Leftover takeaway is where the air fryer shines — it re-crisps fried and breaded food the microwave turns to mush. Here's what reheats brilliantly, what's better left to the hob, and the times.
Key takeaways
Q: Can you reheat takeaway in an air fryer?
A: Yes — fried chicken, spring rolls, bhajis, pizza and chips all re-crisp at 160–180°C in a few minutes. Saucy curries are better reheated on the hob.
Q: Why is it better than a microwave?
A: The dry heat restores crunch, where a microwave just steams food soft.
What reheats well
| Item | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fried chicken | 170°C / 340°F | 4–6 min |
| Spring rolls / bhajis | 160°C / 325°F | 3–5 min |
| Pizza | 160°C / 325°F | 3–4 min |
| Chips / fries | 180°C / 360°F | 3–5 min |
| Naan / garlic bread | 160°C / 325°F | 2–3 min |
What to skip
- Saucy curries and stir-fries — reheat these on the hob; they'll just dry at the edges in the air fryer.
- Rice — reheat thoroughly in a microwave or pan, never partially.
- Anything with lots of loose sauce — it can drip onto the element.
For specifics, see reheating chicken, pizza and chips.
Frequently asked questions
What takeaway can you reheat in an air fryer?
Fried chicken, spring rolls, bhajis, samosas, pizza, chips and bread all re-crisp well at 160–180°C in a few minutes.
Can you reheat curry in an air fryer?
Saucy curries are better on the hob or in a microwave — the air fryer dries them out. Dry items like bhajis and naan reheat well, though.
Is reheating takeaway safe?
Yes, if you reheat it once until piping hot all the way through (74°C). Never reheat the same food more than once, and reheat rice especially carefully.