Leftovers are great, but reheating them can be a challenge. Sometimes you wind up with a soggy mess, especially if you’re using the microwave. That’s where the air fryer shines.
You’ll learn how to reheat in an air fryer quickly and efficiently and make your leftover pizza taste just like it did when it was fresh. So go ahead and dig into last night's dinner because your air fryer can bring it back to life, guaranteed!
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The Magic Behind Air Fryer Reheating
How exactly does an air fryer turn soggy leftovers into something delicious? Air fryers use a simple but effective method of rapidly circulating hot air. It's basically like a tiny, powerful convection oven on your countertop.
When you air fry, this hot air envelops the food in the air fryer basket, crisping up the exterior while gently warming the inside. Here's the best part: it doesn't need additional oil. Unlike deep fryers that submerge your food in a vat of hot oil, air fryers require only a light spritz or no additional oil at all. It is healthier, quicker, and can make a huge difference, especially with already-fried foods.
And let's not forget the best part: an air fryer typically preheats quickly and takes a fraction of the time that a full-sized oven does.
Mastering how to reheat in an air fryer makes even picky eaters happy, and there's nothing quite as satisfying as turning yesterday’s fried chicken, fried fish, or even leftover fries into a crispy, juicy masterpiece.
But if you’re going to be reheating food, doing it safely is important. The USDA recommends heating leftovers to 165°F as measured with an instant-read thermometer.
Best Foods to Reheat in an Air Fryer
Let’s break it down, from classic fast-food favorites to the remnants of a homemade feast. Here is a look at some of the best candidates for reheating in an air fryer and bringing your leftovers to life:
Reheating Pizza
Pizza, oh, pizza, that perfect symphony of cheesy, gooey goodness, piled atop a crispy crust. It’s the kind of comfort food we crave and is perhaps one of the top contenders for leftovers. But how do you revive that deliciousness without winding up with a limp, disappointing slice?
The secret lies in mastering how to reheat pizza in an air fryer. The air fryer basket becomes a platform for a transformation. The result is a hot slice with that crispy, almost wood-fired crust, topped with melty, delicious cheese.
Chicken Wings
Who can resist the lure of those savory, finger-licking-good chicken wings? The trouble is leftover chicken wings often lose their magic overnight. Instead of biting into crispy perfection, you get soft skin and an unpleasant texture.
But fear not because reheating chicken wings in an air fryer becomes an easy-to-master skill. The air fryer brings back their irresistible crunch. They emerge with crispy skin that crackles, and the inside will be juicy and ready to be dipped in your favorite sauce. It’s the perfect way to reheat these classic bar food favorites.
French Fries
The sadness of finding a carton of leftover french fries that have gone soft is a real struggle for any fry lover. They're a shadow of their former, gloriously crispy selves. The solution? Learn how to reheat french fries in an air fryer.
Whether they were restaurant leftovers or made at home, your air fryer is here to make a huge difference in your overall leftover fry game. Just a couple of minutes in the air fryer is all it takes to turn sad, soggy french fries into something you would want to brag about.
Fried Chicken
Leftover fried chicken, once relegated to sadness, can now make a comeback thanks to the magic of air fryers. This kitchen hero is the key to learning how to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer so you can enjoy fried chicken just like when it was first made.
You get crispy skin, juicy meat, and all the satisfaction of those first glorious bites, all over again. So ditch the microwave. There’s no need to make sad leftovers. You'll know how to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer so well that it’ll almost be like having it for the very first time. It might even become your preferred way to eat this Southern classic.
Other Crispy Treats:
Reheating in an air fryer goes far beyond those beloved staples of fast-food leftovers and homemade favorites. Embrace the versatility of your air fryer and make reheating any crispy leftovers easier. It is a great way to give mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and other deep-fried appetizers a second life.
See some more delicious air fryer recipes here: Recipes
General Guidelines for Air Fryer Reheating
Reheating in an air fryer successfully doesn't require strict recipes or culinary degrees, but understanding a few basic principles can make all the difference. This handy air fryer guide will teach you how to use yours like a seasoned pro, no matter what model or brand you might own.
There’s not much prep involved, but here are a few things you might want to consider:
Space is key
Allow space between the food in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding prevents that amazing, magical hot air circulation. You can also try placing parchment paper or an air fryer liner in the basket to simplify cleanup, especially with foods like mozzarella sticks.
Related: Silicone vs Parchment Paper for Air Fryer: Best Choice?
Don’t skimp on preheating
Giving your air fryer a few minutes to heat up makes a big difference. This allows it to get piping hot so your leftovers will reheat evenly.
Embrace a spritz of oil
Just a quick spritz of olive oil or avocado oil helps ensure things stay extra crispy and can prevent some foods from getting too dry.
Also see: Best Oil For Air Fryer: Which One To Choose?
Reheating Basics
- Moderate heat is your friend: For reheating leftovers in an air fryer, generally aim for 350 degrees F to 375 degrees F as this provides that balance of crispy perfection with no drying out. Some items might reheat better at slightly lower temperatures while some may need higher temperatures for crispier outcomes.
- It's okay to toss and turn: Flipping and shaking are your friends. Doing this allows you to make sure the hot air works its magic evenly. Evenly heated leftovers mean better-tasting leftovers and avoids foods being cold or overdone on spots.
- Trust the power of observation: Keep a close eye on things to ensure everything is reheated thoroughly but isn't burning.
How to Reheat in Air Fryer with Ease
| Food | Air Fryer Temperature (°F) | Time (Minutes) | Pro Tips |
| Pizza (1-2 slices) | 350 | 3-5 | Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking if desired. |
| Chicken Wings (5-8) | 375 | 4-6 | Spread in a single layer. Shake the basket midway for optimal results. |
| French Fries | 350 | 3-5 | Spread in a single layer and shake the basket a couple of times during reheating for crisping. |
| Fried Chicken | 375 | 5-7 | Spread in a single layer. Flip midway through for even reheating. |
| Mozzarella Sticks | 350 | 2-4 | Avoid overcrowding to ensure everything reheats evenly. |
Foods You Shouldn't Reheat in an Air Fryer
As versatile and convenient as air fryers are, there are certain leftovers that are best reheated in a different way.
Leafy greens
The intense hot air blowing in an air fryer can turn your leftover leafy greens into a wilted and unevenly heated mess. Sticking to traditional methods of warming them on the stovetop, or for a quicker option, zapping them for just a few seconds in the microwave is typically the best course of action. You definitely won’t want crispy greens.
Soups and stews
While soups and stews can technically be reheated in a microwave-safe bowl in the air fryer, it’s not the most ideal method. They might splatter, creating a mess you don't want to deal with. Heating them on the stovetop provides much more control over temperature, and you’re much less likely to be greeted by a splatter-fest when you open it up.
Pasta and rice
Both pasta and rice tend to dry out in an air fryer. This happens very quickly, too. You're much better off using a stovetop with a bit of extra water or broth to revitalize these types of leftovers. And be sure to check out the Breville Joule Air Fryer Toaster Oven, because a multi-use appliance can be great for cooking all kinds of meals.
FAQ's
The reheating time in an air fryer varies depending on the type of food. Most leftovers, including chicken nuggets or fries, can be reheated in 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Always check halfway through to avoid overcooking.
If your air fryer leftovers are turning out dry, it could be due to reheating at too high a temperature or for too long. To avoid this, keep the temperature around 350°F (175°C) and check the food frequently to maintain moisture, especially with non-crispy foods.
Yes, you can reheat frozen chicken nuggets directly in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes. The air fryer works efficiently to make them crispy and warm, just like they were freshly cooked.
Conclusion
Discovering how to reheat in an air fryer can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy your leftovers. Air fryers offer a super simple and convenient way to enjoy crispy leftovers, quickly and without all that excess fat from deep frying.
However, mastering the reheating process effectively requires that you avoid foods best warmed using other methods. Now you can enjoy that delicious, hot pizza just like when you first got it. Happy air frying!
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