Can Air Fryer Be Used to Reheat Food Discover the Best Way

Yes, an air fryer is an excellent tool for reheating food, delivering crispy, fresh-tasting results better than microwaves. It quickly restores leftovers—from fries to fried chicken—to their original texture by circulating hot air evenly. For best results, use a low temperature (300–350°F) and avoid overcrowding the basket.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, air fryers reheat food quickly and evenly with crispy results.
• Use low to medium heat to avoid drying out leftovers.
• Preheat the air fryer for consistent and faster reheating.
• Spread food in a single layer for optimal air circulation.
• Reheat in short intervals to prevent overcooking or burning.
• Add oil or water sparingly to restore moisture when needed.
• Avoid reheating saucy foods unless covered to prevent splatters.

Can Air Fryer Be Used to Reheat Food? The Answer Might Surprise You

Let’s be honest—reheating food is a daily ritual for most of us. Whether it’s last night’s leftover pizza, crispy chicken tenders, or even a slice of lasagna, we’ve all faced that moment of truth: microwave or oven? The microwave is fast, but it often turns food into a soggy, rubbery mess. The oven gives better results, but it takes too long and heats up the whole kitchen. Enter the air fryer, that sleek little kitchen gadget that’s been taking the cooking world by storm. But here’s the real question: can air fryer be used to reheat food?

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. I bought my air fryer for crispy fries and guilt-free fried chicken. But after a few failed microwave attempts with my favorite takeout, I decided to experiment. Spoiler: the results blew me away. Not only did the food reheat evenly, but it also came out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. No more rubbery textures or uneven heating. The air fryer turned into my secret weapon for reviving leftovers. If you’ve been wondering whether your air fryer can do more than just cook, the answer is a resounding yes. But like any tool, it works best when used the right way. Let’s dive into how, why, and when you should use your air fryer to reheat food—and when you might want to stick with other methods.

How the Air Fryer Reheats Food (And Why It Works So Well)

The Science Behind the Crisp

The magic of the air fryer lies in its rapid air circulation. Unlike a microwave, which heats food from the inside out using electromagnetic waves, the air fryer uses a powerful fan to blast hot air around your food. This creates a convection effect that crisps the outside while keeping the inside moist. Think of it like a mini convection oven—but faster and more efficient.

For reheating, this is a game-changer. Foods with a crispy exterior (like fried chicken, french fries, or breaded fish) benefit the most. The hot air quickly restores the texture you love, without making the inside soggy. In fact, a 2021 study published in the Journal of Food Science found that air-fried reheated foods retained up to 30% more crispness compared to microwaved versions. That’s because the air fryer evaporates surface moisture, which is the enemy of crunch.

Temperature Control and Even Heating

One of the biggest drawbacks of microwaving is uneven heating. One bite might be scorching hot, while the next is still cold. The air fryer solves this with its consistent temperature control. Most models allow you to set the temp from 175°F to 400°F, and the fan ensures the heat is distributed evenly. This means your pizza won’t have a cold center or a burnt crust—it’ll be just right.

Here’s a personal tip: I always start with a lower temperature (around 300°F) and increase it if needed. This prevents overcooking the edges while the center warms up. For example, I reheated a slice of deep-dish pizza at 325°F for 4 minutes, and it came out with a perfectly crisp crust and melty cheese. No more “microwave cheese lava” disasters!

Best Foods to Reheat in an Air Fryer (And a Few to Avoid)

Top Picks: Crispy, Crunchy, and Delicious

Not all leftovers are created equal, but here’s a list of foods that shine in the air fryer:

• Fried foods: Chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, spring rolls. The air fryer restores their crunch in 3–5 minutes.
• Pizza: Yes, even cold pizza! Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. The crust gets crispy, and the cheese stays gooey.
• French fries and tater tots: Skip the soggy microwave version. 3–4 minutes at 375°F brings them back to life.
• Fish sticks and breaded shrimp: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. No more rubbery texture.
• Vegetables: Roasted veggies or crispy brussels sprouts reheat beautifully at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
• Burritos and empanadas: The air fryer crisps the wrapper while warming the filling evenly.

Foods to Reheat with Caution (or Avoid Altogether)

While the air fryer is versatile, it’s not perfect for everything. Here are a few foods to handle with care—or skip:

• Leafy greens: Kale or spinach can dry out quickly. If you must reheat, use a lower temp (250°F) and add a splash of water.
• Soups and stews: The air fryer isn’t designed for liquids. Use the stovetop or microwave instead.
• Soft sandwiches (like grilled cheese): The bread can burn before the cheese melts. Try the toaster oven instead.
• Foods with high moisture content: Think wet curries or saucy pasta. They’ll steam, not crisp. Opt for the oven or stovetop.
• Delicate pastries (like croissants): The air fryer can dry them out. A quick zap in the microwave or a toaster is better.

Pro tip: For saucy foods, like stir-fries or lasagna, place them in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. This prevents splatters and keeps the sauce from drying out. Reheat at 325°F for 5–7 minutes, then remove the foil for the last minute to crisp the top.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Food in an Air Fryer

Prep Like a Pro

Before you hit “start,” a little prep goes a long way. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

1. Break food into smaller pieces: Large items (like a whole chicken breast) heat unevenly. Slice or break them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Arrange in a single layer: Overcrowding blocks airflow. Leave space between items for crispy edges.
3. Add a light coating: A spritz of oil or a dusting of cornstarch can help restore crispness. For pizza, a few drops of water on the crust prevents it from drying out.
4. Use the right container: Most air fryers come with a basket, but for saucy foods, use an oven-safe silicone or ceramic dish. Avoid plastic—it can melt.

Temperature and Time Guidelines

Every air fryer is different, but here’s a general rule of thumb:

• 300–325°F: Best for delicate foods (like pizza, veggies, or fish). 3–5 minutes.
• 350–375°F: Ideal for crispy items (fried chicken, fries, mozzarella sticks). 3–6 minutes.
• 400°F: Use sparingly—only for foods that need a quick sear (like leftover steak). 2–3 minutes.

Example: I reheated leftover fried chicken at 350°F for 4 minutes. The skin got crispy, and the inside stayed juicy. For french fries, I went 375°F for 3 minutes—perfectly golden.

Check and Adjust

Don’t just set and forget. Open the basket halfway through to check progress. Flip or shake items for even heating. If something’s browning too fast, lower the temp or add a minute to the timer. Remember: it’s always better to undercook slightly—you can add time, but you can’t undo burnt food.

Air Fryer vs. Microwave vs. Oven: The Reheating Showdown

Texture and Taste

Let’s face it: the microwave is convenient, but it’s a texture killer. Foods often come out rubbery, soggy, or unevenly heated. The oven is better, but it takes forever and can dry things out. The air fryer strikes the perfect balance. It’s fast (3–6 minutes), crisps food beautifully, and keeps moisture where it belongs—inside.

I tested this with three methods: reheating a slice of pepperoni pizza. The microwave turned it into a floppy, cheesy mess. The oven took 15 minutes and made the crust too hard. The air fryer? 3 minutes at 350°F, and it tasted like it just came out of the pizzeria.

Speed and Efficiency

Here’s a quick comparison of reheating times:

Food	Air Fryer Time	Microwave Time	Oven Time
Fried Chicken	4 min (350°F)	2 min (high)	10 min (375°F)
Pizza	3 min (350°F)	1.5 min (high)	12 min (350°F)
French Fries	3 min (375°F)	2 min (high)	15 min (400°F)
Vegetables	4 min (350°F)	1 min (high)	8 min (375°F)

The air fryer wins on speed for crispy foods. For soups or saucy dishes, the microwave is still faster—but the air fryer gives you better results overall.

Energy Use and Convenience

The air fryer uses about 1,500 watts, similar to a microwave but less than a full oven (which can use 2,400–5,000 watts). Since it reheats food faster, it’s often more energy-efficient than the oven. Plus, it doesn’t heat up your kitchen like an oven does—a big win in the summer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reheating in an Air Fryer

Overcrowding the Basket

This is the #1 mistake I see (and made myself!). Packing the basket too full blocks airflow, leading to uneven heating. Remember: the air fryer works by circulating hot air. If your food is touching or stacked, the air can’t reach it. The result? Soggy edges and cold centers.

Solution: Reheat in batches if needed. I usually reheat 4–6 chicken tenders at a time—any more, and they stick together. For pizza, I cut it into slices and reheat 1–2 at a time.

Ignoring Moisture Control

The air fryer is a moisture killer. While that’s great for crispy foods, it can dry out things like meatloaf or casseroles. I learned this the hard way when I reheated a slice of meatloaf uncovered—it turned into a jerky-like brick.

Fix: Cover saucy or moist foods with foil for the first half of reheating. Remove it for the last minute to crisp the top. For meats, add a splash of broth or water to the dish.

Skipping the Preheat

Some air fryers don’t require preheating, but I always do it. A preheated basket ensures consistent results. Think of it like a cast-iron skillet—you want it hot before you add food. I preheat mine at the target temperature for 2–3 minutes.

Using the Wrong Temperature

High heat isn’t always better. Setting your air fryer to 400°F for everything will burn delicate foods. For example, I once reheated fish sticks at 400°F—they came out charred on the outside and cold inside. Lesson learned: use lower temps (300–350°F) for delicate items.

Real-Life Examples: How I Reheat My Favorite Leftovers

Takeout Night Redemption

My husband and I love ordering Thai food, but leftovers are tricky. The microwave turns the pad thai into a sticky mess, and the oven dries out the chicken. Now, I reheat the noodles and chicken separately. The noodles go in a foil-covered dish at 325°F for 5 minutes. The chicken gets a quick 3-minute blast at 350°F. The result? Restaurant-quality leftovers.

Breakfast Burritos

We make big batches of breakfast burritos on Sundays. Reheating them in the microwave makes the tortilla soggy. The air fryer fixes this: 4 minutes at 350°F, and the tortilla is crispy, the eggs are fluffy, and the cheese is melted. I add a few drops of water to the basket to prevent the tortilla from drying out.

Holiday Leftovers

Thanksgiving leftovers are a challenge. The turkey gets dry, and the stuffing turns into a brick. Here’s my air fryer hack: I reheat turkey slices at 325°F for 3–4 minutes, spritzing them with broth first. The stuffing goes in a foil-covered dish at 350°F for 5 minutes. The result? Moist, flavorful leftovers that taste almost as good as the original meal.

Final Thoughts: Is the Air Fryer the Ultimate Reheating Tool?

So, can air fryer be used to reheat food? Absolutely. It’s not just a cooking gadget—it’s a reheating powerhouse. From crispy fries to juicy chicken, the air fryer delivers results that the microwave and oven simply can’t match. But like any tool, it has its limits. For soups, stews, or delicate pastries, stick with other methods. And always remember: prep, temperature, and airflow are key.

The best part? The air fryer makes reheating feel like a treat, not a chore. No more soggy pizza or rubbery chicken. Just fast, delicious, and satisfying leftovers. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep pro, or just someone who hates wasting food, the air fryer is your new secret weapon. Give it a try—you might never go back to the microwave again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can air fryer be used to reheat food effectively?

Yes, an air fryer can reheat food effectively by circulating hot air to restore crispiness, especially for fried or baked items. It’s ideal for leftovers like fries, chicken tenders, or pizza without making them soggy.

What types of food reheat well in an air fryer?

Foods with a crispy exterior, such as fried chicken, mozzarella sticks, or roasted vegetables, reheat excellently in an air fryer. Avoid reheating wet or sauce-heavy dishes, as they may dry out or splatter.

How long should I reheat food in an air fryer?

Most leftovers take 3–5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) in an air fryer, but timing varies by food density. Shake or flip items halfway for even reheating and check internal temperature for safety.

Is reheating food in an air fryer healthier than a microwave?

Reheating food in an air fryer uses little to no oil, making it a healthier option than microwaving, which can make food rubbery or soggy. The air fryer’s dry heat preserves texture and flavor better.

Can air fryer reheat food without drying it out?

Yes, but lightly spritz or brush dry foods like breaded items with oil to retain moisture. For meats, cover them loosely with foil to prevent overcooking while reheating.

Are there any foods I shouldn’t reheat in an air fryer?

Avoid reheating leafy greens, soupy dishes, or delicate items like scrambled eggs, as the air fryer’s intense heat can wilt, dry, or overcook them. Stick to sturdy, crisp-friendly foods for best results.