Reheating Food Safely: Air Fryer Oven's Superpowers

Air fryers are a great way to reheat food. They can be used to reheat a variety of foods, from fast-food fries to a whole steak. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food, which helps to preserve the texture of the food and prevent sogginess. This also means that food cooks quicker and more evenly. For best results, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and to preheat the air fryer before adding the food.

Reheating pizza in an air fryer

How to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175-180°C).
• Line the air fryer basket or tray with aluminium foil, parchment paper, or a disposable air fryer liner to prevent sticking (optional). Poke a few holes in the foil or parchment paper to allow for airflow.
• Place the pizza slices in the basket or on the tray, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each slice for even cooking and maximum crispness.
• Reheat for 3-4 minutes for thin crust pizza, or 5-6 minutes for thicker crusts, checking regularly to ensure the pizza doesn't burn. The pizza is ready when the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
• For thinner toppings or toppings that burn easily (such as fresh herbs or vegetables), add them towards the end of the cooking time.
• For an extra crispy base, spray the pizza with a light cooking spray before placing it in the air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if necessary.
• Only reheat the pizza once to ensure the best results.

Tips:

• There's no need to preheat the air fryer, but if you choose not to, the cooking time will be slightly longer.
• You can reheat frozen pizza in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for around 3 minutes, then cook the pizza for 8-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
• For easy cleanup, use parchment paper or a silicone liner.

Reheating chicken in an air fryer

Preparation

Before you start, it is important to note that you should only reheat as much chicken as you will finish. Reheating chicken multiple times is not recommended. It is also best to bring the chicken to room temperature before you begin, as this will help it cook more evenly.

Preheating

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C). This step is not completely necessary, but it will help ensure even cooking.

Placing the Chicken

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces are not crowded. This will allow the hot air to circulate effectively. Do not add too many pieces of chicken at once, as this will result in uneven cooking.

Cooking

Cook the chicken for around 3-10 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. For example, chicken wings will take less time than chicken breasts. Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even heating. You can also shake the basket during cooking to achieve the same effect.

Temperature

Check the temperature of the chicken with a thermometer. The USDA recommends a temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is safe to consume.

Oil

You do not need to use oil when reheating chicken in an air fryer. However, adding a light spritz of olive or avocado oil can help to refresh the chicken and prevent it from drying out.

Don't Cover

Avoid covering the chicken while it is reheating. This will obstruct the airflow and prevent the air fryer from working effectively.

Don't Overcrowd

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will prevent the hot air from circulating properly and result in uneven cooking.

Don't Reheat Again

Do not reheat the chicken a second time. Reheat only as much as you will finish in one go.

Reheating steak in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat food in an air fryer, and it's a great way to ensure your meal is crispy, juicy, and full of flavour. Air fryers are especially good for reheating steak, as they can crisp up the exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.

How to Reheat Steak in an Air Fryer:

Preparation:

Before reheating your steak, it's important to let it come to room temperature. This helps the steak reheat evenly, preventing the outer layer from overcooking. You can pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which can affect crisping. You may also want to reseason the steak with salt, pepper, and your favourite seasonings to refresh the flavours.

Air Fryer Settings:

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F–360°F (175°C–180°C). The precise temperature and time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. As a guide, start with 3–5 minutes per side for a medium-rare to medium steak. Flip the steak halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Checking Doneness:

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, aim for 130°F (54°C); for medium, 140°F (60°C); and for medium-well, 150°F (66°C).

Resting:

Once your steak has reached the desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a moment before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite.

Tips for Success:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation, which is critical for achieving a crispy exterior.
• Keep a close eye on your steak to prevent overcooking, as air fryers work efficiently and quickly.
• If desired, brush your steak with a combination of oil and butter before reheating to help retain moisture and promote a crispy crust.

Serving Suggestions:

• Slice your reheated steak and serve it on a bed of crisp greens with your choice of vegetables and dressing for a refreshing salad.
• Create a gourmet steak sandwich by stacking slices of steak on toasted bread with aioli or horseradish sauce, caramelized onions, arugula, or melted cheese.
• Shred the steak and use it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas, topped with salsa, guacamole, and cheese.
• Pair your reheated steak with sunny-side-up eggs for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
• Slice the steak into strips and incorporate it into a stir-fry or pasta dish with colourful vegetables and your favourite sauce.
• Top a loaded baked potato with steak slices, sour cream, chives, and shredded cheese for a comforting meal.
• Roll up your steak slices in a tortilla with crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and your favourite dressing for a steak salad wrap.

Reheating French fries in an air fryer

If you're looking to bring your leftover French fries back to life, an air fryer is the way to go. It's a quick and easy method that will give your fries that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch without the sogginess of a microwave or the dryness of an oven. Here's what you need to know to get perfectly crispy results:

Temperature and Timing:

• Set your air fryer to 350°F. This temperature ensures your fries get crispy without burning.
• Preheating the air fryer is optional. If you want to achieve even crispier results, preheat at 325°F for about 3 minutes before adding the fries.
• Reheat the fries for 3-5 minutes. Thicker-cut fries may need a little longer, so adjust the timing accordingly.

Preparing the Fries:

• Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• If you have a large amount of fries, work in batches.
• You can use a parchment paper liner in the basket for easier cleanup.
• For extra crispiness, give the fries a light spray of avocado oil or olive oil before cooking.

During Cooking:

• Shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even heating.
• Check on the fries regularly to ensure they don't burn or dry out.
• If they're not crispy enough after the initial cooking time, add another minute and check again.

Customisation:

• If you want to add herbs and spices, it's best to do so after cooking to prevent them from burning or falling off.
• Spraying the fries with oil before adding seasonings can help the spices stick better.

Safety:

Always ensure that leftovers are heated to a safe temperature of 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.

With these tips, you'll be able to transform your leftover French fries into a crispy and delicious treat!

Reheating a burger in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Burgers

Remove any cold toppings, sauces, and vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions from the burgers. You can set aside the vegetables that are still crisp and fresh, such as tomatoes, onions, and pickles, and place them back in the fridge. If your lettuce is mushy, it's best to discard it.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to a temperature of around 350°F (180°C). This temperature ensures that the burger patties heat up evenly without drying out.

Step 3: Place the Burger Patties in the Air Fryer

Place the burger patties in the air fryer basket or on a tray, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space between them for optimal airflow. If you're reheating cheeseburgers, you might want to scrape off the cheese to avoid a mess in the air fryer. You can always add a fresh slice of cheese before serving.

Step 4: Reheat the Burger Patties

Reheat the burger patties for about 2-5 minutes in the air fryer. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your patties and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F, which is the recommended temperature for leftovers.

Step 5: Add the Buns (Optional)

If you want to reheat the buns as well, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in the air fryer after removing the patties. Reheat for about 3 minutes at 300°F.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Once the patties and buns are heated through, it's time to assemble your burgers. Add your choice of toppings and sauces, and enjoy your freshly reheated burgers!

Tips for Optimal Results:

• If your burgers are straight out of the refrigerator, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before placing them in the air fryer.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Check your burgers regularly to prevent burning or drying out.
• Flip or shake the basket halfway through the cooking process for more even heating.
• If you're reheating fast-food burgers, consider removing toppings like lettuce and tomatoes, as they will be slightly cooked during the reheating process.

Reheating burgers in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy your leftovers without sacrificing taste and texture. By following these steps, you'll be able to savor juicy, delicious burgers that taste just like they did when they were freshly cooked!

Frequently asked questions