While air fryers are popular for their efficiency and ability to crisp food, not all leftovers are suitable for reheating in them, according to Which?.
Which? advises against reheating rice in an air fryer, noting that the rapid hot air can dry it out or harden it. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) highlights that cooked rice can contain harmful bacteria spores, which can multiply if rice is left at room temperature. Reheating does not eliminate these toxins. The FSA recommends cooling cooked rice within an hour and using it within 24 hours if stored in the fridge.
Saucy dishes, such as spaghetti bolognese or curry, and soups are also generally not recommended for air fryer reheating. The circulating hot air can cause splattering, leading to difficult-to-clean messes inside the appliance. For these types of foods, a microwave or hob is often suggested as a more effective option for even heating.
Narriman Looch, head of food hygiene at the FSA, states that air fryers may require different cooking times and temperatures than ovens or microwaves. Food should be steaming hot throughout, and a core temperature of at least 75°C for 30 seconds is recommended if using a food thermometer. Leftovers should only be reheated once to minimise bacterial growth.