Air Fryer: Warming Food Efficiently And Quickly

Air fryers are a great alternative to microwaves when it comes to reheating food. They can be used to reheat a wide variety of foods, from pizza to chicken, and are especially good for fried foods, as they can make them crispy again without drying them out. Air fryers are also faster and more energy-efficient than ovens, and healthier than deep frying. However, they are not suitable for reheating certain foods, such as soups, stews, and leafy greens.

Reheating pizza in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat your pizza and enjoy it as if it were fresh out of the oven. It is much faster than an oven, and you won't have to deal with a soggy crust as you would with a microwave.

Steps to Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175-180°C). You can do this for 3-5 minutes.
• Place your pizza slices in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are in a single layer with some space between each slice to allow proper air circulation. You might only be able to fit 1-2 slices, depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Reheat the pizza for around 3-4 minutes for thin crusts, and 4-6 minutes for thicker crusts. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn. The pizza is ready when the crust is crisp, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
• Enjoy your pizza!

Tips:

• You can line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. However, this is optional.
• If you want your pizza to be extra crispy, try spraying the base with a light cooking spray before putting it in the air fryer.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket. This is important to allow proper air circulation and ensure a crispy pizza.
• If you have any toppings that might burn easily, such as vegetables or meats, remove them before reheating. You can put them back on for the last minute or two of cooking.
• Remember that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your pizza and your air fryer model.

Now you can enjoy your leftover pizza just like it's a fresh, crispy slice straight out of the oven!

Reheating chicken in an air fryer

How to Reheat Chicken in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (175-200°C).
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket. It's important not to overcrowd the basket, so the hot air can circulate. For chicken wings or tenders, a single layer works best.
• Reheat for around 3-10 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. For example, wings will take 3-5 minutes, tenders or nuggets will take 5-7 minutes, and larger pieces like breasts or thighs will take 8-10 minutes.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a thermometer. The USDA recommends a temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is adequately reheated and safe to consume.
• If desired, brush the chicken with oil before reheating to add crispness and prevent it from drying out.
• If you're reheating thin chicken breasts, there's no need to slice them first. However, for thicker pieces, slicing can help reduce the reheating time and keep the chicken moist.
• Only reheat the amount of chicken you intend to consume. Reheating chicken multiple times is not recommended.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer:

Air fryers are an excellent tool for reheating chicken, offering several advantages over other methods such as microwaving or oven heating. Here are some reasons why:

• They preserve the original taste and flavour of the chicken by circulating hot air around the food, keeping it juicy and crispy.
• They are quicker than other methods and deliver consistent results, ensuring your chicken is heated evenly without drying out.
• They are healthier than microwaving or oven heating, as they require little to no additional oil.
• They are versatile and can handle various types of chicken, including rotisserie, fried, grilled, or baked.

Reheating steak in an air fryer

Preparation:

Firstly, take your 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 is warmed. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which is important for a perfect sear. You can also consider reseasoning the steak with a light sprinkle of salt, pepper, and your favourite steak seasoning to enhance the flavours.

Air Fryer Settings:

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

Air Frying:

Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is no overcrowding for proper air circulation. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for a medium-rare to medium doneness. Adjust the time as needed, depending on your desired level of doneness. Halfway through the cooking process, flip the steaks to guarantee even cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking, as air fryers work efficiently and quickly.

Checking Doneness:

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

Resting:

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

Serving:

Your reheated steak is now ready to be served and enjoyed! You can slice the steak and serve it as-is, or get creative with some of these serving suggestions:

• Transform your steak into a refreshing salad by slicing it thinly and arranging it over a bed of crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers.
• Elevate your meal with a gourmet steak sandwich. Toast your favourite bread, spread aioli or horseradish sauce, stack the steak slices, and add caramelised onions, arugula, or melted cheese.
• Shred the steak and use it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas.
• Pair your 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.
• Upgrade your baked potatoes by topping them with reheated steak slices, sour cream, chives, and shredded cheese.
• Roll up your steak slices in a tortilla with crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and your preferred dressing for a cold steak salad wrap.

The air fryer's ability to provide even heating, a crispy exterior, and a juicy interior makes it an ideal choice for reheating steak. With proper preparation and attention to detail, you can savour a steak that rivals its freshly cooked counterpart. So, the next time you have leftover steak, give the air fryer method a try!

Reheating fries in an air fryer

To reheat fries in an air fryer, first, preheat the air fryer to 350–400°F. Then, place the fries in a single layer in the basket. You might need to do this in multiple batches so that the leftover fries become as crisp as possible. You don't need to add any extra oil, but if you want to add some extra flavour or seasoning, do so now.

Cook the fries for about 3–8 minutes, or until they are crispy and heated through. The timing will depend on the size of your fries. If you are reheating thin, crispy French fries, they may need less time in the air fryer. Thicker steak-cut fries, on the other hand, will take longer to fully reheat.

Reheating fried chicken in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to reheat fried chicken. They help retain the crispiness of the chicken without drying it out. Here is a step-by-step guide to reheating fried chicken in an air fryer:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set the air fryer to 360°F-375°F (182°C-190°C). Preheat it for a few minutes to get it hot enough to crisp up the fried chicken.

Prepare the Chicken

Take the chicken out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook more evenly. You can also add more seasoning to the chicken for extra flavor.

Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer Basket

Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. Work in batches if needed.

Reheat the Chicken

Reheat the chicken at 360°F-375°F (182°C-190°C) for 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. For larger pieces, reheat for 8-10 minutes, and for chicken tenders, reheat for about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even heating.

Check the Temperature

To ensure food safety, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This will kill any harmful bacteria.

Serve

Once the chicken is heated through and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute before serving.

Tips

• Spraying or brushing the chicken with a little bit of oil before reheating can help add extra crispiness.
• Avoid reheating the chicken multiple times, as this can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
• Leftover fried chicken should be consumed within 4 days and stored in the refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions