Is It Better to Reheat in an Air Fryer or an Oven?

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 Food Is Trickier Than It Looks. You open the fridge, spot last night’s leftovers, and ask the same question many home cooks do:

Is it better to reheat in an air fryer or an oven?

Reheating isn’t just about making food hot again. Done wrong, leftovers can turn soggy, dry, rubbery, or unevenly warmed. Done right, they can taste almost as good as when they were freshly cooked.

The good news? Both air fryers and ovens are excellent reheating tools—but they serve different purposes. Choosing the right one depends on the food, portion size, texture you want, and how much time you have.

In this beginner-friendly, expert-backed guide, you’ll learn:

• How air fryers and ovens reheat food differently
• Which foods are better reheated in each appliance
• Step-by-step reheating methods
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Practical tips to get crispy, moist, evenly heated results every time

By the end, you’ll confidently know when it’s better to reheat in an air fryer and when an oven is the smarter choice.

Why This Comparison Matters

Many people default to the microwave for speed, but that often sacrifices texture. Air fryers and ovens use dry, circulating heat, which helps restore crispness and prevent sogginess.

Understanding how each appliance works lets you:

• Reduce food waste
• Save time and energy
• Improve flavor and texture
• Avoid overcooking or drying out food

How Reheating Works: Air Fryer vs Oven

Before choosing the better option, it helps to understand how each method heats food.

How an Air Fryer Reheats Food

An air fryer uses:

• A powerful heating element
• A high-speed fan that circulates hot air

This creates intense, dry heat that:

• Re-crisps breaded or fried foods
• Heats food quickly
• Works best for small to medium portions

Think of an air fryer as a mini convection oven on steroids.

How an Oven Reheats Food

A conventional or convection oven uses:

• Radiant heat from heating elements
• Slower, more even heat distribution

This makes ovens ideal for:

• Larger portions
• Multiple servings
• Foods that need gentle, even reheating

Ovens excel at consistency and moisture control—especially when foil or covered dishes are used.

Quick Answer: Is It Better to Reheat in an Air Fryer or an Oven?

It depends on the food and situation.

• Use an air fryer if you want:
  • Crispiness
  • Speed
  • Small portions
• Use an oven if you want:
  • Even heating
  • Moisture control
  • Larger batches

Now let’s break it down properly.

What You’ll Need (For Either Method)

Basic Tools

• Air fryer or oven
• Heat-safe dish or tray
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper
• Food thermometer (optional but recommended)

Optional Extras

• Oil spray (for air fryer crisping)
• Oven-safe lid or foil tent (to retain moisture)

How to Reheat Food in an Air Fryer

Best For:

Pizza, fries, fried chicken, egg rolls, roasted vegetables, breaded foods

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat the air fryer
  • Set to 325–375°F (165–190°C)
  • Preheat for 2–3 minutes
• Arrange food in a single layer
  • Do not overcrowd
  • Leave space for air circulation
• Reheat in short intervals
  • Start with 3–5 minutes
  • Shake basket or flip halfway
• Check internal temperature
  • Aim for 165°F (74°C) for leftovers
• Add extra time if needed
  • Increase in 1–2 minute increments

Safety Note

Avoid reheating foods with:

• Wet batters
• Excess sauce (unless covered loosely with foil)

How to Reheat Food in an Oven

Best For:

Casseroles, lasagna, roasted meats, baked pasta, large portions

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat the oven
  • Set to 300–350°F (150–175°C)
• Transfer food to an oven-safe dish
  • Spread evenly for consistent heating
• Cover with foil
  • Prevents drying
  • Traps moisture
• Heat slowly
  • 10–20 minutes depending on portion size
• Uncover for final few minutes (optional)
  • Restores light crispness on top

Food-by-Food Breakdown: Which Is Better?

Pizza

• Best: Air fryer
• Crisps the crust and reheats fast
• Oven is better for reheating multiple slices

French Fries

• Best: Air fryer
• Restores crunch
• Oven works but takes longer

Fried Chicken

• Best: Air fryer
• Keeps skin crispy
• Oven works if covered, then uncovered at the end

Pasta & Lasagna

• Best: Oven
• Retains moisture
• Air fryer can dry it out

Steak & Roasted Meats

• Best: Oven
• Gentle reheating prevents toughness
• Air fryer can overcook quickly

Roasted Vegetables

• Best: Air fryer for crispness
• Oven for large batches

Pro Tips & Best Practices (Expert Advice)

Use Lower Temperatures

High heat reheats fast—but dries food out.

Add Moisture When Needed

• Sprinkle water or broth on rice or pasta
• Cover with foil in the oven

Avoid Overcrowding

Especially in air fryers—crowding traps steam.

Flip or Stir Halfway

Ensures even heating and prevents hot spots.

Don’t Rush Thick Foods

Dense items like casseroles need time for heat to reach the center.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the air fryer for soups or saucy dishes
• Reheating large portions in a crowded air fryer basket
• Skipping preheating
• Using high heat to “save time”
• Leaving food uncovered in the oven for too long

When NOT to Use an Air Fryer or an Oven

Avoid the Air Fryer If:

• Food is very wet or liquid-based
• Portion size is large
• You need gentle, slow reheating

Avoid the Oven If:

• You’re reheating a single small serving
• You want fast results
• Energy efficiency matters (ovens use more power)

Alternative Reheating Methods (Quick Comparison)

Microwave

• Fastest
• Poor texture
• Best for soups, rice, and soft foods

Stovetop

• Great for stir-fries and sauces
• Requires monitoring

Toaster Oven

• Middle ground between air fryer and oven
• Limited space

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it healthier to reheat food in an air fryer or oven?

Both are healthy options since they don’t require added oil. Air fryers may use less energy for small portions.

Does an air fryer dry out food more than an oven?

Yes, if you’re not careful. The intense airflow can dry food quickly without proper temperature control.

Can you reheat leftovers multiple times?

It’s best to reheat only once to preserve quality and food safety.

Which is more energy-efficient?

Air fryers use less energy for small servings. Ovens are better for large batches.

Can I reheat frozen leftovers in an air fryer?

Yes, but lower the temperature and increase time to ensure even heating.

Final Verdict: Is It Better to Reheat in an Air Fryer or an Oven?

The best reheating method depends on your food, portion size, and texture goals.

• Choose the air fryer for speed and crispiness
• Choose the oven for moisture control and even heating

Knowing when to reheat in an air fryer or an oven helps you:

• Reduce food waste
• Save time and energy
• Enjoy leftovers that actually taste good

Use the right tool for the right food—and reheating will never feel like a compromise again.

Pro tip: Treat reheating like cooking, not just warming. A little intention goes a long way in the kitchen.