Reheating Kfc: Air Fryer Method — Is It Worth It?

If you're looking to reheat KFC in an air fryer, you're in luck! This is a great way to reheat fried chicken without drying it out or making it soggy. The air fryer's hot circulating air will revive the crispiness of the exterior, while also cooking the chicken long enough to heat the interior through.

Reheating KFC drumsticks and wings

The best way to reheat KFC drumsticks and wings is to use an air fryer. This will ensure the chicken is heated evenly and maintains a crispy skin.

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F.
• Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces are not piled on top of each other.
• Reheat for 8-9 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should be at least 165°F when cooked.

Tips:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure the hot air can circulate and heat the chicken evenly.
• You can spritz the chicken with water before placing it in the air fryer to prevent it from drying out.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer, so adjust the time as needed.
• For larger pieces of chicken, you may need to increase the cooking time.
• Always ensure leftover chicken is refrigerated and consumed within a few days.

Alternative Methods:

If you don't have access to an air fryer, you can also reheat KFC drumsticks and wings in the oven or microwave. However, these methods may not deliver the same level of crispiness as the air fryer.

When reheating in the oven, preheat to 375°F and place the chicken on an oven-safe rack on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For the microwave, wrap the chicken in a paper towel and microwave in short intervals until warmed through. This method may result in a softer texture.

Reheating KFC breasts

Reheating KFC chicken breasts can be a delicate balancing act. You want to use the hot circulating air of the air fryer to revive the crispiness of the exterior, but you also need to ensure the interior is heated through.

To reheat KFC chicken breasts, first preheat your air fryer to 370°F. When the air fryer is ready, set the temperature to 370°F and cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes. Turn the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.

As chicken breasts are larger pieces of meat, the exterior can start to leech grease, which may cause burning and smoking. To avoid this, you can use a two-pronged approach by microwaving the chicken for 60-90 seconds after removing it from the air fryer. This will ensure the interior is heated through without burning the exterior.

It's important to note that reheating times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken, so be sure to keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.

When reheating any type of chicken in the air fryer, it's best to arrange the pieces in a single layer with some space between them to allow for proper air circulation. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to reheat the chicken in batches.

Additionally, it's recommended to let the chicken come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer. This will help ensure even cooking.

For an extra crispy finish, you can lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil before placing it in the air fryer.

Always remember to follow food safety guidelines when reheating chicken. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee it's safe to consume.

Now you can enjoy your KFC chicken breasts as if they were freshly made!

How long to reheat KFC chicken in the air fryer

Yes, you can reheat KFC chicken in an air fryer. It is a great way to reheat fried chicken, as it keeps the chicken moist on the inside and crispy on the outside.

To reheat KFC chicken in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 370°F–375°F/190°C. Then, place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces aren't piled on top of each other. For larger pieces of chicken, like breasts, you will need to air fry for 8–12 minutes. For smaller pieces, like tenders and wings, air fry for 4–10 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure it heats evenly.

The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces, so be sure to check the temperature to avoid dry chicken. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F/74°C.

How to reheat KFC chicken in the oven

If you're looking to reheat KFC chicken in the oven, there are a few steps you can follow to ensure your chicken comes out crispy and delicious.

First, it's important to bring your chicken to room temperature. Take the chicken out of the fridge and let it sit for 10 to 30 minutes. This helps the chicken reheat evenly and prevents it from losing too much moisture.

When your chicken is at room temperature, preheat your oven to between 350-400°F. The ideal temperature may vary depending on your oven and the size of your chicken pieces.

To ensure your chicken gets crispy again, place it on a wire rack fitted inside a baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate and keeps the bottom from turning mushy. If you don't have a wire rack, you can use a foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake your chicken for 12 to 20 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces and your oven's temperature, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Once your chicken is heated through and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

And that's it! You can now enjoy your KFC chicken as if it were freshly cooked.

How to reheat KFC chicken in the microwave

While it is possible to reheat KFC chicken in the microwave, it is not the preferred method as it can make the exterior of the chicken soft and soggy. It may also not heat the chicken evenly on the inside. However, if you are short on time, it can be a quick and easy way to reheat your KFC chicken. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Take the chicken out of the fridge

Give your chicken a head start by taking it out of the fridge and letting it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will help prevent the chicken from losing moisture during heating.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken on a plate

Take your KFC chicken out of its container and arrange the pieces on a microwave-safe plate. Try to spread the chicken out as much as possible, but don't overlap the pieces.

Step 3: Cover the chicken with a paper towel (optional)

If you want to help prevent the chicken from getting too soggy, you can cover the plate with a paper towel. The paper towel will absorb some of the moisture during heating.

Step 4: Microwave the chicken

Place the plate of chicken into the microwave. Set the microwave to its highest setting and heat the chicken for 2-3 minutes, depending on the amount of chicken you are reheating. For larger pieces of chicken, you may need to heat for a little longer.

Step 5: Check the temperature

Use a thermometer or skewer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken is piping hot before serving. The chicken should be at least 75°C to ensure that any bacteria are killed.

Step 6: Serve immediately

To avoid soggy chicken, it is best to serve the chicken as soon as it is hot. Do not let it sit for too long before serving.

Important things to note:

• Do not reheat the chicken more than once, as this can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Microwaving KFC chicken may affect its signature crispy crunch due to the moisture held by the microwave.
• Different KFC foods may require slightly different methods for microwaving. For example, cover gravy or mashed potatoes when microwaving, but leave fries uncovered.

Frequently asked questions