Can You Reheat in an Air Fryer The Ultimate Guide to Crispy Leftovers

Yes, you can reheat in an air fryer—and it’s one of the best ways to revive leftovers with unbeatable crispiness. Unlike microwaves, air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to evenly reheat food while restoring texture, making soggy pizza, fries, and fried chicken taste freshly cooked. Just avoid overcooking by using lower temperatures (300–350°F) and short bursts (2–5 minutes) for perfect results every time.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can reheat in an air fryer—it restores crispiness better than microwaves.
• Use 300–350°F to avoid overcooking while reheating evenly.
• Preheat for 2–3 minutes to ensure consistent, crispy results.
• Spread food in a single layer for optimal air circulation and texture.
• Reheat in short bursts (2–4 mins), checking frequently to prevent drying.
• Spray with oil lightly to revive crunch on fried or breaded items.

Why Reheating in an Air Fryer Is a Game-Changer

Let’s be honest: reheating leftovers can feel like a culinary gamble. One minute you’re biting into a soggy pizza slice, the next you’re scraping a dried-out casserole off your plate. I’ve been there—too many times. But then I discovered a little secret that changed my post-dinner game: the air fryer.

When I first bought my air fryer, I thought it was just for crispy fries and chicken wings. Boy, was I wrong. It quickly became my go-to for reviving leftovers—everything from last night’s fried chicken to a cold slice of lasagna. The magic? That hot, circulating air gives food a fresh-from-the-oven texture, often with less oil and in less time than a conventional oven or microwave. But can you reheat in an air fryer? Absolutely—and not just reheat, but reinvent your leftovers with a crispness that feels downright luxurious.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why They’re Perfect for Leftovers)

The Science of Crispiness

Air fryers don’t actually “fry” food. Instead, they use a heating element and a powerful fan to circulate hot air (usually 350°F to 400°F) around the food in a perforated basket. This process mimics deep frying by creating a Maillard reaction—the browning and crisping effect we associate with fried foods—but with little to no oil. The result? Food that’s golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for reheating.

Unlike microwaves, which heat food from the inside out using water molecules (leading to sogginess), air fryers work from the outside in. This means your pizza crust stays crisp, your fried chicken regains its crunch, and even your mozzarella sticks get that satisfying snap. It’s not just about temperature—it’s about airflow, timing, and a little know-how.

Why Air Fryers Beat the Microwave

Microwaves are great for speed, but they’re notorious for turning crispy foods into sponges. Think about it: that leftover fried chicken you microwaved last week? Probably tasted like cardboard with a side of regret. But when you reheat it in an air fryer, the skin crisps up, the meat stays juicy, and the flavor feels fresh again.

Here’s a real-world example: I once had a leftover slice of deep-dish pizza from my favorite Chicago spot. Microwave? It turned into a rubbery mess. Air fryer? Crisp crust, bubbling cheese, and that buttery edge I’d missed. The difference wasn’t just texture—it was joy.

Energy Efficiency and Speed

Air fryers preheat in 2–3 minutes (if at all), and most reheating tasks take 5–10 minutes. That’s faster than an oven, which can take 15–20 minutes just to heat up. Plus, air fryers use less energy overall. If you’re reheating a single portion, it’s far more efficient than cranking up the whole oven.

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

Top 5 Leftovers That Reheat Like a Dream

Not all foods respond equally to air fryer reheating. Here are the ones that come out looking—and tasting—like they’re fresh off the stove:

• Fried Chicken: Reheat at 350°F for 5–8 minutes. The skin crisps up beautifully, and the meat stays juicy. Pro tip: spritz with a little oil for extra crispness.
• Pizza: Place slices directly on the basket (no rack needed) at 325°F for 3–5 minutes. The crust gets crispy, and the cheese melts perfectly—no soggy center.
• French Fries and Tater Tots: 375°F for 3–4 minutes. They come out crispier than the microwave and less greasy than the oven.
• Spring Rolls and Egg Rolls: 350°F for 4–6 minutes. The wrapper gets that flaky, golden crunch you love.
• Meatballs and Sliders: 325°F for 5–7 minutes. Great for party leftovers or meal prep.

Foods That Need a Little Extra Care

Some foods can work—but require adjustments:

• Pasta Dishes (Lasagna, Baked Ziti): These can dry out. Reheat at 325°F for 5–7 minutes, then add a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist. Cover loosely with foil if needed.
• Fish and Seafood: Delicate fish can overcook. Use 300°F for 3–5 minutes. Shrimp and scallops do well at 325°F for 4–6 minutes.
• Vegetables (Roasted, Steamed, or Fried): Roasted veggies reheat well at 350°F for 4–5 minutes. Steamed veggies can get soggy—try a quick 2–3 minute blast to refresh them.

Foods to Avoid Reheating in an Air Fryer

While the air fryer is versatile, some foods just don’t play nice:

• Soups, Stews, and Sauces: These will splatter and make a mess. Use the stove or microwave instead.
• Leafy Greens (Salads): They’ll wilt and burn. Not worth the risk.
• Foods with High Water Content (Cucumbers, Tomatoes): They’ll steam, not crisp.
• Breaded Foods That Are Already Soggy: If your breading is falling off, the air fryer won’t save it. Try toasting in a regular toaster instead.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Reheat Any Leftover in an Air Fryer

General Reheating Rules

Before we dive into specifics, here’s a universal framework for air fryer reheating:

• Preheat: Not always necessary, but helpful for crispy foods (e.g., fries, chicken). 2–3 minutes at 350°F.
• Arrange Food in a Single Layer: Overcrowding blocks airflow. If reheating a lot, do it in batches.
• Use the Right Temperature: 325°F for delicate foods, 350–375°F for crispy items, 400°F for quick browning (use sparingly).
• Flip or Shake Midway: Ensures even heating and prevents hot spots.
• Check Early: Air fryers vary. Start checking 1–2 minutes before the suggested time.
• Add Moisture if Needed: A splash of water, broth, or sauce can prevent drying (especially for casseroles).

Reheating Specific Foods: Practical Examples

Fried Chicken (2–3 pieces):
– Temperature: 350°F
– Time: 5–8 minutes
– Tip: Spray lightly with oil for extra crispness. Flip halfway.

Pizza (1–2 slices):
– Temperature: 325°F
– Time: 3–5 minutes
– Tip: Place directly on the basket. No need to preheat.

French Fries (1 cup):
– Temperature: 375°F
– Time: 3–4 minutes
– Tip: Shake the basket halfway. No oil needed if they were originally fried.

Lasagna (1 portion):
– Temperature: 325°F
– Time: 6–8 minutes
– Tip: Add 1 tbsp water to the dish and cover with foil for the first 4 minutes, then uncover to crisp the top.

Burger or Slider:
– Temperature: 325°F
– Time: 5–7 minutes
– Tip: Reheat the patty separately, then assemble. Add a slice of cheese at the end for melting.

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook: Leftovers are already cooked. You’re just reheating and crisping.
• Use Parchment or Liners: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Reheat in Batches: If you’re feeding a crowd, reheat 2–3 servings at a time for best results.
• Let It Rest: Wait 1–2 minutes after reheating. This allows heat to distribute evenly and prevents burning your mouth.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Overcrowding the Basket

It’s tempting to pile everything in at once—especially when you’re hungry. But overcrowding blocks airflow, leading to uneven heating and soggy results. I learned this the hard way when I tried to reheat a whole plate of leftovers at once. Half were burnt, half were cold.

Fix: Use the “single layer” rule. If it doesn’t fit, reheat in batches. Your taste buds will thank you.

Using the Wrong Temperature

High heat isn’t always better. Delicate foods like fish or veggies can dry out or burn at 375°F. On the other hand, low heat won’t crisp up fried foods.

Fix: Match the temperature to the food. Crispy = 350–375°F. Tender = 325°F. When in doubt, start low and adjust.

Not Checking Early

Air fryers vary by model. A Ninja Air Fryer might cook faster than a Cosori. If you set it and forget it, you’ll end up with a charcoal briquette.

Fix: Set a timer for 1–2 minutes less than the suggested time. Check, then add time if needed.

Ignoring Moisture Needs

Casseroles, pasta, and rice dishes can turn dry in an air fryer. The hot air sucks out moisture fast.

Fix: Add a splash of water, broth, or sauce before reheating. Cover with foil for the first half of cooking.

Reheating the Whole Meal

Trying to reheat a full plate—meat, sides, and all—rarely works. Different foods need different temps and times.

Fix: Reheat components separately. Assemble after. Example: Reheat chicken at 350°F for 6 minutes, then reheat veggies at 325°F for 4 minutes.

Air Fryer Reheating Times & Temperatures (Data Table)

Food	Amount	Temperature (°F)	Time (Minutes)	Pro Tips
Fried Chicken	2–3 pieces	350	5–8	Spray with oil, flip halfway
Pizza	1–2 slices	325	3–5	Place directly on basket
French Fries	1 cup	375	3–4	Shake basket midway
Lasagna	1 portion	325	6–8	Add water, cover first 4 min
Burger Patty	1–2 patties	325	5–7	Add cheese at end
Fish (Breaded)	2–3 fillets	300	3–5	Do not overcook
Spring Rolls	3–4 rolls	350	4–6	No oil needed
Meatballs	1 cup	325	5–7	Shake basket
Roasted Veggies	1 cup	350	4–5	No oil if already roasted
Chicken Wings	6–8 wings	375	6–8	Flip halfway

Note: Times are approximate. Always check early and adjust based on your air fryer model.

Final Thoughts: Is Reheating in an Air Fryer Worth It?

After months of testing—and eating—my way through every leftover in my fridge, I can confidently say: yes, reheating in an air fryer is worth it. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about quality. That crispy crust, the juicy center, the way your kitchen smells like a restaurant instead of a microwave—it’s a small upgrade with big rewards.

But it’s not magic. It takes a little practice. You’ll burn a pizza slice or dry out a casserole once or twice. (I did.) But once you get the hang of it, your leftovers will never be the same. No more soggy fries. No more rubbery chicken. Just food that tastes like it was made fresh—because, in a way, it was.

So go ahead. Pull out that container of last night’s dinner. Preheat your air fryer. And rediscover the joy of leftovers. Whether you’re reheating a single slice of pizza or a full meal, the air fryer turns reheating from a chore into a culinary comeback. And honestly? That’s the ultimate win.

Remember: the best tool is the one you use well. And when it comes to crispy, delicious leftovers, the air fryer might just be the hero your kitchen didn’t know it needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you reheat food in an air fryer without it drying out?

Yes! Air fryers reheat food quickly with minimal moisture loss. For best results, lightly spritz leftovers like chicken or veggies with oil or water before reheating to restore crispiness without drying.

What’s the best way to reheat fried foods in an air fryer?

Air fryers excel at reheating fried foods like french fries or mozzarella sticks. Use 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes, shaking halfway, to revive that crispy texture without sogginess.

Can you reheat multiple food types together in an air fryer?

It’s best to reheat similar foods together (e.g., meats or veggies) to avoid uneven cooking. If reheating mixed items, layer delicate foods on top and check temperatures separately.

How long does it take to reheat leftovers in an air fryer?

Most leftovers take 3–8 minutes at 300–350°F (150–175°C). Dense foods like pizza or casseroles may need longer, while delicate items like fish reheat faster—always check internal temperatures.

Can you reheat bread or baked goods in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Reheat bread, pastries, or garlic knots at 300°F (150°C) for 1–3 minutes to restore crispness. Wrap softer items in foil to prevent over-browning.

Is it safe to reheat oily or greasy foods in an air fryer?

Yes, but avoid overcrowding and use lower temps (300–325°F/150–160°C) to prevent smoke. The air fryer’s design helps excess oil drain, reducing mess and improving crispiness.