Air Fryer Sandwich Reheating: Quick And Easy!

Air fryers are a great way to reheat sandwiches and retain their flavour and texture. The circulating hot air in an air fryer cooks food quickly and gives it a crispy, brown outer layer without the need for deep frying.

To reheat a sandwich in an air fryer, place a layer of parchment paper in the basket to prevent messy fillings from dripping. Add the sandwiches in a single layer, leaving a small gap between each sandwich. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and reheat for 2 minutes on each side. Thicker sandwiches may require an additional minute or two.

It is important to note that not all sandwiches are suitable for reheating in an air fryer. Delicate sandwiches, such as those containing tuna mayonnaise, chicken Caesar salad, or shrimp and avocado, are best enjoyed cold. Additionally, sandwiches with fresh green vegetables or sauces may become soggy during the reheating process.

Preheat settings

Firstly, always remember to preheat your Ninja Air Fryer before placing your sandwich inside. Set the temperature to around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and preheat for about 5 minutes. This initial heating step is crucial for optimal results.

If you're reheating a meat sandwich, like one with chicken or beef, it's recommended to let the meat come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the air fryer. This helps the meat cook more evenly, preventing it from drying out.

When it comes to the placement of your sandwich in the air fryer, ensure it's in a single layer with a little gap between each sandwich. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around the sandwiches. If your sandwich has very light bread, consider using toothpicks to secure it together so it doesn't blow around in the air fryer.

Additionally, consider using a layer of parchment paper below the sandwiches. This helps catch any drippings and prevents messy fillings from dripping onto the bottom of the air fryer. Parchment paper also helps ensure that your bread doesn't become too crispy or crusty.

Once you've placed your sandwiches inside and closed the air fryer, set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for reheating. The amount of time needed will depend on the thickness of your sandwiches. For standard-thickness sandwiches, about 2 minutes on each side should be sufficient. For thicker sandwiches, you may need to add another minute or two.

Always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of your sandwiches. The recommended safe internal temperature for reheating foods is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't have a food thermometer, you can use a butter knife to check. Insert it into the sandwich, and if it comes out warm to the touch, your sandwich is ready to enjoy!

Condiments and fillings

The best sandwich fillings are those that can be enjoyed hot and are not too delicate. Fillings that work well in an air fryer include:

• Meats, such as chicken, beef, bacon, ham, turkey, or shredded pork.
• Cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone.
• Sauces, such as pesto, barbecue sauce, or mayonnaise.
• Vegetables, such as roasted vegetables, avocado, or tomato.

Some sandwich fillings should be avoided when using an air fryer, as they may become soggy or wilted. These include:

• Lettuce
• Cucumber
• Mayonnaise-based sauces

When preparing your sandwich, it's important to strike a balance between textures and flavours. For example, if you're using a soft filling like avocado, pair it with a crispier bread like sourdough. Similarly, if your sandwich filling is on the drier side, add a drizzle of olive oil or a sauce to keep things moist.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment! Air fryers are incredibly versatile, so you can try out different combinations of ingredients to find your favourite.

Bread types

The best way to reheat a sandwich in an air fryer is to use a layer of parchment paper below the sandwich to prevent the bread from becoming too crusty. However, the type of bread used in the sandwich will also affect the reheating process.

For example, crusty bread rolls will quickly become stale and chewy when reheated, especially if they contain moist fillings. Therefore, it is best to consume these types of sandwiches fresh, as reheating them will likely result in a soggy mess.

On the other hand, denser types of bread, such as those used for panini or grilled cheese sandwiches, can be successfully reheated in an air fryer without becoming too soggy.

Additionally, the fillings inside the sandwich will also play a role in determining the ideal reheating method. For instance, sandwiches with lettuce and cucumber should be consumed fresh, as these vegetables will become soggy and unappetizing when reheated.

In contrast, sandwiches with fillings like chilli beef, barbeque chicken, or cheese-laden meatballs are excellent choices for reheating in an air fryer, as the hot air will melt the cheese and create a crispy exterior.

Therefore, when reheating sandwiches in an air fryer, it is important to consider both the type of bread and the fillings used to achieve the best results.

Temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for reheating a sandwich in your Ninja Air Fryer is between 350–400 °Fahrenheit. This temperature range will ensure your sandwich gets crispy without burning.

As for timing, a standard-thickness sandwich will take about two minutes on each side to reheat in an air fryer. However, thicker sandwiches may need another minute or two. You can check the internal temperature of the fillings with a food thermometer—you're aiming for 165 °Fahrenheit or above.

If you're in a hurry, you can preheat your Ninja Air Fryer for five minutes at 400 °Fahrenheit before adding your sandwich. This will help speed up the reheating process.

Here's a step-by-step guide to reheating your sandwich:

• Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to 350 °Fahrenheit.
• Place a layer of parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent any mess and ensure your bread doesn't become too crispy.
• Put your sandwich in the basket, leaving a small gap between it and the sides.
• Reheat for two minutes, then carefully turn it over with tongs.
• Reheat for another two minutes.
• Check the internal temperature of the fillings with a food thermometer. If it hasn't reached 165 °Fahrenheit, put it back in for another minute or so.
• Once your sandwich is piping hot, remove the basket from the air fryer and let it stand for a couple of minutes before serving.

And that's it! You can now enjoy your perfectly reheated sandwich, with a crispy exterior and gooey, hot filling.

Basket vs oven air fryer

There are two main types of air fryers: basket and oven. The main difference between the two is that basket air fryers are smaller and more compact, while oven air fryers are larger and offer more cooking space. This means that basket air fryers are better suited for smaller servings of food and are ideal for those with limited counter space. On the other hand, oven air fryers can cook larger amounts of food and are perfect for bigger families.

Another difference between the two styles is the cooking time. Basket air fryers tend to cook food faster due to their smaller size, but this also means that food can burn more easily if it is too close to the top heating element. Oven air fryers, on the other hand, take longer to heat up but offer more even cooking.

In terms of functionality, both basket and oven air fryers can cook a variety of foods with minimal oil, resulting in crispy and delicious meals. However, basket air fryers allow for more movement during cooking as you can shake and move things around, while oven air fryers require you to flip or turn the food. Additionally, oven air fryers often come with additional features such as rotisserie functions, broil, bake, dehydrate, and roast settings.

When it comes to cleaning, basket air fryers are generally easier to clean than oven air fryers. The baskets are usually dishwasher-safe and have fewer nooks and crannies for food to get stuck in. The wire racks in oven air fryers can be more challenging to clean and may require the use of non-stick liners to prevent food from sticking.

Lastly, there is a price difference between the two styles. Basket air fryers are typically more affordable, while oven air fryers are more expensive due to their larger size and additional features.

In conclusion, both basket and oven air fryers have their advantages and disadvantages. Basket air fryers are ideal for those with limited space and who want a quick and easy way to cook or reheat small servings of food. Oven air fryers, on the other hand, are perfect for larger families or those who want the added functionality of a toaster oven. Ultimately, the best air fryer for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements.

Frequently asked questions