Fried Chicken > Can fried chicken be reheated in an air fryer

Can Fried Chicken Be Reheated in an Air Fryer?

Fried chicken is a delicious, crispy treat. But like most fried foods, it doesn’t retain its signature crunch for long after cooking. Luckily, an air fryer can breathe new life into leftover fried chicken. Reheating fried chicken in an air fryer yields pieces with a crispy crust and moist, tender meat. Here’s what you need to know about reheating fried chicken in an air fryer.

Can fried chicken be reheated in an air fryer?

Absolutely, reheating leftover fried chicken in an air fryer is an excellent idea. The air fryer’s super heated circulating air is perfect for revitalizing the crispy crust on fried chicken without overdrying the meat.

To reheat fried chicken in an air fryer, start by patting the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This helps the crust crisp back up. Now lightly brush or spray the chicken with oil – about a teaspoon of vegetable oil tossed with the chicken or a light spray of cooking spray works well. 

Related post: Can fried chicken be frozen then reheated?

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each one. Reheat for 8-12 minutes, checking thicker pieces like breasts and drumsicks for doneness. The air fryer will recrisp the skin beautifully without compromising the juicy meat inside.

Reheating fried chicken in the air fryer yields tender, moist chicken with a crunchy, golden crust you’d swear was freshly fried. It’s a quick and easy way to breathe new life into leftover fried chicken. The air fryer’s circulated hot air crisps up the crust without drying out the meat, which happens in a regular oven. For deliciously crispy, juicy leftover fried chicken, the air fryer is the way to go.

How long do you reheat fried chicken in an air fryer?

The reheating time depends on the thickness and size of the chicken pieces. Small nuggets or boneless strips take 6-8 minutes at 350°F. For bone-in pieces like breasts, thighs, legs or wings, allow 8-12 minutes at 375°F. Larger pieces may take up to 15 minutes. Check that the crust is crispy and the meat is heated through before removing from the air fryer.

What Temperature Should You Use?

When reheating fried chicken in an air fryer, use a temperature between 350-400°F. This high heat helps the crust recrisp without overcooking the meat. For boneless fried chicken pieces like nuggets or strips, opt for the lower end of this range. For bone-in fried chicken, aim for 375-400°F to ensure the meat near the bone cooks through.

Should You Use Oil or Spray?

A light coating of oil helps the crust recrisp in the air fryer. You can toss the chicken pieces with a teaspoon or two of vegetable or canola oil before reheating. Or, simply spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray right before placing it in the air fryer basket.

How to Get the Best Results:

Pat chicken pieces dry before reheating to help the crust crisp up.

• • Use a wire rack in the air fryer basket so air can circulate around the chicken.
  • Set pieces in a single layer, not touching, for even reheating.
  • Brush chicken with a little oil or spray lightly with cooking spray.
  • Preheating air fryer for 2-3 minutes helps it recover temperature after adding chicken.
  • Adjust time for thicker, larger pieces. Cut into one piece to test doneness.

 

Enjoy immediately for maximum crunch.

FAQs
Can you reheat fried food in an air fryer?

Absolutely! An air fryer is the perfect appliance for reheating fried foods of all kinds and recapturing their signature crunch. Fried shrimp, french fries, egg rolls, corn dogs, fried fish, and more reheat wonderfully in the air fryer. Just use high heat around 375°F.

Can you reheat fried chicken from KFC or other restaurants in an air fryer?

Yes, an air fryer works great for reheating takeout fried chicken. The key is to pat it dry first and spray it with a little cooking spray. Reheat at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until hot and crispy.

How do you cook leftover fried chicken in an air fryer?

To cook fried chicken leftovers, remove them from the refrigerator and pat dry. Pre-heat the air fryer to 375°F. Spray chicken with oil and place in a single layer on rack. Reheat for 8-12 minutes until hot and crispy. Check for doneness and enjoy.

Can you reheat other fried foods like french fries in an air fryer?

Absolutely! An air fryer is perfect for reheating all kinds of fried foods, from fries and fried shrimp to eggrolls and corn dogs. Just use high heat (375-400°F) and spray or toss pieces with oil before reheating until crisp.

How long do you reheat fried chicken in an air fryer?

Reheating time depends on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. Small nuggets or strips take 6-8 minutes at 350°F. Bone-in pieces like breasts and thighs take 10-15 minutes at 375°F. Check for doneness and crispness before removing. Adjust time as needed for thicker pieces.

What’s the best way to reheat fried chicken?

The best way to reheat fried chicken is in an air fryer. The air fryer’s very hot circulating air crisps up the crust without drying out the meat. Oven baking can work too but won’t recapture the signature crispy texture as well. Microwaving makes fried chicken soggy and soft.

 

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