Reheating Chicken Thighs: Air Fryer Magic

Reheating chicken in an air fryer is a great way to ensure your leftover chicken stays succulent and juicy, with a crispy texture. This method works for all types of chicken thighs, including skin-on, skinless, bone-in, and boneless. It's also a quick and easy way to reheat chicken, taking less than 10 minutes in most cases. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfect results.

Preheat settings

• Target Temperature: Most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit (190-200 degrees Celsius). This temperature range ensures that your chicken thighs are thoroughly reheated while maintaining their juiciness.
• Preheat Time: Preheat your air fryer for approximately 3-5 minutes. This duration allows the appliance to reach the desired temperature and ensures that your chicken thighs are placed in an optimally heated environment.
• Oil Spray (Optional): Before placing the chicken thighs in the air fryer, you may want to lightly spray or brush them with oil. This step is optional but can help crisp up the skin and enhance the moisture and flavor of the chicken.
• Single Layer Placement: When arranging the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensure they are placed in a single layer with space between each piece. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate evenly around each piece, promoting uniform reheating. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as it can lead to uneven cooking.
• Room Temperature Chicken: For more even reheating, it is recommended to let the chicken thighs sit at room temperature for about 10-30 minutes before placing them in the air fryer. This step helps ensure that the chicken is not too cold when it goes into the preheated air fryer, promoting more consistent heating.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure food safety, it is crucial to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs after reheating. Use a meat thermometer to verify that the thickest part of the chicken has reached a minimum temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). If the chicken hasn't reached this temperature, continue reheating in two-minute intervals until it does.

Chicken preparation

Preparing your chicken before reheating is important to ensure it is cooked thoroughly and safely. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing your chicken thighs for reheating in the air fryer:

Remove Chicken from Fridge:

Take the chicken thighs out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is important as it helps the chicken heat more evenly and promotes a crispier skin.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 350°F to 400°F (175°C) to (200°C). Preheat for about 3-5 minutes to ensure the air fryer is ready for the chicken.

Prepare the Chicken Thighs:

Unwrap the chicken thighs and discard any packaging. If your chicken thighs have skin, you may want to lightly brush or spray them with oil to encourage crispiness. This step is optional but can enhance the texture and taste of the skin.

Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket:

Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded. Leave space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to reheat in batches.

Reheat the Chicken Thighs:

Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to reheat the chicken. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs, but a good starting point is 3-5 minutes for smaller pieces and 8-10 minutes for larger pieces. Flip the chicken thighs halfway through cooking for even heating.

Check the Temperature:

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is thoroughly reheated and safe to consume.

Optional - Increase Temperature for Extra Crispiness:

If you want even crispier chicken skin, you can increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking. However, be careful not to overcook the chicken.

Rest and Serve:

Once the chicken has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender texture. Then, your chicken thighs are ready to be served and enjoyed!

Remember, it is important to follow food safety guidelines when handling and reheating chicken. Always wash your hands and utensils, and avoid reheating chicken more than once to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

Cooking time and temperature

When it comes to cooking time and temperature for reheating chicken thighs in an air fryer, there are a few key considerations. Firstly, preheating the air fryer is essential. Most sources recommend preheating to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes.

The cooking time for the chicken thighs will depend on the size of the pieces and the model of the air fryer. For smaller or thinner pieces, 4 to 6 minutes at 350°F may be sufficient. For larger or thicker pieces, increase the cooking time to 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the chicken thighs halfway through to ensure even cooking. It's important to note that the chicken thighs should not be overcrowded in the air fryer basket, and they may need to be cooked in batches.

To ensure the chicken thighs are cooked through, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F for chicken to be considered safe to consume.

Oil and sauce

Reheating chicken thighs in an air fryer is a great way to ensure your chicken is moist and juicy, with a nice crispy skin. If you're looking to add a little extra crispiness, you can brush or spray the chicken thighs with a small amount of oil before placing them in the air fryer. This is a good option for skin-on chicken thighs.

You can use any oil you like, such as olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. Just a small amount will help the skin crisp up. You can also add a dry rub of spices to the chicken before cooking.

If you're reheating chicken thighs with sauce, it's best to add the sauce towards the end of the cooking time. Brush the sauce onto the chicken thighs about 1-2 minutes before the end of the cooking time. This will help ensure the sauce doesn't burn.

For an extra crispy skin, you can also try sprinkling a pinch of baking powder onto the skin of the chicken thighs before placing them in the air fryer. This will help break down the bonds in the skin, resulting in a crispier texture.

So, to summarise:

• A small amount of oil brushed or sprayed onto the chicken thighs will help add crispiness, especially for skin-on chicken.
• You can use any type of oil you like, such as olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.
• Add sauce towards the end of the cooking time to avoid burning.
• For an extra-crispy skin, try sprinkling a pinch of baking powder onto the skin before cooking.

Meat thermometer usage

Using a meat thermometer is a great way to ensure your chicken thighs are cooked to perfection. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a meat thermometer when reheating chicken thighs in an air fryer:

Step 1: Choose the Right Thermometer

Select a thermometer that is suitable for your air fryer. There are many options available, such as wireless thermometers or instant-read thermometers. Wireless thermometers, like the ChefsTemp Quad XPro or the MeatStick Mini, offer remote monitoring and ensure even cooking. Instant-read thermometers, like the XRB or Kizen thermometers, provide fast and accurate temperature readings.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Thighs

Before using the thermometer, follow the standard procedure for reheating chicken thighs in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 350°F to 380°F (180°C). Remove the chicken thighs from the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each piece for even heating.

Step 3: Insert the Thermometer

After seasoning your meat and preheating your air fryer, insert the probe of the thermometer into the centre of the thickest part of the chicken thigh. Avoid inserting it near the bone. This placement ensures an accurate reading of the internal temperature of the meat.

Step 4: Monitor the Temperature

Depending on your thermometer type, you can monitor the temperature in different ways. Wireless thermometers often have a mobile application or a digital receiver that allows you to track the temperature remotely. Instant-read thermometers provide a quick temperature reading when inserted into the meat. The USDA recommends a temperature of 165°F (74°C) for chicken to be considered safe to consume.

Step 5: Adjust Timing as Needed

Throughout the reheating process, continuously monitor the temperature and adjust the timing as needed. Check the chicken thighs after a few minutes, and consider turning them over to ensure even heating. Remember that the thickness of the chicken pieces and the air fryer model may require slight adjustments to the recommended timing.

Step 6: Final Temperature Check

Before serving the chicken thighs, perform a final temperature check with your thermometer. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. Ensure that the temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee that the chicken is adequately reheated and safe to eat.

Using a meat thermometer is a precise way to ensure your chicken thighs are perfectly reheated and maintain food safety. By following these steps, you can enjoy juicy and crispy chicken thighs without overcooking or undercooking.

Frequently asked questions