Reheating Food With An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient way to reheat your food, bringing back the crispiness and warmth of your leftovers without the sogginess of a microwave or the long wait of an oven. From pizza to chicken, quiche to salmon, and even stale chips, an air fryer can bring a variety of dishes back to life in a matter of minutes. It's a healthier option for reheating fried foods, as it requires little to no additional oil, and it's also energy-efficient for small to medium-sized portions. However, it's important to note that not all foods are suitable for reheating in an air fryer, and some foods may dry out or burn if not carefully watched.

Reheating pizza in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat your pizza and get it tasting as good as new. They can revitalise your day-old pizza, reproducing the melted cheese, perfect crispy crust and fresh taste in a matter of minutes.

Air fryers are quicker than a conventional oven, which can take a long time to heat up. They also use less energy, making them more cost-effective. Plus, you're less likely to end up with a dry base, as the air fryer heats up rapidly and cooks with evenly circulated hot air.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer:

First, preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). You can line the basket or tray with aluminium foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking, but this isn't necessary.

Arrange your pizza slices in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with spaces between each slice so the hot air can circulate. You'll probably only be able to fit 1 or 2 slices, depending on their size and the type of pizza.

Cook the pizza for around 3 minutes and then check on its progress. The slices are ready when the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Thicker pizzas, like deep-dish, will need a little longer, and you may need to add another minute or two.

Top Tips:

• Before reheating, remove any toppings that might burn easily, like pepperoni, fresh herbs or vegetables, and put them back on for the last minute or two.
• If you want your pizza to be extra crispy, try spraying your base with a light cooking spray before putting it in the air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the basket—make sure there's room between each slice so they don't overlap and the air can circulate.
• For the best outcome, only reheat your pizza once.

Reheating chicken in an air fryer

To reheat chicken in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to between 350-400°F (180-200°C). This will help ensure even cooking. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the chicken by placing the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This will allow the hot air to circulate effectively and ensure even cooking. If your chicken breasts are thin, you don't need to slice them first. However, for thicker chicken breasts, it is recommended to slice them about ½ inch (1 cm) thick so they reheat quicker and stay juicier.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the basket with the chicken inside and set the timer. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken and the model of your air fryer, but it should take around 3-7 minutes. For larger pieces, like chicken breasts or thighs, it may take up to 8-10 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating.

To prevent the chicken from drying out, you can add a little bit of oil or cooking spray before reheating. This will add moisture and enhance a crispy outer layer. You can also add a sauce after a few minutes of heating to add extra moisture and flavor.

Always reheat chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. Use a thermometer to check the temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the chicken and avoiding the bone.

By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious and juicy reheated chicken from your air fryer!

Reheating steak in an air fryer

Yes, you can use an air fryer to reheat food! It's a great way to bring back the crispiness, flavour, and warmth of your leftovers without the downsides of sogginess or dryness that you may get with a microwave or oven.

Now, for reheating steak in an air fryer, follow these steps:

Preparation:

• Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This ensures more even reheating, preventing the outer layer from overcooking before the inside warms up.
• Pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which can affect the crisping process.
• Reseason the steak with a light sprinkle of salt, pepper, and your favourite steak seasoning to enhance the overall taste.

Air Fryer Setup:

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

Cooking:

• Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C). The time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness.
• For medium-rare to medium doneness, start with 3-4 minutes per side. Flip the steaks halfway through to guarantee uniform cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. Aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium, and 150°F (66°C) for medium-well.
• Once your steak has reached the desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a moment before slicing.

Tips:

• To prevent drying out your steak, brush or coat it with olive oil before placing it in the air fryer. You can also place butter on top, which will melt and coat the steak as it heats up.
• Wrapping the steak in aluminium foil can help retain moisture and prevent overcooking.
• Always let the steak rest for a few minutes after reheating to allow the juices to redistribute.

Reheating French fries in an air fryer

French fries are a popular treat, but they don't always get eaten while they're still hot and crispy. Reheating French fries in an air fryer is a great way to restore them to their former glory and crispiness.

How to Reheat French Fries in an Air Fryer:

First, make sure your French fries are at room temperature. This will help them heat up faster and avoid condensation inside the air fryer.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 390°F. If your air fryer doesn't require preheating, simply set it to 375°F.

Lightly spray or toss the French fries with a neutral cooking oil, such as olive oil. This step is optional but will help the fries get crispier.

Place the French fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. If you have a lot of fries, you may need to cook them in batches.

Air fry the French fries for 3 to 6 minutes, shaking the basket every minute or so to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time will depend on the quantity of fries and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Once they're heated through and crispy, remove the fries from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for the Best Results:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation.
• Preheat your air fryer for crispier fries and a faster cooking time.
• Cook thinner fries for a shorter time, and thicker fries for a minute or two longer.
• Adjust the temperature and cooking time depending on the type of French fries you're reheating. For example, sweet potato fries may require a lower temperature to prevent drying out.
• Shake the basket frequently during cooking for even results.

Other Methods for Reheating French Fries:

While the air fryer is an excellent option, there are other ways to reheat French fries as well:

• Oven-roasting: Spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F to 425°F for 8 to 25 minutes, depending on the desired crispiness.
• Pan-frying: Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, add the fries, and cook until crispy, flipping occasionally.
• Stovetop: Use a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and the fries, and cook until heated through and crispy, flipping occasionally.

However, it's important to note that the microwave should be avoided, as it tends to make French fries soggy.

By following these instructions, you can enjoy crispy and delicious French fries, even when they're leftovers!

Reheating a burger in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat food, especially when you want to bring back some crunch to yesterday's leftovers. They are versatile, fast, and easy to use. Plus, they are a healthy cooking option, as they require minimal oil.

Reheating a Burger

When reheating a burger in an air fryer, it is best to disassemble the burger first. This ensures that the buns are toasted, the patty is hot, and any vegetables are crisp and fresh.

First, separate the buns, patties, and any vegetables that are still edible. Place the buns cut-side up on a wire rack above a baking sheet. If you don't have a wire rack, you can simply line a sheet pan with foil.

Next, place the patties in the air fryer basket, setting the temperature to 350°F. For a standard patty, reheat for about 3-4 minutes.

Then, add the buns to the basket and heat everything together for an additional minute. This ensures that both the patty and buns are warmed without drying out or burning.

If you are reheating a cheeseburger, you may need to scrape off any cheese to avoid a mess in the basket. You can add it back on top of the patty during the last minute of cooking, or replace it with a fresh slice.

Bread can get overly crisp in the air fryer, so to avoid this, wrap the buns in aluminum foil and reheat them after the patties. They should be ready in about 3 minutes at 300°F.

If you want the buns and patties to reach the perfect temperature at the same time, wrap the entire burger in foil before placing it in the air fryer. Remove the veggies and add them back in before serving.

Tips for Reheating Meat in the Air Fryer

Meat can be delicate when reheated, and it can go from juicy to dehydrated in an instant. To prevent this, add a little extra oil or butter before heating. This may seem counterintuitive, but the moisture and fat will keep the meat basted and prevent it from drying out.

You can also protect the meat with a physical barrier, such as tinfoil, to keep the moisture locked in and prevent over-evaporation. This will result in succulent meat that is warmed through.

Other Foods to Reheat in an Air Fryer

• Pizza
• Chicken wings and tenders
• French fries
• Spring rolls and egg rolls
• Baked goods, such as croissants and muffins

Frequently asked questions