Every product is independently reviewed and selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Reheating leftovers should be quick, easy, and delicious, but if you’ve ever ended up with a dried-out casserole or a cold center, you know it’s not always that simple. The good news? Learning how to reheat refrigerated casserole in an air fryer can completely change the game.
The air fryer is one of the best tools for bringing leftover casseroles back to life. It heats faster than an oven, gives better texture than a microwave, and uses less energy overall. When done correctly, your casserole can taste almost as good as the day it was baked, sometimes even better.
This beginner-friendly, expert-approved guide will walk you through exactly how to reheat refrigerated casserole in an air fryer, step by step, with tips to prevent drying, burning, or uneven heating.
Why Reheating Casserole in an Air Fryer Works So Well
Before diving into the steps, it helps to understand why the air fryer is such an effective reheating tool for casseroles.
The Simple Science Behind It
Air fryers work by circulating hot air rapidly around food. This creates:
- Even heating from all sides
- Crispier edges and toppings (like cheese or breadcrumbs)
- Less moisture loss than high-power microwaving
Compared to other methods:
- Microwave: Fast, but often leaves casseroles soggy or unevenly heated
- Oven: Reliable but slow and energy-intensive
- Air fryer: Fast, efficient, and texture-friendly
For refrigerated casseroles, especially those with pasta, rice, vegetables, or cheese, the air fryer strikes the perfect balance between speed and quality.
Essential Tools
Reheating a casserole in an air fryer doesn’t require much, but having the right setup makes a big difference.
- Air fryer (basket-style or oven-style both work)
- Oven-safe or air fryer-safe dish
- Aluminum foil (optional but highly recommended)
- Instant-read thermometer (optional, for food safety)
Optional but Helpful
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray (for dry casseroles)
- Extra sauce, broth, or milk (to restore moisture)
- Heat-resistant tongs or spatula
Beginner Tip: If your original casserole dish doesn’t fit in your air fryer, transfer a portion to a smaller, air fryer-safe container.
How to Reheat Refrigerated Casserole in an Air Fryer
This method works for most common casseroles, including pasta bakes, rice casseroles, vegetable casseroles, and protein-based dishes like chicken or beef casseroles.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Why this matters: Starting with a preheated air fryer ensures even reheating and reduces the chance of a cold center.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator
- If it looks dry, add:
- 1–2 tablespoons of broth, sauce, milk, or water
- Lightly cover the top with foil to prevent over-browning
Pro Tip: Cheese-topped casseroles benefit most from foil during the first half of reheating.
Step 3: Place the Casserole in the Air Fryer
- Use an air fryer-safe dish
- Place it in the basket or on the rack
- Avoid stacking or overcrowding
If reheating multiple portions, leave space around each dish for airflow.
Step 4: Reheat Low and Slow
Reheat at 320°F (160°C) for:
- Single portion: 8–12 minutes
- Larger portion: 12–18 minutes
Halfway through:
- Carefully remove the basket
- Check the center
- Stir gently if the casserole allows (like pasta or rice dishes)
Step 5: Uncover and Finish (Optional)
For crispy toppings:
- Remove foil during the last 2–4 minutes
- Increase temperature slightly to 350°F (175°C) if needed
Watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 6: Check Temperature and Rest
Your casserole should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Let it rest for 1–2 minutes before serving. This allows heat to redistribute evenly.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
1. Use Lower Heat Than You Think
High temperatures dry out casseroles quickly. Reheating is about warming through, not cooking again.
2. Don’t Skip the Foil
Foil:
- Locks in moisture
- Prevents burnt cheese
- Promotes even heating
You can always uncover later for crispiness.
3. Add Moisture Strategically
Different casseroles need different moisture boosts:
- Pasta casseroles: Extra sauce or milk
- Rice casseroles: Broth or water
- Vegetable casseroles: Olive oil or butter
- Meat casseroles: Gravy or stock
4. Reheat in Portions
Smaller portions:
- Heat more evenly
- Reduce reheating time
- Improve texture
This is especially helpful for dense casseroles like lasagna.
5. Avoid Overcrowding
Air fryers rely on airflow. Overcrowding leads to:
- Cold centers
- Overcooked edges
When in doubt, reheat in batches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using max heat (dries out food fast)
- Skipping preheating
- Reheating straight from a cold, thick dish without stirring
- Not checking the center temperature
- Leaving cheese uncovered the entire time
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can you reheat casserole in an air fryer straight from the fridge?
Yes. In fact, this guide is specifically for reheating refrigerated casserole in an air fryer. Just allow a little extra time for thicker portions.
- What temperature is best to reheat casserole in an air fryer?
The ideal temperature is 320°F (160°C). It heats gently and evenly without drying out the dish.
- How do you keep casserole from drying out in an air fryer?
- Cover with foil
- Add a small amount of liquid
- Use lower heat
- Avoid overcooking
These four steps make the biggest difference.
- Can you reheat cheesy casseroles in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Just keep the casserole covered for most of the reheating time, then uncover briefly at the end for a bubbly, golden top.
- Is an air fryer better than a microwave for reheating casserole?
For texture and flavor, yes. The air fryer:
- Reheats more evenly
- Prevents sogginess
- Restores crisp toppings
The microwave is faster, but the results are often less satisfying.
- How long does it take to reheat casserole in an air fryer?
On average:
- Small portion: 8–12 minutes
- Large portion: 12–18 minutes
Exact time depends on thickness and ingredients.
When NOT to Reheat Casserole in an Air Fryer
While air fryers are versatile, they’re not always the best choice.
Avoid Using an Air Fryer If:
- The casserole is very liquid-heavy (soups or stews)
- The dish is too large to fit safely
- The casserole has a delicate custard texture (like some egg-based dishes)
- The topping burns easily and can’t be covered
In these cases, stovetop or oven reheating may be better.
Alternative Methods for Reheating Refrigerated Casserole
Oven Reheating
Best for: Large family-sized casseroles
- Temperature: 325°F (165°C)
- Time: 20–30 minutes
- Pros: Even heating
- Cons: Slow, higher energy use
Microwave Reheating
Best for: Speed and single servings
- Use medium power
- Cover and stir halfway
- Pros: Fast
- Cons: Uneven heating, soggy texture
Stovetop Reheating
Best for: Loose casseroles (pasta, rice)
- Use a skillet with a lid
- Add liquid
- Stir frequently
Final Thoughts: Mastering How to Reheat Refrigerated Casserole in an Air Fryer
Once you know how to reheat refrigerated casserole in an air fryer, leftovers stop feeling like an afterthought and start feeling like a smart, delicious second meal.
Quick Recap:
- Preheat to 320°F
- Add moisture if needed
- Cover with foil
- Reheat slowly and evenly
- Finish uncovered for crispness
This method is:
- Time-saving
- Energy-efficient
- Beginner-friendly
- Consistently delicious
Using your air fryer to reheat casseroles isn’t just convenient, it’s one of the best ways to reduce food waste, save money, and enjoy your cooking to the fullest.
If leftovers are part of your weekly routine, this is a skill worth mastering.