Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’ve personally tested or thoroughly researched.
The air fryer vs microwave reheating debate has a clear answer for most foods — but it’s not the same answer for every situation. One wins on texture, the other wins on speed. Here’s how to know which to reach for.
I reheat food almost every day for a family of four. After switching to an air fryer for most reheating tasks, here’s what I’ve actually learned about when each appliance makes sense.
Air Fryer vs Microwave Reheating: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Air Fryer | Microwave |
|---|---|---|
| Texture Result | ✅ Crispy, like fresh | ❌ Soft, often soggy |
| Speed | 3–8 minutes | ✅ 1–3 minutes |
| Best For | Pizza, fries, chicken, spring rolls | Soup, rice, pasta, casseroles |
| Energy Use | Moderate | ✅ Lower |
| PFAS Concern | Only if using nonstick basket | Depends on container used |
| Cleanup | Quick wipe of basket | ✅ Nothing to clean |
When the Air Fryer Wins
For anything that was originally crispy, the air fryer isn’t just better than the microwave — it’s not even close. The circulating hot air restores the texture in a way that microwave radiation fundamentally can’t.
- Pizza: Air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes gives you a crispy crust again. Microwave gives you a soggy, chewy mess.
- Fried chicken or wings: Air fryer at 375°F for 4–6 minutes. Skin crisps back up. Microwave steams it rubbery.
- French fries: Air fryer at 400°F for 3–5 minutes. Actually crispy again. Microwave makes them limp.
- Spring rolls, egg rolls, dumplings: Air fryer restores the crunch. Microwave destroys it.
This is where the Ninja AF150AMZ really earns its keep as a daily kitchen tool — not just for cooking, but for reheating leftovers in a way that actually makes them worth eating again.
Reheated pizza in the air fryer comes out crispy — the microwave can’t come close for texture-dependent foods.
When the Microwave Wins
The microwave is still the right tool for certain foods — specifically anything liquid or moisture-based:
- Soup and broth: Microwave in 90 seconds. Air fryer can’t reheat liquids.
- Rice and pasta: Microwave with a damp paper towel on top rehydrates these well. Air fryer dries them out.
- Casseroles and stews: Microwave handles moisture-heavy dishes faster and better.
- When you need it done in 60 seconds: Microwave wins on pure speed every time.
The honest answer is that most households benefit from having both — microwave for speed and liquids, air fryer for anything that needs texture restored.
Reheated chicken wings from the air fryer — crispy skin, juicy inside, like they just came out of the fryer.
The Safety Angle
If you’re using a PFAS-free ceramic basket like the Ninja AF150AMZ, reheating in the air fryer adds zero chemical concerns. The EPA’s PFAS research is relevant here — if you’re reheating in a scratched or worn nonstick basket, that’s worth thinking about. Ceramic removes that variable entirely.
For the microwave, the concern isn’t the appliance — it’s the container. Reheating in plastic containers (especially older ones) can introduce plasticizer exposure. Glass or ceramic containers solve this for microwave use too.
My Reheating Setup
In our house, the air fryer handles pizza, chicken, fries, and anything crispy. The microwave handles soup, rice, and anything I need done in under two minutes. They’re not competing — they’re complementary tools doing different jobs.
If you only have one, the air fryer covers more ground for a family that eats a lot of proteins and fried foods. The microwave covers more ground if you mostly reheat soups, grains, and casseroles.
For a full breakdown of PFAS-free air fryer options, see my guide: Best PFAS-Free Air Fryers: Ceramic, Glass & Stainless Compared.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and buy something, I receive a small commission — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’ve personally tested or researched thoroughly. My opinions are always my own.