5 Best Ways to Reheat Food Without Making It Soggy

There’s nothing more disheartening than biting into what should be last night’s delicious leftovers, only to be met with a limp, soggy mess. Whether it’s pizza gone floppy, chips that have lost their crunch, or pastry that’s turned to mush, the reheating struggle is all too real. But fear not, here’s how you can bring your meals back to life without sacrificing flavour or bite.

5 Best Ways to Reheat Food Without Making It Soggy

Here are five tried-and-tested methods that keep your reheated meals deliciously fresh.

1. Oven: Your Crispness Champion

When it comes to retaining texture, an oven can be your safest bet. Reheating the food at a moderate temperature allows the heat to distribute evenly without introducing excess moisture.

• Best for: Pizza, chips, pastries, roasted vegetables.
• Pro tip: For extra crispness, use a wire rack over the baking tray so that the heat circulates under the food.

2. Air Fryer's Modern Magic

An air fryer is essentially a compact convection oven which is perfect for reviving fried foods without adding oil. The circulating hot air crisps up the surface while keeping the inside warm and fluffy.

• Best for: Spring rolls, samosas, chips, breaded cutlets.
• Pro tip: Shake the basket halfway through for even reheating.

3. Stove-Top: Gentle and Controlled

For dishes that need delicate handling, like rice, pasta, or sautéed vegetables, the stove-top allows you to control heat and moisture levels.

• Best for: Stir-fries, risotto, saucy pasta dishes.
• Pro tip: For fried rice, a few minutes on high heat at the end brings back its signature crisp edges.

4. Grill or Broiler: Quick Surface Reviver

If your food’s flavour is fine but the texture has gone limp, a quick blast under the grill can rescue it. The intense top heat re-crispens the surface without overcooking the inside.

• Best for: Garlic bread, cheesy toasties, baked goods.
• Pro tip: Combine with a brief oven warm-up first if the inside needs heating too.

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5. Microwave with a Twist

While the microwave is notorious for making food soggy, a few clever tweaks can make it work in your favour. Place food on a microwave-safe plate with a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture. Reheat in short bursts at 50–70% power. Let the food rest for 30 seconds before eating to allow heat to distribute evenly.

• Best for: Rice, noodles, soft bread rolls.
• Pro tip: For pizza, you can place a half-filled cup of water in the microwave alongside your slice to prevent the crust from drying out while the cheese melts perfectly.

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Image Credits: Canva, ChatGPT/OpenAI