There are many reasons why you may not have a microwave in your house, but this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy delicious foods that have been reheated. While a microwave provides a convenient way to reheat food, it isn’t the only method available to do so.
If you are looking to go sans microwave, you can instead reheat food by oven, toaster oven, crockpot, grill, or air fryer. Many of these devices operate much in the way a microwave does and may even cut down the time required to reheat your food thoroughly. Let’s take a look at some of the easiest ways you can reheat food without a microwave.
Not only can you use different devices to reheat your food without a microwave, but there are also many tactics you can use to repurpose it as another dish.
Using Other Kitchen Gadgets To Reheat Food
Your microwave isn’t the only thing in your kitchen that can reheat foods individually or as a meal. Take a look at these devices and see how they can help you warm up a delicious leftover dish.
Toaster Oven
A toaster oven is a smaller version of a regular oven that sits on your countertop in a small space. It heats up quickly and can be used to reheat, toast, or broil food.
To reheat your food using this device, you would simply pull out the rack, put your food in on an oven-safe plate or bowl, and turn it to the appropriate temperature. There is no need to preheat a toaster oven.
When your food is warm, use a potholder to pull the rack out and remove your dish. Toaster ovens work quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on your food as it warms.
Oven
If you need to reheat larger portions, a regular oven may be required. Providing more space, a regular oven can be used to reheat large casseroles, cuts of meat, or bread.
A regular oven will need to be preheated. You should also set your temperature lower than what your dish originally cooked to prevent overbaking.
If you aren’t careful, you can easily overcook your leftover dish in an oven. So, be sure to keep an eye on it as it warms.
Crockpot
This method of reheating isn’t appropriate for every dish, but it works well for reheating soups, grains, or potatoes. Avoid using a crockpot to reheat pasta, meat, or vegetables, as it could break them down or make them tough.
A crockpot is also great for reheating dips for a party. You can simply turn it on low to warm up and leave it.
Air Fryer
As a more modern way to cook and reheat food, air fryers are known for attaining the crispy, crunchy texture we all love. If you are reheating something that is usually crispy, reheating it in the air fryer is a good option.
This method works particularly well for fried chicken, chicken strips, fries, and other fried foods. Putting vegetables in a crockpot to reheat may bring them back to life and crisp them up again, as well.
Grill
Using a grill to reheat a dish is a method you have to be careful with, as it can quickly dry things out. However, it can add some good flavor to an otherwise bland leftover.
Reheating baked potatoes, pizza, and vegetables on a grill can help remove moisture from these leftovers. It works particularly well in drying items out that can become soggy from fridge storage.
Be sure to add some extra seasoning if you use this method, as well.
Tips For Reheating Food Without a Microwave
When you are using alternative methods to reheat your food without a microwave, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. To make your dish taste the best it can follow these helpful tips:
- Add water to preserve moisture and keep your leftovers from drying out. This is especially important when reheating food in the oven or crockpot.
- Cover dishes with foil to keep some of the moisture and steam in your dish, which preserves the flavor.
- Be sure to add spices, which can transform the taste of your reheated leftovers.
- Oftentimes, if you have reheated the same leftovers for days, changing up your methods or devices can help. You can even make an all-new dish with a little imagination.
- You can reheat food several times as long as it is stored properly, which means you can use the same reheating method over and over.
While microwaves are a popular method for reheating food, they aren’t the only option you have. Whether you want to save a little money or space by not having a microwave in your house, take a look at our suggestions for reheating a good without one of these household mainstays.
