Reheating Food With An Air Fryer: What's Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to reheat your food. They can be used to reheat almost anything from last night's pizza to this morning's fried eggs. Air fryers are like mini convection ovens, so they can reheat food quickly and easily without drying it out. They also make food crispy again, which is especially useful for leftovers such as French fries, fried chicken, and chicken nuggets.

However, there are some foods that are not suitable for reheating in an air fryer. These include leafy greens like spinach, large cuts of meat or whole roasts, creamy or cheesy sauces, and soft cakes.

To reheat food in an air fryer, simply place the food in the basket and set the temperature between 350-400°F (175-200°C). There is no need to preheat the air fryer, and the food should be heated through in 3-5 minutes, depending on its size and moisture content. For best results, use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure your food reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (73.8°C).

Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer

Leftover pizza is delicious, but reheating it can be tricky. If you're looking for a way to bring your pizza back to its former glory, then an air fryer may be the answer. Here's everything you need to know about reheating pizza in an air fryer, including the best temperature and time settings, and some useful tips to ensure perfect results every time.

An air fryer is an excellent alternative to a microwave or a conventional oven for reheating pizza. It circulates hot air around the food, cooking it quickly and evenly. This means you can enjoy a crispy crust and melted cheese without the sogginess that sometimes occurs with other reheating methods. It's also faster than a regular oven, so you can have your pizza ready in just a few minutes.

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

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer. Preheating is essential to ensure your pizza crust gets crispy. Set the temperature to around 350°F (175-180°C).

Step 2: Prepare the air fryer basket. You can line the basket with aluminium foil, parchment paper, or disposable air fryer liners to prevent sticking. If using foil, poke a few holes to allow air circulation.

Step 3: Place the pizza slices in the basket. Arrange them in a single layer with some space between each slice to allow proper air circulation. For best results, thicker crusts or deep-dish pizzas may need to be placed directly on the air fryer tray.

Step 4: Set the timer. For thin crust pizzas, set the timer for 2-3 minutes. For thicker crusts or deep-dish pizzas, set it for 4-6 minutes. Keep an eye on your pizza, as cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your pizza and your air fryer model.

Step 5: Check the pizza. Your pizza is ready when the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you're reheating a pizza with lots of toppings, keep an eye on it to ensure they don't burn.

Tips for Perfect Results:

• If you have toppings that may burn easily, such as pepperoni, fresh herbs, or vegetables, remove them before reheating and add them back for the last minute or two of cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between slices to allow proper air circulation, ensuring a crispy crust.
• If you want your pizza to be extra crispy, try spraying the base lightly with cooking spray before placing it in the air fryer.
• Avoid reheating your pizza multiple times. It's best to reheat only the amount you plan to eat.

Reheating Frozen Pizza in an Air Fryer:

You can also use your air fryer to reheat frozen pizza. Simply preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Then, place your frozen pizza slices in the air fryer and cook for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. Check on your pizza after 8 minutes to ensure it doesn't overcook.

So, the next time you have leftover pizza, don't settle for a soggy microwave meal or a long wait for your oven to heat up. Instead, reach for your air fryer and enjoy a perfectly reheated slice in just a few minutes!

Reheating Chicken in an Air Fryer

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (175-200°C) for a few minutes. Preheating will ensure even cooking and is especially important if you want to retain the crispiness of your chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your chicken by placing it in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This will ensure that the hot air circulates effectively around each piece of chicken. Do not overcrowd the basket as this will result in uneven cooking. If you have a lot of chicken, cook it in batches.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the basket with the chicken inside and set the timer for 3-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces and the model of your air fryer. For thinner pieces of chicken, 3-4 minutes should be sufficient, while thicker pieces may require up to 6-8 minutes.

Step 4: Flip and Check the Chicken

After the first few minutes of cooking, check the chicken and flip it to ensure even heating. Continuous monitoring is crucial to prevent the chicken from drying out or overheating.

Step 5: Optional - Add Sauce or Seasoning

If desired, you can add sauce or seasoning to your chicken during the last minute of cooking. This will add moisture and enhance the flavor of your dish.

Step 6: Check the Internal Temperature

To ensure food safety, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. The USDA recommends a temperature of 165°F (74°C) as an indication that the chicken is adequately reheated and safe to consume.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Before reheating, let your chicken come to room temperature to ensure even cooking.
• If you want to add moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out, coat it with cooking spray or a light layer of oil before reheating.
• Avoid covering the chicken while reheating as it obstructs the airflow, hindering the air fryer's ability to circulate hot air effectively.
• Only reheat the amount of chicken you plan to consume as reheating multiple times can affect the quality and texture of the meat.

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

Reheating Steak in an Air Fryer

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.
• Use a paper towel to gently pat the steak dry and remove any excess moisture, which is crucial for a perfect sear.
• Consider reseasoning the steak with a light sprinkle of salt, pepper, and your favourite steak seasoning to enhance the flavours.

Reheating Process:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential for even heating and moisture retention.
• Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding.
• 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 based on your desired level.
• Halfway through, flip the steaks to guarantee uniform cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. 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 is done to your liking, remove it from the air fryer, let it rest briefly, and then slice it.

Tips:

• The key to preventing your steak from drying out is using both oil and butter. Brush the steak with olive oil and place pats of butter on top before heating.
• Allow the steak to rest after reheating, just like you would with a freshly cooked steak, to retain those tasty juices.
• The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your steak, so keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.
• Always ensure your steak is thoroughly cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

Reheating French Fries in an Air Fryer

French fries are a classic side dish, but sometimes we end up with leftovers. The good news is that you can easily reheat French fries in an air fryer and bring them back to their former glory! Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving crispy, golden French fries:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Let the air fryer run empty for about 3 minutes at 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). Preheating ensures that your fries cook evenly and helps them get crispy without drying out.

Step 2: Arrange the French Fries

Place the French fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. This arrangement allows for proper air circulation, ensuring that all fries reheat evenly. If you have a large portion of fries, consider cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 3: Cook the French Fries

Cook the French fries for about 2 to 5 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fries and your desired level of crispiness. Thicker fries will take a little longer to heat up and get crispy, while thinner fries will cook faster. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once your French fries are heated through and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve them with your favorite sauces or seasonings.

Tips for the Best Results:

• For skinnier fries, opt for a shorter cooking time to avoid overcooking.
• If your air fryer has multiple heat settings, you can increase the temperature to 380°F (190°C) if you notice the fries aren't crisping up as desired.
• Preheating the air fryer is essential for the best results, as it ensures the fries cook evenly and don't dry out.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the fries in batches to allow for proper air circulation.
• For an extra crispy texture, give your fries a light spritz of neutral cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy crispy, delicious French fries from your leftovers!

Reheating a Burger in an Air Fryer

Air fryers circulate hot air around your food, like a mini convection oven. This cooks food quickly and evenly, making it ideal for reheating leftovers. Using an air fryer basket ensures hot air reaches all surfaces of the food, including the bottom. This means your burger will be crispy, juicy, and delicious—not soggy like it might be if reheated in a microwave.

Step-by-step guide to reheating a burger in an air fryer

• Remove the leftover burger from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
• Separate the burger bun, patty, and any toppings. Place the bun cut-side up on a wire rack-lined baking sheet or foil. If your lettuce is mushy, discard it, but tomatoes, onions, and pickles are likely fine to reuse. Set aside any veggies you want to reuse and place the buns and patty in the air fryer.
• Reheat at 300–350°F/149–177°C for 2–6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160–165°F/71–74°C. Use a meat thermometer to check.
• If you're reheating cheese, add it during the last minute of cooking to avoid a gooey mess.
• Wrap the bun in foil and reheat it after the patty if you don't want it to get too crispy.
• Reassemble your burger and enjoy!

Tips for reheating burgers in an air fryer

• To avoid cold spots, ensure leftover burgers are spaced evenly in the air fryer basket for optimal airflow.
• If you're reheating fast-food burgers, you may want to remove toppings like lettuce and tomato, as these will get slightly cooked.
• If you're worried about the bun flying off, secure it with a toothpick.
• All air fryers cook a little differently, so you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your brand and power wattage.

What not to reheat in an air fryer

While air fryers are great for reheating burgers, they're not ideal for all foods. Avoid reheating leafy greens like spinach or arugula, whole roasts, cheese without a coating (unless it's a grilling cheese like halloumi), soups, stews, pasta, and rice.

Frequently asked questions