Reheating Chicken Breast: Air Fryer's Got Your Back

Reheating chicken in an air fryer is a great way to retain moisture and keep the skin crispy. It's also quicker than using an oven and produces a better texture than a microwave. To reheat chicken breast in an air fryer, first, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, brush the chicken with a bit of oil or cooking spray to enhance crispiness. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between the pieces for air to circulate. Set the air fryer at 350°F and reheat. Flip the chicken after 6 minutes and continue heating, checking the internal temperature after 10 minutes to avoid overcooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to reheat chicken breast in an air fryer without drying it out

Reheating chicken breast in an air fryer is a great way to retain moisture and keep the meat juicy. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the best results:

Preparation

If your chicken breast is in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to remove some of the chill. This helps it reheat more evenly. However, if your chicken is frozen, it is best to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Temperature and Timing

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). The preheating step is important to ensure even cooking and consistent results.

The reheating time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. Small to medium-sized breasts will take around 4-5 minutes, while larger or extra-large breasts may need 5-6 minutes. For very large or bone-in pieces, you may need up to 15-20 minutes.

It is crucial to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken breast to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C), which is the safe temperature for consuming poultry.

Arranging the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Place the chicken breast in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece for proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven reheating. If you are reheating bigger pieces, you may need to do this in batches.

If your chicken breast is coated with sauce or breadcrumbs, placing it on parchment paper in the air fryer basket can prevent sticking.

Optional: Adding Oil or Seasonings

You can brush the chicken breast with a little bit of oil or use a cooking spray to enhance crispiness and prevent sticking. This step is especially recommended if your chicken has a breaded or crispy coating.

You can also add seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favourite herbs to boost the flavour.

Reheating

Place the chicken in the preheated air fryer and reheat for the recommended time based on the size of your chicken breasts.

For thicker chicken breasts, flip them after about 6 minutes to ensure even heating.

Optional Crisping Step

If you prefer your chicken to be crispier, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking. However, be cautious not to overcook the chicken.

Serving

Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the reheated chicken breast reaches 165°F (74°C). This temperature kills any harmful bacteria.

Enjoy your juicy and tender air-fried chicken breast!

The best temperature to reheat chicken breast in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat chicken breast in an air fryer! This method will ensure your chicken breast retains its moisture and flavour.

If you're looking for some extra crispiness, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking time. However, be careful not to leave the chicken in for too long at this higher temperature, as it could dry out or burn.

Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the best results:

• If your chicken breast is in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to remove some of the chill. This will help it reheat more evenly.
• Brush the chicken breast with a little bit of oil or use a cooking spray to help bring out the crispiness. This step is optional but recommended.
• Place the chicken breast in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece for the air to circulate effectively. If you're reheating bigger pieces, you may need to do this in batches.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the basket with the chicken into the air fryer and set the timer for about 4 to 6 minutes. Note that the timing may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the model of your air fryer.
• After the first few minutes, check the chicken and turn it over to ensure even reheating.
• Start taking the internal temperature of the chicken after 10 minutes to prevent overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's thoroughly reheated and safe to eat, according to USDA guidelines.
• Once the chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and enjoy!

By following these steps, you can enjoy juicy and flavourful chicken breast that tastes like it was just cooked!

How long does it take to reheat chicken breast in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat chicken breast in an air fryer! It's a great way to keep it moist and juicy, and it's quicker than using an oven.

The time it takes to reheat chicken breast in an air fryer depends on a few factors: the thickness of the chicken, the starting temperature, and the model of the air fryer.

• Smaller pieces: 6-10 minutes
• Larger pieces: 10-15 minutes
• Very large or bone-in pieces: 15-20 minutes

For example, small-medium cooked chicken breasts will take 4-5 minutes, while large-extra large cooked chicken breasts will take 5-6 minutes.

It's important to remember that the cooking time will vary, so it's a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's thoroughly reheated and safe to eat, according to USDA guidelines.

If you want your chicken breast to be extra crispy, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking time. However, be careful not to overcook it.

What types of chicken breast can you reheat in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat chicken breast in an air fryer! It's a great way to ensure your meat is moist and tender without drying out. The hot air in the air fryer circulates evenly around the chicken breast, ensuring it is warmed through without drying it out.

You can reheat any type of cooked chicken breast in an air fryer. This includes:

• Air fryer chicken breast
• Air fryer frozen chicken breast
• Baked chicken breast
• Stuffed chicken breast
• Grilled chicken breast
• Instant Pot chicken breast
• Breaded chicken breast
• Chicken schnitzel
• Chicken kiev
• Chicken parmesan
• Chicken cordon bleu
• Chicken tikka
• Chicken piccata
• Chicken marsala
• Chicken milanese
• Chicken fajitas
• Chicken quesadillas
• Chicken taquitos
• Chicken empanadas
• Chicken shawarma
• Chicken stir-fry
• Chicken salad
• Chicken pot pie
• Chicken soup
• Chicken curry
• Chicken chow mein
• Chicken pizza
• Chicken teriyaki
• Chicken orzo
• Chicken rice
• Chicken pasta
• Chicken enchiladas
• Chicken wings
• Chicken thighs
• Chicken drumsticks

How to store reheated chicken breast

Storing reheated chicken breast properly is crucial to maintain its quality and safety.

Cool it down

After reheating the chicken breast, let it cool down to room temperature. It should not be left out for more than 2 hours.

Portion it out

If you have a large batch of reheated chicken breast, consider dividing it into smaller portions. This will make it easier to reheat the amount you need each time and keep the rest safe for later.

Use airtight containers

Transfer the chicken to an airtight container or resealable plastic bags for storage. This will help keep the chicken fresh and prevent contamination.

Label and date

Label the containers with the contents and the date of reheating. This helps you keep track of how long the chicken has been stored, ensuring you consume it within the recommended time frame.

Refrigerate promptly

Place the containers of reheated chicken in the refrigerator within 2 hours of reheating. This is important to maintain food safety and prevent bacterial growth.

Avoid freezing reheated chicken

While you can freeze cooked chicken breast, it is not recommended to freeze it after reheating. Freezing, thawing, and reheating chicken multiple times can negatively impact its texture and taste.

Frequently asked questions