There’s nothing more disappointing than leftover fried chicken that’s lost its crispy exterior and juicy interior. But don’t worry! If you’ve got an air fryer you’re in luck. Today, I’m going to show you exactly how to reheat cold fried chicken in an air fryer to restore that delicious crunch while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
As someone who’s tested countless methods for reheating leftovers, I can confidently say the air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to bringing fried chicken back to life. Let’s dive into this comprehensive guide!
Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for Reheating Fried Chicken
Before we get into the step-by-step process, let’s understand why air fryers are so effective for reheating fried chicken:
- Even Heat Distribution: Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, ensuring every part of your chicken gets heated evenly
- Crispiness Retention: Unlike microwaves that make fried foods soggy, air fryers help maintain (and sometimes even improve) that crispy exterior
- Quick and Efficient: Reheating in an air fryer takes just minutes, much faster than conventional ovens
- Healthier Option: You don’t need to add extra oil to get crispy results
As a food scientist friend once told me “The air fryer’s rapid air circulation is precisely why it excels at reviving fried foods’ textures.” And she’s absolutely right!
Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Cold Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer
Let’s break down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Take your cold fried chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This helps it reheat more evenly and prevents cold spots.
Pro tip: If you’ve got time, letting the chicken come closer to room temperature ensures more even reheating without drying out the meat.
Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheating is essential for achieving the best results. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 2-3 minutes.
Note: Some sources recommend temperatures between 350°F-400°F, but I’ve found 375°F to be the sweet spot that crisps the exterior without drying out the meat.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken Properly
Place your chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket – this is super important! Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and results in uneven reheating.
Pro tip: If you have a lot of chicken to reheat, do it in batches rather than stacking pieces on top of each other.
Step 4: Optional – Add a Light Coating of Oil
While not necessary, a very light spray or brush of oil can help restore some of the crispiness. Use a high smoke point oil like canola or avocado oil.
Step 5: Reheat the Chicken
Now for the main event! Here’s a handy time guide based on different chicken parts:
| Chicken Part | Reheating Time at 375°F |
|---|---|
| Wings | 5-7 minutes |
| Drumsticks | 6-8 minutes |
| Thighs | 8-10 minutes |
| Breasts | 8-10 minutes |
Important: Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping on all sides.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Your chicken is ready when the exterior is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check if you’re unsure.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once reheated, let the chicken rest for about 2-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum juiciness.
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Here are some additional tips I’ve learned through lots of trial and error:
- Don’t reheat cold chicken straight from the fridge – The temperature shock can result in uneven reheating
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before reheating to remove excess moisture
- Don’t skip the flip – Turning the chicken halfway ensures even crisping
- Consider the chicken size – Larger pieces need more time, so adjust accordingly
- Don’t reheat chicken more than once – For food safety and quality reasons, only reheat what you’ll eat
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best of us make mistakes. Here are some common ones to watch out for:
- Skipping the preheat: This leads to uneven reheating and less crispy results
- Overcrowding the basket: This prevents proper air circulation
- Setting the temperature too high: This can burn the exterior while leaving the interior cold
- Not checking internal temperature: Ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for food safety
- Reheating for too long: This dries out your chicken and makes it tough
Alternative Methods (If You Don’t Have an Air Fryer)
While an air fryer gives the best results, here are some alternatives:
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet
- Reheat for 15-20 minutes until crispy and heated through
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a skillet with a small amount of oil
- Reheat chicken over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side
- Cover with a lid for part of the time to help heat the interior
FAQs About Reheating Fried Chicken
Q: Can I reheat frozen fried chicken in an air fryer?
A: Yes, but it will take longer. I recommend thawing first for best results, but if you’re in a hurry, add about 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
Q: How can I tell if my reheated chicken is done?
A: The exterior should be crispy, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the chicken is piping hot throughout.
Q: Is it safe to reheat fried chicken more than once?
A: No, reheating chicken multiple times increases the risk of bacterial growth and decreases quality. Only reheat what you plan to eat.
Q: My chicken still isn’t crispy enough, what can I do?
A: Add another 1-2 minutes of cooking time, or slightly increase the temperature. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Q: How long can I keep leftover fried chicken in the refrigerator?
A: For best quality, use refrigerated fried chicken within 3-4 days.
Final Thoughts
Reheating cold fried chicken in an air fryer is truly a game-changer. Gone are the days of soggy, disappointing leftovers or wasting perfectly good food. With this method, your reheated fried chicken will be nearly as good as fresh – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor.
I remember the first time I tried this method after years of suffering through microwaved chicken. The difference was incredible! My family couldn’t even tell it was leftover chicken. That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing these tips with you.
So next time you’ve got leftover fried chicken sitting in your fridge, don’t hesitate – pull out that air fryer and enjoy a crispy, delicious meal in just minutes!
Have you tried reheating fried chicken in an air fryer before? What were your results? Share your experiences in the comments below!
How to reheat fried chicken in the oven
This oven method is a close second to the air fryer if you don’t have one. (You should consider getting one though; I love the darn thing.) The skin returns to the original level of crunchiness—great texture with a bit of flexibility in the thin coated areas—but doesn’t surpass it like it can in the air fryer. It also takes more than twice as long to get to this point, which puts the chicken meat in danger of drying out. That said, it’s still worlds better than microwaving it.
Put a wire rack over a foil-lined sheet tray. (The foil makes clean-up easier, but it’s not necessary beyond that.) Put the cold fried chicken on the wire rack and bake it at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time.
The air fryer is the best way to reheat fried chicken
This is the best of the two methods. The crust becomes resoundingly crunchy, the kind where you can hear someone else eat it in another room, and the cooking time is ridiculously fast. Reheat leftover fried chicken easily by adding the cold chicken pieces to the air fryer (make sure it’s on a grate or wire rack made for your appliance). Have the machine on the “air fry” setting at 400°F and let it rip for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. This applies to reheating chicken tenders and chicken nuggets, but take care to check on them after five minutes. Its as simple as that, and itll turn out better than the original. (I’ll discuss why that is in a moment.)