10 recipes to reheat in an air fryer that regain their original crispiness in just minutes
We’ve all experienced that little moment of disappointment: there are some puff pastries, nuggets, potatoes, or a slice of quiche left in the fridge… but once you reheat them in the microwave, everything gets soggy.
Sure, it’s a quick fix. But as for crispiness? Forget about it ;)
That’s where the Air Fryer really comes in handy. Thanks to its circulating heat, it lets you reheat lots of dishes without making them soggy. The puff pastries turn golden again, the potatoes get their crispiness back, the nuggets stay tender on the inside, and even some desserts can be gently reheated to regain that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The idea isn’t to cook everything a second time, but simply to breathe new life into leftovers. And honestly, when you can avoid throwing anything away while enjoying a meal just as good as the first time, we’re all for it :)
Puff pastries: they're always best when they're crispy
Puff pastries are among the best recipes to reheat in an air fryer. In the microwave, the pastry often becomes soggy. In the air fryer, it regains a texture much closer to how it was right out of the oven.
The best approach: a few minutes on medium heat, without stacking them in the basket. Keep an eye on them, because pre-baked puff pastry can brown too quickly.
They’re perfect for an appetizer the next day, a quick meal with a salad, or a small platter to share while watching a movie.
When you're short on time but still want something tasty, these puff pastries are a sure bet. A little pesto, some mozzarella, puff pastry ... and the air fryer does the rest. In just a few minutes, the puff pastry is golden brown on the outside,...
Quiches: for a less soft crust
A slice of cold quiche is good. But a slice of quiche that’s been lightly warmed, with a crispier crust, is even better :)
The air fryer is very handy for this, especially if the crust has gotten soft in the fridge. Just place the slice directly in the basket or on a small piece of suitable parchment paper, then reheat it gently.
Our Petitchef tip: Avoid setting the temperature too high, or the top might dry out before the center is nice and warm. It’s better to take it slow.
Easy to make, this quiche combining the perfect blend of tuna and tomato will delight you for dinner. Quick to prepare, as we don't always have time to cook, a slice of this quiche accompanied by a mixed salad will make a perfect balanced meal. If...
Nuggets and breaded foods: the air fryer's top performers
If there’s one category that really loves the air fryer, it’s breaded recipes. Nuggets, fish sticks, breaded cutlets, crispy bites…all these treats get that nice texture without having to be deep-fried.
To reheat them, space them out well in the basket so the air can circulate. In just a few minutes, the outside becomes crispy again while the inside stays tender.
It’s clearly the perfect option when you have a few leftovers from the previous night’s meal and want to turn them into a quick lunch.
Looking for a healthier way to enjoy your favorite chicken nuggets ? Try air fried chicken nuggets ! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these homemade nuggets are a perfect alternative to traditional fried versions. The Air Fryer cooks...
Dry food, to avoid the "soggy" effect
Croquettes are delicious when they’re golden brown. But after a stint in the fridge, they often lose their texture.
Good news: the Air Fryer brings them right back to life. Just reheat them in a single layer, without overfilling the basket. They quickly regain their crispy exterior while staying soft on the inside.
Served with a little yogurt sauce, a green salad, or some raw vegetables, they make for an easy meal to repurpose without feeling like you’re eating leftovers.
Ham croquetas tapas are a classic of Spanish cuisine that we all love! But sometimes it happens that they are a little greasy from the frying , and for that we have the solution: Air Fryer cooking ! With this cooking method you can get...
Falafels: perfect for a lunch box
Falafels are very convenient to make ahead of time. You can slip them into a wrap, a salad, a bowl, or serve them on a plate with hummus… in short, they go with everything.
And to restore a little crispiness, the air fryer is perfect. It only takes a few minutes to warm up the outside without drying them out; especially if you don’t leave them in too long.
Our tip: serve them with a fresh dip, cucumber, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon. Guaranteed to make a complete meal :)
Related recipe:
Lovers of Middle Eastern cuisine are bound to know falafel . These little vegetarian balls full of flavor made from ultra-fragrant chickpeas are generally prepared in deep frying. But today, we decided to tackle a healthy but equally delicious...
Potatoes: how to get that crispy-tender texture
Potatoes reheated in the microwave can quickly lose their appeal. In the air fryer, they come back to life much better, especially if they’ve already been roasted, mashed, or cut into pieces.
The process is simple: place them in the basket, add a tiny bit of oil or spices if desired, then reheat until they’re piping hot and lightly golden.
They’re perfect as a side dish with eggs, a salad, meat, or fish or even for a savory brunch.
Discover our recipe for Air fryer smashed potatoes , the ultra crispy side dish! Easy to prepare, these crushed and browned potatoes are perfect for adding a crunchy-soft touch to your meals. Thanks to Air Fryer cooking, they are less fatty but just...
Cheese bites: keep a close eye on them
Recipes featuring breaded or melted cheese reheat very well in the Air Fryer… but you’ll need to keep an eye on them ;)
The cheese can melt quickly if you heat it too high or for too long. So it’s best to use a moderate temperature and check on them regularly. The goal: to warm the inside, restore the crispiness on the outside, but avoid a meltdown in the basket!
Served with a salad or as an appetizer, these little bites regain all their charm.
Related recipe:
A very easy and tasty recipe . Just follow some small steps to make mozzarella balls in air fryer that are crispy on the outside and stringy on the inside . Thanks to cooking in an air fryer, very little oil is used to prepare this recipe:...
Savory fritters, without frying them again
Fritters are often delicious the same day… but tend to get a little soggy the next day. Instead of reheating them in a skillet with more oil, the Air Fryer helps restore their texture.
Space them out well, reheat them for a few minutes, and they’ll regain their golden color. This is especially handy for tuna, vegetable, or cheese fritters.
Serve them with a fresh sauce on the side, and no one will guess they came straight out of the fridge ;)
Beware, here's our new aperitif addiction : super-easy and quick tuna fritters made with the Air Fryer! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they can be served as an aperitif with a yoghurt sauce , or accompanied by a green salad for a...
Savory cakes: enjoy a moist texture without drying them out
Savory cake is delicious served cold, but sometimes it tastes even better when slightly warm. The air fryer can reheat it quickly, as long as you don’t leave it in for too long.
Cut it into thick slices, place them in the basket, and reheat gently. The outside may become a little crispier, while the inside stays moist.
It’s perfect for an appetizer, a lunchbox, or a quick dinner with a green salad.
For an easy and quick meal, why not make a tuna cake? This recipe is quick to prepare and hassle-free when you're short on ideas. Serve it with a mixed salad and you're all set! This recipe will also please your guests during appetizers. Keep it in...
Brownies and moist cakes: for a little sweet treat
And yes, the Air Fryer isn’t just for savory dishes! Some desserts reheat very well, especially brownies, fondants, or small chocolate cakes.
It only takes a few minutes to restore a warm, moist texture; almost as if the dessert had just been made. With a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s the kind of little treat that turns leftovers into a truly indulgent dessert.
Just be careful not to overheat them: you want them to be melt-in-your-mouth, not dry :)
An ultra-melt-in-your-mouth brownie that's easy to prepare and baked in no time is possible thanks to your Air Fryer ! With simple ingredients you're sure to have in your cupboards, all you have to do is follow the steps and let the magic happen....
Tips for reheating food in an air fryer
To successfully reheat leftovers in the air fryer, keep these simple tips in mind: don’t overfill the basket, avoid stacking foods on top of each other, keep an eye on the cooking process, and reheat on a low setting rather than a high one.
Crispy, breaded, flaky, or roasted foods are often the best choices. On the other hand, dishes that are very liquid, very creamy, or have a lot of sauce are generally better suited for a stovetop pan or the microwave.
And of course, only reheat leftovers that have been properly stored in the fridge. If the smell, texture, or appearance makes you hesitate, don’t take any chances.
Now that you know everything, all that’s left to do is open the fridge, take out the leftovers… and let the Air Fryer give them a crispy new lease on life :)
Adèle Peyches
Comments