How to Reheat Chicken Fried Steak in an Air Fryer: Perfectly Crispy Every Time!

Got leftover chicken fried steak sitting in your fridge? Don’t let that crispy, savory goodness go to waste! I’ve discovered that the air fryer is absolutely the BEST way to bring your chicken fried steak back to life. Unlike microwaves that turn your once-crunchy coating into a sad, soggy mess, the air fryer can restore that magical contrast between the juicy steak and crispy breading that made you fall in love with the dish in the first place.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to reheat chicken fried steak in an air fryer to get results that’ll make you forget you’re eating leftovers. Trust me, this method is a game-changer!

Why the Air Fryer is Your Best Friend for Reheating

Before we dive into the step-by-step process let’s talk about why the air fryer works so darn well for reheating chicken fried steak

• Rapid air circulation – The air fryer functions like a mini convection oven, circulating hot air around your food for even heating
• Crispy restoration – Unlike microwaves that make breading soggy, air fryers actually re-crisp the exterior
• Speed – Much faster than a conventional oven (and you don’t have to wait for preheating!)
• Healthier option – Requires minimal to no additional oil
• Even heating – No more cold spots in your reheated food

As Michelle McGlinn, a recipe developer at Tasting Table, explains, “Leftovers aren’t ideal, but can be saved in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.” When it comes time to reheat, she recommends the air fryer as the top choice, with the conventional oven as a solid second option.

Step-by-Step Guide: Reheating Chicken Fried Steak in an Air Fryer

Preparation Steps

Before you toss that chicken fried steak into the air fryer, follow these important prep steps:

1. Bring to room temperature – Take your chicken fried steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This allows for more even heating throughout and prevents the outside from overcooking while the inside remains cold.

2. Pat dry if needed – If your chicken fried steak seems excessively greasy, gently pat it dry with a paper towel. This helps prevent oil splatter in the air fryer and promotes better crisping.

3. Consider a light oil spritz – While optional, a very light spray of cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil work well) can help enhance crispiness, especially if the breading seems dry.

4. Separate the gravy – Always store and reheat gravy separately to prevent the breading from getting soggy.

The Reheating Process

Now, let’s get to the actual reheating:

1. Preheat your air fryer – Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat. This ensures consistent heating and prevents the chicken fried steak from sitting in a partially heated environment.

2. Arrange properly – Place your chicken fried steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket! If you need to reheat multiple pieces, do it in batches rather than piling them on top of each other.

3. Air fry for the right amount of time – Generally, 5-7 minutes is perfect for reheating chicken fried steak. Thinner cuts might need only 3-4 minutes, while thicker cuts could require the full 7 minutes.

4. Flip halfway through – For even crispiness on both sides, flip your chicken fried steak halfway through the reheating process.

5. Check for doneness – The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Use a meat thermometer if you have one.

6. Heat gravy separately – While your steak is crisping up, reheat your gravy in a saucepan on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe container.

7. Serve immediately – For the best texture and taste, enjoy your reheated chicken fried steak right away with the hot gravy poured over top.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results

We want your reheated chicken fried steak to be as delicious as possible, so here are some additional tips:

• Don’t skip the preheating step! It’s crucial for optimal results.
• Use the right oil if you choose to add a spritz. Oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil are ideal.
• Monitor closely since air fryers can vary in power. It’s better to check too soon than too late.
• Adjust timing based on thickness – Thinner steaks need less time, thicker ones need more.
• Add moisture if needed – If you’re worried about dryness, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to the air fryer basket during the last few minutes of cooking to create some steam.
• Consider using parchment paper or air fryer liners with holes for easier cleanup (just make sure they don’t block airflow too much).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best intentions, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here’s how to fix common problems:

Not Crispy Enough?

If your chicken fried steak isn’t getting crispy enough, try:

• Increasing the temperature to 375°F (190°C)
• Adding a light brush of oil before air frying
• Making sure the steak is patted dry before reheating
• Ensuring you’re not overcrowding the basket

Too Dry?

If your reheated chicken fried steak seems dry:

• Reduce the cooking time slightly next time
• Add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer to create steam
• Make sure you’re not reheating at too high a temperature

Soggy Results?

If your chicken fried steak is coming out soggy:

• Check that you’re not overcrowding the basket
• Make sure the steak is properly patted dry before reheating
• Consider a slightly higher temperature
• Store gravy separately from the steak in the refrigerator

FAQ About Reheating Chicken Fried Steak in an Air Fryer

Can I reheat chicken fried steak from frozen in the air fryer?

While possible, it’s not recommended. The breading can become soggy before the inside heats through. If you must, reduce the temperature to 325°F (163°C) and increase the cooking time, flipping frequently and monitoring closely. Thawing first will give you much better results.

Is it safe to reheat chicken fried steak multiple times?

It’s generally not recommended to reheat food multiple times due to food safety concerns. Try to reheat only the portion you intend to consume.

How long can I store leftover chicken fried steak in the refrigerator?

Properly stored in an airtight container, leftover chicken fried steak can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can I reheat gravy in the air fryer?

No, the air fryer is not suitable for reheating gravy. Reheat gravy separately in a saucepan on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can use a conventional oven. Preheat to 350-400°F (175-200°C), place the chicken fried steak on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake for about 5-10 minutes. The results won’t be quite as crispy as with an air fryer, but still good!

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Reheated Chicken Fried Steak

Now that you’ve perfectly reheated your chicken fried steak, here are some serving suggestions to make a complete meal:

Classic Sides:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Country gravy
• Green beans
• Cornbread

Creative Twists:

• Serve over creamy polenta
• Top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast
• Create a chicken fried steak sandwich with your favorite toppings

Final Thoughts

The air fryer truly is a miracle worker when it comes to reheating chicken fried steak. With the right technique, your leftovers can be almost as good as freshly made—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and absolutely delicious all around.

We’d love to hear your experiences with reheating chicken fried steak in an air fryer! Do you have any special tips or tricks that work well for you? Let us know in the comments below!

Remember, the next time you’re faced with leftover chicken fried steak, don’t reach for the microwave—your air fryer is the ticket to crispy, delicious reheated perfection!