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How to Reheat Meal Prep in an Air Fryer (Times, Temps & Tips)
Nutrition
12/15/2025 8:47am
4 minute read
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Quick Answer: Reheat meal prep in an air fryer at 350-375°F for 3-8 minutes. Proteins and grains do best at 350°F; breaded items go at 375-400°F. For frozen meals, add 2-4 minutes and flip halfway. The result: crispy, evenly heated meals—not soggy microwave leftovers.
In This Article:
Why Air Fryer Beats Microwave for Reheating
Microwaved meal prep often disappoints. Chicken gets rubbery. Rice turns mushy. Anything breaded becomes soggy. You invest time in healthy meals, and reheating ruins them.
The air fryer fixes this. It circulates hot air rapidly around food, crisping the exterior while heating evenly. The result: reheated food that tastes freshly cooked.
| Factor | Air Fryer | Microwave |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Crispy, even heating | Often soggy/rubbery |
| Time | 4-10 minutes | 2-3 minutes |
| Best for | Proteins, breaded items, pizza, veggies | Soups, liquids |
Complete Air Fryer Reheating Charts
Air fryers vary—check early the first time you reheat something.
Proteins
| Food | Temp | Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 350°F | 4-6 min | Mist with water; flip halfway |
| Chicken thighs | 370°F | 5-7 min | Skin-side up for crispy skin |
| Steak/beef | 350°F | 3-5 min | Lower temp prevents overcooking |
| Salmon/fish | 325°F | 3-5 min | Low temp; fish dries quickly |
| Shrimp | 350°F | 2-3 min | Watch closely—overcooks fast |
Grains, Starches & Vegetables
| Food | Temp | Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice/quinoa | 320°F | 4-6 min | Add 1 tbsp water; cover with foil |
| Roasted potatoes | 375°F | 5-7 min | Single layer; shake halfway |
| Roasted veggies | 370°F | 3-5 min | Light oil spray refreshes them |
| Fries | 400°F | 3-5 min | High heat restores crispiness |
Leftovers & Prepared Foods
| Food | Temp | Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pizza | 350°F | 3-5 min | Crispy crust, melty cheese |
| Breaded chicken/tenders | 375°F | 4-6 min | Flip halfway |
| Wings | 380°F | 5-7 min | Single layer; flip once |
| Egg rolls/empanadas | 375°F | 4-6 min | Great for frozen snacks |
For frozen foods: Add 2-4 minutes and flip/shake halfway through.
How to Reheat Frozen Prepared Meals
Frozen meal prep—homemade or from a delivery service—reheats beautifully in an air fryer:
- Transfer to an air fryer-safe dish. Don't put plastic containers in your air fryer.
- Set temperature: 360-375°F for 8-12 minutes. Start checking at 8.
- Shake or flip halfway for even heating.
- Check internal temp: Food should reach 165°F.
Reheating Clean Eatz Kitchen Meals
Our prepared meals work great in an air fryer:
- From frozen: 360-370°F for 10-14 minutes
- From refrigerated: 350°F for 6-8 minutes
- Add a splash of water to meals with rice to prevent drying
- For crispy protein, finish 1-2 minutes at 390°F
It takes a few minutes longer than the microwave method, but you get restaurant-quality texture. Build your own meal plan with 30+ chef-prepared options, all portion-controlled and ready to heat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the basket. Food needs air circulation to crisp. Reheat in batches if needed.
Temperature too high. Reheating isn't cooking. Start at 350°F and finish higher for crispiness.
Forgetting moisture. Mist lean proteins with water. Add a tablespoon of broth to grains.
Not flipping or shaking. The bottom of food touching the basket doesn't get air circulation.
Putting plastic in the air fryer. Always transfer frozen meals to air fryer-safe dishes.
The Bottom Line
Your air fryer transforms leftover meal prep from disappointing to delicious. It takes a few more minutes than a microwave, but the texture difference is worth it.
Start with 350°F for most foods, add moisture to proteins and grains, keep food in a single layer, and flip halfway through.
For more on building an efficient meal prep system, check out our Complete Meal Prep Guide. And if you want chef-prepared meals ready to heat, explore our Weight Loss Meal Plan or High Protein Meal Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I reheat food in an air fryer?
Most meal prep reheats at 350-375°F for 3-8 minutes. Breaded items do better at 375-400°F. Proteins and grains do well at 350°F.
Can I reheat frozen meals in an air fryer?
Yes. Add 2-4 minutes to refrigerated times, flip halfway. Transfer to an air fryer-safe dish first.
Is air fryer reheating better than microwave?
For texture, yes. Air fryers restore crispiness. Microwaves are faster but often leave food soggy.
How do I keep food from drying out?
Mist proteins with water. Use lower temps for lean proteins. Add water to grains. Check early.
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