Reheating Leftovers: Air Fryer's Quick Fix

Air fryers are a great way to reheat your leftovers. They can make yesterday's meals crispy and delicious again, without the sogginess that comes from microwaving or the dryness that comes from baking in the oven.

Air fryers are especially good for reheating dry foods, like pizza, fried chicken, and French fries. They're also great for reheating chicken wings, tenders, and nuggets, as they ensure a crispy exterior without drying out the meat inside.

However, not all foods are suitable for reheating in an air fryer. Water-based dishes, large cuts of meat, creamy or cheesy sauces, and soft cakes are best avoided, as they can dry out or cook unevenly.

So, if you're looking to give your leftovers a new lease of life, an air fryer is a great option to consider!

Reheating pizza in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to microwaves when it comes to reheating leftovers. They can bring your pizza back to its former glory, with a crispy crust and melted cheese, in just a few minutes.

How to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). You can use aluminium foil, parchment paper, or disposable air fryer liners to line your air fryer basket or tray if you want to prevent sticking.

Next, place your pizza slices in the air fryer, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer with space between each slice to allow the hot air to circulate. If you are using an oven-style air fryer, you can simply arrange the slices on the baking sheet.

Cook the pizza for around 3 minutes and then check on its progress. The pizza slices are ready when the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Thicker pizzas, such as deep dish or thick crust, will need a little longer to cook than thin crust pizzas.

Tips for Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer

• Remove any toppings that might burn easily before reheating, and add them back on for the last minute or two of cooking.
• If you want your pizza to be extra crispy, try spraying your pizza base with a light cooking spray before placing it in the air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Allow space between each slice for the air to circulate and ensure an even cook.
• For the best outcome, only reheat pizza once.

Reheating chicken in an air fryer

Preparation

First, let your chicken come to room temperature before reheating. This will help the chicken cook evenly in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for a few minutes. You can skip this step, but it ensures even cooking. Place liners carefully, as the air basket will be hot due to preheating.

Cooking

Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will lead to uneven cooking. Brush the chicken with a small amount of oil or cooking spray, which will help the chicken stay moist and enhance a crispy outer layer. You can skip this step if you prefer, as air fryers cook food without the need for oil.

Cook the chicken for 7-8 minutes, or until they are reheated according to your preference. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even heating. For thin chicken breasts, you won't need to slice them first. The USDA recommends a temperature of 165°F (74°C) as safe for consumption.

Tips

• Avoid covering the chicken while reheating, as this will obstruct the airflow.
• Only reheat as much as you will finish, as you don't want to reheat chicken multiple times.
• Add seasoning after the oil, and before air frying.

Reheating steak in an air fryer

Preparation:

Firstly, bring your steak to room temperature. This helps the steak reheat more evenly, preventing the outer layer from overcooking before the inside is warmed. Use a paper towel to gently pat the steak dry, as excess moisture can hinder the crisping process. You can also consider reseasoning the steak with a light sprinkle of salt, pepper, and your favorite steak seasoning to enhance the flavor.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it prepares the cooking environment, helping the steak retain moisture and heat evenly.

Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket:

Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket.

Set Temperature and Time:

Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). The time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare to medium steak, start with 3-4 minutes per side. Flip the steaks halfway through to ensure uniform cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Check Internal Temperature:

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).

Rest and Serve:

Once your steak has reached the desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer, let it rest for a moment, and then slice it. Your steak is now ready to be served, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Tips:

To prevent your steak from drying out, a simple combination of oil and butter can be used. Brush your steak with olive oil and place pats of butter on top before heating. This will help achieve the right exterior texture and moisture level. Additionally, wrapping your steak in tinfoil before placing it in the air fryer can help retain moisture and protect it from the direct heat.

Reheating French fries in an air fryer

French fries are a beloved side dish, but they can be tricky to reheat without losing their crispy texture. If you have leftover French fries, your air fryer can be your best friend! Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving crispy, delicious reheated French fries:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional)

Some sources suggest preheating your air fryer to achieve the best results. Set your air fryer to 325°F and run it for about 3 minutes to preheat. However, this step is not mandatory, and you can choose to skip it if you prefer.

Step 2: Prepare the French Fries

Take your leftover French fries out of the fridge. It's important to ensure they are in a single layer in the air fryer basket and not overcrowded. Overlapping fries may result in uneven cooking and prevent them from getting crispy. If you have a large portion of fries, consider reheating them in batches.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Cook Time

After placing the basket into the air fryer, set the temperature to 325°F and the cooking time for 5 minutes. Keep in mind that thicker-cut fries might require a little more time.

Step 4: Check on the Fries

Once the timer goes off, open the air fryer and remove the basket. Give the fries a gentle shake and consider taste-testing one to check for crispiness. If they need a little more time, place the basket back in the air fryer and cook for an additional minute.

Step 5: Add Herbs and Spices (Optional)

For an extra flavour boost, consider adding some herbs and spices to your fries. Chef Dana Beninati recommends rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper. However, it's important to note that the hot air circulation can cause spices to fly off, so spray the fries with oil before adding seasonings, or wait until the fries are done and then season them.

Tips for the Best Results:

• Avoid microwaving your leftover fries as they are likely to become soggy.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Reheat thicker-cut fries for a slightly longer period.
• Add herbs and spices after cooking to enhance the flavour without burning them.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your leftover French fries as if they were freshly cooked!

Reheating a burger in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat leftovers in an air fryer! It's a great way to make them crispy again, and it's quicker than using a conventional oven. Here's how to reheat a burger in an air fryer:

Preparing the Burger

Before reheating your burger, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes. This will help the meat cook more evenly and prevent it from drying out. If your burger has any toppings, like lettuce or tomato, separate them from the patty and the bun. You can discard any vegetables that are no longer crisp, like mushy lettuce, but other toppings like tomatoes, onions, and pickles are likely still good to use. Set aside any toppings you want to use and place the patty and bun in the air fryer.

Reheating the Burger

Preheat your air fryer to 300–400°F. Place the patty and bun in the air fryer basket or on a tray in a single layer. If your burger has cheese, you can add it now or wait until the last minute of cooking to add an extra slice. Reheat for 2–4 minutes at 300–350°F, or until heated through. The exact time will depend on your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the patty reaches 160–165°F.

Reheating the Toppings

Bread can get overly crisp in the air fryer, so it's best to wrap the bun in aluminum foil before placing it in the air fryer. It should be ready in about 3 minutes at 300°F. For the toppings, you can either add them to the burger after reheating, or you can place them in the air fryer with the patty and bun. If you're adding cheese, be aware that it may melt and become gooey, so you might want to scrape it off and add it back on top of the patty during the last minute of cooking, or replace it with a fresh slice.

Tips for Optimal Results

For even cooking, make sure there is space between the patties in the air fryer basket to allow for optimal airflow. If you're reheating multiple burgers, don't stack them on top of each other. If you find any cold spots after reheating, simply pop the burger back into the air fryer for an additional minute or two until it's warmed to your liking.

Alternative Methods

If you don't have an air fryer, there are other ways to reheat your burger. You can use a non-stick frying pan on the stovetop, adding a tablespoon or two of water to prevent the patty from drying out, and then toasting the bun in the same pan after removing the patty. Another method is to steam the burger by placing it in a pan with a lid and a small amount of water, but this doesn't work well with cheese. You can also use a toaster oven, setting it to 350°F and removing the top and bottom buns before placing them in.

So, the next time you have leftover burgers, don't be afraid to reheat them in your air fryer! Just follow these simple steps, and you'll have a juicy, delicious burger that tastes like it's fresh off the grill.

Frequently asked questions