Air Fryer: Reheating Leftovers Quickly And Efficiently

Reheating leftovers in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy your favourite foods again without the sogginess that comes from using a microwave.

The air fryer's super-heated dry air cooks from the outside in, so crispy foods can regain their crunchy texture, and moisture is eliminated by the time the inside is warmed through.

The time it takes to reheat your leftovers will depend on the amount of food, its size, and the temperature used. As a general rule, you should preheat your air fryer for around 5 minutes at 350-400°F, and then cook your food for 3-5 minutes at 350-375°F.

Reheating steak in an air fryer

Preparation

Before you begin, remove your steak from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for around 15-20 minutes. This step is important as it helps the steak cook more evenly, preventing it from drying out or becoming chewy.

Air Fryer Settings

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. The ideal temperature will depend on your air fryer model and the doneness of your steak. For example, if you prefer your steak medium-rare, aim for a lower temperature to avoid overcooking it.

Cooking the Steak

Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space around it for the hot air to circulate. If desired, add a slice of butter on top of the steak, which some sources claim improves the taste. You can also spray or brush the steak with olive oil to help it reheat quickly and retain moisture.

Cook the steak for around 6-10 minutes at 350°F, flipping it halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness and doneness of your steak, so keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Serving

Once the steak reaches an internal temperature of at least 110°F in the thickest part, it is ready to serve. You can top it with garlic butter or your favorite steak sauce to enhance the flavor.

Tips

• When reheating steak, it is best to cook one portion at a time to avoid overcooking.
• If you have leftover steak chunks instead of a full steak, reduce the cooking time to around 4 minutes per side.
• To prevent food from sticking, grease your air fryer basket or use cooking spray.
• Always ensure your steak is thoroughly heated before consuming, especially if reheating from frozen.
• For best results, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak.

Storage

Leftover steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It is not recommended to reheat steak more than once, so only reheat the portion you intend to consume.

Reheating pizza in an air fryer

Air fryers are like mini convection ovens, so they're great for reheating leftovers quickly and efficiently. They also make food crispy again without drying it out.

Step-by-step guide to reheating pizza in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F.
• Place your pizza slices flat in the middle of the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. Make sure they don't overlap.
• Set the temperature to 375°F and the timer for two minutes. Start the air fryer on bake.
• Check the pizza after one minute to ensure it's not burning. You may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time depending on the thickness of your pizza and the amount of toppings.
• Remove the pizza from the air fryer when it's heated to your liking.

Tips:

• Preheating your air fryer is important for getting a crispy crust.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone liner for easy cleanup.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure the slices don't overlap or touch.
• Use tongs to remove the pizza slices so you don't burn your fingers.
• For extra crispy slices, spray them with a little olive oil before cooking.
• The thinner your pizza base is, the faster it will reheat. Thinner pieces may only need 3-4 minutes, while thicker slices may need up to 6 minutes.
• If your toppings are prone to burning, remove them before reheating and add them back in during the last 1-2 minutes.
• Don't store reheated pizza. Instead, store your cooled leftover pizza slices in an airtight container.

Reheating chicken wings in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to microwaves when reheating chicken wings. They can help you achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. Plus, they're quicker than an oven and create less mess.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer:

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to between 350°F and 375°F (175°C and 190°C). Preheating ensures the air fryer is hot enough to crisp up the wings.

Prepare the Wings:

You can add extra seasoning, like salt or pepper, at this point.

Arrange the Wings:

Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch. This allows for even air circulation.

Lightly Coat with Oil (Optional):

For extra crispiness, lightly coat the wings with a small amount of cooking oil using a brush or spray bottle.

Reheat:

Place the basket into the preheated air fryer and cook for 5-7 minutes. Shake or flip the wings halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.

Check for Doneness:

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. They should reach 165°F (74°C) to kill any harmful bacteria.

Tips for Perfectly Reheated Chicken Wings:

• Preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes to create a hot environment that promotes even cooking and locks in moisture.
• Brush the wings with a thin layer of cooking oil or melted butter before placing them in the air fryer to seal in moisture and promote crispiness.
• Monitor the wings closely during the reheating process to prevent overcooking or drying out.
• Cover the wings with aluminium foil during the last part of the reheating process if they are browning too quickly. This helps prevent excessive browning and drying out.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Wings Safely:

• Store leftover chicken wings in an airtight container or zip-lock bag and place them in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.
• Reheat chicken wings only once to minimise the risk of bacterial contamination.
• Always ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating to kill any potential bacteria.

Now you're ready to enjoy your crispy, juicy, and safely reheated chicken wings!

Reheating fried chicken in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to microwaves when reheating fried foods as they restore crispiness without creating a soggy mess. They are also quicker than using an oven and use less energy.

How to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer:

First, ensure your chicken has been stored correctly and is safe to eat. Fried chicken should be allowed to come to room temperature after cooking and before being refrigerated. It will then keep for three to four days in the fridge.

When you are ready to reheat your chicken, first preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C. This will stop any extra moisture from getting into your chicken.

Next, place your chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces aren't touching. Spraying a little oil on the outside of the chicken will help it crisp up.

Reheat for 5-8 minutes, flipping your chicken halfway through. The exact time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces, so check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—you are looking for an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.

Once your chicken is heated through and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a wire rack or paper towel to cool for a minute before serving.

Tips:

• Work in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer.
• For larger pieces of chicken, increase the cooking time to 8-10 minutes.
• Do not reheat chicken more than once.
• For extra crispiness, spritz your chicken with a little avocado or olive oil before reheating.
• Always check the internal temperature of your chicken to ensure it is safe to eat.

What not to do:

• Do not cover your chicken with foil when reheating—this will make the skin soggy.
• Do not microwave your chicken before placing it in the air fryer.
• Do not overcrowd your air fryer—this will prevent the hot air from circulating and crisping up your chicken.
• Do not place your chicken in the air fryer straight from the fridge—allow it to come to room temperature first.

Reheating leftover fries in an air fryer

Fries are a well-loved treat, but they don't always get finished in one sitting. So, what's the best way to reheat them? Using an air fryer is an excellent and easy way to bring your fries back to life and give them that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch.

How to Reheat Leftover Fries in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Place your leftover fries in a single layer in the fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and helps maintain crispiness.
• Cook for 2-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fries. Thicker fries will take a little longer to heat up and get crispy. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from crispy to burnt very quickly!
• Remove, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Results:

• Preheat your air fryer for about 3 minutes before adding the fries. This ensures the fries cook at a high temperature for a shorter time, helping them get crispy without drying out.
• If you have a lot of leftover fries, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fries. The recommended safe internal temperature for reheated foods is 165°F.
• For extra crispiness, spritz the fries with a little bit of oil before placing them in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions