After experimenting with different reheating methods, the air fryer has claimed its throne in my kitchen as the champion for a few compelling reasons.
It’s quick, efficient, and most of the time doesn’t require preheating, making it incredibly convenient. The air fryer offers a blend of speed similar to that of a microwave, with the crispy results you’d expect from a toaster oven, but in a fraction of the time.
The rule of thumb for reheating food in air fryer: The general reheating time for most items is between 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the type of food.
A common temperature range for reheating most foods is between 320°F (160°C) and 370°F (190°C), with a few exceptions requiring higher temperatures (e.g., burrito at 400°F/200°C) or specific settings based on the food’s original cooking requirements.
Reheating Pizza in an Air Fryer
Reheating pizza in an air fryer has been a popular method for its quickness and efficiency in getting the slice hot, the cheese sizzling, and the crust somewhat crispy.
Place your pizza slice in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C ) for about five or six minutes. That’s right, no preheating is necessary!
This air fryer method is, without a doubt, my favorite way to reheat pizza. It strikes the perfect balance between convenience and quality. It might take a tad longer than the microwave, but the superior texture and taste of the crust make it well worth the wait.
And compared to a toaster oven, it’s significantly faster, providing those desiring a crispy crust with an ideal solution.
Reheating (French) Fries in an Air Fryer
Reheating fries can often result in a soggy, disappointing mess, especially when using a microwave.
However, the air fryer uses circulating hot air to re-crisp the fries, mimicking the original cooking method without the need for additional oil.
This method is quick, and simple, and provides an excellent way to reduce food waste by enjoying your leftovers as if they were freshly made.
Start by spreading your leftover fries evenly in the air fryer basket.
Lightly spray the fries with extra virgin olive oil. This helps to revive the fries’ texture and enhances their taste.
Adjust the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and set the timer for five minutes. This is a general guideline for standard fries; thicker cuts might require a bit more time.
Reheating Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer
While microwaving fried chicken can bring it back to a warm state quickly, this method often leaves the breading limp and the meat somewhat rubbery. It’s a convenient, yet underwhelming way to handle leftovers.
On the other hand, covering fried chicken with foil and reheating it in the oven may keep the meat moist, but it also traps steam, making the once-crispy skin disappointingly soggy.
Here’s how to leverage your air fryer for the best reheated fried chicken:
- Allow your chicken to come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures even reheating.
- Place the chicken in a single layer in the fryer basket.
- Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
- Just four to five minutes in the air fryer should suffice to warm the chicken thoroughly and restore its crispy, golden exterior.
Reheating Steak in an Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer. If it’s already preheated, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Although your steak was likely seasoned before its first cooking, a little extra salt before reheating can enhance its flavor. Feel free to add any additional seasonings you prefer, such as BBQ seasoning for sirloin, oregano for ribeye, or basil for rump steak.
Set your air fryer to 160°C (320°F). For a preheated air fryer, cook your steak for five minutes on one side and four minutes on the other. If your air fryer is not preheated, a total of twelve minutes (six minutes per side) should suffice.
Reheating Ribs in an Air Fryer
Lightly drizzle a few drops of oil over the ribs. This small step helps to prevent the ribs from drying out during the reheating process.
Place the ribs in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This temperature is ideal for warming the ribs without burning them.
Let the ribs cook for about five minutes. Afterward, check to see if they’re heated thoroughly and have reached your desired level of doneness.
Remove the ribs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute
Reheating Burger in an Air Fryer
Fit the burgers comfortably in the air fryer basket. You can reheat one or two at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Reheating Process: Begin for three to four minutes at 160°C (320°F), then flip the burgers and continue for another two minutes. If the center isn’t hot after checking, add a couple more minutes.
Note: The air fryer can slightly alter the texture of the burger buns, so you might want to remove the bottom bun during reheating if you prefer it softer.
Reheating Egg Rolls in an Air Fryer
To reheat egg rolls simply set your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) and reheat the egg rolls for about 3-4 minutes. This method ensures they come out almost as good as fresh, with a perfectly crunchy texture and a hot, flavorful filling.
Reheating Baked Potato in an Air Fryer
Reheating baked potatoes in the air fryer is not only quick and easy but also results in deliciously fluffy potatoes with perfectly crisped skins.
By setting the air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for about five minutes, you can enjoy your leftover baked potatoes as if they were freshly made.
Pro Tip: Adding a bit of butter in the final moments of reheating ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience
Reheating Burrito in an Air Fryer
Reheating a burrito in the air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy it as if it’s freshly made, with a crispy exterior and a warm, delicious filling.
Simply set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow the burrito to warm up for 2-3 minutes. This method ensures your burrito comes out evenly heated, maintaining its texture and flavor perfectly.
Reheating Salmon in an Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (180°C), which is the ideal temperature for gently warming the salmon without drying it out.
For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, you can either spray the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with aluminum foil.
Place the salmon inside and let it cook for 4-5 minutes. To ensure it’s heated through safely, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 145°F (63°C)
Serve your beautifully reheated salmon immediately for a meal that’s both quick and satisfying.
Air Fryer Reheating Time Chart
| Food | Preheating | Reheating Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pizza | No | 350°F (180°C) | 5-6 minutes |
| (French) Fries | No | 320°F (160°C) | 5 minutes |
| Fried Chicken | No | 350°F (180°C) | 4-5 minutes |
| Steak | Yes, adjust time if preheated | 320°F (160°C) | 5 min + 4 min / 12 min |
| Ribs | No | 350°F (175°C) | 5 minutes |
| Burger | No | 320°F (160°C) | 3-4 min + 2 min |
| Egg Rolls | No | 370°F (190°C) | 3-4 minutes |
| Baked Potato | No | 320°F (160°C) | 5 minutes |
| Burrito | No | 400°F (200°C) | 2-3 minutes |
| Salmon | Yes, 350°F (180°C) | 350°F (180°C) | 4-5 minutes |
7 Pro Tips For Perfect Reheating
- Moisture matters: Spritz delicate proteins like fish or breaded veggies with a touch of water or oil before air frying to prevent dryness.
- Flip for evenness: For thicker items like burgers or pizza slices, flip halfway through cooking to ensure consistent heating and browning.
- Embrace parchment paper: Use parchment paper liners for messy foods like mozzarella sticks or spring rolls to catch drips and simplify cleanup.
- Spice it up! Reheating is a chance to add new flavors. Sprinkle cooked items with fresh herbs, spices, or a drizzle of sauce for a flavor boost.
- Don’t overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the basket, as it traps steam and leads to soggy results. Cook in batches for optimal airflow and crispy textures.
- Start low and slow: Begin with shorter cooking times and lower temperatures, especially for delicate foods. You can always add more time if needed.
- Know your smoke point: Use oils with high smoke points for air frying, like avocado oil or canola oil. Avoid olive oil, which has a lower smoke point and can burn.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Food is dry: This can happen if you overcook or don’t add enough moisture. Use shorter cooking times and try spritzing with water or oil next time.
- Food is burning: Reduce the cooking temperature or shorten the cooking time. Ensure your air fryer is clean and doesn’t have any food residue that could burn.
- Food isn’t crispy: Make sure your basket isn’t overcrowded and try flipping or tossing your food halfway through cooking. You can also increase the cooking temperature slightly.
- Air fryer smells smoky: This could be due to burnt food particles or using oil with a low smoke point. Clean your air fryer regularly and use appropriate oils.
Quick Guide to Converting Oven Recipes for Air Fryer
Eager to explore more than just reheating in your air fryer? Learn how to adapt oven recipes for air fryer cooking with my concise guide. It simplifies the process of adjusting cooking times and temperatures to ensure your dishes come out perfectly.
