheating.
• For optimal results, wrap your sub loosely in aluminum foil or parchment paper. This helps retain moisture and prevents the bread from drying out. However, leave some space in the pouch for proper heat circulation.
• Reheat your sub for approximately 3-8 minutes, depending on the size and thickness. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, and adjust the time as needed.
• If you're aiming for an extra crispy texture, increase the temperature slightly or switch to "crisp" mode during the last few minutes of reheating.

In summary, when reheating a sub in an air fryer, opt for thicker bread with a crusty exterior. Prepare the sub by removing delicate toppings and condiments, and consider adding butter or mayonnaise to the bread for moisture. Preheat your air fryer, wrap the sub, and reheat for a few minutes. Finally, add back any removed toppings and enjoy your warm and crispy sub!

Filling type

• It is generally recommended to remove fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomato, and other vegetables before reheating, as they can become soggy and unappetizing. You can always add these ingredients back to your sub after reheating to maintain their freshness and texture.
• For cheese lovers, the air fryer can be a great way to achieve that melted goodness. However, be cautious as cheese can turn rubbery if overheated. Keep a close eye on your sub and consider adjusting the temperature or cooking time to achieve the perfect melt.
• Meat fillings, such as chicken breast, can benefit from a drizzle of oil or sauce before reheating. This helps prevent the meat from drying out and keeps it juicy and tender.
• If your sub has sauces or condiments, consider removing them before reheating and adding them back afterward. This ensures the flavors remain separate and distinct, and it can also prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
• For larger subs, you may need to increase the reheating time to ensure the filling is heated through. Adjust the time accordingly, and consider checking the temperature of the filling with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe temperature.
• If you're reheating a cold deli or sub sandwich, the microwave can be a quick and convenient option. However, be sure to unwrap the sandwich completely and heat it in short intervals to avoid overheating and rubbery bread.

Frequently asked questions