Getting the perfect crispy reheated chicken in the air fryer is one of my favorite things! Who doesn’t love crispy chicken? The fact is, there is a narrow gap between a juicy chicken on the inside and one that is completely dry.
Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They offer a healthier way to enjoy your favorite fried foods with less oil and added calories. One great use for your air fryer is to reheat your leftovers, such as chicken, to bring back their crispy, succulent texture.
Can I reheat chicken in an air fryer?
Yes! I love to reheat my chicken as they are mostly made in large quantities to save time. All I do is reheat in smaller portions as the need arises. The air fryer maintains the chicken’s crispiness and heats it evenly, preventing the sogginess that often comes with reheating fried foods in the microwave.
You might be wondering how to reheat chicken in your air fryer. There are a few easy steps to follow, and soon, you’ll be enjoying your air fryer-reheated chicken, as if it was freshly made.
Reheating Fried Chicken and Main Dishes
Like most other dishes that can be reheated in the oven, you can reheat your chicken in any form. Be it chicken thighs, chicken breast, chicken nuggets, whole chicken, and even store-bought KFC chicken.
Determining the Cooking Time and Temperature
When reheating your chicken and other main dishes, preserve the crispiness while ensuring the meat is heated.
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for optimal results. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of the chicken piece:
- Wings and drumettes: 5-6 minutes
- Thighs, drumsticks, and small breasts: 8-10 minutes
- Large breasts: 12-14 minutes
Remember that these cooking times are approximate and may require occasional adjustments. Turn the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating.
How to reheat chicken in air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
- Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the chicken according to the Jjcooking times, turning them halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F (74°C).
- Once the chicken has reached the desired internal temperature and crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Perfect Reheated Chicken
The goal of reheating chicken in an air fryer is to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender. To ensure this, follow these tips:
- Preheat your air fryer – This ensures an even cooking of your chicken. The temperature to preheat should be similar to the temperature you are to cook your chicken in.
- Single Layer Is Best: Place the chicken pieces in a single layer to ensure that heat circulates evenly. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven heating.
- Skin Side Up If you’re reheating skin-on chicken, place it skin-side up. This will help the skin get crispy during the reheating process.
- Check Temperature: Use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is heated through and safe to eat.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the time to prevent drying out the chicken. Air fryers work efficiently, so reheating them takes less time than other methods.
- Optional Moisture: If your chicken is particularly dry, spritz it lightly with some water or chicken broth before reheating to add moisture.
- Turn Halfway: For thicker cuts, turn the chicken halfway through the reheating process to ensure it heats evenly throughout.
- Cover with Foil: Covering them loosely with aluminum foil for leaner cuts like chicken breasts can help retain moisture.
- Do a ‘Test Piece’: If you have multiple pieces to reheat, you might want to start by reheating one piece first to gauge the required time for your specific air fryer model.
- Rest for a Few Minutes: After reheating, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before eating. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Reheat with Complementary Foods: If you want to make a meal out of it, consider adding some veggies in the same air fryer basket for a quick and complete meal.
- Safety First: Always remember that reheated chicken, like any other leftovers, should be consumed within 3-4 days if stored in the fridge, and should only be reheated once.
These tips will help you get the most out of reheating chicken in an air fryer, turning what might otherwise be mediocre leftovers into a meal almost as good as freshly cooked.
How To Reheat Chicken Wings In An Air Fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
- Place the chicken wing pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F (74°C).
- Wings and drumettes: 5-6 minutes
- Thighs, drumsticks, small breasts, and leg quarters: 8-10 minutes
- Large breasts: 12-14 minutes
- Chicken Tenders: 3 – 4 minutes
How To Reheat Chicken Thighs, drumsticks, and small chicken breasts In An Air Fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
- Place the chicken wing pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F (74°C).
How To Reheat Large Chicken Breasts In An Air Fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
- Place the chicken wing pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the chicken for 12-14 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F (74°C).
How To Reheat Rotisserie Chicken In An Air Fryer.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove the rotisserie chicken from its packaging and place it in the air fryer basket. If the chicken is too large, you might need to cut it into smaller pieces so that it fits.
- Reheat: Place the chicken in the preheated air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Check: After 3 minutes, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a food thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption.
- Additional Time: If necessary, cook for another 1-2 minutes and check the temperature again.
- Serve: Once the chicken has reached the desired temperature and crispiness, remove it from the air fryer and serve.
- The time and temperature may vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the size of the chicken.
- Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the chicken dry.
This method usually works well to keep the rotisserie chicken juicy on the inside while crisping up the skin on the outside.
What is the Best Way to Reheat Chicken?
Benefits of Reheating Chicken Wings in Air Fryer
Crispiness and Texture
One of the main benefits of using an air fryer to reheat your chicken wings is the crispiness and texture they maintain. The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures that your wings are evenly heated, allowing them to retain their crispiness without becoming soggy or dried out. You can even spray a bit of water on the wings to add some moisture if needed, and then shake the basket or flip the wings over halfway through the reheating process.
Less Oil and Calories
Using an air fryer for reheating chicken wings means you’ll need less oil than conventional cooking methods. When you reheat wings in an air fryer, they’ll be cooked in their fat, which helps them stay juicy while cutting down on the oil needed.
Convenience and Speed
Air fryers provide a quick and convenient way to reheat your chicken wings. There’s no need to preheat your oven or wait for it to reach the desired temperature. In most cases, you can reheat your wings in just 7 – 10 minutes at temperatures between 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. This time-efficient method allows you to enjoy your leftovers much faster and with minimal effort.
Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Air-fried crispy chicken thighs
Let me know what your experience with re heating your chicken in the air fryer!
