Frittata is a popular Italian egg-based dish that is a perfect solution when you don’t know what to do with all the meat and vegetables left over in the fridge. With the frittata, the options are endless, but it’s usually stuffed with carrots, bell peppers, and onions.
While some people don’t mind snacking on a cold frittata, it can never taste as good as it’s right in the pan, so what’s the best way to reheat frittata?
He microwave is the first option that comes to mind, but you can also use the oven, air fryer, toaster oven, or reheat it on the stove.
The best ways to reheat frittata
A frittata is a fairly simple dish in terms of its preparation, since it practically only consists of mixing all your favorite ingredients. Although the base is almost always eggs, you can experiment as much as you want with different types of fillings and toppings.
Depending on the texture you are looking for, you can also add milk, to make it fluffier. When it comes to flavor combinations, you can add just about any type of cheese (like feta) and all kinds of vegetables, like mushrooms, broccoli, and tomatoes.
When it comes to eating leftover frittata, it is clear that you have to be very careful with its preservation due to the ingredients. Eggs, milk, and other dairy products you may add (such as cheese) can easily spoil at room temperature.
It is not a good idea to leave the frittata at room temperature for more than a few hours, but refrigerated it can last up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container, make sure the lid is on tight, and you’re good to go.
If you choose to freeze leftover frittata, either in a freezer bag or container, be sure to use it within 3 months. Also, when you take out the frittata, before you reheat it, you should check the smell and color to make sure it hasn’t gone bad.
Some people have trouble determining if the frittata has gone bad. A spoiled frittata will change color to green and yellow, which is a pretty accurate indicator. Also, you might notice some mold growing, especially on the cheese side.
Even if you notice that just one layer of frittata changes color or smell, it still needs to be thrown away. As we’ve already said, it has a lot of ingredients that go bad easily, so you don’t want to take any chances.
The frittata should be frozen at zero degrees Fahrenheit, and you can thaw it at room temperature. However, as with most other foods, you should not refreeze the frittata after it has been thawed.
The best way to reheat frittata depends mostly on how much time you have, and whether you like your frittata fluffy or crispy. Let’s see all the available options.
How to reheat frittata in the microwave
Whenever you have to reheat something, surely the first association that comes to mind is the microwave. In fact, it’s the fastest and most convenient way to reheat your food, as long as you choose the right setting.
If you want to reheat an egg frittata, the microwave is the fastest option, but you have to be very careful with the settings. If you set it to high heat, you can end up with a limp, mushy frittata and vegetables that are overcooked on the inside.
Therefore, we recommend that you cover the dish with a piece of microwave-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent any splattering and to prevent the frittata from overheating. Also, this ensures that the frittata is reheated to maintain a moist texture.
Also, if you use too high a setting, the egg can become rubbery and tasteless, something you should definitely avoid. Choose a low setting to preserve the fluffy texture and crisp vegetables inside.
Here are the steps to reheat frittata in the microwave:
- Remove the frittata from the airtight container or freezer bag and allow to thaw/rest at room temperature.
- Place it on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a piece of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Choose a low setting and let it reheat for about 30 seconds.
- If you want to make sure the frittata stays soft and moist, place it on top of some damp paper towels.
How to reheat frittata in the oven
The oven is the best option for reheating frozen frittata, and you don’t have to worry about the texture getting rubbery, or the inside getting frozen. Also, the oven does not dry out the food, especially if you cover it with a piece of aluminum foil.
However, some may find it too much of a hassle to preheat their big, hot oven just to reheat a single frittata. So if you don’t have a big batch of frittata to reheat, you may find other options like the air fryer and toaster oven much more convenient.
Other than that, since many people bake the frittata in the oven first, it’s only natural that you’d consider reheating it as well. It works just as well for refrigerated frittata as it does for frozen. It goes without saying that a frozen one will take longer to reheat.
Here are the steps to reheat the frittata in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until it reaches temperature.
- Line your baking tray with parchment paper, or simply brush the bottom with a little oil to prevent the frittata from sticking.
- Place the frittata in the oven and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes if refrigerated, or 35-45 minutes if frozen, depending on whether or not you thawed it at room temperature.
- When it reaches the desired level of crunch and that characteristic golden color, remove the frittata from the oven.
- Set it aside for 5-10 minutes before cutting it into pieces so it doesn’t fall apart.
How to reheat frittata in an air fryer
The air fryer is another handy appliance for reheating leftover frittata. Like we said, it’s a great alternative to the regular big oven, especially if you don’t have a big frittata, or just want to reheat a few pieces.
Another advantage of using an air fryer is that you don’t have to preheat it. It reaches the desired temperature much faster than your usual oven, and it does not generate as much heat, so it is very convenient for the summer.
If you want the frittata to come out soft and moist, cover it with a piece of aluminum foil to release all its juices and oils. If it’s a bit dry at first, you can cover it with a damp piece of kitchen paper.
Here are the steps to reheat frittata in an air fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 300°F (you can also preheat it if you want a crispier result).
- Put the frittata on a plate or directly on the rack of the air fryer.
- Cover with aluminum foil or a damp paper towel for a smoother texture.
- Cook the frittata for about 5-6 minutes if refrigerated, and for about 35-40 minutes if frozen.
- Remove the frittata from the air fryer and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
How to reheat frittata in the kitchen
For many people, the perfect frittata recipe is to prepare it in a skillet on the stove, then finish it in the oven or toaster oven to get a golden brown crust on top. Just like you can make the frittata on the stove, you can also reheat it this way.
Of course, you want to make sure that the pan you reheat the frittata in is non-stick, so you don’t ruin the frittata. Also, you should add a little oil to the bottom of the pan to prevent it from sticking, but also to get a nice crust on the bottom.
Here are the steps to reheat frittata on the stove:
- Heat the skillet (or any other skillet) over medium-high heat and add a little oil or a piece of butter to the bottom of the skillet.
- Wait for the oil or butter to heat up and place the frittata in the pan.
- Cook on one side for 3-5 minutes, then flip to brown the other side as well.
- Remove the frittata from the pan and place it on a plate.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before cutting it into pieces.
How to reheat frittata in a toaster oven
A toaster oven, much like an air fryer, is the most convenient option when you don’t feel like using your big oven. If you think about it, it’s a waste of energy and time to preheat and use your normal oven to reheat a small frittata.
Of course, as we’ve said, you’ll be using your oven for a large batch due to space, but most toaster ovens will fit just one frittata. It’s also a great option to finish off a frittata you’ve made in a skillet, as it will get a nice crust on top.
Here are the steps to reheat frittata in a toaster oven:
- Set the toaster oven to 300°F.
- Arrange the frittata on a tray and cover with foil or a damp paper towel if you prefer a softer texture.
- If you prefer a crispy crust, brush the frittata with a little oil or add a small piece of butter on top.
- Place the frittata in the toaster oven and let it cook for about 5-6 minutes until it turns a nice golden color.
- You can also flip the frittata halfway through cooking so that a crust forms on both sides.
- Remove the frittata from the toaster oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Can the frittata be reheated?
Yes, it is possible to reheat frittata and get a delicious result, both with refrigerated and frozen ones. We know you might be skeptical because of all the easily spoiled ingredients, but all you have to do is store the frittata properly.
Also, once you take the frittata out of the fridge or freezer, you should check for any signs of spoilage, such as color changes and strange odors, before even considering reheating it.
The oven is the number one option for reheating a frittata, especially if you have a large batch or want to reheat a frozen frittata.
The microwave, meanwhile, takes the cake when it comes to the fastest method, but be careful not to choose a high setting.
The air fryer and toaster oven are great alternatives to the oven, especially if you don’t feel like preheating the oven. Finally, you can reheat the frittata on the stove if you want a nice crust on both sides.