This is how to reheat food in air fryer. Using a Ninja Foodi or Cosori for reheating leftovers is a game changer to make crispy and crunchy again.

How to Reheat Food in Air Fryer
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Reheating food in air fryer has become a game-changer in the world of cooking. Offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods while still delivering crispy and delicious results. Not only are air fryer recipes perfect for cooking food from scratch, but it also excels at reheating leftover fried dishes! (affiliate links present)

Reheating Leftovers in Air Fryer

We are talking about when you bring onion rings, french fries, steak and even reheating chicken in air fryer while still keeping it moist. Below, we will explore the art of reheating food in an air fryer perfectly. Mastering the time and temperature to maintain that ultimate crunch from leftover fried foods is vital, we will show you how.

Reheating in Air Fryer vs Microwave

There is NO comparison if you had them side by side, you would never nuke food again!! Especially when it comes to things you want crispy, like reheating chicken wings in air fryer, all you’re going to get it soft in a microwave. This way you can get it pretty close to day one texture just by throwing them into your Cosori or AirWave basket instead.

Reheating Food in Air Fryer

Reheating Food in Ninja Foodi

The magic of any of these brands come in its ability to circulate hot air at high speeds, mimicking the frying process with only a fraction of the oil. Both Ninja Foodi and Cosori do the same thing. The cooking chamber is equipped with a perforated basket that allows hot air to envelop the food from all angles, ensuring even cooking and that coveted crispy texture.

Now something you need to remember is that that hot air does need room to rotate around your goodies to do the job right. To allow proper air circulation, place the food in the basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure that each piece gets the space it needs to crisp every inch of skin.

Should You Preheat an Air Fryer?

Before we delve into reheating foods of any kind, there are a few key principles to keep in mind when using an air fryer to reheat food: Just like you would preheat an oven, preheating the air fryer is crucial for optimal results. This ensures that the food starts cooking immediately, preventing it from becoming soggy.

Now whether you have a box from a restaurant, or made too many air fryer frozen onion rings from the night before, these are a popular fried delight that may need reheating. Using a hot air machine, you can restore their crispiness, making them just as delectable as when they were freshly made:

Reheating Leftover Onion Rings in Air Fryer

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Reheat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they become hot and crispy.
  4. For an extra-crispy touch, lightly spray with cooking or olive oil before reheating.
reheating onion rings in air fryer

Air fryer french fries are notorious for losing their crispy exterior about an hour after making them. Air frying and reheating in an air fryer can save the day:

Reheating French Fries in Air Fryer

  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  • Reheat the fries for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they become hot and crispy.
  • For optimal results, lightly sprinkle the fries with a pinch of salt before reheating.

You would use about the same temp and timing when you reheat chicken tenders in air fryer too. Actually you could stick them both in at the same time if you cooked them together initially. A great quick lunch you can enjoy for a second time this way.

Reheating pizza in air fryer has really been a huge game changer for us. Resurrecting that freshly-baked taste is super easy this way actually. Not only do you warm it up again but the cheese will melt nicely AND it gets a bit golden brown on the top and edges like when you get it fresh.

And then come out Wednesday evening dinners. Yes I do try to have a few meals that we keep on constant rotation. Those that I know reheat well the next day and can be tweaked in a new way are made more often. I have found that you can reheat baked potatoes in air fryer really nicely, then fill with something new!

Reheating Baked Potatoes in Air Fryer

Different types of food require varying amounts of time to reheat effectively. Here’s a general chart for reheating leftovers in air fryer. The cook times can vary based on the type of food and its thickness. However, as a general guideline, here are some approximate reheating times for common foods:

How Long to Reheat Food in Air Fryer

  1. Onion Rings: 3 to 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
  2. French Fries: 5 to 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  3. Pizza Slices: 3 to 4 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  4. Fried Chicken: 5 to 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  5. Mozzarella Sticks: 6 to 8 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  6. Chicken Tenders: 5 to 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  7. Egg Rolls: 6 to 8 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Keep in mind that these times are approximate and may need to be adjusted based on your specific air fryer model, the quantity of food being reheated, and personal preferences for crispiness. It’s always best to monitor the food closely during the reheating process to ensure it reaches the desired level of crispiness and warmth.

ninja foodi frozen egg rolls

While soups cannot be reheated directly in the air fryer, you can use a dish to get this done. Also beforehand, use it to crisp up leftover bread, crackers, or make some fresh air fryer croutons to accompany your soup. You just:

How to Reheat Soup in Air Fryer

  • Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish or bowl. Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). Place the oven-safe dish with the soup inside the air fryer basket.
  • This method will allow the soup to heat up gently without splattering.
  • Reheat for 5-10 minutes or until the soup reaches your desired temperature.

The Ninja Foodi can be an even more versatile kitchen tool that not only delivers healthier versions of fried favorites but can reheat leftovers and pressure cook too. Whether it’s crispy onion rings, golden french fries, or cheesy pizza, the air fryer can resurrect these treats to their freshly-cooked glory.

By preheating the air fryer, placing the food in a single layer, and adjusting the cooking time accordingly, you can enjoy your favorite fried foods without sacrificing taste and texture. Embrace the convenience and deliciousness of the air fryer for reheating leftovers, and discover a world of possibilities for your culinary adventures.

reheating wings in air fryer
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How to Reheat Food in Air Fryer

By The Typical Mom
This is how to reheat food in air fryer. Using an air fryer for reheating leftovers is a game changer to make crispy and crunchy again. 
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Servings: 2
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Equipment

  • 1 air fryer

Ingredients 

  • 4-6 chicken tenders, leftovers
  • 1 spray olive oil
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions 

  • Reheating chicken tenders – Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F for 5 minutes. Lay tenders in basket in a single layer. Air fry for 4-5 minutes or until they are as crispy as you'd like, flipping over halfway. If you want very crispy spray olive oil on after minute 3.
  • Reheating Onion Rings: 3 to 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
  • Reheating French Fries: 5 to 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  • Reheating Pizza Slices: 3 to 4 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  • Reheating Fried Chicken: 5 to 7 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  • Reheating Mozzarella Sticks: 6 to 8 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  • Reheating Egg Rolls: 6 to 8 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  • Reheating chicken wings: Preheat to 380 F and air fry for about 5 to 8 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the wings and the desired level of crispiness

Nutrition

Serving: 1oz, Calories: 118kcal, Protein: 21g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 64mg, Sodium: 135mg, Potassium: 370mg, Vitamin A: 30IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 5mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer, Entree
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom!

About The Typical Mom

Justine is the creative mind behind The Typical Mom and The Typical Family on YouTube. She began blogging about easy recipes, budget friendly activities for kids, and fun family travel destinations in September 2012.

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