Leftovers save time, money, and effort — but reheating them the wrong way often ruins them. Microwaves leave food soggy. Ovens take forever. The air fryer quickly revives leftovers, giving them the crispness and freshness you desire.

Reheating leftovers in an air fryer can change your meals. It makes yesterday’s dinner feel fresh again. This guide covers how to reheat food in an air fryer. It includes the best settings and easy tips for perfect results each time.

Pro Tip: Air fryers reheat leftovers quickly and effectively. You won’t lose any taste or texture.

Quick Guide: How to Reheat Leftovers in the Air Fryer

  • Preheat your air fryer lightly for even results.
  • Use lower temperatures than you would for cooking fresh food.
  • Arrange leftovers in a single layer for even airflow.
  • Flip, shake, or stir halfway through.
  • Adjust times based on food type and portion size.
  • Check internal temperatures for safety.

Important: Crispness, not sogginess, should be your leftover reheating goal.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Leftovers in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer (When Needed)

Preheating ensures that food reheats quickly and evenly, especially for crispy leftovers.

Preheating tips:

  • Preheat for 2–4 minutes at your intended reheat temperature.
  • Especially useful for fried foods, chips, pastries, and pizza.
    • Food Type Preheat Needed?
    Chips/Fries Yes
    Casseroles Optional
    Pizza Yes
    Breaded Chicken Yes

Quick Tip: If you skip preheating, expect a slightly longer reheating time.

A hand adjusts a temperature knob on a stainless steel appliance, with a red indicator light glowing above it.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Temperature

Reheating uses lower temperatures to avoid drying or burning the food.

Common reheating temperatures:

    Food Reheat Temp
    Fried foods (chips, nuggets) 175°C
    Pizza slices 160°C
    Chicken wings 175°C
    Casseroles/Pasta 160°C
    Roasted vegetables 170°C

Pro Tip: If in doubt, start at 160°C — you can always add a few extra minutes if needed.

Step 3: Arrange Food Properly for Even Heating

Proper arrangement is key to even reheating.

Best practices:

  • Do not overcrowd — leave gaps for air circulation.
  • Place in a single layer when possible.
  • Use a small heatproof dish for saucy foods.

Important: Crowding leads to steaming, not crisping.

Step 4: Monitor the Reheat Time Carefully

Air fryers heat fast — reheating usually takes only a few minutes.

General reheating times:

    Food Reheat Time
    Chips/Fries 3–5 mins
    Pizza Slices 4–6 mins
    Chicken Wings 5–8 mins
    Pasta/Casseroles 6–10 mins
    Roasted Vegetables 5–7 mins

Quick Tip: Always check food 1–2 minutes earlier than expected to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Shake, Flip, or Stir Halfway

Halfway through reheating, shake the basket or flip your food to ensure even heating.

Movement tips:

  • Shake fries and nuggets halfway.
  • Flip pizza slices or chicken wings gently.
  • Stir stews or casseroles if possible.
    Food Type Halfway Action
    Chips Shake basket.
    Pizza Slices Flip with tongs.
    Casserole Dishes Stir gently.

Need to brush up on fryer basics? Start with Getting Started with Your First Air Fryer!

Step 6: Check Internal Temperatures for Safety

Particularly important for reheating meat, poultry, and seafood.

    Food Safe Internal Temp
    Poultry 75°C
    Beef, Pork 63°C
    Fish 63°C

Pro Tip: Use a digital thermometer — it is quick, easy, and keeps your food safe.

A hand grasps the handle of an open black air fryer filled with golden crinkle-cut fries on a wooden countertop.

Step 7: Refresh Dry or Stale Foods

Some foods need a little help to come back at their best.

Refresh tricks:

  • Light oil spray revives dry fries and breaded foods.
  • A small ramekin of water in the basket adds moisture (for pizzas or pastries).
  • Cover delicate foods with foil to prevent over-drying.

Sustainability Tip: Use leftovers wisely. This cuts food waste, saving money and helping the planet.

Advanced Tips for Reheating Different Foods

Reheating Chips/Fries

  • Shake halfway through.
  • Spray lightly with oil for a fresh-crisp finish.
  • Reheat at 175–180°C for 4–6 minutes.

Reheating Pizza

  • Lower temp (160°C) protects cheese and crust.
  • Cover edges with foil if they start to brown too quickly.
  • Check after 4 minutes.

Reheating Fried Chicken

  • Preheat air fryer first.
  • Cover with foil if reheating large pieces to avoid drying out.
  • Remove foil for last 2 minutes to crisp up the skin.

Reheating Pasta or Casseroles

  • Place in a small oven-safe dish.
  • Cover with foil to retain moisture.
  • Stir halfway through for even reheating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

    Mistake Why It Matters
    Overcrowding the basket Leads to uneven reheating and soggy food.
    Using too high temperature Burns the outside while leaving inside cold.
    Skipping preheating for crispy foods Reduces crispness and flavour.
    Not flipping or stirring Causes uneven heating.

Quick Tip: Fixing these small mistakes makes a huge difference in taste and texture.

Recommended Air Fryer Settings Cheat Sheet

    Food Type Preheat? Temp Time
    Fries Yes 175°C 4–5 min
    Fried Chicken Yes 175°C 6–8 min
    Pizza Yes 160°C 5–6 min
    Pasta/Casserole Optional 160°C 6–10 min
    Roasted Veggies Optional 170°C 5–7 min

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reheat all leftovers in an air fryer?

Most solid foods reheat beautifully — chips, meats, pizza, pastries, and roasted veggies. Soups or very liquid-heavy foods are better reheated on the stove or in a microwave.

How do I reheat frozen leftovers?

Partially defrost first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or with a quick microwave burst. Then, finish in the air fryer for a crispy texture.

Can I stack leftovers in the air fryer to save time?

Avoid stacking wherever possible. Single layers heat more evenly and taste much better.

What size air fryer is best for reheating?

For larger portions or whole meals, a larger 5-litre+ air fryer works best. Smaller models are perfect for quick snacks and single portions.

Can I use baking paper or foil while reheating?

Yes, but only if the paper or foil is perforated or allows airflow. Never block the entire bottom of the basket.

How do I make soggy food crispy again?

Use a higher temp for the last 2 minutes and spray lightly with oil to refresh the crispness.

Should I cover food while reheating?

Cover dry foods like chicken or casseroles lightly with foil to avoid moisture loss. Uncover halfway if you want crispness.

Reheat Like a Pro

The air fryer is the best way to revive leftovers. It makes them faster, crisper, and tastier than before.

Use this air fryer reheat guide to master the best settings for reheating food. Enjoy fresh meals anytime using easy techniques like flipping, shaking, and controlling temperature. They require very little effort.

Reheat smarter. Eat fresher. Waste less.

Need inspiration for more meals? Explore our 5 Air Fryer Meals Under £5 for cheap and easy ideas!