Foods like roasted vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots), cooked chicken pieces, pizza slices, and spring rolls reheat exceptionally well in air fryers, retaining their crispness and flavor.
Air fryers excel at reheating foods because they circulate hot air rapidly, mimicking the effect of deep frying without the oil. This helps to crisp up the exterior of foods while warming them through. Here's a breakdown of why certain foods are prep-friendly and reheat well:
Roasted Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and bell peppers can be roasted in advance and then reheated in the air fryer. The air fryer restores their crispness, preventing them from becoming soggy.
Cooked Chicken Pieces: Whether it's grilled, baked, or fried chicken, reheating it in the air fryer helps to re-crisp the skin and warm the meat without drying it out. Ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature when reheating.
Pizza Slices: Air fryers are fantastic for reheating pizza. They melt the cheese perfectly and crisp up the crust, making it taste almost as good as fresh.
Spring Rolls/Egg Rolls: These tend to lose their crispness when reheated in a microwave. The air fryer restores their crunchy exterior, making them a great option for reheating.
French Fries: While best fresh, pre-cooked french fries can be reheated in an air fryer to regain some of their original crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the basket for best results.
When reheating food in an air fryer, lightly spray the food with oil to help it crisp up and prevent it from drying out. This is especially helpful for foods that were not originally fried.