Can an Air Fryer Warm Up Food Like a Microwave Find Out

Yes, an air fryer can warm up food like a microwave, but with superior crispiness and texture. Unlike microwaves that often leave food soggy, air fryers use circulating hot air to reheat while maintaining a satisfying crunch—ideal for leftovers like pizza or fries. Just avoid overcooking, as air fryers work faster and hotter than most expect.

Key Takeaways

• Air fryers reheat food faster than ovens but slower than microwaves.
• Use low temps (250-300°F) to avoid drying out leftovers.
• Best for crispy foods like fries, chicken, and pizza.
• Not ideal for liquids or delicate items like soups and sauces.
• Preheat for even heating and better texture retention.
• Small batches work best to ensure consistent warmth.

The Dilemma of Reheating: Air Fryer vs. Microwave

You’ve just finished a delicious meal, and now you’re staring at the leftovers, wondering: “What’s the best way to reheat this without sacrificing flavor or texture?” Maybe you’re a proud owner of an air fryer, or perhaps you’re considering one. You’ve heard it’s great for crispy fries and juicy chicken, but what about warming up last night’s lasagna or reheating a slice of pizza? Can an air fryer warm up food like a microwave? It’s a question I’ve asked myself more than once, especially after a long day when I just want my food hot, not soggy or overcooked.

As someone who’s experimented with both appliances, I get it—reheating food isn’t as simple as pressing a button. Microwaves are fast, but they often leave food rubbery or unevenly heated. Air fryers promise crispiness, but they take longer and aren’t always intuitive for warming. In this post, we’ll dive deep into how both appliances work, their pros and cons for reheating, and when one might be better than the other. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prepper, or just someone who hates soggy leftovers, this guide will help you make the best choice for your reheating needs.

How Air Fryers and Microwaves Work: The Science Behind Reheating

Air Fryers: Crisp Heat with Convection

Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook or reheat food. They work by heating air to high temperatures (usually 300°F–400°F) and blowing it around the food using a powerful fan. This process, called convection, creates a crispy outer layer—similar to deep frying, but with far less oil. The key here is the dry heat, which helps preserve texture, especially for fried or breaded items.

When you reheat food in an air fryer, the hot air surrounds the food evenly, preventing sogginess. For example, a leftover slice of pizza reheated in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes will come out with a crispy crust and a melty cheese top—something a microwave rarely achieves.

Microwaves: Fast but Wet

Microwaves, on the other hand, use radiation to heat food. They emit electromagnetic waves that excite water molecules inside the food, generating heat. This method is incredibly fast—often under a minute—but it comes with a trade-off: moisture. The rapid heating can create steam, which condenses on the surface of the food, leading to sogginess or rubbery textures.

For example, a bowl of leftover pasta might heat up in 90 seconds, but the sauce could separate, and the noodles might become mushy. Microwaves are excellent for liquids (soups, coffee) and soft foods (steamed veggies), but they struggle with anything that needs crispness.

Key Differences in Reheating

• Speed: Microwaves win hands-down. Most foods reheat in 1–3 minutes.
• Texture: Air fryers preserve crispiness; microwaves often make food soggy.
• Even heating: Air fryers circulate heat evenly, while microwaves can leave cold spots (unless you stir or rotate).
• Capacity: Microwaves handle large volumes (e.g., a full plate of leftovers) better than air fryers, which work best with smaller, single-layer portions.

Best Foods to Reheat in an Air Fryer (and Which to Avoid)

Foods That Shine in an Air Fryer

Not all leftovers are created equal. Some foods benefit immensely from the air fryer’s dry heat, while others are better off in the microwave or oven. Here’s a breakdown:

• Fried foods: Chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, onion rings. The air fryer restores their crunch without needing extra oil. Tip: Spray lightly with oil for extra crispiness.
• Pizza: A cold slice of pizza becomes restaurant-quality again at 350°F for 4–6 minutes. Pro tip: Place a small bowl of water in the basket to prevent cheese from drying out.
• French fries & potato wedges: Reheat at 375°F for 3–5 minutes. They’ll be crispier than when microwaved.
• Meat (steak, burgers): Reheat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. The air fryer keeps the outside seared while warming the inside evenly.
• Vegetables (roasted or sautéed): Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or zucchini retain their texture better than in a microwave.

Foods That Don’t Work Well in an Air Fryer

While the air fryer is versatile, some foods just aren’t a good fit:

• Soups, stews, or saucy dishes: The open basket design leads to splatter and drying out. Use a microwave or stovetop instead.
• Soft breads (buns, bagels): They can become too hard or dry. A microwave (with a damp paper towel) is gentler.
• Egg-based dishes (quiche, scrambled eggs): These can dry out quickly. Reheat gently in a microwave at 50% power.
• Large or dense foods (whole roasts, casseroles): Air fryers work best with thin, single-layer portions. For casseroles, transfer a serving to a smaller dish first.

Pro Tips for Air Fryer Reheating

• Preheat the air fryer: 2–3 minutes at your target temperature ensures even heating.
• Use the right basket size: Don’t overcrowd—leave space for air circulation.
• Flip or stir halfway: For foods like fries or chicken, flipping ensures even crispiness.
• Add moisture if needed: For dry foods (like chicken breasts), spritz with broth or olive oil before reheating.

When to Use a Microwave Instead: The Speed Advantage

Microwaves: The King of Convenience

Let’s be real: microwaves are unmatched when you’re in a hurry. Need to warm up your coffee in 30 seconds? Reheat a bowl of soup before your lunch break ends? The microwave is your best friend. Here’s when it truly shines:

• Liquids and saucy foods: Soups, stews, and curries reheat evenly in a microwave. Tip: Stir halfway to prevent hot spots.
• Soft foods: Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs stay fluffy when reheated at medium power (50–70%).
• Delicate items: Fish, tofu, or steamed vegetables can become rubbery in an air fryer but reheat gently in a microwave.
• Large portions: Need to warm up an entire plate of leftovers? A microwave handles this better than an air fryer, which works best with small batches.

Microwave Hacks for Better Reheating

Microwaves get a bad rap for soggy results, but a few tricks can help:

• Use a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel: Traps steam to keep food moist without sogginess.
• Lower the power setting: Heating at 50% power prevents overcooking and rubbery textures.
• Stir or rearrange: For casseroles or pasta, stir halfway to distribute heat evenly.
• Let it rest: After reheating, let food sit for 30–60 seconds. Heat continues to spread, avoiding cold centers.

Real-World Example: The 5-Minute Lunch

Imagine you’re at work and need to reheat last night’s stir-fry. If you’re short on time, a microwave (2 minutes on high) gets you a hot meal fast. But if you have 10 minutes and want crispy veggies and juicy chicken, the air fryer (7–8 minutes at 350°F) is worth the wait. The choice depends on your priorities: speed vs. texture.

Comparing Reheating Results: A Side-by-Side Experiment

The Test: Pizza, Fries, and Fried Chicken

To see how air fryers and microwaves compare, I ran a simple experiment with three common leftovers: a slice of pepperoni pizza, a handful of french fries, and two fried chicken tenders. Here’s what happened:

Results Table

Food	Appliance	Time	Temperature/Power	Texture	Flavor	Verdict
Pizza	Air fryer	5 minutes	350°F	Crispy crust, melty cheese	Fresh, balanced	Winner
Pizza	Microwave	1.5 minutes	High	Soggy crust, rubbery cheese	Flat, uneven	Not ideal
French fries	Air fryer	4 minutes	375°F	Extra crispy, no sogginess	Rich, golden	Winner
French fries	Microwave	1 minute	High	Soft, slightly chewy	Muted, bland	Acceptable in a pinch
Fried chicken	Air fryer	6 minutes	350°F	Crispy skin, juicy inside	Restaurant-quality	Winner
Fried chicken	Microwave	2 minutes	High	Rubbery skin, dry inside	Overcooked	Not recommended

Key Takeaways from the Experiment

• Air fryers win for texture: Crispy, golden results every time.
• Microwaves are faster but sacrifice quality: Great for speed, not for taste.
• Time vs. quality trade-off: The air fryer took 2–4x longer but delivered far better results.
• Not a one-size-fits-all solution: For soups or soft foods, the microwave still rules.

Making the Right Choice: Air Fryer or Microwave?

When to Choose an Air Fryer

An air fryer is the better choice when:

• You value crispiness and texture (fried foods, pizza, roasted veggies).
• You’re reheating small to medium portions (1–2 servings).
• You have 5–10 minutes to spare and want restaurant-quality results.
• You’re reheating previously crispy foods (fries, chicken, baked goods).

Example: You’re reheating leftover buffalo wings. The air fryer (375°F for 5 minutes) will keep them crispy and saucy, while the microwave will leave them soggy.

When to Choose a Microwave

A microwave is better when:

• You’re short on time (under 3 minutes needed).
• You’re reheating liquids or saucy dishes (soups, stews, pasta).
• You’re warming soft foods (rice, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies).
• You’re reheating large quantities (a full plate of leftovers).

Example: You’re late for work and need to reheat your coffee and a bowl of chili. The microwave does both in under a minute.

The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

Sometimes, the smartest move is to combine both appliances. For example:

• Step 1: Use the microwave to quickly warm up a casserole (2 minutes).
• Step 2: Transfer a small portion to the air fryer (3 minutes at 350°F) to crisp the top.
• Result: A hot, evenly heated casserole with a crispy crust—no soggy disappointment!

This method works great for dishes like mac and cheese, shepherd’s pie, or lasagna. It’s all about knowing which tool to use for which part of the job.

Conclusion: The Right Tool for the Right Leftover

So, can an air fryer warm up food like a microwave? The answer is: yes, but with caveats. Air fryers excel at reheating foods that need crispiness, texture, and even heating—think pizza, fried chicken, or roasted veggies. They’re slower than microwaves, but the results are often worth the wait. Microwaves, on the other hand, are unbeatable for speed and convenience, especially with liquids, soft foods, or large portions.

The key is to match the tool to the task. If you’re reheating a bowl of soup, grab the microwave. If you want crispy fries or a golden slice of pizza, fire up the air fryer. And don’t be afraid to mix and match—use the microwave to get your food hot, then the air fryer to perfect the texture.

At the end of the day, both appliances have their place in your kitchen. The air fryer isn’t here to replace your microwave; it’s here to complement it. Whether you’re a busy professional, a meal prepper, or just someone who hates soggy leftovers, understanding the strengths of each tool will help you reheat smarter, not harder. So next time you’re staring at those leftovers, ask yourself: “Do I need speed, or do I need crispiness?” The answer will guide you to the perfect reheating method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an air fryer warm up food like a microwave?

Yes, an air fryer can reheat food similarly to a microwave but with a crispier result. While microwaves heat food quickly using moisture, air fryers use hot air circulation, making them ideal for leftovers that need a crunchy texture.

How does reheating food in an air fryer compare to a microwave?

Reheating in an air fryer takes slightly longer than a microwave but preserves crispiness better, especially for fried foods. Microwaves are faster but can make food soggy, while air fryers restore texture more effectively.

Is it safe to reheat all foods in an air fryer like a microwave?

Most foods can be reheated in an air fryer, but avoid items with high moisture content (like soups) or delicate items prone to drying out. Use the air fryer for solid foods like pizza, fries, or chicken.

Can an air fryer replace a microwave for warming up leftovers?

An air fryer can replace a microwave for reheating leftovers that benefit from a crispy finish, like fried foods. However, for speed or reheating liquids, a microwave may still be more practical.

What’s the best way to reheat food in an air fryer without drying it out?

To prevent drying, lightly coat food with oil or add a splash of water before reheating. Set the temperature to 300-350°F (150-175°C) and heat for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently.

Does warming food in an air fryer take longer than a microwave?

Yes, air fryers generally take 2-5 minutes longer than microwaves due to their slower heating method. However, the trade-off is better texture and crispiness for many foods.