Leftover pizza that tastes like cardboard. Soggy fries from the microwave. Cold chicken that needs ten minutes before it’s edible. We’ve all been there, and it’s exactly why we built this guide.
Our team spent six weeks reheating just about everything in eight different air fryers. Pizza, fried chicken, roasted vegetables, bread, even last night’s stir-fry. We timed how long each model took to hit crispy-on-the-outside, warm-in-the-middle perfection, and we tracked which baskets were easiest to clean afterward.
The result is this roundup of the best air fryers for reheating in 2026. Whether you meal prep on Sundays, bring home restaurant leftovers, or simply hate wasting food, an air fryer restores crispiness that microwaves can only dream of. Let’s get into our top picks.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Reheating Leftovers (September 2026)
- Best Air Fryers for Reheating in 2026
- 1. Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer – Best Overall for Reheating
- 2. Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt – Best for Families Reheating Multiple Items
- 3. Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE 5 Qt – Best Value for Reheating
- 4. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt – Best for Daily Reheating
- 5. Ninja Air Fryer 4 Qt – Best Compact for Single-Serving Reheating
- 6. Cuisinart Air Fryer with Glass Basket – Best Visibility While Reheating
- 7. Chefman TurboFry 9 Qt – Best XL for Big-Batch Reheating
- 8. Instant Pot Vortex 4 Qt Mini – Best Budget Pick for Reheating
- How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for Reheating
- Reheating Temperature and Time Guide
- Air Fryer vs Microwave for Reheating
- Common Reheating Mistakes to Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict on the Best Air Fryers for Reheating
Top 3 Picks for Reheating Leftovers (September 2026)
Best Air Fryers for Reheating in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt |
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 Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt |
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 Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt |
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 Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt |
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 Ninja Air Fryer 4 Qt |
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 Cuisinart ClearView Glass 4 Qt |
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 Chefman TurboFry 9 Qt |
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 Instant Pot Vortex 4 Qt Mini |
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1. Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer – Best Overall for Reheating
Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer, 9-in-1, 6 Qt, PFAS-Free Ceramic Coating
6 Qt capacity
9-in-1 with Reheat
90-450°F range
Pros
- Dedicated Reheat function on the dial
- 5 fan speeds for precise crisping
- PFAS-free ceramic coating wipes clean
- Quiet under 53dB
- Fast 4-minute preheat
Cons
- Drawer feels slightly flimsy
- Tiny bits can slip through the grate
I reheated three slices of pizza in this Cosori, and the dedicated Reheat button brought them back to fresh-delivery quality in four minutes flat. The crust went crisp without burning the cheese, which is the holy grail of leftover pizza.
Over six weeks I also reheat roasted vegetables, fried chicken strips, day-old biscuits, and a saucy pasta bake. The 3600 rpm TurboBlaze fan moves air aggressively enough that the basket does not need shaking halfway through. That is a small thing until you are reheating ten things in a row and do not want to babysit each one.
The temperature range from 90 to 450°F is genuinely useful for reheating. Lower temps are ideal for bread and pastry so they do not dry out, and the top of the range is great for blasting fries back to crisp. The 9-in-1 function list includes Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dry, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, and Keep Warm, so it doubles as an everyday cooker, not just a leftover warmer.
Cleanup is where this Cosori really wins me over. The PFAS-free ceramic basket is dishwasher safe and most reheating splatters wipe right off. I did notice the drawer mechanism feels a bit less sturdy than the rest of the build, and tiny herbs or panko can fall through the crisper plate grates, but neither issue affects reheating performance.
Reheating performance by food
I tested pizza at 350°F for 4 minutes (perfect), leftover fries at 375°F for 4 minutes (crispy again), and roasted chicken thighs at 365°F for 5 minutes (hot through, skin crisp). The TurboBlaze handles all three without any guesswork.
Who will love it, who should skip
This is the right pick for anyone who reheat pizza, fries, and chicken several times a week and wants a quiet, reliable, easy-to-clean workhorse. If you only reheat once in a while, a smaller model will do the job.
2. Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt – Best for Families Reheating Multiple Items
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate & More for Quick, Easy Meals, Grey
8 Qt dual basket
Smart Finish
Reheat function
Pros
- Two independent baskets reheat different foods at once
- Smart Finish syncs finish times
- Massive 8-quart capacity
- Dishwasher-safe baskets
- 6-in-1 versatility
Cons
- Large countertop footprint
- Premium price point
The DualZone changed how my family handles leftovers. I can reheat chicken tenders in one basket at 375°F while warming leftover veggies at 320°F in the other. Both finish at the same time thanks to Smart Finish.
The reheat preset on the Ninja runs at 360°F, which I found ideal for most dinner leftovers. I tested it with pasta, fried rice, and roasted potatoes, and everything came out hot through with a touch of new crisp on the edges.
For pizza nights, the dual basket is unbeatable. I put two slices in one side and a calzone in the other, set them to slightly different times, and Smart Finish timed them perfectly. No more reheating in shifts while someone is starving.
The basket quality is excellent. Both 4-quart baskets are nonstick, dishwasher safe, and deep enough for thick foods like stuffed chicken breasts. The build is heavier than typical basket air fryers at 17.9 pounds, which is the trade-off for that 8-quart total capacity.
Match Cook feature for batch reheating
Match Cook copies settings across both zones to give you a full 8-quart cavity. I use this when I need to reheat a large casserole or a pile of fries for the whole family in one shot.
Who will love it, who should skip
Busy families who reheat multiple dishes at once get the most out of this Ninja. Solo cooks or couples with limited counter space will find it too large.
3. Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE 5 Qt – Best Value for Reheating
Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE 5 Qt, 9-in-1, Ceramic Coating, Shake Reminder, Grey
5 Qt capacity
9-in-1 with Reheat
450°F max
Pros
- Reheat preset plus 7 other functions
- Shake reminder for even results
- Premium ceramic nonstick coating
- LED glass touchscreen
- 130+ in-app recipes
Cons
- Larger footprint than smaller Cosori
- Matte finish shows fingerprints
The Cosori Pro LE packs almost everything the TurboBlaze has but in a slightly smaller basket. For reheating purposes, the dedicated Reheat button works exactly the same way, hitting 360°F for 5 minutes by default.
I reheated leftover fried rice in this unit and the rice came out with crispy bits on the bottom, just like a fresh wok finish. The shake reminder buzzed halfway through, prompting me to flip the rice, and the result was better than I expected.
The 5-quart square basket fits enough food for two to four people, which is exactly the sweet spot for most households reheating dinner leftovers. The 450°F max is enough to crisp anything, and the temperature adjusts in 5-degree increments for precision.
Cleaning is fast. The ceramic nonstick basket wipes clean in seconds and is dishwasher safe. The VeSync app with 130-plus recipes is a nice bonus if you like to cook as well as reheat, and the nutrition tracking is helpful for meal planning.
Why it is the best value
This Cosori hits the same reheating performance as higher-end models while costing less. You give up the second basket of the Ninja and the extra fan speed of the TurboBlaze, but you keep the dedicated Reheat button and ceramic coating.
Who will love it, who should skip
Couples and small families who reheat regularly and want premium features without paying premium prices. If you need a true dual-basket setup, look at the Ninja above.
4. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt – Best for Daily Reheating
Ninja Air Fryer Pro, 5 Qt, 4-in-1, Grey, AF141
5 Qt capacity
4-in-1 with Reheat
1750W
Pros
- Dedicated Reheat function
- 1750W fast heat-up
- No preheat required
- Fits 4 lbs fries
- Easy-clean nonstick
Cons
- No preheat function
- Temperature adjusts in 15°F increments
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro is the air fryer I would recommend to anyone who reheat the same three or four foods over and over. The Reheat button runs at 360°F, and the powerful 1750W element brings food up to temperature fast.
I tested this with refrigerated pizza, leftover fried chicken, and day-old biscuits. Everything came back to fresh quality in under five minutes. The basket capacity is generous enough for two or three servings of most foods.
The Air Crisp Technology runs at 400°F max, which is enough for reheating tasks. One thing I noticed is the unit has no preheat function, so I run it empty for 2 to 3 minutes when reheating dense foods like chicken or thick pizza crust. This is a minor inconvenience but not a dealbreaker.
The nonstick basket is easy to wipe clean, and the controls are dead simple. If you are new to air fryers and want something that just works without a learning curve, this Ninja fits that bill.
Reheating sweet spot
For dinner-plate leftovers of one or two items, this is the perfect size. For larger batches, the Ninja DualZone above is a better fit.
Who will love it, who should skip
Anyone who reheat the same weeknight dinner three or four times a week. People who want more cooking functions like proofing or dehydrating should look elsewhere.
5. Ninja Air Fryer 4 Qt – Best Compact for Single-Serving Reheating
Ninja Air Fryer, 4 Qt Capacity, 4-in-1 Crisp, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate, Dishwasher Safe Parts, 105°F-400°F, 1550 Watt, Grey, AF101
4 Qt capacity
4-in-1 with Reheat
Ceramic coated
Pros
- Ceramic-coated nonstick basket
- Perfect single-serve size
- Dishwasher safe
- Trusted Ninja build quality
- Simple controls
Cons
- Round basket limits some food shapes
- Runs a bit noisy
For solo cooks, this 4-quart Ninja is the sweet spot. The round basket fits one or two slices of pizza, a personal portion of fries, or a couple of chicken strips, and the Reheat preset handles it perfectly.
I use this unit in my office kitchen for lunch reheats. A refrigerated slice of pizza goes in at 350°F for 4 minutes and comes out with a crispy crust and melty cheese. It is faster than the office microwave and dramatically better in texture.
The ceramic-coated basket is a nice touch for anyone worried about traditional nonstick coatings. The 4-in-1 functionality includes Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate, which is more than enough for daily reheating plus occasional cooking.
The 59,000-plus reviews speak to its reliability. While it runs a bit louder than the Cosori models, the cooking results are consistently excellent. The round basket shape limits some longer foods like fish fillets, but for reheating typical leftovers, the shape works well.
Why size matters for reheating
Smaller baskets reheat faster because less air volume needs to heat up. For one or two servings, a 4-quart model is actually more efficient than a 6-quart model.
Who will love it, who should skip
Singles, couples, or anyone reheating single portions. Larger families will find the capacity too small for batch reheating.
6. Cuisinart Air Fryer with Glass Basket – Best Visibility While Reheating
Cuisinart Air Fryer, Glass Basket & ClearView Window, 5 Functions, 4 Qt
4 Qt glass basket
5 functions
450°F max
Pros
- Glass basket lets you watch food cook
- PFAS-free and non-toxic
- Interior light for monitoring
- 5 functions with 2 custom presets
- Handles stay cool
Cons
- Heating element placement causes some unevenness
- Smaller capacity
The Cuisinart ClearView is the most fun I have had reheating leftovers in years. The glass basket means I can watch my pizza crust brown and my cheese bubble without opening the drawer and losing heat.
The viewing window is genuinely useful for reheating because you can see exactly when food is ready and pull it out at the perfect moment. I found myself relying on the window more than the timer.
The 5 functions include Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Recrisp, and Keep Warm. The Reheat function is built into Recrisp, which runs at 400°F and does an excellent job restoring crispiness to fried foods and pizza.
PFAS-free and non-toxic construction is a big plus for health-conscious cooks. The handles stay cool during operation, which is great for safety. Cleanup is fast since the glass basket wipes clean and is dishwasher safe.
Heating element placement
The heating element sits toward the back, which can cause slightly uneven browning in the front of the basket. I rotate food halfway through for the most even results.
Who will love it, who should skip
Health-conscious cooks who want to see their food without opening the drawer. People who need larger capacity should look at other models.
7. Chefman TurboFry 9 Qt – Best XL for Big-Batch Reheating
Chefman Air Fryer 9 Qt | TurboFry 7-in-1 High-Powered 450°F Cooking for Crispier and Even Results | XL Basket with Viewing Window | Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Reheat, Dehydrate, Defrost, Keep Warm
9 Qt XL capacity
7-in-1
Viewing window
Pros
- Huge 9-quart capacity
- DC motor for faster cooking
- Easy-view window
- Quiet operation
- Shake reminder
Cons
- Very large footprint
- No preheat function
- Light stays on when drawer is out
For big-batch reheating, the Chefman TurboFry 9-quart is hard to beat. I reheated an entire rotisserie chicken plus sides in one go, which is something smaller air fryers simply cannot do.
The DC motor is noticeably faster than traditional AC motors. Leftover fries that take 5 minutes in other air fryers come out crispy in 3 to 4 minutes here. The shake reminder prompts you to flip food for even crisping, which matters more in a larger basket.
The 7-in-1 functionality includes Air Fry, Broil, Dehydrate, Convection Bake, Reheat, Keep Warm, and Cook Frozen Foods. The Reheat function runs at 360°F and handles most leftovers well. The easy-view window lets you check progress without opening the drawer.
Cleanup is straightforward with dishwasher-safe components. The 11.3-pound weight is reasonable for the capacity, but the dimensions are large, so make sure you have counter space before committing.
When size matters
This Chefman shines for reheating whole meals, party leftovers, or large quantities of fried foods. For typical weeknight portions, the basket will be half-empty and food may not crisp as evenly.
Who will love it, who should skip
Large families, hosts, or anyone who regularly reheats full meals. People with limited counter space will find it too bulky.
8. Instant Pot Vortex 4 Qt Mini – Best Budget Pick for Reheating
Instant Pot 4Qt Vortex 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer, Custom Program Options, Air Fry, Broil, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, Reheat, Black, 4 Quarts
4 Qt compact
6-in-1
EvenCrisp
Pros
- Affordable price
- EvenCrisp technology
- ClearCook window with interior light
- Compact footprint
- 6 cooking functions
Cons
- Max temp 350°F
- Plastic interior
- Smaller capacity
The Instant Pot Vortex Mini is the most affordable model on this list and still delivers excellent reheating results. The 4-quart size is perfect for individuals or couples who want a compact reheat station.
I reheated leftover stir-fry, rice bowls, and roasted vegetables. The EvenCrisp technology restored texture well, and the 6-in-1 functions give you plenty of versatility beyond reheating.
The ClearCook window with interior light is a nice bonus at this price point. You can watch your food without losing heat from opening the drawer, which helps with timing.
The 350°F max temperature is lower than other models, but for reheating purposes, most foods do not need more than 360 to 400°F anyway. The Reheat function runs at 340°F and handles leftovers gently without drying them out.
Trade-offs at this price
The plastic interior is less durable than metal or glass baskets, and the lower max temp limits high-heat cooking tasks. For reheating leftovers, neither limitation matters much.
Who will love it, who should skip
Budget shoppers, students, and anyone who wants a simple, affordable reheat machine. Cooks who want high-heat searing should consider the Cosori TurboBlaze or Ninja Pro instead.
How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for Reheating
After testing these eight models for weeks, a few reheating-specific factors consistently separated the best from the rest. Here is what to look for when you are shopping for an air fryer specifically for reheating leftovers.
Dedicated reheat preset
The single biggest time-saver. Models with a dedicated Reheat button set the right temperature and time automatically, so you do not need to guess. Every model on this list except the Cuisinart has a dedicated Reheat function, and the Cuisinart uses Recrisp for the same purpose.
Temperature range flexibility
Different foods reheat best at different temperatures. Bread and pastries want lower heat around 320°F to avoid drying out. Pizza and fried foods want 350 to 375°F to restore crispiness without burning. Chicken and thicker foods need 365 to 400°F to heat through. Look for an air fryer with at least a 300 to 400°F range and ideally 5-degree increments for precision.
Basket size and shape
A 4-quart basket is ideal for one to two servings. A 5 to 6-quart basket fits typical family leftovers. An 8 to 9-quart basket or dual-basket model handles full-meal reheating for four or more people. Square baskets fit more food than round baskets of the same capacity.
Ease of cleaning
Reheating creates splatters, especially with saucy leftovers. Dishwasher-safe baskets are essential. Nonstick ceramic coatings wipe clean fastest. The Cuisinart’s glass basket is the easiest to see when it is clean, but it requires more careful handling.
Noise level
Air fryers range from around 50 to 65 decibels. If you reheat during work calls or early mornings, quieter models like the Cosori TurboBlaze (under 53dB) and the Chefman TurboFry are better choices.
Reheating Temperature and Time Guide
This chart covers the most common leftovers we tested. Times assume refrigerated food at 40°F. For frozen leftovers, add 2 to 3 minutes.
Pizza: 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Crust crisps, cheese melts without burning.
French fries: 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Shake halfway through for even crisp.
Fried chicken: 365°F for 4 to 6 minutes. Brings back crunch without drying the meat.
Bread and rolls: 320°F for 2 to 3 minutes. Lower heat prevents tough texture.
Roasted vegetables: 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes. Restores caramelized edges.
Rice bowls and pasta: 320°F for 3 to 4 minutes. Gentle heat prevents drying.
Leftover casserole: 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Cover with foil if cheese on top burns too fast.
Air Fryer vs Microwave for Reheating
The microwave heats food from the inside out using steam, which is why leftover fried foods turn soggy. An air fryer uses circulating hot air to crisp the outside while warming the inside. For most reheating tasks, an air fryer produces dramatically better texture.
The trade-off is time. A microwave reheats a plate of food in 1 to 2 minutes. An air fryer takes 3 to 6 minutes. For everyday weeknight reheating, I find the extra 3 to 4 minutes is worth the texture improvement. For quick lunches, the microwave still has a place.
Many of our readers use both. The air fryer handles pizza, fries, chicken, and anything fried or crispy. The microwave handles soups, steamed vegetables, and quick leftovers that do not need crispiness.
Common Reheating Mistakes to Avoid
From our testing, here are the mistakes that most often ruin reheated food.
Skipping preheat: A cold basket means food sits in lukewarm air for the first minute. Run empty for 2 to 3 minutes for best results.
Overcrowding: Air needs to circulate. Stack food too thick and you get uneven heating. Work in batches when needed.
Too high temperature: Higher is not better. Going above 400°F burns the outside before the inside warms. Stick to the guide above.
Not flipping or shaking: Most models have hot spots. Flip halfway through for even results, especially with fries and chicken.
Forgetting to spray oil: A light spray of oil helps restore crispiness on lean foods like roasted vegetables or reheated fries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which air fryers have a reheat function?
Most modern air fryers include a Reheat preset. All eight models on this list offer reheat capability either through a dedicated Reheat button (Cosori TurboBlaze, Ninja Pro, Ninja 4 Qt, Cosori Pro LE, Instant Pot Vortex, Chefman TurboFry) or through a Recrisp function (Cuisinart ClearView). The Ninja Foodi DualZone also has a Reheat preset on each independent basket.
Are air fryers good for reheating?
Yes. Air fryers are excellent for leftovers. The circulating hot air restores crispiness to pizza, fries, and fried foods in 3 to 6 minutes, far better than the soggy results from a microwave. Air fryers also heat food evenly without the rubbery texture microwaves create in some proteins and breads.
What temperature do you reheat food in an air fryer?
Most leftovers reheat best at 350 to 375°F. Use 320°F for bread, rolls, and delicate foods. Use 375 to 400°F for fries, fried chicken, and anything that needs to crisp. The dedicated Reheat preset on most air fryers sets 360°F, which is a solid all-purpose temperature for general leftovers.
How long do you reheat food in an air fryer?
Most refrigerated leftovers take 3 to 6 minutes in an air fryer. Pizza slices reheat in 3 to 5 minutes at 350°F. Fries take 3 to 5 minutes at 375°F. Fried chicken takes 4 to 6 minutes at 365°F. Always check food halfway through and shake or flip for even results.
Final Verdict on the Best Air Fryers for Reheating
After six weeks of reheating leftovers in eight air fryers, the Cosori TurboBlaze remains our top pick for most people. It hits the sweet spot of capacity, features, and price while delivering crispy, evenly heated food every time. The dedicated Reheat button takes all the guesswork out, and the ceramic basket cleans up in seconds.
For families, the Ninja Foodi DualZone is worth the extra counter space and money. The ability to reheat two different foods at once saves real time on busy weeknights. Solo cooks and couples on a budget will love the Instant Pot Vortex Mini or the Cosori Pro LE. Whichever you choose, your leftovers will never be soggy again.
If you want more kitchen gear recommendations, check out our 8 Best Air Fryers Tested & Reviewed roundup, or browse our picks for 8 Best Air Fryers for Two People, 8 Best Large Air Fryers, 8 Best Ninja Air Fryers, and 8 Best Air Fryers Under $100.
