Thanksgiving leftovers are one of the best parts of the holiday. After spending hours preparing a huge feast, you get to enjoy the leftovers for days after. However, eating leftovers over and over can get boring if you reheat them the same way every time. This year, break out your air fryer to reheat your Thanksgiving leftovers for quick and delicious results.
What are the benefits of reheating leftovers in an air fryer?
Using an air fryer to reheat Thanksgiving leftovers has many advantages over conventional reheating methods:
- Quick – Air fryers heat up rapidly and can reheat food in just minutes.
- Crispy – The circulating hot air mimics deep frying for crispy edges without the added oil.
- No sogginess – Air fryers avoid the sogginess that can come from microwaving.
- More flavor – Air frying gives leftovers new life by recrisping the outside and concentrating flavors.
- Versatile – Almost any leftovers from turkey to side dishes can be reheated in the air fryer.
- Healthier – Use little or no oil compared to frying in an open skillet.
How to reheat specific Thanksgiving leftovers
Turkey
Leftover turkey easily dries out, but reheating it in the air fryer keeps it tender and juicy. Here’s how:
- Cut turkey into slices or cubes.
- Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket – don’t overcrowd.
- Set air fryer to 360°F and cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For crispy skin or pan drippings, cook a little longer, 7-8 minutes.
Stuffing
Get your stuffing crispy again by air frying it in bite-sized pieces:
- Cut stuffing into 1-2 inch pieces or balls.
- Toss stuffing pieces with a teaspoon or two of oil.
- Air fry at 400°F for 4-5 minutes, shaking basket occasionally.
Mashed potatoes
For creamy interior and crispy tops, follow this method:
- Scoop mashed potatoes into muffin cups or ramekins.
- Brush or drizzle tops with oil or butter.
- Air fry at 400°F for 6-10 minutes until hot and slightly browned.
Casseroles
Any casserole leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer for a quick hot meal:
- Portion out single servings of casserole into ramekins.
- Air fry at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until hot.
- For more browning, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
Vegetables
Revive soggy vegetable sides by air frying:
- Cut cooked vegetables like Brussels sprouts, green beans, or carrots into small pieces.
- Toss with oil, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry at 400°F for 4-6 minutes, shaking halfway.
Sweet potato casserole
Get the marshmallows perfectly melty again by air frying individual servings:
- Spoon sweet potato casserole into ramekins.
- Air fry at 400°F for 4-5 minutes until hot and marshmallows are puffed.
Cranberry sauce
Air fried cranberry sauce becomes an easy tangy topping for leftovers:
- Drop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce into air fryer.
- Cook at 300°F for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Use as a relish or sauce for meat or sandwiches.
Rolls
Leftover rolls and biscuits reheat well in an air fryer:
- Brush rolls or biscuits lightly with butter.
- Air fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through.
Pies and pastries
Make leftover pie new again with a quick air fry:
- Slice individual portions of pie and place in air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 350°F for 4-6 minutes until warm.
- Top with whipped cream or ice cream!
Tips for reheating Thanksgiving leftovers in an air fryer
Follow these tips for the very best results when reheating your Thanksgiving leftovers in an air fryer:
- Cut foods into smaller pieces to maximize surface area for crisping.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches for even heating.
- Brush or toss items with a small amount of oil so they get extra crispy.
- Set air fryer between 300-400°F based on what you’re cooking.
- Stir or flip food halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Check food frequently and cook only until heated through.
FAQs about reheating Thanksgiving leftovers in an air fryer
What Thanksgiving foods can you reheat in an air fryer?
You can reheat almost any Thanksgiving leftovers in an air fryer. Turkey, stuffing, casseroles, mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls, pies, and more all reheat wonderfully for quick leftover meals.
How long does it take to reheat Thanksgiving food in an air fryer?
Reheating times can vary based on the type and amount of food. Most leftovers take 4-8 minutes to reheat at temperatures between 300-400°F. Cook just until food is hot, flipping or stirring halfway.
Does reheating food in an air fryer make it crispy?
Yes, the circulating hot air of an air fryer helps recreate the crispy, crunchy textures of deep frying. Brush foods with oil before cooking for extra crispness.
Is reheating food in an air fryer healthy?
Air frying is a healthier reheating method than deep frying. Little or no oil is used compared to battering and frying leftovers. The rapid air frying helps seal in moisture for tender results.
What setting should I use to reheat Thanksgiving leftovers in an air fryer?
Most leftovers reheat well at temperatures between 300-400°F. Use lower temperatures for delicate foods like vegetables or pastries. Higher temperatures help recrisp foods like turkey, stuffing, or casseroles.
How can you tell when leftovers are reheated through in an air fryer?
Check food frequently as it reheats. Leftovers are ready when heated through, often 4-8 minutes for smaller pieces. Meat should be steaming hot, stuffing and potatoes crisp on the outside, and pastry warmed but not dried out.
How do you reheat mashed potatoes in an air fryer?
Scoop mashed potatoes into muffin tins, ramekins, or balls. Brush the tops with oil or butter and air fry at 400°F for 6-10 minutes until hot and slightly browned.
Can you reheat a casserole in an air fryer?
Yes, casserole leftovers reheat wonderfully in an air fryer. Portion into ramekins and cook at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until heated through. Increase time for more browning or crispness.
Is it better to reheat turkey in the oven or air fryer?
An air fryer is often better for reheating smaller portions of turkey. The circulating air crisps up the turkey, while an oven can lead to dryness. For whole turkey or large portions, the oven may be a better choice.
Conclusion
An air fryer is a game changing appliance for reheating Thanksgiving leftovers. Almost any leftovers from turkey to sides can be revitalized with crispy textures. By following proper techniques for portion sizes, temperature, and cook times, you can enjoy your holiday favorites throughout the whole week after Thanksgiving. Give your leftovers new life with quick and healthy air frying!