Reheating Meatballs: Oven, Stove, Microwave & Air Fryer Tips

Reheating leftover meatballs is a great way to enjoy them again without having to make them from scratch. Here are tips for reheating meatballs using different appliances.

Reheating Meatballs in the Oven

The oven provides an evenly heated environment to reheat meatballs without drying them out.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with foil or a baking dish. Make sure they are not overlapping.
3. Cover dish loosely with foil. This helps retain moisture as they reheat.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
5. Check temperature with a food thermometer. Meatballs should reach 165°F.
6. Keep foil tent over dish when removing from oven to keep meatballs moist.

How long to reheat meatballs in oven? Approximately 15-20 minutes covered at 350°F. Larger or frozen meatballs may take slightly longer. Monitor temperature.

Reheating Meatballs on the Stove

Using the stovetop is a quick way to reheat meatballs without turning on the oven.

1. Add meatballs to a skillet or saucepan with a little oil or sauce.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add extra sauce as needed to coat and prevent drying out.
4. Check temperature with food thermometer, meatballs should reach 165°F.

Reheating Meatballs in the Microwave

The microwave provides a fast method for reheating meatballs. Take care not to overcook.

1. Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, spacing them out evenly.
2. Cover dish with lid or vented plastic wrap. This prevents splatter.
3. Microwave on HIGH for 2-3 minutes until hot, checking frequently.
4. Continue microwaving in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
5. Check temperature with food thermometer, meatballs should reach 165°F.
6. Let stand 2 minutes before serving.

How to reheat meatballs with sauce in microwave? Mix some sauce in with meatballs before microwaving.

Reheating Meatballs in an Air Fryer

An air fryer makes crispy, delicious reheated meatballs.

1. Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
2. Place meatballs in air fryer basket in a single layer, not overcrowded.
3. Air fry for 6-8 minutes until heated through, shaking basket halfway.
4. Check temperature with food thermometer, meatballs should reach 165°F.
5. Toss meatballs with sauce to coat before serving.

Q&A

Q: What is the best way to reheat meatballs to keep them moist?

A: The oven is ideal for reheating meatballs without drying them out. Place on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. The foil helps retain moisture.

Q: How do you reheat meatballs without a microwave?

A: You can use the oven or stove. For the oven, follow the instructions above. For the stove, add meatballs to a skillet with sauce or oil over medium heat. Stir frequently for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Add extra sauce as needed.

Q: How long does it take to reheat meatballs in the oven?

A: It takes approximately 15-20 minutes in a 350 degree F oven to reheat meatballs thoroughly. Larger or frozen meatballs may take slightly longer. Use a food thermometer to check internal temperature.

Q: What temperature should reheated meatballs reach?

A: For food safety, reheated meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F on a food thermometer before serving.

Tips

• Let meatballs come to room temperature before reheating for more even heating.
• Reheat meatballs in sauce to add flavor and prevent drying out.
• Use a lower power level and stir while microwaving to avoid rubbery meatballs.
• Preheat oven, skillet or air fryer before reheating to shave off time.
• Cook meatballs in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding during reheating.
• When reheating in the oven, use a baking dish with shallow sides to allow air circulation and crisping.
• Brush meatballs lightly with oil or cooking spray before air frying for extra crispiness.
• Mix in a tablespoon of water when reheating meatballs in the microwave to add moisture.
• Turn meatballs frequently when reheating on the stove to prevent burning.
• Add sauce or gravy when reheating to keep meatballs juicy.

Recipes

Recipe for Easy Microwave-Reheated Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb leftover meatballs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and cover with sauce.
2. Microwave on HIGH for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
3. Stir meatballs, recover, and microwave in 30 second intervals until meatballs reach 165°F internally.
4. Let stand 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Recipe for Oven-Baked Reheated Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb leftover baked meatballs
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place meatballs in a baking dish and cover with sauce.
3. Sprinkle parmesan over the top.
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes until hot and bubbly.
5. Broil 2-3 minutes to crisp cheese.

Recipe for Fried Reheated Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb leftover meatballs, room temperature
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
2. Add garlic and Italian seasoning and cook 1 minute.
3. Add meatballs and brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove meatballs to serving plate and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS

Ovens:

• GE JT5000SFSS 30″ Stainless Steel Electric Single Wall Oven
• Samsung NV51K7770DS Double Electric Wall Oven with Flex Duo Technology
• Bosch 800 Series HBN8451UC 30″ Electric Double Wall Oven
• LG LDE4415ST Double Electric Wall Oven with EasyClean
• Whirlpool WOS31ES7JS 30″ Single Electric Wall Oven with Steam Clean

Microwaves:

• Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, Easy Clean Interior
• Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN67KS with Inverter Technology, Genius Sensor Cooking
• Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave Oven with Grill
• Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL 1800W Microwave Oven
• Nostalgia RPM400COKE Retro Series Radarange Microwave Oven

Air Fryers:

• Cosori Dual Blaze Smart Air Fryer
• Ninja AF400 4 Quart Air Fryer
• Instant Vortex Pro 10 Quart Air Fryer Oven
• Philips XXL Airfryer with Fat Removal Technology
• Chefman TurboFry 8 Quart Air Fryer x2

Stovetop:

• GE 30″ Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop
• Frigidaire 30″ Stainless Steel Electric Smooth Surface Cooktop
• Bosch 800 30″ Stainless Steel Electric Induction Cooktop
• Wolf 36″ Stainless Steel Dual Fuel Professional Cooktop
• JennAir 30″ Stainless Steel Gas Downdraft Cooktop

No matter the reheating method, proper food safety is important. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat meatballs within 3-4 days. Reheated meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. With a variety of appliances to use, enjoy meatballs again with these easy tips!