Fried chicken is a delicious treat, but the leftovers can quickly lose their appeal as the crust softens and the meat dries out. Thankfully, reheating fried chicken in an air fryer allows you to revive that crispy texture and juicy flavor in minutes.
As an air frying enthusiast and home cook I’ve perfected the technique for reheating fried chicken in the air fryer. In this detailed guide I’ll walk you through the simple process step-by-step. I’ll also share expert tips for maximizing crispiness and preventing dryness.
Why Reheat Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer?
The air fryer has several advantages when reheating fried foods like chicken:
-
The circulating hot air crisps up the crust for a freshly fried texture
-
It cooks the chicken evenly, preventing soggy spots.
-
It’s much faster than using a traditional oven.
-
You don’t need any extra oil for crisping since the air fryer relies on hot air rather than oil
Other methods like the microwave or oven can lead to lackluster results. The air fryer is the clear winner for reheating crunchy, juicy fried chicken.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for fried chicken that tastes like you just cooked it:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating is crucial, so set your air fryer to 370°F and let it heat up for 3-5 minutes before cooking. This gets it hot enough to crisp the chicken.
2. Prepare the Fried Chicken
Pat off any excess moisture with paper towels. This helps the skin get ultra crispy. I also like sprinkling on a little extra seasoning.
3. Lightly Oil the Chicken (Optional)
For added crisping power, brush both sides with a little oil. Any neutral oil will work.
4. Arrange in the Fryer Basket
Place chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving some space between each one. Avoid overcrowding.
5. Reheat the Chicken
Reheat chicken for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Smaller pieces may cook faster.
6. Check Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let Rest and Serve
Let fried chicken rest 1-2 minutes before serving. The crust will set and get even crispier.
And that’s it! Now you can enjoy your leftover fried chicken like it’s fresh from the fryer.
Handy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Tips
Follow these tips for the best results when reheating fried chicken in an air fryer:
-
Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
-
Brush chicken with oil before reheating for an extra crispy finish.
-
Flip chicken pieces halfway through cooking for even reheating.
-
Let chicken rest after cooking as this helps the crust set.
-
For food safety, reheat chicken to an internal temp of 165°F.
-
Don’t reheat more than once to avoid spoilage.
-
Add seasonings before reheating for boosted flavor.
-
Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard or barbecue sauce.
Common Air Fryer Fried Chicken Questions
If you’re new to reheating fried chicken in the air fryer, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long does it take to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer?
It typically takes 6-8 minutes per batch at 370°F. The thickness of the chicken impacts cook time.
Should you flip the chicken during reheating?
Yes, flipping halfway through allows both sides to reheat evenly for consistent crispiness.
Is reheating fried chicken in an air fryer safe?
It’s safe when chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate bacteria. Don’t reheat more than once.
What temperature should you use to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer?
370°F is ideal, but you can adjust between 350-390°F based on your model and preferences.
Can you reheat any type of fried chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, it works for homemade fried chicken, store-bought breaded chicken, chicken tenders, wings, etc.
Should you spray oil or brush chicken with oil before reheating?
It’s optional but can help restore crispiness. Any neutral oil works well.
How can you prevent chicken from drying out when reheating in an air fryer?
Avoid overcooking, brush with oil, let rest before serving, and add a splash of water to the fryer basket.
Enjoy Crispy, Juicy Fried Chicken Leftovers
The air fryer is hands-down the best appliance for reheating fried chicken to crispy perfection. Thanks to the circulating hot air, you can revive that crunchy texture and lock in moisture in just minutes.
Follow the instructions in this guide for fried chicken that tastes like it was freshly cooked. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and sauces too. I hope these air fryer reheating tips help you get the most from your leftover fried chicken. Now grab a drumstick and dig in!
How To Reheat Chicken Strips in Air Fryer
Reheating chicken strips in an air fryer is quick and easy. With the right temperature and timing, you can revive the crispy exterior and juicy interior of your chicken strips effortlessly.
Check out my article for the full lowdown on how to reheat chicken strips in an air fryer.
Why Reheating Chicken in the Air Fryer Works So Well
There are quite a few advantages to reheating chicken leftovers in the air fryer, especially when compared to using an oven or microwave:
- Crispiness: The air fryer’s circulating hot air allows for even heat distribution. This results in a crispy exterior skin, similar to freshly cooked chicken. Unlike microwaves, which can make chicken soggy. Air fryers are also more efficient than ovens, which may take longer to crisp up the skin. The air fryer is brilliant at achieving that CRUNCH!
- Speed: Air fryers typically heat up faster than ovens and are more efficient than microwaves for reheating chicken. This means you can enjoy your reheated chicken in a fraction of the time in a conventional oven. This makes the air fryer a convenient option for busy schedules.
- Moisture retention: Air fryers use circulating hot air to cook food, which helps retain moisture in the chicken while reheating. Unlike microwaves, which can cause moisture loss, and ovens, which may dry out the chicken if not monitored closely. The air fryer helps preserve the juiciness of the chicken breast or pieces.
- Texture preservation: Reheating chicken in the air fryer helps maintain its original texture better than microwaves or ovens. While microwaves can result in uneven heating and rubbery textures, ovens may overcook the chicken. The air fryer’s controlled heat ensures the chicken stays tender and flavorful.
- Easy to use and clean up: Air fryers are generally easier than traditional ovens and don’t require as many dishes! They need minimal preheating time and often have removable, dishwasher-safe parts, making reheating chicken a hassle-free process.
How to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer | Air Fryer cooking
FAQ
How to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer without drying it out?
How do you reheat fried chicken so it’s crispy?
Let your chicken sit out and come to room temperature for 10 to 30 minutes. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the bed of the fryer basket, spaced out enough so that they aren’t overlapping. Set the heat to 375 degrees and cook for three to four minutes per side, flipping your chicken halfway through.
What temperature do you reheat fried in an air fryer?
If you have a lot of fries to reheat, work in batches to ensure they all reheat and crisp up evenly. Set the temperature and cook time: After placing the basket into the air fryer, select 325 degrees Fahrenheit for the temperature and 5 minutes for the cooking time. Keep in mind that thicker-cut fries may need longer.
How do you reheat leftover chicken in an air fryer?
Start by preheating the fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place your chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, allowing space for air to circulate. Heat for about 4–5 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
How do you reheat leftover fried chicken?
The best way to reheat leftover fried chicken is in the air fryer. In just a few minutes, you’ll have chicken just as crispy as when you first got it! Preheat air fryer to 370° Fahrenheit. Spray a small amount of oil on both sides of 4 pieces leftover fried chicken to prevent chicken from drying out. Remove basket from preheated air fryer.
Can You reheat fried chicken in an air fryer?
To reheat fried chicken in an air fryer, it’s recommended to set the temperature to around 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the chicken to warm up thoroughly while restoring its outer crispiness without overcooking the meat inside. The air circulation in the fryer helps ensure even heating, making it a great option for reheating fried foods.
Can you fry chicken in an air fryer?
One of the main advantages of using an air fryer is that it can restore the chicken’s original crispiness. Instead of becoming soggy in the microwave, your chicken will come out hot and crunchy, just like it was when first fried. Air fryers heat food evenly, which means no more cold spots in your chicken.
How do you reheat chicken breast in an air fryer?
Put the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Reheat the chicken breasts for approximately 3-5 minutes. Flip or Rotate the chicken breast halfway through the reheating time. Check Internal Temperature and ensure the chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Can You air fry chicken without drying it out?
Let the chicken come to room temperature before air frying it. This is the key to getting it heated through without drying it out. Preheat the air fryer for at least 5 minutes so that it’s hot when you add the chicken to it. This step will ensure that the fried chicken gets nice and crispy.
How do you reheat chicken leg quarters in an air fryer?
Brush the skin of the leg quarters with a small amount of oil to enhance the flavor and crispiness. Put the chicken leg quarters in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Reheat the leg quarters for about 5-8 minutes. Flip the leg quarters around the halfway point of the reheating time.