How To Reheat Fried Chicken In An Air Fryer

Did you know that some people actually love chowing down on cold fried chicken? But since you're here looking for ways to reheat your fried chicken, you're probably not one of them. And we're with you on that! After all, nothing beats freshly fried chicken hot out of the oil. 

However, when it comes to reheating fried chicken, things can get a little tricky. If you're not careful, you can end up with dry, rubbery chicken that's nothing like the juicy, crisp original. But don't worry, we've got your back. 

With our tips on how to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer, you can enjoy your leftovers without sacrificing taste or texture.

But first, let's answer:

Is It Safe To Reheat Fried Chicken In An Air Fryer?

The short answer? Yes! Why? If you don't already know, an air fryer cooks or heats your food by circulating hot air. This means that the heat is evenly distributed. As a result, your chicken will reheat evenly throughout and won't dry out. 

In fact, reheating foods in an air fryer is considered the best method. That's because not only does an air fryer speeds up the heating process, but it also helps keep your chicken nice and crispy. 

Not to mention, since air fryers don't use any oil, you don't have to worry about your chicken getting greasy.

Tips For Reheating Fried Chicken In An Air Fryer

Sure, reheating fried chicken in an air fryer is no rocket science! But if you want to make sure your chicken comes out perfectly crispy and juicy, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Preheat your air fryer: Before you start reheating your chicken, be sure to preheat your air fryer. It'll help ensure that your chicken reheats evenly.
• Allow the chicken to sit out for 20 – 30 minutes, so it reaches room temperature before cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: If you overcrowd your air fryer, the hot air won't be able to circulate properly. As a result, your chicken won't reheat evenly and could come out dry. So make sure to give your chicken pieces some space!
• Reheat in a single layer:  Another way to ensure your chicken reheats evenly is to reheat it in a single layer. If you have too many pieces of chicken in the air fryer, they'll end up steaming instead of frying.
• Spray a little water on your chicken if needed: This will keep them from drying out.

Reheating Fried Chicken In An Air Fryer: Step-By-Step Guide

• Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 375° F or 190° C.
• Put the fried chicken pieces in the air basket. Make sure they're in a single layer and not touching each other.
• If your chicken pieces are large, you might need to cook them in batches.
• Cook the chicken for about 2 minutes.
• Then, give the basket a good shake or flip the chicken pieces over.
• Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

If you find that your chicken isn't heated through after 4 minutes, cook it for another minute or two. Just be sure to monitor it closely, so it doesn't dry out.

Once your chicken is heated, all there's left to do is enjoy!

Ideas To Use And Serve Reheated Fried Chicken

Now that you have this beautiful basket of crispy, juicy fried chicken, it's time to get creative with how you serve it. Here are some ideas:

• Serve it with a dipping sauce: ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, etc.
• Add it to a salad: Caesar salad, Cobb salad, etc.
• Use it as a topping on your favorite pizza.
• Make a sandwich: grilled cheese, chicken salad, club sandwich, etc.
• Wrap it in a tortilla: make a burrito, wrap, or quesadilla.
• Make a complete meal out of it: add some rice, potatoes, or vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Reheat KFC In An Air Fryer?

Of course. Just follow the same steps outlined in this guide, and you'll be good to go.

How Long Does It Take To Reheat Fried Chicken In An Air Fryer?

It should only take about 4-5 minutes to reheat your chicken in the air fryer. However, keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn or dry out.

Can You Put Aluminium Foil In An Air Fryer?

Yes, it is safe to put aluminum foil in an air fryer. But, while reheating fried chicken, we wouldn't recommend that! That's because the aluminum foil can trap hot air, which will make your chicken's outer layer soft and soggy.

Can You Reheat Frozen Fried Chicken In An Air Fryer?

Yes, you totally can! However, defrost the chicken and bring it to room temperature before reheating.