If you're wondering what temperature should you reheat food, the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises that all reheated food should reach a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds. This temperature is widely recognised by food safety professionals as sufficient to destroy harmful bacteria that may have multiplied during storage, helping to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Quick OverviewIf you're wondering What Temperature Should You Reheat Food, UK food safety guidance recommends reheating food to a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds. This ensures harmful bacteria are destroyed and helps reduce the risk of foodborne illness.Whether you're cooking at home or working in a professional kitchen, this guide covers:✅ The correct reheating temperature for all types of food (75°C core temperature)✅ Why the Temperature Danger Zone (8°C–63°C) is critical for food safety✅ How to safely reheat food using a microwave, oven, air fryer, and hob✅ How to check internal food temperature using a probe thermometer✅ Common reheating mistakes that can lead to food poisoning Proper reheating is about far more than improving flavour or texture. It is a critical food safety practice used in domestic kitchens, restaurants, catering businesses, and food service operations across the UK. Failing to reheat food thoroughly can allow dangerous pathogens to survive, potentially leading to food poisoning. Whether you're a home cook saving leftovers from a Sunday roast, a restaurant worker responsible for hot-holding procedures, or a catering professional following environmental health requirements, understanding the correct reheating temperature is essential. According to UK food safety guidance, reheated food should be steaming hot throughout, with the thickest part of the food reaching the recommended core temperature before serving. This guide explains What Temperature Should You Reheat Food, when reheating food, what temperature must be reached, how to safely reheat common foods such as meat, chicken, rice, and prepared meals, and the best practices for using microwaves, ovens, air fryers, and other appliances. Drawing on official UK food safety recommendations and industry best practices, you'll learn how to reheat food safely, maintain food quality, and stay compliant with food hygiene standards. Why Is Reheating Food Safely Important? Reheating food safely is essential for destroying harmful pathogens that can multiply when food is stored incorrectly or allowed to cool for extended periods. If you're asking what temperature should you reheat food to, UK food safety guidance recommends that reheated food reaches a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds. Reaching this temperature helps destroy harmful bacteria and significantly reduces the risk of foodborne illness. According to food safety experts, bacteria can multiply rapidly when food enters the Temperature Danger Zone, which is between 8°C and 63°C in the UK. Under favourable conditions, some bacteria can double in number in as little as 20 minutes. Proper reheating to the correct core temperature is therefore a critical food safety measure that helps prevent serious illnesses caused by pathogens such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. The Temperature Danger Zone (What Temperature Should You Reheat Food) UK food hygiene training places significant emphasis on the Temperature Danger Zone because it is the temperature range in which bacteria thrive and multiply most rapidly. Cooking food properly destroys most harmful bacteria. However, as food cools and passes through the Temperature Danger Zone, any surviving bacterial spores—or bacteria introduced through cross-contamination during storage or handling—can begin to grow. If food is only warmed rather than thoroughly reheated, you may unintentionally create ideal conditions for bacterial growth. This is why understanding what temperature should food be reheated to is so important. Food should not merely feel hot on the surface; it must be heated all the way through to a safe core temperature to ensure harmful bacteria are destroyed. Preventing Food Poisoning (what temperature you should reheat food) The primary purpose of reheating food is to eliminate potentially harmful microorganisms before consumption. Some of the most common causes of food poisoning in the UK include: Campylobacter – commonly associated with raw or undercooked poultry. Salmonella – often linked to poultry, eggs, and raw meat. Bacillus cereus – frequently found in cooked rice and pasta that has been improperly cooled or stored. Listeria – a bacterium that can survive refrigeration temperatures and poses a particular risk to pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. By ensuring leftovers reach the recommended reheating temperature, you can significantly reduce the risk of food poisoning. If you are wondering what temperature should you reheat food to, or when reheating food, what temperature must be reached, the answer is that the thickest part of the food should achieve a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds, in line with UK food safety guidance. It is not enough for food to be hot on the outside. To ensure safe consumption, the core temperature—the centre and thickest part of the food—must reach the recommended temperature. Using a calibrated food thermometer is the most reliable way to verify that reheated food is safe to eat and compliant with recognised food hygiene standards. Read our complete guide on Understanding the Temperature Danger Zone and Food Storage What Temperature Should You Reheat Food To? If you are wondering What Temperature Should You Reheat Food to, UK food safety guidance recommends reheating food to a core temperature of 75°C for a minimum of 30 seconds. This is the standard recommendation from the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) and is widely recognised by food safety professionals, environmental health officers, and catering businesses. For those asking what temp should food be reheated to, or what temperature should you reheat food, equivalent time-and-temperature combinations may also be used to achieve the same level of bacterial reduction. These include reaching 70°C for two minutes or 80°C for six seconds. Time and Temperature Combinations (What Temperature Should You Reheat Food) When food safety inspectors and environmental health officers assess commercial kitchens, they look for strict compliance with approved time-and-temperature controls. Reaching a safe temperature is important, but maintaining that temperature for a sufficient period is equally critical to help destroy harmful bacteria. If you are wondering what temp should you reheat food to, or what temperature should you reheat food to, the FSA provides a flexible framework suitable for both caterers and home cooks. While the standard recommendation is 75°C for 30 seconds, alternative combinations can also be used: 60°C for 45 minutes 65°C for 10 minutes 70°C for 2 minutes 75°C for 30 seconds 80°C for 6 seconds These combinations are based on established food safety principles and are designed to achieve effective pathogen control when applied correctly. Note for Scottish Residents and Businesses: CookSafe guidance in Scotland generally recommends reheating food to a core temperature of 82°C. This higher target provides an additional safety margin and is commonly used in commercial catering environments. What Temperature Should You Reheat Food to Be Hot Held? If you are operating a buffet, carvery, school kitchen, care home, or catering event, understanding What Temperature Should You Reheat Food to before hot holding is essential. The first step is reheating the food to a safe core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds. Once this temperature has been achieved, the food can be transferred to hot-holding equipment. UK food hygiene regulations require hot-held food to be maintained at 63°C or above. It is important to remember that hot-holding equipment, such as bain-maries and heated displays, is designed to maintain temperature rather than rapidly increase it. Therefore, it should never be used as a method of reheating food. The Recommended Temperature for Reheating Food The recommended temperature for reheating food is a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds. This guidance answers the common question of what temperature you should reheat food to and helps ensure food is safe to consume. Food should be steaming hot all the way through, with no cold spots remaining. For the most accurate results, use a clean, calibrated probe thermometer and measure the temperature at the thickest part of the food. Understanding "Core Temperature" (What Temperature Should You Reheat Food) The core temperature is the temperature at the very centre or thickest part of a food item. Understanding this concept is crucial when determining what temparature should you reheat food before serving. When reheating foods such as lasagne, casseroles, chicken breasts, or large portions of stew, the outer layers often heat much faster than the centre. A surface reading may indicate 80°C, while the middle remains at an unsafe 45°C. To ensure food reaches the correct reheating temperature, insert the thermometer probe into the geometric centre of the dish. This confirms that the entire product has reached a safe temperature, not just the exterior. "Steaming Hot Throughout" (What Temperature Should You Reheat Food) The NHS and FSA often advise home cooks that food should be "steaming hot throughout" when reheated. This guidance is particularly useful for individuals who do not have access to a food thermometer. In practical terms: Visible steam should rise from the food when stirred or cut open. Soups, sauces, and gravies should be brought to a rolling boil. Meat should be piping hot throughout, with juices running clear where applicable. However, while these visual indicators are helpful, they cannot accurately confirm what temperature should reheated food be. A calibrated digital food thermometer remains the most reliable method. Whether you are asking what temp should you reheat food too, what temp should you reheat food to, what temperature you should reheat food, or what temp should food be reheated to, what temparature should you reheat food, the safest approach is always the same: ensure the thickest part of the food reaches a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds, in accordance with recognised UK food safety guidance. Key Guidelines for Reheating Different Types of Food Different foods require different reheating techniques to ensure safety and retain quality. Regardless of the food type, the answer to What Temperature Should You Reheat Food to remains the same: the thickest part of the food must reach 75°C for 30 seconds. Always stir liquids and slice thick meats to promote even heat distribution. Reheating Meat (What Temperature Should You Reheat Food) When you are wondering what temp should you reheat meat to, the goal is always 75°C. If you are asking what temperature should you reheat food to when reheating beef, lamb, or pork, the recommended core temperature remains 75°C for at least 30 seconds. Red meats can dry out easily when reheated. Method: Slice large joints of meat into smaller, thinner pieces. This allows the heat to penetrate the core much faster, preventing the outside from burning or drying out. Moisture: Add a splash of water, gravy, or stock to the dish and cover it with a lid or foil. The trapped steam will help heat the meat evenly and rapidly. Check: Insert your probe into the thickest slice of meat. Ensure no juices are pink or red. Reheating Chicken (What Temperature Should You Reheat Food) Chicken is a high-risk food due to the prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella. Method: Like red meat, chicken should be sliced or shredded before reheating. If reheating a whole chicken breast, it is highly recommended to do so in the oven or on the hob in a sauce. Temperature: What temp should you reheat food to when it comes to poultry? Absolutely 75°C or higher. Do not take risks with poultry. Warning: Reheated chicken can sometimes suffer from a "warmed-over flavour" due to oxidation of fats. Reheating in sauces or curries helps mask this while ensuring it retains moisture. Reheating Rice (What Temperature Should You Reheat Food) Rice is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the UK. Uncooked rice can contain spores of Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can survive the initial cooking process. If cooked rice is left at room temperature, these spores germinate into bacteria and produce toxins that cannot be destroyed by reheating. Cooling First: The secret to safely reheating rice starts with how you cool it. Cooked rice must be cooled rapidly (within one hour) and placed in the fridge. Reheating: When asking what temperature should food be reheated to for rice, or what temperature should reheated food be before serving, aim for it to be steaming hot all the way through and reach a core temperature of 75°C. Break up any clumps before heating, add a splash of water, and cover to create steam. Rule: Never keep cooked rice in the fridge for more than one day, and never reheat rice more than once. Reheating Soup (What Temperature Should You Reheat Food) Liquids such as soups, stews, and gravies are straightforward to reheat but can suffer from cold spots if not stirred. Method: Place the liquid in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Target: Bring the soup to a rolling boil. A rolling boil is roughly 100°C, which far exceeds the FSA's 75°C requirement and provides reassurance for anyone wondering what temperature should you reheat food to for liquid dishes. Action: Stir frequently to prevent the bottom from burning and to ensure the heat is distributed evenly throughout the liquid. Reheating Leftovers (What Temperature Should You Reheat Food) General leftovers, such as casseroles, pasta bakes, or takeaways, require careful attention to density. Method: If reheating a dense casserole, cut it into smaller portions. Temperature: What temperature should you warm up food like leftovers? Always 75°C. "Warming up" is a dangerous concept; food must be thoroughly reheated, not just warmed. This is especially important when considering what temperature should reheated food be to ensure it is safe to eat. Reheating Frozen Food (What Temperature Should You Reheat Food) Reheating food directly from frozen is possible, but it requires much longer cooking times to safely bypass the temperature danger zone. Best Practice: Thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Direct Reheating: If you must reheat directly from frozen, ensure the appliance is set to a sufficient temperature and use a thermometer to guarantee the core reaches 75°C for 30 seconds. If using an air fryer, many people ask what temp should you reheat food in air fryer settings. While the appliance temperature varies depending on the food, the key requirement is that the centre of the food reaches 75°C for at least 30 seconds. Commercially prepared frozen foods will have specific cooking instructions on the packaging—always follow them precisely. For catering operations and buffets, a common question is what temp should you reheat food to be hot held. Food should first be reheated to a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds before being transferred to hot-holding equipment, where it must be maintained at 63°C or above. Reheating Food in the Microwave (What Temperature Should You Reheat Food) When asking what temperature do you reheat food in the microwave, the target is 75°C. If you are wondering What Temperature Should You Reheat Food to when using a microwave, the answer remains a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds. Microwaves heat food unevenly, leaving dangerous cold spots where bacteria can survive. To ensure safety, you must cover the food, stir it halfway through heating, and observe the recommended resting time to allow heat to distribute evenly. Microwaves are incredibly convenient, but they are notorious for uneven heating. They work by exciting water molecules, which means dense or dry areas of your food may not heat at the same rate as moist areas. If you want to know what temp should u reheat food to in a microwave, the core temperature requirement does not change. The food must still reach 75°C for 30 seconds, but the reheating method should be adapted to eliminate cold spots. Use a Microwave-Safe Lid: Covering your food traps steam. Steam helps cook the surface of the food and promotes much more even heating. Stir Halfway: Stop the microwave halfway through the cooking cycle. Stir the food thoroughly from the outside in. This redistributes the cold and hot spots. Rotate the Plate: If your microwave does not have a turntable, physically rotate the container 180 degrees halfway through. Observe Standing Time: This is a crucial step that is often ignored. When a microwave stops, the food continues to cook via conduction. The "standing time" (usually 1-2 minutes) allows the heat to equalise throughout the dish, bringing those dangerous cold spots up to safe temperatures. Reheating Food in the Oven What temp should you reheat food in the oven? Set your oven between 160°C and 200°C (Fan 140°C–180°C) to ensure the food heats quickly without burning. However, regardless of the oven setting, What Temperature Should You Reheat Food to internally remains the same: a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds. Ovens provide excellent, even ambient heat, making them ideal for reheating large batches of food, dense casseroles, and roasted meats. To safely use an oven for reheating: Preheat the Oven: Never put cold food into a cold oven. Always wait until the oven has reached its target temperature. Use Foil: Covering your baking dish with aluminium foil traps moisture, creating a steam environment that heats the core of the food more efficiently. Spread It Out: If reheating chips, roasted vegetables, or sliced meat, spread them in a single layer to maximise exposure to hot air. Check the Core: Use a food thermometer in the thickest part of the dish. If you are asking what temp should you reheat meat to or what temperature leftovers should reach, verify that the core temperature has reached 75°C for at least 30 seconds. Reheating Food in an Air Fryer What temp should you reheat food in air fryer appliances? A setting between 160°C and 180°C is generally ideal for reheating. Because air fryers use intense, rapid convection heat, higher temperatures can burn the outside while leaving the inside cold. Regardless of the appliance used, What Temperature Should You Reheat Food to remains 75°C at the core. Air fryers have become a staple in UK kitchens. They are excellent for restoring crispness to leftovers such as pizza, chips, and fried chicken—textures that microwaves often struggle to preserve. However, they present a unique food safety challenge. The intense circulating heat can cause the exterior to become very hot while the interior remains at an unsafe temperature. Air Fryer Reheating Steps: Lower the Heat: Do not use the same temperature used during the original cooking process. Do Not Overcrowd: Air fryers rely on rapid air circulation. Overfilling the basket can result in uneven reheating and cold spots. Shake and Flip: Remove the basket every two to three minutes to toss or turn the food. Verify Temperature: If you are wondering what temp should u reheat food to in an air fryer, always confirm with a probe thermometer that the centre of the food has reached 75°C for at least 30 seconds. How to Check Food Temperature Correctly To correctly check what temperature reheated food is, use a calibrated digital probe thermometer. Insert the clean probe into the thickest part of the food, avoiding bones or the bottom of the pan. Wait for the reading to stabilise and confirm the food has reached the required 75°C for at least 30 seconds. Understanding What Temperature Should You Reheat Food to is only part of food safety. Verifying the core temperature accurately is equally important, particularly for high-risk foods such as poultry, meat dishes, rice, and prepared meals. Possessing a thermometer is only half the battle; using it correctly is what ensures compliance with food safety best practices and HACCP-based procedures used throughout the UK food industry. Step-by-Step Guide to Probing Food: Clean and Disinfect: Before inserting the probe, wipe it with a food-safe antibacterial wipe to prevent cross-contamination. Find the Core: Identify the thickest part of the food. If it is a liquid, stir it thoroughly first. Insert the Probe: Push the probe into the centre of the food. Ensure the tip is not touching a bone (which heats up faster than meat) or the metal bottom of the container. Wait: Give the thermometer a few seconds to stabilise. The number should stop climbing. Clean Again: Disinfect the probe immediately after use. Tip for Home Cooks: If you do not have antibacterial wipes, washing the metal probe thoroughly with hot, soapy water between uses is an acceptable alternative for domestic environments. Common Reheating Mistakes to Avoid The most common reheating mistake is failing to reach a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds. If you are wondering What Temperature Should You Reheat Food to, this remains the minimum recommended target under UK food safety guidance. Other critical errors include reheating food multiple times, failing to stir microwaved food, placing cold food into a cold oven, and leaving leftovers at room temperature for too long before refrigeration. Even with the best intentions, it is easy to make mistakes that compromise food safety. To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, avoid these common pitfalls: Relying on the "Touch Test": Just because a bowl feels piping hot or the outside of the food is hot to the touch does not mean the centre of the food has reached a safe temperature. Understanding What Temperature Should You Reheat Food to is important, but verifying the core temperature with a food thermometer is the safest and most reliable approach. Ignoring the Cooling Process: Safe reheating starts with safe cooling and storage. If you leave a pot of stew on the worktop overnight and attempt to make it safe by boiling it the next day, the food may still be unsafe to eat.: Some bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, can produce heat-stable toxins. While reheating may destroy the bacteria themselves, these toxins can remain in the food and may still cause food poisoning. To minimise this risk, food should be cooled quickly and refrigerated within one to two hours of cooking. Using a Bain-Marie to Reheat Food: A bain-marie and other hot-holding equipment are designed to keep food at 63°C or above. They are not designed to reheat chilled food safely because they increase temperature too slowly. If you are considering What Temperature Should You Reheat Food to before service, always reheat food in an oven, microwave, or on the hob first, ensuring the core temperature reaches 75°C before transferring it to hot-holding equipment. Skipping the Resting Time: Microwave standing time is not simply a recommendation; it is an important food safety step. Allowing food to rest for one to two minutes after heating enables heat to distribute more evenly and helps eliminate cold spots where harmful bacteria may survive. Avoid Reheating Food More Than Once As a general food safety rule, food should only be reheated once. UK food safety guidance advises against multiple reheating cycles because each cooling and reheating process increases the time food spends within the Temperature Danger Zone, where bacteria can multiply rapidly. A common question alongside What Temperature Should You Reheat Food is how many times food can be safely reheated. The simplest answer is: cook once and reheat once. Every time food changes temperature, bacterial risks increase: You cook a large batch of chilli, destroying most harmful bacteria. The food cools, allowing bacteria and spores to begin multiplying. The food is refrigerated, slowing bacterial growth. The food is reheated, reducing bacterial levels again. Leftovers cool for a second time, creating another opportunity for bacterial growth and spore germination. The food is refrigerated again. By the time a second reheating cycle occurs, bacterial levels or toxin production may have increased beyond what standard reheating temperatures can safely manage. The Solution: Portioning (What Temperature Should You Reheat Food) One of the most effective food safety practices is portioning leftovers before storage. Rather than reheating an entire pot of food, divide leftovers into individual portions and store them in separate containers. When you are ready to eat, remove and reheat only the portion you intend to consume immediately. This approach reduces waste, preserves food quality, and helps ensure compliance with best-practice food safety guidance while maintaining the correct answer to What Temperature Should You Reheat Food—a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds. Food Reheating Temperature Quick Reference Table The table below outlines the safe reheating temperatures for various food types in the UK. While the core standard remains 75°C for 30 seconds for all foods, this quick reference guide highlights specific handling notes to ensure both safety and optimal food quality. Food TypeSafe Reheating TemperatureEssential Food Safety Notes & TipsAll Meats (Beef, Pork, Lamb)75°C for 30 secondsSlice thickly roasted meats before reheating. Ensure juices run clear. Add moisture/gravy to prevent drying out.Poultry (Chicken, Turkey)75°C for 30 secondsHigh risk of Campylobacter. Must be steaming hot throughout. Best reheated in sauces or gravy to retain moisture.Cooked Rice75°C for 30 secondsExtremely high risk of Bacillus cereus. Cool within 1 hour originally. Do not keep in fridge for more than 24 hrs. Never reheat twice.Soups, Stews & Gravy100°C (Rolling Boil)Bring to a vigorous, rolling boil on the hob. Stir frequently to ensure even heat distribution and avoid burning the bottom.Leftover Vegetables75°C for 30 secondsCover with a lid or foil when microwaving or baking to generate steam.Seafood / Fish75°C for 30 secondsReheat gently to prevent tough textures, but ensure the core temperature requirement is strictly met.Hot Holding (Post-Reheating)63°C or aboveFood must first be reheated to 75°C, then transferred to hot-holding equipment maintained at no lower than 63°C. Summary To ensure maximum food safety, always make sure reheated food reaches a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds. The food should be steaming hot all the way through. If you are wondering What Temperature Should You Reheat Food to, this remains the standard recommendation under UK food safety guidance. By cooling leftovers correctly, using a calibrated food thermometer, and avoiding multiple reheating cycles, you can significantly reduce the risk of food poisoning. Understanding what temp should you reheat food to is fundamental for anyone handling food in the UK. Whether you are running a busy commercial kitchen, serving meals in a care home, or simply enjoying last night's takeaway, the principles of bacterial growth and food safety remain the same. Remember these key takeaways: The Danger Zone: Keep food out of the 8°C to 63°C temperature range whenever possible. The Target: 75°C for 30 seconds (or 82°C in Scotland for certain commercial food businesses). The Tools: Invest in a digital food probe thermometer. Do not rely on guesswork. The Golden Rule: Cool food quickly, store it safely, and never reheat it more than once. By following recognised Food Standards Agency guidance and established food hygiene practices, you can help protect yourself, your family, and your customers from foodborne illness. Frequently Asked Questions What temperature should food be reheated to in the UK? In the UK, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises that reheated food should reach a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds. In Scotland, CookSafe guidance often recommends a target temperature of 82°C in commercial catering settings. Food should be steaming hot all the way through before serving. Can you reheat food twice? No. Food should only be reheated once. Each cooling and reheating cycle allows food to pass through the Temperature Danger Zone (8°C–63°C), increasing the opportunity for bacterial growth. Reheat only the portion you intend to eat immediately. What temperature should reheated food be before serving? Before serving, reheated food should have reached a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds. If it is being held for service, such as on a buffet or hot-holding counter, it must then be maintained at 63°C or above. Is 70°C hot enough to reheat food? Yes, provided the food remains at that temperature long enough. According to UK food safety guidance, a core temperature of 70°C must be maintained for at least two minutes to achieve an equivalent level of bacterial reduction. What temperature should you reheat food in an air fryer? Most foods can be reheated in an air fryer set between 160°C and 180°C. However, the appliance temperature is less important than the food's internal temperature. The centre of the food must still reach 75°C for at least 30 seconds before it is considered safe to eat. What temperature do you reheat food in the microwave? Many people ask what temperature do you reheat food in the microwave. The answer is that the food itself—not the microwave setting—must reach a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds. Because microwaves can heat unevenly, food should be covered, stirred halfway through heating, and allowed to stand for one to two minutes afterwards so that heat can distribute evenly. How long should reheated food stay hot? (What Temperature Should You Reheat Food) If reheated food is being held for service in a bain-marie or other hot-holding equipment, UK regulations require it to be maintained at 63°C or above. If the temperature falls below 63°C, it can only be displayed for a single period of up to two hours before it must be discarded. What temperature should reheated meat reach? All reheated meat, including beef, pork, lamb, and poultry, should reach a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds. Insert a food probe into the thickest part of the meat to confirm the temperature has been achieved. Can bacteria survive reheating? Proper reheating to 75°C destroys most harmful bacteria. However, some bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, can produce heat-stable toxins if food is stored incorrectly. These toxins may survive reheating, which is why prompt cooling and refrigeration are essential food safety practices. What is the safest way to reheat leftovers? The safest way to reheat leftovers is to divide large or dense foods into smaller portions, add a small amount of moisture if required, cover the food to retain steam, and heat it thoroughly in a microwave, oven, air fryer, or on the hob. If you are wondering what temperature should you warm up food to, the answer remains the same: the thickest part of the food should reach a core temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds, verified using a digital food thermometer whenever possible.