How to Reheat Lasagna So It Doesn’t Dry Out: Chef Reveals the Easy Step Most Of Us Forget

Lasagna is total comfort food, with all that melty cheese and warm sauce layered with noodles. But if you’ve ever tried to just toss leftovers in a microwave and press start to reheat, you know all that goodness can quickly turn into a dried-out disappointment. That’s why we turned to pro chefs to get their tricks for serving leftover lasagna that tastes like it’s fresh from the oven. After reading these, you might even want to freeze up some batches to keep on hand for easy weeknight meals that heat up beautifully. So scroll on to learn the 3 best ways for how to reheat lasagna:

How long does leftover lasagna stay good?

If you’ve covered your leftovers and tucked them into the fridge soon after they reach room temperature, they should keep for 3 to 4 days. Did you freeze them instead? They should keep for 3 to 4 months and still be safely eaten once properly warmed up.

It’s best to thaw frozen lasagna in the fridge overnight so the dish comes up to temperature quickly. But, if you don’t have time for that step, you can still reheat lasagna straight from the freezer — just be prepared to wait longer for it to warm up in order to achieve mouthwatering results.

The 3 best ways to reheat leftover lasagna

There are three main methods of reheating lasagna: in the microwave, the air fryer or the oven. You should always make sure the lasagna reaches an internal temperature of 165°F so it retains its moisture and is heated throughout.

For a quick meal: reheat lasagna in the microwave

When it comes to reheating lasagna, a microwave can work like a charm. That’s because it’s easy and convenient. You just need to take care not to reheat it too long or it can explode all over the place. And if you can, it’s best to reheat individual portions of lasagna one at a time.

Here, Fabio Viviani, executive chef and partner of DineAmic Group, shares the five steps you should follow when you reheat frozen lasagna in the microwave. His secret: Adding a bit of water to the top, then covering in plastic wrap. As the lasagna heats, the water turns to steam, helping the cheese get that perfect melty consistency.

1. Place a single serving of lasagna on a microwave-safe dish.
2. Drop about 2 Tbs. of water on top of the lasagna. Wrap the lasagna with plastic wrap. 
3. Heat the lasagna for 5 to 6 minutes, in 90-second increments. Take lasagna out of the microwave.
4. Make sure it’s heated all the way through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Cool for about 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

For the best flavor: reheat lasagna in the oven

Reheating lasagna in the oven is ideal if you want that “almost” fresh taste when you take your first bite. Even though the steps to reheat lasagna in the oven are fairly straightforward, there are a few important things to note.

First, knowing how long to reheat lasagna in the oven is key to getting this delicious meal to turn out just right. Frozen lasagna takes anywhere from five to 10 minutes longer than leftovers from the fridge. As with the microwave, adding water and covering the dish is key to keeping it from drying out. Here, Viviani shares his six steps to reheat lasagna in the oven. 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish.
3. Drop about two tablespoons of water on top of the lasagna.
4. Cover the oven-safe dish with foil.
5. Place the lasagna in the oven and heat for 15 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated all the way through (this could take up to 25 minutes).
6. Dig in once you’ve allowed the lasagna to cool for about 3 minutes.

For a crispy top: reheat lasagna in the air fryer

Chef Daniel P. Craig, founder at Kitchen Deets, notes that warming up lasagna in the air fryer is a speedy option that yields fully browned results. “The air fryer is a fantastic tool for this task because it can help crisp up the top layer and heat the inside evenly,” he says.

This is all thanks to the appliance’s circulating heat function, which can get the lasagna bubbling hot and golden in about 10 minutes. Below, Craig shares five steps to follow when reheating lasagna in the air fryer — whether for a single-serve portion or multiple servings.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 325°F
2. Transfer lasagna to a small oven-safe dish and cover loosely with foil.
3. Place lasagna in the preheated air fryer basket. (Note: Depending on the size of your air fryer basket and the amount of lasagna you have, reheat it in batches if necessary.)
4. Cook for around 10 to 15 minutes, checking periodically to ensure it’s reheating evenly and eventually reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you like your lasagna with a crispy top layer, remove the foil during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking.
5. Once the lasagna reaches the desired temperature and texture, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Allow the lasagna to cool for 1 to 2 minutes before eating.

There you have it: three easy ways to reheat this family-favorite meal. Before you decide which method to try, remember to plan ahead so you know how long to reheat lasagna and what time to tell your dinner guests to be at the table. No one likes to bite into a cold piece of lasagna, after all! (Click through for a “lazy” lasagna recipe that’s delicious and easy to reheat the next day along with a general guide on how to reheat other kinds of pasta.)

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Want more tips for reviving your favorite leftovers? Check out our guides below:

How to Reheat Shrimp So They Stay Sweet and Succulent — Chef’s #1 Secret

How to Reheat Roasted Vegetables So They’re Crispy Like Before

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How to Reheat Quiche So It Tastes Freshly Made