Reheating Rotisserie Chicken: Air Fryer Magic

Yes, you can reheat rotisserie chicken in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to restore its juicy tenderness and crispy skin without drying it out or making it rubbery. The air fryer method is also fast, making it a good option for a quick lunch or dinner.

To reheat rotisserie chicken in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). If your rotisserie chicken is refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to remove the chill. You can also brush the chicken with a little oil or cooking spray to encourage crispiness. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. Reheat for 5 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for another 2 to 5 minutes. Monitor the chicken to prevent overcooking and adjust the reheating time for thicker pieces. Once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), it's ready to be removed from the air fryer and served.

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C)

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in ensuring your rotisserie chicken reheats evenly. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. This is a relatively quick process compared to preheating a standard oven.

Preheating is important because it ensures your chicken is heated evenly, so you don't end up with a cold bottom and burnt top. It also helps prevent the chicken from drying out.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken. If your rotisserie chicken is refrigerated, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps to remove the chill and promote even reheating.

You can also use this time to cut your chicken into smaller sections for more uniform heating. Legs, wings, and breasts can be separated for better heat distribution. You can also add some extra spices or a light brushing of oil to your chicken for additional flavour and moisture.

Once your air fryer has preheated to 350°F (175°C), you can place your chicken inside and begin the reheating process.

Oil the chicken for crispiness

To get that crispy texture on your rotisserie chicken, you can lightly coat it with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of oil over the top. This will help achieve a golden-brown crust.

If you're using an air fryer, it's best to use a light batter that won't weigh the chicken down. A thicker batter may not cook evenly and could result in sogginess.

• Use a cooking spray or a light coating of oil on the chicken pieces. You can also use a spray oil, which will help the hot air "fry" the chicken while allowing the fat to drip to the bottom of the basket.
• If you want to add some extra flavour, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk or spices for a few hours before battering and air frying.
• Cornstarch is a secret weapon for a crispier texture. Mix it with flour to absorb moisture and add crunchiness to your batter.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can create steam, leading to a soggy texture instead of a crispy one. Make sure to give your chicken pieces enough space to allow hot air to circulate.
• Adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed. Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking and remove it from the air fryer once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.

By following these tips, you can enjoy perfectly reheated rotisserie chicken with a juicy interior and crispy exterior.

Arrange chicken in the air fryer basket

When arranging chicken in the air fryer basket, it's important to ensure proper air circulation. Place the rotisserie chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. For larger pieces, you may need to reheat in batches.

If you're reheating a whole chicken, it's best to place it directly in the basket. However, if your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cut the chicken into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.

You can also brush the chicken with a little oil or use a cooking spray to encourage crispiness. This step is optional but can help enhance the texture and flavour of your chicken.

Remember to preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes before placing the chicken inside. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from drying out.

Additionally, if your rotisserie chicken is refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before placing it in the air fryer basket. This helps remove the chill and promotes more even reheating.

Reheat for 5 minutes, then flip

Reheating rotisserie chicken in an air fryer is a great way to restore its juiciness and crispiness without drying it out. This method works for both whole chickens and chicken pieces, as well as chicken tenders, wings, and thighs.

To reheat rotisserie chicken in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). If your rotisserie chicken is refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to remove the chill and promote even reheating. You can also brush the chicken with a little oil or use a cooking spray to encourage crispiness.

Now, it's time to place the chicken in the air fryer basket. For larger pieces, you may need to reheat in batches to ensure proper air circulation. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for 5 minutes.

After 5 minutes, it's time to flip the chicken for even reheating. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 2 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking, and adjust the reheating time for thicker pieces.

Once the chicken is adequately reheated, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket and let it rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat.

If you're looking for that extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking. Just be careful not to overcook it.

By following these steps, you can enjoy perfectly reheated rotisserie chicken with a crispy texture and juicy tenderness.

Check internal temperature

Checking the internal temperature of your chicken is crucial to ensure it is cooked thoroughly and safe to eat. The USDA recommends that chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

To check the internal temperature, you can use a meat thermometer or an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, ensuring it does not touch the bone, as this can give an inaccurate reading.

For boneless skinless breasts, cook for 7-16 minutes, depending on the size, and check the internal temperature. For boneless skinless thighs, air fry for 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Bone-in skin-on thighs should be cooked for 24 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through, or until the desired temperature is reached.

It is important to note that air fryer models vary, so adjust cooking times accordingly. Additionally, always wash your hands and utensils after handling raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.

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