You can reheat food in foil containers in an oven or on the stove depending on what works better, availability and convenience. A foil container is a better alternative to a plastic container. It keeps food fresh longer because no air gets inside the container.
Aluminum foil containers come in different sizes. Some are large enough to accommodate a large meal of food, and some are small enough to fit in a lunch box. Foil containers may cause burns if misused under high oven heat.
Aluminum cans do not hold liquids well and do not store hot items such as soup in foil containers. The container expands due to heat and might crack or break if it is old. Let the food cool first and check labels for safety.
Do not clean but wipe off any excess grease on the foil when done. Never leave the foil sitting around without being covered. Discard it for a new one if you cannot properly clean them. They are affordable, but you cannot reheat food in foil containers in a microwave.
Stovetop
If you do not have an oven, you can still use a stove to heat your food in foil containers. It is safe if you put an aluminum pan on the stove. Make sure it is thick and not a disposable one. Aluminum absorbs heat but does not burn quickly. Stay watchful since you are working under a direct flame. An aluminum roasting pan is a better alternative to use on the stove.
Aluminum conducts heat well and comes with great features at an affordable price. If you are so particular with cookware, the chances are that you will like it. Take your time on aluminum pans and study how they work if you put them on a stovetop.
The only downside is that some aluminum pans are not suited for stovetop cooking, and some are aluminum baking pans and disposable pans. That type of cookware is thin and incompatible with a stovetop’s direct heat (webstaurantstore.com). Even if they are made of aluminum, they can still melt and cause issues under direct fire. An oven remains the best option, but if you only have a stove, you might want to use other thick cookware as an alternative.
Steps
- Preheat the stove to medium.
- Place the aluminum foil container in the middle of the plate.
- Put some oil inside the container to prevent sticking.
- Add any ingredients into the pan. Cover the container tightly with aluminum foil wrap to keep the steam and the dish drying out. The wrap keeps the moisture inside. Keep checking to avoid burning and increase the heat if it is too slow.
- Serve when warm.
Best method
If the foil container has a lid or sealing film, remove it before heating your food in the oven. The food warms up from the opening, and putting on a lid might not heat the food throughout. A cardboard lid is more prone to catch fire when the foil container becomes very hot, although chances are low that the lid will catch fire.
Make sure the meal covers the bottom of the container. Spreading out the food helps it warm up. The container may get more heated up than usual, causing it to create sparks, causing safety hazards.
Place the foil container in the middle of the oven and should not touch the walls of it. That minimizes the chances of having electrical sparks. Foil containers are of metal, and coming in contact with the oven wall creates sparks. If that happens, turn off your oven so that you will not damage the walls of your oven.
Only use one foil container in the oven at a time, so there will be enough space in your oven for one container. If you place them side by side, they will touch the oven walls causing sparks. Placing them on top of one another is not very convenient as well. The meal in one container is not likely to heat. Heat your food one container at a time, taking it out when it is warm before putting another.
Steps
- Preheat the conventional oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the aluminum foil container in the middle rack position in the oven.
- Put some oil inside the container to prevent sticking.
- Add any ingredients into the pan. Cover the container tightly with aluminum foil wrap to keep the steam and the dish drying out. The wrap keeps the moisture inside.
- Serve when warm.
Storage
Refrigerated leftovers last up to four days if leftovers are sealed and stored correctly. Covering a plate with foil and tossing it in the fridge is a quick, easy way to store food. Seal food in air-tight containers to speed up the cooling process and keep bacteria off your food. Put the food in the fridge within two hours before it is affected by bacteria. Throw away any food sitting out longer than two hours (insider.com).
Safe Temperatures
The best temperature to reheat food in a foil container is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir and check the food from time to time to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can you use Foil containers to freeze food?
Yes. They keep foods fresh longer than other storage methods and keep food fresher for up to three months, prevent freezer burn, retain nutrients better, and allow you to use less fat. The clean-up process is easier, and reheats food quickly. Frozen food stays cold longer due to its insulation properties. They help reduce waste by allowing you to reuse old containers.
Can I freeze my food using foil containers?
Yes, you can label each package with its contents and date. They make better containers for casseroles as a frozen meal. Use the right size.
Can I use an aluminum foil container in the air fryer?
Yes, but with caution. Use foil containers in the air fryer but do not fill the pan.
Does aluminum foil burn on the stove?
Aluminum foil does not burn on the stove but ignites at around 1220 degrees Fahrenheit or 660 degrees Celsius. High temperatures are not for a typical oven or even a gas stove. Foils work better on direct-heat cooking like barbecuing or roasting. The foil as a cover can distribute heat for an even cooking outcome.