Reheating Chicken Wings: Air Fryer Method

Chicken wings are a delicious treat, but what happens when you have leftovers? Reheating chicken wings in an air fryer is a great way to keep them crispy and juicy. This method is quicker than using an oven and helps prevent sogginess, which can occur with a microwave. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect reheated chicken wings.

How to reheat chicken wings in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat chicken wings in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to a temperature between 350°F and 375°F (approximately 180°C). Preheating the air fryer is important as it ensures the appliance is hot enough to crisp up the chicken wings quickly and promotes even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Wings

Place the wings in the air fryer basket or on the tray in a single layer, ensuring there is some space between each wing. This arrangement allows for even air circulation and heating. You can also add extra salt or pepper at this point for fresh seasoning and taste.

Step 3: Lightly Coat with Oil (Optional)

For extra crispiness, you can lightly coat the chicken wings with a small amount of cooking oil using a brush or spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use cooking spray or melted butter. This step helps seal in moisture and promotes crispiness.

Step 4: Reheat

Place the basket or tray with the prepared chicken wings into the preheated air fryer. Reheat the wings for about 5-6 minutes initially. If your wings are overlapped or touching, you may need to add an extra 2-3 minutes to the total cooking time.

Step 5: Shake or Flip the Wings

After the initial cooking time, carefully shake the basket or flip the wings using tongs to ensure even cooking and crisping on all sides.

Step 6: Continue Cooking

Put the wings back in the air fryer for an additional 5-6 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the wings, the air fryer model, and your desired level of crispiness.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding contact with bones or excessive breading. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure harmful bacteria are destroyed.

Tips:

• If reheating sauced wings, it is recommended to use a small air fryer pan, tin foil, or parchment paper to prevent the sauce from dripping and causing a mess or excessive smoke.
• To retain moisture, you can cover the wings with aluminium foil during the last part of the reheating process if they are browning too quickly.
• It is best to serve the wings immediately after reheating.
• Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating chicken wings more than once is not recommended due to food safety concerns and quality degradation.

How to reheat sauced wings in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat sauced chicken wings in an air fryer. However, be cautious as the sauce may burn due to the high heat of the air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat sauced chicken wings in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Preheating the air fryer ensures that it is hot enough to crisp up the chicken wings quickly. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken wings.

Step 2: Prepare the Wings

Take the leftover wings out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. You can add extra salt or pepper at this point for fresh seasoning and taste.

Step 3: Arrange the Wings

Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the tray. Make sure there is some space between each wing to allow for even air circulation and heating. Do not overcrowd the wings.

Step 4: Lightly Coat with Oil (Optional)

For extra crispiness, you can lightly coat the chicken wings with a small amount of cooking oil using a brush or spray bottle. This step is optional, but it can help seal in moisture and promote crispiness.

Step 5: Reheating Process

Place the basket or tray with the chicken wings into the preheated air fryer. Cook the wings for about 5-6 minutes initially. Then, shake or flip the wings using tongs to ensure even cooking. This step helps crisp up all sides of the wings.

Step 6: Continue Cooking

Continue cooking the chicken wings for an additional 5-6 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the wings, the air fryer model, and your desired level of crispiness.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Check the internal temperature of the chicken wings using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding contact with bones or excessive breading. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), which is the minimum safe temperature recommended by the USDA to ensure that harmful bacteria are destroyed.

Tips for Reheating Sauced Chicken Wings:

• If the wings are browning too quickly on the outside before they are heated through, cover them loosely with aluminum foil during the last part of the reheating process to prevent excessive browning and drying out.
• Reheating sauced chicken wings in the air fryer can be tricky due to the high heat. It is recommended to reheat the wings first and then add the sauce afterward for the best results.
• Avoid reheating chicken wings multiple times, as this increases the risk of bacterial contamination and can affect the quality and texture of the wings.

How to store leftover chicken wings

Knowing how to store leftover chicken wings is essential to maintaining their original flavours and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Timing

According to the FDA, leftover chicken wings should be stored within two hours of cooking. This is to prevent bacterial growth.

Step 2: Containers

Before placing them into the refrigerator, put the wings into airtight, sealed containers. You can also use a zip-lock bag.

Step 3: Refrigerate

Leftover chicken wings can be stored in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them in the next few days. The refrigerator should be kept at 40°F (4°C) for optimal storage. The wings will keep for up to four days in the fridge.

Step 4: Freeze

If you want to store your cooked chicken wings for a later date, you can put them in the freezer. Using a vacuum sealer on the packaging will prevent freezer burn and allow you to store your chicken wings for up to four months.

How to keep chicken wings moist when reheating

Yes, you can reheat chicken wings in an air fryer! Here are some tips to keep them moist and juicy:

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer helps create a hot environment that promotes even cooking and crispy exteriors while locking in moisture. Preheat your air fryer for about 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken wings.

Add Moisture or Oil

Before placing the chicken wings in the air fryer basket, lightly brush them with a small amount of cooking oil, melted butter, or avocado oil. This thin layer of oil helps seal in moisture and promotes crispiness.

Monitor the Cooking Time

Keep a close eye on the chicken wings as they reheat in the air fryer to prevent overcooking.

Cover with Foil

If the chicken wings are browning too quickly on the outside before the inside is heated through, cover them loosely with aluminium foil during the last part of the reheating process. This helps prevent excessive browning and drying out in the hot air.

Add Moisture if Needed

If the chicken seems dry during reheating, you can add a little bit of chicken stock, water, or another liquid or sauce to the air fryer basket. This helps keep the chicken moist and juicy.

Let it Rest

Allow the reheated chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to redistribute the juices and ensures that it's juicy and flavorful.

Internal Temperature and Safety

When reheating chicken wings, it's important that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

How to reheat chicken wings without an air fryer

There are several ways to reheat chicken wings without an air fryer, including using an oven, a microwave, or a stovetop. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Using an Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray.
• Arrange the chicken wings on the baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer with some space between each wing.
• For crispier wings, wrap them in aluminium foil to trap steam and prevent drying out.
• Place the baking sheet with the wings in the oven and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• For even heating, turn the wings halfway through the reheating process. If you prefer extra crispy wings, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.
• Ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C) to make sure they are safe to eat.

Using a Microwave:

• Arrange the chicken wings on a microwave-safe plate.
• Cover the wings with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, adding 30-second increments as needed until they are fully warmed.
• Make sure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C).

Using a Stovetop:

• Prepare a non-stick pan by heating it over medium heat. You can add a small amount of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
• Place the chicken wings in the pan and cover it with a lid.
• Heat for about 5-8 minutes, turning the wings occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Check that the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C).

Remember, when reheating chicken wings, it's important to avoid overcrowding to ensure even heating. Additionally, always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Frequently asked questions