If you love fried chicken with perfectly seasoned, golden-brown crust and juicy, succulent meat but hate the disappointment of soggy leftovers, you need to know how to reheat fried chicken in the air fryer! Follow this guide for perfect leftover chicken every time.
Post includes Weight Watchers points.
If you avoid making fried chicken because you fear the disappointment of leftovers, you are not alone. Learning how to reheat fried chicken in air fryer is the game-changing trick that will bring those chicken leftovers back to life in a way that’ll make you think they’re fresh out of the fryer.
While there are various reheating methods, a microwave will give you soggy chicken with hot spots, and reheating fried chicken in the oven not only takes too long, it can easily dry out the chicken. Learn how to reheat fried chicken so it’s just as delicious as fresh made.
Enter the air fryer. This little contraption is like a wizard in the kitchen, capable of turning yesterday’s chicken into today’s masterpiece. We’re going to show you how to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer that maintains the juicy tenderness on the inside while resurrecting that crispy, crunchy exterior we all know and crave.
Folks, reheating chicken in the air fryer is so great, you may also be interested in learning how to Reheat Chicken Wings In Air Fryer and how to Reheat Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer too!
When you want the best results in a few simple steps, look no further than the air fryer. The air fryer reheats fried chicken to crispy, crunchy, juicy perfection.
And in practically no time at all. This method also works when you want to reheat chicken breast, chicken tenders, even rotisserie chicken.
Why Make This Recipe
- Fast – Reheat fried chicken in less time than it takes to preheat the oven.
- Frugal – Reduce food waste and stretch your budget by reheating leftover fried chicken.
- Flavorful –The air fryer gives leftover fried chicken a deliciously crispy skin and keeps it moist and tender inside.
Ingredients
- Chicken – This how to reheat fried chicken in the air fryer method works for all cuts of fried chicken, but you may need to adjust the time accordingly.
How To Reheat Fried Chicken in Air Fryer
Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F / 190 degrees C.
- Place leftover fried chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 4 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the chicken over after 2 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.
Tips For Success
- Allow the chicken to come to room temperature for about 20 – 30 minutes before placing in the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer.
- Reheat similar-sized pieces together. If you reheat a breast and a wing together, you will end up with an overcooked wing and a breast that may still be cold in the middle.
- Keep a close eye on the chicken while it is in the air fryer. 4 minutes is an average cooking time, but you may need more or less depending on the size of your chicken pieces.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space between the pieces so the hot air can circulate and it heats evenly on all sides.
- You can spritz fried chicken pieces with water before placing it in the air fryer so it doesn’t dry out.
- Air Fryer temperatures can vary depending on the make and model, so use the cooking time listed as a guide, check for doneness and adjust the time as needed.
- Cooking time also depends on the size of your chicken cuts, bigger pieces will need a little more time than smaller pieces.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Purchase chicken pieces in bulk and when on sale. Freeze them properly in portioned bags to have a steady supply of fried chicken potential without paying full price.
- Cook a larger batch of fried chicken when you have the time and ingredients on hand, and then freeze the leftovers. This way, you can reheat them in smaller portions whenever the craving strikes.
- Don’t limit yourself to just reheating the chicken as is. Transform those leftover fried chicken pieces into delicious chicken salads, sandwiches, wraps, or even tacos. Stretching the leftovers means more meals for your buck.
Prep Ahead and Storage
- Prep – Allow the chicken to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before reheating.
- Store – Leftover fried chicken can be kept refrigerated for up 4 days. Chicken should always be stored in an airtight container inside the fridge. It is not advised to reheat chicken multiple times.
- Freeze – Store cooled leftover chicken in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Meal Prep
- Chicken Caesar Salad – Slice or shred the reheated fried chicken and place it on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce. Add homemade croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of Caesar dressing. Toss it together just before eating for a crunchy and satisfying salad.
- Chicken Wrap or Burrito – Wrap the reheated fried chicken in a whole wheat tortilla with lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or salsa. Roll it up tightly and enjoy a portable and flavorful wrap.
- Chicken and Waffle Bites – Cut the reheated fried chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve them alongside mini waffles. Pack a small container of maple syrup for dipping. This playful combo brings together sweet and savory.
FAQs
Yes, you can reheat fried chicken in the oven. Just follows these steps:
– Allow the chicken to come to room temperature.
– Preheat oven to 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C.
– Place it on an oven-safe baking rack on a baking sheet.
– Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pieces are heated through and the internal temperature has reached at least 165 degrees F or 90 degrees C.
You should reheat chicken with an air fryer because it works by circulating hot air around all sides of the chicken. This helps food to cook evenly, so you get a delicious crunch, even on reheated leftovers.
Yes, you can use the air fryer to reheat chicken strips. This reheating method works for fried chicken breasts, fried chicken wings and chicken strips. Chicken strips may reheat faster than bone-in chicken pieces, so observe the chicken and adjust the cooking time as needed.
If you are wondering how long to reheat chicken in air fryer, the total time will depend on the size of the fried chicken pieces. Reheating for 4 minutes at 375 degrees F / 190 degrees C is an average time, but you may need to increase or decrease the time accordingly.
More Recipes You May Like
- Reheat Chicken Nuggets in Air Fryer.
- How To Reheat Chicken Wings In Air Fryer.
- Reheat Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer.
Serving Suggestions
Weight Watchers Points
There are 7 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
Get The Reheat Fried Chicken in Air Fryer Recipe:
How To Reheat Fried Chicken In Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 3 breaded fried chicken breasts
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer to 375 degrees F / 190 degrees C.
- Place fried chicken pieces inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
- Cook for about 4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.
- Remove from air fryer, serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Allow the chicken to come to room temperature for about 20 – 30 minutes before placing in the air fryer.
- Reheat similar-sized pieces together. If you reheat a breast and a wing together, you will end up with an overcooked wing and a breast that may still be cold in the middle.
- Keep a close eye on the chicken while it is in the air fryer. 4 minutes is an average cooking time, but you may need more or less depending on the size of your chicken pieces.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space between the pieces so the hot air can circulate and it heats evenly on all sides.
- You can spritz fried chicken pieces with water before placing it in the air fryer so it doesn’t dry out.
- Air Fryer temperatures can vary depending on the make and model, so use the cooking time listed as a guide, check for doneness, and adjust the time as needed.
- Cooking time also depends on the size of your chicken cuts, bigger pieces will need a little more time than smaller pieces.
- Storage – keep leftovers in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 4 days.
- There are 7 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving.
Sara
Such a helpful guide. Delicious chicken.
Suzie Zimmerman
question when reheating the chicken do you use the reheat button or the air fry button??
David
This is so helpful. So much better than the microwave. It actually makes it crispy again