Mastering Leftovers: The Ultimate Guide to Reheating Food in Your Air Fryer for Fresh Taste

The air fryer has revolutionized our kitchens, not just for cooking delicious meals from scratch or crisping up frozen favorites, but especially for transforming leftovers. If you’ve ever despaired over soggy pizza or dried-out fried chicken, prepare to have your mind changed. Reheating food in the air fryer is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to bring yesterday’s meal back to life, making it taste fresh, crispy, and as delicious as the moment it was first prepared.

collage of photos of foods you can reheat in the air fryer.

Why the Air Fryer Excels at Reheating Leftovers

The magic of the air fryer lies in its rapid air circulation technology. Unlike a microwave that heats food unevenly and often leaves it soggy, or a conventional oven that can dry food out, the air fryer delivers a consistent, convection-like heat. This ensures that your leftovers, whether they are homemade delights or takeout favorites, regain their original texture and flavor. The result? Crispy exteriors, perfectly melted cheese, and juicy interiors, making your reheated meals truly taste brand new.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into our top picks for reheating in the air fryer, providing detailed instructions and insights into why these foods are perfect candidates for this fantastic kitchen appliance. Say goodbye to dull leftovers and hello to a world of delicious possibilities!

Top Leftovers to Reheat in Your Air Fryer

Get ready to discover how to revitalize your favorite dishes. Some of these suggestions might even surprise you!

Leftover Pizza

Reheating pizza is often a challenge, leading to either a rubbery crust from the microwave or a dried-out slice from the oven. The air fryer changes this completely, giving you a perfectly crispy crust and gooey, melted cheese every time. It’s truly the best method to revive your leftover slices.

Retrieve your leftover pizza slices from the fridge. For best results, allow them to come to room temperature for about 5-10 minutes if time permits, but it’s not strictly necessary.
Place the pizza slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; if you have many slices, reheat them in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 3-5 minutes. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of the pizza. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Once the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden and crispy, remove the pizza. Enjoy cheesy, perfectly crispy pizza that tastes just like it was freshly made!

For more detailed instructions on how to achieve perfect crispy pizza, you can learn all about reheating pizza in an air fryer.

Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a classic comfort food, but reheating it often results in a soggy coating or dry meat. The air fryer is your secret weapon for bringing back that glorious crispy skin and juicy interior, making it taste just as good, if not better, than when it was first served.

Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket. It’s crucial to avoid overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate freely around each piece, ensuring optimal crispiness. You may need to work in batches.
For best results, lightly spritz the chicken with a little oil spray before reheating, especially if the coating looks a bit dry.
Reheat fried chicken in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 4-8 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of the pieces and your air fryer model. Flip halfway through cooking for even crisping.
After reheating, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the internal juices to redistribute, maintaining the chicken’s moisture and flavor, resulting in a truly delicious experience.

There’s nothing quite like the crispy, golden goodness of reheated fried chicken, and the air fryer makes it effortlessly perfect.

Reheat Fried Fish

Fried fish, with its delicate flaky interior and crispy coating, can be tricky to reheat. Microwaving often results in a rubbery texture, while oven reheating can dry it out. The air fryer, however, preserves the crispy coating and moist fish inside, making it feel like it just came out of the fryer.

Preheat your air fryer to ensure an even cooking temperature from the start. This helps in quickly crisping the exterior.
Arrange the fish in a single layer in the air fryer basket to promote even heating and prevent the fish from becoming soggy. A light spray of cooking oil can help enhance crispiness.
Set the air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and reheat fried fish for 6-8 minutes. The lower temperature helps warm the fish through without overcooking the delicate flesh.
Check the fish at the 3-minute mark and gently flip it to ensure both sides get crispy. Continue cooking until the fish is heated through and the crust is restored.

Did you know that reheating fish in the air fryer keeps it tasting crispy and fresh? You won’t believe these are leftovers!

Reheating French Fries

reheating fries in the basket of the air fryer.

Leftover French fries are notoriously difficult to reheat without turning them into a sad, soggy mess. The air fryer is a game-changer here, bringing back that golden crispiness and fluffy interior that makes fries so irresistible.

Preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes to ensure it’s up to temperature.
Place fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven heating and less crispy fries, so cook in batches if necessary. A light spray of oil can help immensely, especially if your fries are particularly dry.
Reheat French fries at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. The high heat helps to quickly restore the fries’ original crispness and prevents sogginess by rapidly evaporating moisture.
Halfway through reheating, shake the air fryer basket vigorously to ensure the fries reheat evenly and all sides get perfectly crispy and golden.

Leftover fries can be soggy if you don’t reheat them the correct way. However, if you reheat fries in an air fryer, they often taste better than ever!

Reheating Ribs in the Air Fryer

Reheating ribs without drying them out or losing their tender texture can be tricky. The air fryer offers a fantastic solution, ensuring your ribs stay juicy and flavorful, with a slight caramelization on the edges, making them incredibly satisfying.

To retain moisture and flavor, consider wrapping the ribs tightly in aluminum foil before placing them in the air fryer. This creates a steamy environment that keeps the ribs incredibly juicy and tender.
Place the wrapped ribs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Reheat ribs in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. If unwrapped, reduce cooking time to 3-5 minutes to prevent drying, focusing on crisping the exterior.
Ensure the ribs are heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. You can unwrap them for the last minute or two to get a slight crisp if desired.

If you’re searching for a great way to reheat leftover ribs in the air fryer, this method will deliver perfectly tender and delicious results every time!

Leftover Steak

Cooked steak with asparagus and potatoes on a white plate.

Reheating steak can be daunting, as it often results in a tough, overcooked piece of meat. However, the air fryer can gently bring your leftover steak back to a delicious, tender state, maintaining its original succulence and flavor profile.

Allow your steak to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before reheating. This helps ensure even heating.
For extra moisture, you can brush the steak with a little beef broth or butter before placing it in the air fryer.
Reheat steak in the air fryer at a lower temperature, around 350°F (175°C), for about 3-6 minutes, depending on the thickness and your desired doneness. This temperature is crucial to gently warm it without overcooking.
Monitor the steak closely to ensure it doesn’t overcook and lose its tenderness. Flip it once halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check for your preferred internal temperature.
Let the steak rest for a couple of minutes after reheating. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the steak remains moist and flavorful, almost like it was freshly cooked.

This is one of the best ways to take a leftover steak and make it taste just as good, or even better than before!

Burgers

burger reheated in air fryer topped with cheese and toppings and served with fries on a plate.

Reheating burgers often leads to dry patties and soggy buns. The air fryer is the perfect tool to bring your burger back to life, ensuring a juicy patty and a lightly toasted bun, just as you like it.

If possible, reheat the burger patty separately from the bun to maintain the distinct texture of both. The bun can be added in the last minute or two of reheating for a light toast.
For added moisture and flavor, you can brush a little butter or a tiny bit of water on the patty before air frying.
Place the burger patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even heating and maintain the juiciness of the meat.
Reheat burgers in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This lower temperature is ideal for warming the burger without drying it out, preserving its succulent texture.
Add cheese during the last minute of cooking if you want it melted and gooey. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings and a freshly toasted bun.

You’ll be amazed at how delicious these reheated burgers can taste, rivaling their fresh counterparts!

Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are a family favorite, but they can easily become dry and bland when reheated traditionally. The air fryer restores their delicious crispy coating and keeps the chicken tender and juicy inside, making them taste as satisfying as the first bite.

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for optimal results.
Arrange the tenders in a single layer without overlapping in the air fryer basket. This promotes uniform heating and helps maintain their crispy texture. A light spray of oil can enhance crispiness if desired.
Reheat chicken tenders in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This temperature effectively crisps the exterior while keeping the inside moist and preventing it from drying out.
Halfway through reheating, flip the chicken tenders to ensure they heat evenly and regain their crispiness on all sides. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Looking to use up some leftovers? Learn how to reheat chicken tenders in an air fryer and make them taste fresh and new, satisfying those cravings once more.

Egg Rolls

Egg rolls, with their crispy wrappers and flavorful fillings, are fantastic when fresh. However, reheating can often make them soggy. The air fryer is the perfect appliance to bring back that desirable crunch and warmth.

Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes. This initial heat blast is key to getting the wrapper crispy.
Arrange the egg rolls in a single layer with space between each for optimal air circulation, leading to a uniformly crispy texture. Do not stack them.
Reheat egg rolls in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 4-6 minutes. This temperature allows the wrapper to crisp up beautifully while the filling heats through.
Flip the egg rolls halfway through the reheating process to ensure even crisping and heating on all sides. Continue until golden brown and hot throughout.

Forget the microwave, use the air fryer to reheat egg rolls, and all of your other favorite fried foods, for results that truly shine!

Chicken Wings

There’s nothing quite like crispy, saucy chicken wings, but reheating them can often lead to a less-than-stellar experience. The air fryer is superb for bringing them back to their crunchy glory, making them taste as satisfying as a fresh batch.

Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes. For extra crispiness, you can lightly mist the wings with cooking spray before reheating.
Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This promotes better air circulation, leading to more evenly reheated and crispy wings. Do not overcrowd the basket.
Reheat chicken wings in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-8 minutes. This temperature helps in recapturing their crispiness without drying them out.
Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get that perfect crisp. If sauced wings, add a fresh coat of sauce after reheating for maximum flavor.

Chicken wings are one of those recipes that are truly amazing, and reheating chicken wings in the air fryer ensures they taste fresh and new every time.

Baked Potato

A perfectly baked potato has a crispy skin and a fluffy interior. Reheating in a microwave can make it rubbery and less appealing. The air fryer, however, ensures the skin gets wonderfully crisp again while the inside remains soft and steamy.

To achieve the best results, ensure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature.
Place the leftover baked potato directly into the air fryer basket. For extra crispy skin, you can lightly spritz the potato with cooking oil.
Reheat baked potatoes in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-7 minutes. This temperature effectively warms the potato through while preserving and enhancing its texture.
Turn the baked potato halfway through the reheating process for uniform warming and to ensure the skin gets crispy on all sides. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) if you want it piping hot.

Leftover potatoes are some of my favorite easy side dishes. If you have leftovers, this is the best way to reheat a baked potato, giving you perfectly crispy skin and a fluffy interior every time.

Onion Rings

Soggy onion rings are a culinary tragedy. Fortunately, the air fryer is a miracle worker for bringing them back to their golden, crispy glory. You’ll be amazed at how fresh and delicious these once-leftover rings can taste.

Preheat your air fryer for a couple of minutes to ensure the heat is ready to crisp.
Place the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not stack them, as this will prevent even crisping. Work in batches if necessary.
Reheat onion rings in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This temperature effectively crisps the exterior without burning or drying them out, preserving their sweet onion interior.
Gently shake the basket or flip the onion rings halfway through reheating for uniform crispiness and to prevent any soggy spots. Cook until they are hot and perfectly re-crisped.

You won’t believe how delicious and fresh these reheated onion rings will taste, making them an ideal snack or side dish.

Rotisserie Chicken

Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful meal, but reheating it can sometimes result in dry meat and soggy skin. The air fryer is exceptional at restoring both the crispy skin and the juicy tenderness of the chicken, making it feel fresh and delicious.

For best results, separate the chicken into individual pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks). This helps with more even heating.
Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket for optimal air circulation, which helps in maintaining the chicken’s moisture while crisping the skin. Avoid overcrowding.
Reheat rotisserie chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 4-7 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. This range is perfect to warm it thoroughly without drying it out.
Flip the pieces halfway through cooking. For extra crispy skin, you can increase the temperature to 380°F (195°C) for the last 1-2 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

We love to reheat leftover rotisserie chicken in the air fryer. It’s quick, easy, and always delicious, making weeknight meals a breeze!

General Tips for Reheating in Your Air Fryer

To ensure the best results every time you reheat food in your air fryer, keep these general tips in mind:

Don’t Overcrowd: Always place food in a single layer, leaving space for air to circulate. This is crucial for achieving crispy textures and even heating. Reheat in batches if necessary.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like a traditional oven, preheating your air fryer ensures that food starts cooking immediately at the desired temperature, leading to better results and consistent cook times.
Light Oil Spray: For foods that tend to dry out or you want extra crispiness, a light spritz of cooking oil (like avocado or olive oil spray) can make a significant difference.
Flip or Shake: For most items, flipping them halfway through or shaking the basket ensures that all sides are exposed to the hot air, promoting even reheating and crisping.
Check for Doneness: Use a food thermometer to ensure meats are reheated to a safe internal temperature (165°F/74°C). For other foods, simply heat until piping hot and crispy to your liking.
Resting Time: Just like freshly cooked food, allowing reheated meats to rest for a minute or two after coming out of the air fryer can help juices redistribute, keeping them tender and moist.

Conclusion: Air Frying Your Way to Better Leftovers

The air fryer is a truly invaluable tool for any kitchen, especially when it comes to transforming leftovers from an afterthought into a meal to look forward to. By understanding how to properly reheat various foods, you can significantly reduce food waste and enjoy delicious, fresh-tasting meals any day of the week. From pizza slices that regain their crisp crust to juicy chicken and perfectly tender ribs, the possibilities are endless.

We hope you enjoy this extensive list of foods you can easily reheat in the air fryer. Not only are they quick and easy to prepare, but they consistently come out tasting like new, providing a convenient and delicious solution for busy schedules.

What are your favorite foods to reheat in the air fryer? Do you have any secret tips or go-to recipes that always turn out perfectly? Let us know in the comment section below! We love hearing from our community and discovering new ways to make the most of this amazing appliance.