Tired of nuking your delicious dinner leftovers only to end up with a sad, soggy mess? You’re not alone! While microwaves are quick, they often sacrifice texture, leaving once-crispy dishes limp and unappetizing. Enter the air fryer – the ultimate kitchen gadget for bringing life back to your takeout and homemade meals. It’s truly the best air fryer for reheating food, transforming yesterday’s dinner into today’s crispy, golden delight.
Air fryers circulate superheated air around your food, mimicking the results of deep-frying but with little to no oil. This process is a game-changer for reheating because it effectively crisps up exteriors while warming the interiors, avoiding that dreaded “steamed” effect. Whether it’s last night’s pizza, leftover fried chicken, or even spring rolls, an air fryer makes reheating food an absolute dream.
So, if you’re on the hunt for the best air fryer for reheating food that gives your leftovers a new lease on life, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up top contenders that excel at this task, ensuring your next meal is just as good, if not better, than the first time around.
1. Ninja Air Fryer (AF101)
The Ninja Air Fryer AF101 is a compact powerhouse, perfect for individuals or smaller families looking for an efficient way to make their food crispy again. It’s renowned for its ability to air fry with significantly less fat, making your guilty pleasures a bit less guilty. What makes this model stand out for reheating is its precise temperature control and powerful convection heating, ensuring your leftovers get that perfect crisp without drying out. It’s a fantastic option if you want a dedicated appliance for quick reheating and healthy cooking.
Key Features:
– LESS FAT: Enjoy food with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods.
– WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: 105°F-400°F for gentle dehydrating or quick crisping.
– FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket fits 2 lbs of French fries.
– 4-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Includes Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate functions.
– DEHYDRATE: Create homemade, chip-like snacks.
– EASY-TO-CLEAN: Dishwasher safe basket and crisper plate.
Pros:
– Excellent at achieving crispy results.
– Dedicated ‘Reheat’ function for ease of use.
– Compact design saves countertop space.
– Parts are dishwasher safe, simplifying cleanup.
Cons:
– 4-quart capacity might be small for larger families or meal prepping.
– Can be a bit noisy during operation.
User Impressions:
Users consistently praise the Ninja AF101 for its speed and impressive ability to make frozen foods and leftovers incredibly crispy. Many highlight its ease of use and simple cleaning as major benefits, making it a go-to for quick meals and fantastic reheated dishes.
2. CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie (RJ38-10-RDO-V2)
If you’re looking for more than just an air fryer – a true countertop multi-tasker – the CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer is an excellent choice. Its extra-large 10-liter capacity means you can reheat entire family meals, and the rotisserie function is a fantastic bonus for fresh cooking. For reheating, its rapid air heating elements ensure quick, even, and crispy results, transforming everything from leftover pizza slices to roasted chicken with ease. The clear viewing window and interior lights are a thoughtful touch, letting you monitor your food’s progress without opening the door.
Key Features:
– VERSATILE COUNTERTOP COOKING: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, or roast.
– COOK FASTER: No preheating needed, uses rapid air heating for quick results.
– HEALTHY COOKING: Uses 98% less oil than traditional fryers.
– SIMPLIFIED SET-UP: 17 preset options and easy-to-use capacitive touch screen.
– ALL-INCLUSIVE: Includes three air flow racks, stainless steel rotisserie spit, and drip tray.
– FAMILY-SIZE MEALS: Extra-large 10-Liter capacity.
– MONITOR COOKING PROGRESS: Interior lights and extra-large oven window.
– MINIMAL CLEAN-UP: Removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts.
Pros:
– Large capacity perfect for families or bulk reheating.
– Multiple functions reduce the need for other appliances.
– Viewing window and interior light are very convenient.
– Many presets simplify operation for various foods.
Cons:
– Larger footprint may require more countertop space.
– Some users might find the range of accessories a bit much for simple daily use.
User Impressions:
Customers love the versatility and large capacity of the Chefman air fryer. They often comment on how well it re-crisps a wide variety of foods, from fries to roasted vegetables, and appreciate the ease of the preset options. The viewing window is a frequently praised feature.
3. The Complete Air Fryer Cooking Guide: 275+ Most Popular… (Recipe Book)
While not an air fryer itself, “The Complete Air Fryer Cooking Guide” is an invaluable companion for anyone wanting to get the most out of their air fryer, especially when it comes to reheating. Think of it as your secret weapon to master your air fryer’s capabilities for every meal, including giving new life to your leftovers. This guide is packed with recipes and tips that can help you understand optimal temperatures and times for various foods, ensuring your reheated dishes are always perfectly crispy and delicious. It’s the ultimate resource for expanding your air fryer repertoire beyond just the basics.
Key Features:
– COMPREHENSIVE RECIPES: Over 275 popular recipes tailored for air fryer cooking.
– OPTIMAL SETTINGS: Guidance on temperatures, times, and techniques for diverse foods.
– REHEATING TIPS: Specific sections or insights on how to perfectly reheat different types of leftovers.
– HEALTHY OPTIONS: Focus on healthier versions of fried favorites.
– STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS: Easy-to-follow directions for beginners and experienced cooks.
Pros:
– Provides a vast array of ideas for cooking and reheating.
– Helps optimize air fryer usage for best results.
– Great for beginners to learn the ins and outs of air frying.
– Inspires creativity for meal planning and using up leftovers.
Cons:
– Not an appliance; requires a separate air fryer to use.
– Information might be available online for free, though less organized.
User Impressions:
Readers highly recommend this guide, finding it to be an excellent resource for new and experienced air fryer owners alike. They appreciate the wide variety of recipes and practical tips, often citing it as a go-to for making the most of their appliance, including perfecting their reheating game.
4. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven (AOAF-FD30QT)
The Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a premium multi-cooker designed for those who need serious capacity and versatility. It’s not just an air fryer; it’s a full-fledged countertop oven that can replace several appliances. For reheating, its 360º superheated air circulation and dual-speed fan ensure even browning and crisping on larger batches of food, making it an excellent best air fryer for reheating food for families or entertaining. The elegant French doors and interior light also make monitoring your food a breeze, adding a touch of sophistication to your kitchen.
Key Features:
– A VERSATILE AIR FRYER AND MULTI-COOKER COMBO: Air fry, roast, bake, toast, slow cook, reheat, and more.
– PERFECTLY DONE TOAST: Automatic shut-off and indicator light.
– 25 COOKING PRE-SETS: Includes Ribs, Defrost, Bake, Toast, Chicken, Pizza, Pastry, Slow Cook, Roast, Reheat, and Keep Warm.
– DUAL-SPEED FAN: 360º superheated air circulation for golden fried crisping.
– 26-QUART CAPACITY: Suitable for 4–6 people, can rotisserie a 6-lb chicken or bake a 12” pizza.
– STAINLESS STEEL EXTERIOR: Beautiful aesthetic with elegant French doors and interior light.
Pros:
– Massive capacity handles large meals and multiple items for reheating.
– Wide array of cooking presets simplifies operation.
– Dual-speed fan ensures consistent, crispy results.
– French doors and interior light offer convenience and style.
Cons:
– Large size requires significant countertop space.
– Higher price point compared to standard air fryers.
User Impressions:
Reviewers rave about the Emeril Lagasse unit’s ability to perform multiple functions exceptionally well, with many noting its superior air frying capabilities. The large capacity and French door design are frequently highlighted as major advantages, especially for families who often cook or reheat bigger portions.
5. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity (AF150)
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro takes the beloved Ninja air frying experience up a notch with increased capacity and enhanced features, making it another top contender for the best air fryer for reheating food. Its 5-quart nonstick basket is perfect for larger batches of fries, wings, or entire meals, while the Air Crisp Technology guarantees those signature crispy results with up to 75% less fat. This model’s focus on fast, even cooking from frozen to crispy makes it incredibly efficient for quickly transforming cold leftovers into perfectly textured, hot meals, all while saving countertop space with its optimized design.
Key Features:
– AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
– LARGE CAPACITY: 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
– 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
– GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional methods.
– FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cooks frozen foods in minutes for an extra-crispy finish.
– SPACE SAVER: Optimized design without compromising capacity.
– EASY TO CLEAN: Nonstick basket and crisper plate for simple cleanup.
Pros:
– Larger capacity than standard models, great for families.
– Excellent air crisp technology for superior texture.
– Dedicated ‘Reheat’ function for precise warming.
– Space-saving design for a 5-quart unit.
Cons:
– May be slightly louder than some conventional ovens.
– Still a basket-style air fryer, limiting some cooking styles compared to oven models.
User Impressions:
Users are very impressed with the Ninja Air Fryer Pro’s performance, especially its ability to deliver perfectly crispy food. The increased 5-quart capacity is a big win for many, making it easier to cook for more people or reheat larger quantities. Its speed and ease of cleaning are also consistently praised.
FAQ Section: Your Reheating Questions Answered!
Q1: Why is an air fryer better than a microwave for reheating food?
A1: Air fryers use circulating hot air to crisp up the exterior of foods while heating them through, similar to an oven. Microwaves, on the other hand, heat food by agitating water molecules, which often results in soggy textures, especially for crispy items like fries, pizza, or fried chicken. An air fryer brings back that delicious crunch!
Q2: What types of food are best for reheating in an air fryer?
A2: An air fryer shines when reheating foods that you want to be crispy or have a desirable exterior texture. Think pizza, fried chicken, French fries, spring rolls, taquitos, roasted vegetables, grilled cheese, crispy tacos, and even leftover steak or fish that you want a nice sear on.
Q3: How do I prevent food from drying out when reheating in an air fryer?
A3: To prevent drying, use a slightly lower temperature than you would for initial cooking (e.g., 300-350°F / 150-175°C) and keep a close eye on your food. For some items, a light spritz of oil can help maintain moisture and enhance crispiness. Reheat in short increments, checking frequently, rather than setting a long timer.
Q4: What’s the best temperature and time for reheating common foods?
A4:
– Pizza: 325-350°F (160-175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
– French Fries: 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes, shaking basket halfway.
– Fried Chicken: 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
– Spring Rolls/Egg Rolls: 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
– Roasted Veggies: 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes.
Always check for desired warmth and crispness, as times can vary based on food thickness and air fryer model.
Q5: Can I reheat soup or liquids in an air fryer?
A5: No, air fryers are designed for solid foods and operate like small convection ovens. They are not suitable for reheating liquids like soup, stew, or sauces. For those, a microwave or stovetop is still your best bet.
Q6: Do I need to preheat my air fryer before reheating?
A6: For best results, it’s generally recommended to preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding food, especially for reheating. This ensures even cooking and quick crisping from the moment your food goes in, preventing it from drying out while waiting for the appliance to reach temperature.
Q7: How do I clean my air fryer after reheating greasy food?
A7: Most air fryer baskets and crisper plates are nonstick and dishwasher safe. For greasy food, wipe down any excess oil or crumbs once cooled. Then, wash the removable parts with warm, soapy water or place them in the dishwasher. For the interior of the appliance, a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads to protect the nonstick coating.