This easy guide will teach you how to perfectly reheat KFC chicken in an air fryer. With simple steps and pro tips, you can enjoy crispy, delicious chicken that tastes as good as fresh. It’s one of the best things you can do with your air fryer!
Reheating leftover KFC chicken in an air fryer is a game-changer for enjoying your favorite fast food as if it’s freshly cooked. This method brings back the crispy texture without drying out the chicken.
Jump to RecipeWhy Reheat Leftover KFC Chicken?
Most times, I order KFC and am always left with more than we can eat. Reheating the chicken makes it look like freshly cooked chicken and ensures that the crispy exterior and juicy interior are preserved. It’s a great way to enjoy your takeout just as much the next day. There is no prep time, and it can be ready in minutes.
PRO TIPS for the Best Crispy Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer: The preheated air fryer ensures the chicken reheats evenly and restores its original crispiness.
- Avoid overcrowding: Place chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate effectively. Cook in batches.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F guarantees that the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly warm.
- Size matters: The cooking time varies between sizes. Larger pieces will take a bit longer than the smaller pieces. Remove the smaller chicken pieces and add 2 – 3 minutes for the bigger pieces.
- Add a few more minutes if your chicken isn’t at room temperature before cooking.
Ingredients
- Leftover KFC chicken: The star of the dish, ensure it’s stored properly overnight to maintain quality.
- Cooking spray (optional): A light spritz can help enhance crispiness without adding much fat. I almost always skip adding oil as the chicken already has oil.
How to Reheat KFC Chicken in an Air Fryer
Preparation: Allow the chicken to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before reheating. This helps it reheat evenly.
Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F.
Arrange the chicken: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place the leftover fried chicken in a single layer in the basket. You can line the basket with aluminum foil.
Reheat: Cook for about 3-4 minutes, then flip each piece and continue heating for another 2-3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is crispy and hot throughout.
Serve immediately: Enjoy your crispy air fryer kfc chicken as if it’s freshly fried!
How to Store Leftover KFC Chicken
Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it should last for 3-4 days.
Other Cooking Methods
There are different methods using any of the most convenient kitchen gadgets to you. But since I am a huge fan of the air fryer, I love how easy and healthy this method is when compared to deep fryer. Also quicker than using the oven.
- Oven: Reheat chicken in the convection oven on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave method: Not recommended for best results as you might end up with soggy chicken, but useful for a quick heat-up. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe plate and set the timer to 6 – 8 minutes.
- Deep frying: You can deep fry your leftover chicken also, make sure to cook in hot oil for 8 – 10 minutes. Drain off excess oil and place on paper towel.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the reheated chicken with sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or your favorite dipping sauce to recreate the full KFC dining experience at home.
Toppings for the chicken leftovers
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to give the chicken a little extra flavor after reheating.
How To Reheat KFC Chicken in an Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- Leftover KFC chicken
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preparation: Allow the chicken to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before reheating. This helps it reheat evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F.
- Arrange the chicken: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place the leftover fried chicken in a single layer in the basket. You can line the basket with aluminum foil.
- Reheat: Cook for about 3-4 minutes, then flip each piece and continue heating for another 2-3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is crispy and hot throughout.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your crispy air fryer kfc chicken as if it’s freshly fried!
FAQs
- Can I reheat chicken in its original KFC bucket? It’s not recommended due to the risk of chemicals leaching into the food at high temperatures.
- How long does it take to reheat chicken in an air fryer? Typically, it takes 6-7 minutes depending on the size of the pieces. 6 -7 minutes for chicken wings and chicken thighs, 7 – 8 minutes for chicken breasts. Check the internal temperature of the chicken – make sure it reaches reaches 165°F.
This air fryer method transforms leftover KFC into a delicious meal that retains all the joy of the original feast. Whether you’re a huge fan of KFC or just have some leftovers to use up, this reheating technique ensures your chicken is just as enjoyable the second time around.
Also a good idea to prevent wasting food while still enjoying a similar taste despite being reheated fried chicken.
