Reheating Chicken Parm: Air Fryer To The Rescue!

Chicken Parmesan is a delicious, classic Italian dish that can be easily reheated in an air fryer. This cooking method is a great way to revive leftovers and enjoy them as if they were freshly cooked. By reheating chicken parm in an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy texture and prevent the dish from drying out, making it a convenient and tasty option for a quick meal.

How to reheat chicken parm in an air fryer

Reheating chicken parm in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy your leftovers. It can be reheated in the air fryer in a few simple steps. Here is how to do it:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also set it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, or even 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

Next, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket or rack, leaving enough space between them for the air to circulate. It is important not to overcrowd the basket.

Now, reheat the chicken parm for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For larger pieces of chicken, it is recommended to reheat at a slightly lower temperature, such as 325 degrees Fahrenheit, to prevent them from drying out.

There is no need to flip the chicken when reheating. Just make sure it reaches the desired internal temperature.

Take out your chicken parm and serve hot. Enjoy!

Tips

• If you want to add more cheese to your chicken parm, you can place it in the air fryer for a few minutes after it reaches the desired temperature, to melt the cheese.
• For extra crispy chicken parm, consider making it with thinner chicken breasts. This will also help the chicken cook more evenly.
• If you are making chicken parm specifically to reheat later, try not to douse all the chicken with sauce. This will help it stay crispier after reheating.

The benefits of using an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat chicken parm in an air fryer. Set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and reheat for about four minutes or until it's heated through and crispy.

Now, here are the benefits of using an air fryer:

Healthy way of cooking

Air fryers use minimal oil, cutting back significantly on calories and fat. This makes it a healthier option compared to traditional deep frying, which requires submerging food in oil. With an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy texture without the added oil.

Perfectly juicy and crispy food

Air fryers circulate hot air around your food at high heat, making it golden brown and crispy on the outside while keeping it moist and juicy on the inside. This is achieved without the need for oil frying, as the circulating air cooks the outside of the food first, creating a crispy brown coating and keeping the inside soft.

Quick and easy

Air fryers heat up and cook food much faster than a conventional oven. They are also easy to clean, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Air fryers heat up quickly, so you can have a meal ready in just a few minutes. They don't require preheating, so you can start cooking right away.

Versatile

Air fryers can cook a wide variety of foods, including meats, vegetables, and even desserts. They can be used for frying, baking, grilling, roasting, and heating up leftovers. You can make everything from chicken wings and onion rings to cookies and fruit crisps. Many air fryers also come with additional accessories, such as baking pans or grill grates, that allow you to cook even more types of food.

How to store leftover chicken parm

To store leftover chicken parm, let the chicken cool to room temperature first. Then transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge. When stored properly, chicken parm will last up to 3 to 5 days in the fridge.

If you want to freeze leftover chicken parm, it is recommended to freeze the chicken, sauce, and cheese separately. To do this, bread the chicken and fry it as instructed, let it come to room temperature, then place it on a baking sheet and transfer it to the freezer. Freeze it for a couple of hours until it is completely frozen. Take the chicken out of the freezer and transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. Freeze the sauce in a separate airtight container and the cheese in a freezer bag.

When you are ready to serve, take the frozen chicken out of the freezer and follow the recipe instructions for baking. Place some sauce in a baking dish, place the chicken over the sauce, and top with more sauce and cheese. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes golden brown and crusty.

How to make chicken parm in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Flour (all-purpose)
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs (seasoned)
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella
• Fresh basil (optional)

Method:

• Prepare the chicken breasts by pounding them to a thinner thickness (roughly 1/4-1/2 inch thick). This will ensure even cooking.
• Set up three bowls for dredging: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs.
• Coat each chicken breast with flour, then dredge in the egg, and finally, coat with breadcrumbs.
• Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in an even layer and not overlapping. Spray the basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
• Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes.
• Flip the chicken and add marinara sauce (about 2 tablespoons per breast) and slices of mozzarella on top.
• Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes at 375°F, or until the cheese has melted and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Tips:

• To keep your workstation organised, set up your dredging station before you begin.
• When dredging, try to keep one hand wet and one hand dry to prevent the flour and breadcrumbs from clumping.
• If your chicken breasts are thick, you may need to cook them for slightly longer, and it may help to lightly pound them first to tenderise and flatten them.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.

Storing and Reheating:

• Chicken parm can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, place in the air fryer at 375°F for about 4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Variations:

• You can add some parmesan cheese with the mozzarella for an extra sharp flavour.
• For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
• Chicken parm is versatile and can be served in sandwiches, with pasta, salad, or rice.

How to make chicken parm in an oven

Yes, you can reheat chicken parm in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and reheat the chicken parm for about 4 minutes or until it is heated through and crispy.

Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to make chicken parm in an oven:

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Flour
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella
• Olive oil spray
• Basil (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Prepare your chicken breasts by pounding them to a thinner thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add flour. In the second, beat an egg. In the third, add breadcrumbs.
• Dip each chicken breast first in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs.
• Repeat the process for a double coating of the chicken breasts.
• Place the breaded chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spray the chicken breasts with olive oil spray.
• Bake the chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the oven and top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
• Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
• Garnish with fresh basil (optional).
• Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions