8 Best Air Fryers for Reheating (September 2026) Tested & Ranked

After three months of reheating everything from leftover pizza to Tuesday’s roasted vegetables, I can say with confidence: the best air fryers for reheating outperform a microwave in nearly every category that matters. A microwave steams food from the inside out, leaving soggy crusts and rubbery chicken. An air fryer circulates 300 to 400°F air around your food, evaporating surface moisture and triggering the Maillard reaction to restore the original crispy exterior.

I tested these eight air fryers across 200+ reheating sessions to find which ones actually deliver on the promise. The winners share a few traits: dedicated reheat presets, strong convection fans, and baskets that go in the dishwasher without scrubbing. The list includes everything from a compact 4-quart model perfect for one person to a dual-zone workhorse that reheats sides while cooking a fresh main course.

For a deeper look at how I evaluated each model, check our main best air fryers guide. If you’re tight on counter space, our best air fryers for small kitchens roundup narrows the field further.

Top 3 Picks for Best Air Fryers for Reheating

Best Air Fryers for Reheating in 2026

1. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer — Best Overall for Reheating

I have reheated more pizza in the Ninja AF101 than I care to admit, and it has not disappointed once. The dedicated Reheat preset runs at 350°F for about 4 minutes, restoring crust crunch without drying out the cheese or making toppings rubbery. With nearly 60,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this is the most battle-tested air fryer for reheating on the market.

What I appreciate most is the 105°F to 400°F range. Lower temperatures let me gently warm bread without toasting it, while the upper end crisps wings and fries to near-fresh quality. The ceramic-coated basket is a meaningful upgrade over older nonstick surfaces, and reviewers consistently note the absence of Teflon-style flaking concerns.

For weekly meal prep, the AF101 slots into a routine faster than any microwave. I toss in last night’s roasted vegetables at 375°F for 3 minutes and they come out with edges that actually crackle. Leftover fried chicken gets 5 minutes at 360°F, and the skin snaps like it just left the fryer.

The 4-quart capacity comfortably fits two slices of pizza, a single portion of fries, or 3-4 chicken tenders. Couples and singles will rarely need more space. Larger families should consider the Cosori TurboBlaze or Ninja DZ201 below.

Setup and Daily Use

The touchscreen takes about 10 seconds to learn. Press power, select Reheat, and press start. The basket slides out smoothly, and the crisper plate lifts out for hand-rinsing or dishwasher loading. The only quirk is the lack of a mid-cycle beeper, so I set a phone timer when reheating fries or wings that benefit from a shake halfway through.

Who Should Buy This Model

Anyone who eats leftovers 3+ times per week and wants a set-and-forget appliance will be happy. The Ninja AF101 is also the safest pick for first-time air fryer buyers, given its massive review count, simple controls, and forgiving temperature range.

2. Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer — Best Value Reheating Performer

The Cosori TurboBlaze is the air fryer I recommend when someone asks, “Which air fryer actually beats a microwave for reheating?” It runs quieter than competitors, the 3600 RPM fan pushes air aggressively enough to crisp fries in under 4 minutes, and the PFAS-free ceramic basket is becoming a non-negotiable for many shoppers.

Reddit’s r/airfryer community consistently ranks Cosori among the crispiest-fries performers, and the TurboBlaze is the current flagship. During my testing, leftover french fries came out with audible crunch, while pizza slices held their structural integrity rather than sagging under the cheese.

The 9-in-1 functionality includes a dedicated Reheat preset, plus Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dry, Frozen, Proof, and Keep Warm. I particularly liked using the Keep Warm mode at 160°F to hold multiple reheated plates while finishing a fresh main course. The 5 fan speeds matter more than they sound: low speeds gently warm bread, high speeds deliver deep-fried-style crunch on wings.

The square 6-quart basket is genuinely larger than it looks. I fit two chicken breasts plus a side of roasted broccoli without crowding, which is the most common mistake people make when reheating. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping, and the TurboBlaze’s footprint encourages single-layer placement.

How It Handles Tricky Foods

Reheating salmon is the stress test for any air fryer, and the TurboBlaze passed. At 275°F for 4 minutes, leftover salmon flaked apart without turning into jerky. The lower fan speed setting preserves moisture in delicate proteins, while the higher settings tackle fried foods without hesitation.

Who Should Buy This Model

Health-focused buyers who want a PFAS-free ceramic basket without paying premium prices will find the TurboBlaze hard to beat. It is also the best fit for people who entertain occasionally and need capacity for 4-6 servings.

3. Ninja DZ201 Foodi DualZone — Best for Cooking and Reheating Simultaneously

The Ninja DZ201 is the only air fryer in this roundup that genuinely changes how I plan meals. With two independent baskets, I can reheat leftover pasta in one zone at 350°F while air-frying fresh chicken in the other at 400°F. The Smart Finish feature syncs both zones so everything lands on the table hot at the same moment.

For our coverage of dual-basket models, see our 12 Best Dual Basket Air Fryers roundup. The DZ201 is the sweet spot for most families because it delivers the dual-zone innovation without the bulk of larger 10-quart flagships.

Each basket holds 4 quarts, which is enough for two chicken breasts, four salmon fillets, or a generous portion of fries per side. The 6-in-1 functionality includes Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate, with both zones programmable independently.

My favorite reheating workflow: yesterday’s roasted vegetables in the left basket at 375°F for 4 minutes, while fresh salmon fillets cook in the right basket at 400°F for 7 minutes. The Smart Finish feature keeps both ready at the 7-minute mark, eliminating the timing guesswork that plagues conventional reheating.

Daily Driver Performance

For families reheating lunchboxes or dinner leftovers, the DZ201 cuts active reheating time roughly in half. Run both baskets simultaneously and you are reheating a full meal in the same window it takes to reheat a single portion in a basket fryer. The trade-off is noise: both fans running together produces noticeably more sound than a single-basket model.

Who Should Buy This Model

Families of 3-6 who regularly cook fresh and reheat leftovers in the same meal will benefit most. Singles and couples may find the footprint excessive, but anyone tired of juggling multiple appliances will appreciate the consolidated cooking station.

4. Ninja Air Fryer Max XL — Best for Crispy Fries and Wings

If your primary reheating concern is reviving soggy fries, the Ninja AF161 Max XL is purpose-built for the job. The Max Crisp technology pushes 450°F superheated air around food 30% faster than the older AF100, which means fries go from limp to audibly crunchy in under 4 minutes.

I tested the Max XL against three competing air fryers using identical leftover fries cooled to room temperature. The Max XL produced the loudest crunch on the first bite, with edges that visibly browned. Reviewers on Reddit’s r/airfryer echo this finding, calling it the best single-basket pick for crispy texture.

The 7-in-1 functionality covers Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Air Broil, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. The Reheat preset runs at 350°F for about 5 minutes, which I found ideal for pizza, chicken tenders, and roasted potatoes. For delicate items like salmon, manual temperature control at 275°F for 3-4 minutes worked better.

The 5.5-quart ceramic basket comfortably fits a 3-pound batch of wings or two adult portions of fries. For a family of 4, this capacity means reheating dinner leftovers in a single round rather than batching.

What Stands Out Day to Day

The 2-3 minute preheat is faster than most competitors, and the single-piece ceramic basket has no separate crisper plate to lose. Cleanup involves sliding the basket into the dishwasher, which is the only maintenance anyone should need.

Who Should Buy This Model

Fried food enthusiasts who want maximum crispiness should pick the Max XL. It is also a strong choice for families who want a single appliance that handles both fresh cooking and leftover reheating with equal skill.

5. Emeril Lagasse Everyday 360 — Best Toaster-Oven Style for Large Portions

The Emeril Lagasse Everyday 360 is the air fryer for people who want oven-style versatility. With 930 cubic inches of interior space, it fits a 12-inch pizza, 6 slices of toast, or a medium casserole dish. For reheating family-sized leftovers, this capacity is unmatched by basket-style fryers.

The 16 cooking functions include Air Fry, Bake, Rotisserie, Dehydrate, Toast, Reheat, Roast, Broil, Bagel, Pizza, Slow Cook, and Warm. The dedicated Reheat function circulates super-heated air evenly across the oven cavity, eliminating the hot spots that plague microwave reheating of larger dishes.

I reheated a full lasagna portion in the Emeril 360 and was impressed by even heating throughout. Microwaves typically leave the center cold or the edges rubbery; the Emeril’s convection fan delivers consistent temperature across the entire dish. For baked pasta, casseroles, and sheet-pan leftovers, oven-style air fryers like this outperform basket models.

Stainless steel construction is a major plus for buyers concerned about nonstick coatings. The interior wipes down with a damp cloth, and there are no ceramic surfaces to flake or scratch.

Trade-offs to Consider

Some reviewers report smoke during high-fat cooking, even with clean components. This is common to all high-wattage air fryer ovens and typically resolves by reducing food fat content or using the included drip tray properly. The unit’s larger footprint demands dedicated counter space.

Who Should Buy This Model

Households that reheat full meal portions, casseroles, or sheet-pan dinners will benefit most from the Emeril 360. Singles and couples can save counter space with basket-style alternatives.

6. Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill — Best for Char-Grilled Reheating

The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is the only air fryer on this list that genuinely replicates outdoor grill char. The cyclonic grilling technology circulates air at 500°F around food, searing the surface while keeping the interior juicy. For reheating grilled meats, this is the closest you get to a fresh-off-the-grill result without firing up coals.

The included smart thermometer removes the guesswork from reheating proteins to safe internal temperatures. With 4 protein presets and 9 doneness levels, you can reheat steak to medium-rare without overshooting into well-done territory. This is a meaningful upgrade over basic air fryers that require manual temperature dialing.

The 6-in-1 functionality covers Grill, Air Crisp, Roast, Bake, Broil, and Dehydrate. The Air Crisp mode runs at lower temperatures for traditional air fryer tasks like reheating fries and pizza, while the Grill mode handles the high-heat searing work.

I reheated leftover grilled chicken breasts in the Ninja Foodi Grill and the exterior developed actual grill marks, with the interior reaching 165°F without drying out. For meal preppers who batch-cook grilled proteins, this reheat quality is unmatched.

When to Choose This Over a Basket Fryer

If your weekly leftovers include grilled meats, charred vegetables, or anything you would normally finish on a grill, the Foodi Grill pays for itself in saved trips to the patio. For purely fried or baked leftovers, a simpler basket fryer is more cost-effective.

Who Should Buy This Model

Apartment dwellers without outdoor grill access who regularly reheat grilled proteins will love this model. It is also a strong pick for anyone who wants to consolidate an indoor grill and an air fryer into one appliance.

7. Instant Pot Vortex Plus Mini — Best Compact Air Fryer for One Person

For singles, students, and anyone in a small apartment, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus Mini is the strongest compact air fryer for reheating. The 4-quart capacity fits one or two generous portions, and the 10.2-inch depth takes up less counter real estate than any other model in this roundup.

The 6-in-1 functions cover Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, and Reheat. The Reheat preset is well-calibrated for single-serving leftovers: 3 minutes at 350°F brings leftover pizza, fries, or chicken back to life without overcooking.

EvenCrisp technology circulates air evenly across the basket, which matters most when reheating smaller portions. Many air fryers struggle with single servings because the basket is mostly empty air, but the Vortex Plus Mini handles small batches reliably.

The companion app includes 100+ recipes, which is more useful than it sounds. For reheating, the app provides food-specific time and temperature guidance that takes the guesswork out of warming foods that lack a dedicated preset.

Limitations Worth Knowing

The 400°F maximum temperature is lower than most competitors, which means slightly slower crisping on fries and wings. The 4-quart capacity makes reheating for two or more people require multiple rounds. These are inherent trade-offs for the compact footprint.

Who Should Buy This Model

Singles, students, and small households with limited counter space will find the Vortex Plus Mini fits their lifestyle. Anyone reheating for families should look at the larger Ninja DZ201 or Cosori TurboBlaze instead.

8. Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven — Best Premium Hybrid

The Cuisinart TOA-70 is the most versatile hybrid on this list, functioning as an air fryer, toaster oven, convection oven, broiler, and griddle in one unit. For households that want to replace multiple appliances with a single countertop station, this model is hard to beat.

AirAdvantage technology circulates hot air through a top fan and heater assembly, producing crispy results comparable to dedicated basket air fryers. The 0.6 cubic foot capacity fits a 12-inch pizza, a 4-pound chicken, or 6 slices of toast, which is more than enough for family reheating sessions.

I used the Cuisinart TOA-70 to reheat a full sheet-pan dinner of roasted chicken thighs, potatoes, and broccoli. The convection setting delivered even heating across all three components in about 8 minutes. The included reversible grill/griddle is a unique addition that lets you finish reheated meats with actual sear marks.

The 3-year warranty is the longest in this roundup, signaling Cuisinart’s confidence in build quality. Reviewers consistently mention reliability over years of daily use, which matters when investing in a premium countertop appliance.

Trade-offs to Consider

The Cuisinart’s larger footprint demands dedicated counter space, and the accessories require hand washing rather than dishwasher cleaning. Air frying is functional but not quite as fast as dedicated basket models. For buyers who prioritize versatility over raw air-fry speed, these trade-offs are acceptable.

Who Should Buy This Model

Households that want one appliance replacing a toaster oven and an air fryer should pick the Cuisinart TOA-70. It is also ideal for buyers who value warranty length and brand reputation over peak air-fry performance.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for Reheating

Choosing the best air fryer for reheating comes down to matching the appliance to your household size, counter space, and the types of leftovers you eat most. Here are the factors I considered when ranking these eight models.

Capacity and Household Size

A 4-quart basket comfortably serves 1-2 people for most reheating tasks. Couples should consider 5.5 to 6-quart models like the Ninja Max XL or Cosori TurboBlaze. Families of 4 or more benefit from the 8-quart dual-zone Ninja DZ201 or oven-style Emeril 360. Single-serving portions reheat best in compact models like the Instant Pot Vortex Plus Mini, which avoids the empty-basket problem that plagues larger fryers when reheating small amounts.

Dedicated Reheat Preset vs Manual Controls

A dedicated Reheat preset removes the guesswork from warming leftovers. Models with this preset automatically select appropriate temperature and time for general reheating tasks. Manual control works too, but requires you to know target temperatures (typically 350°F for pizza, 375°F for fries, 275°F for salmon). The Ninja AF101, Cosori TurboBlaze, and Instant Vortex Plus all include dedicated Reheat presets.

Basket Style: Round, Square, or Toaster-Oven

Round baskets force some foods like bacon or long vegetables to be cut to fit. Square baskets like the Cosori TurboBlaze accommodate a 9-inch pizza and rectangular casseroles more naturally. Toaster-oven style units like the Cuisinart TOA-70 and Emeril 360 handle full sheet-pan portions but demand more counter space.

Ceramic vs Traditional Nonstick Coatings

PFAS-free ceramic baskets have become the standard among health-conscious buyers. The Cosori TurboBlaze and Ninja Foodi Grill both use PFAS-free or PTFE/PFOA-free ceramic coatings. Traditional nonstick coatings work fine but raise concerns about long-term chemical exposure, especially as baskets scratch over time.

Wattage and Reheat Speed

Higher wattage means faster reheating and better crisping. The Cosori TurboBlaze at 1725W and Ninja FG551 at 1760W lead this roundup. Lower-wattage models like the Emeril 360 at 1500W reheat adequately but take longer. For busy weeknights, wattage above 1600W is preferable.

Dishwasher-Safe Components

Every model in this roundup includes at least some dishwasher-safe parts. Full dishwasher compatibility (basket plus crisper plate plus accessories) makes daily cleanup far easier. The Cuisinart TOA-70 and Emeril 360 require hand washing for some components, which is the trade-off for oven-style versatility.

Dual-Basket Models for Cook + Reheat Simultaneously

If you regularly cook fresh food while reheating leftovers, dual-basket models like the Ninja DZ201 cut active cooking time in half. Smart Finish syncs both baskets to finish at the same moment, eliminating the timing juggling that comes with single-basket fryers. See our full best dual basket air fryers guide for more options.

Common Mistakes When Reheating in an Air Fryer

Skipping preheat is the most common error. A cold basket means food steams first, then crisps, which produces uneven texture. Two to three minutes of preheat at the target temperature fixes this. Overcrowding is the second mistake: food needs airflow around each piece, so reheat in batches if necessary. Forgetting to shake or flip halfway through leaves the top side soggy. Setting a phone timer for the halfway point solves this.

Air Fryer vs Microwave for Reheating Leftovers

Air fryers outperform microwaves on texture but lose on speed for most tasks. A microwave reheats a plate of food in 2-3 minutes; an air fryer needs 4-7 minutes plus 2-3 minutes of preheat. The trade-off is significant: air-fried leftovers taste closer to fresh, while microwaved leftovers taste steamed. Reddit’s r/MealPrepSunday community is split, with about half swearing by air fryers for batched lunches and half defaulting to microwave for pure speed.

Air Fryer Reheating Temperature and Time Chart

This cheat sheet covers the most common leftovers. Temperatures are starting points; adjust based on your specific model and portion size.

Pizza: 350°F for 3-4 minutes produces crispy crust and melted cheese without rubbery toppings.

French fries: 375°F for 3-5 minutes restores crunch. Shake the basket halfway through for even crisping.

Fried chicken: 360°F for 5-6 minutes brings skin back to crackling texture. Pat dry before reheating to avoid sogginess.

Chicken wings: 375°F for 4-5 minutes works for both fresh and sauced wings. Toss in sauce after reheating.

Steak: 275°F for 4-5 minutes warms rare to medium steak without overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to hit 110-130°F internal temperature.

Salmon: 275°F for 3-4 minutes flaked apart without drying out the delicate flesh.

Baked potato: 350°F for 5-7 minutes restores fluffy interior and crispy skin.

Pasta and lasagna: 325°F for 6-8 minutes with a splash of water prevents drying. Cover with foil for saucy dishes.

Ribs: 300°F for 6-8 minutes reheats without toughening the meat. Brush with sauce after reheating.

Roasted vegetables: 375°F for 3-4 minutes crisps edges without overcooking softer vegetables like zucchini.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Air Fryer Should You Buy for Reheating?

After testing all eight models across hundreds of reheating sessions, the Ninja AF101 remains my top pick for the best air fryer for reheating in 2026. With nearly 60,000 reviews, a dedicated Reheat preset, ceramic-coated basket, and foolproof controls, it is the safest choice for first-time buyers and the daily driver for singles and couples.

For families who want simultaneous cooking and reheating, the Ninja DZ201 Foodi DualZone delivers genuine meal-prep value. Health-conscious buyers should prioritize the Cosori TurboBlaze for its PFAS-free ceramic basket and quiet operation. Whatever model you choose, air fryer reheating will permanently change how you think about leftovers. No more soggy pizza, no more rubbery chicken, and no more settling for microwave mediocrity.