Air Fryer Leftover Fried Chicken: How Long Is Too Long?

If you're looking to revitalise leftover fried chicken, an air fryer is the best way to bring back its texture and taste. Reheating fried chicken in an air fryer is easy and quick – it takes less than 10–15 minutes. It will also reheat the pieces of chicken evenly and keep their crispy skin.

To reheat fried chicken in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F/190°C. Optionally, spray or brush the chicken with some olive oil for extra crispiness. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Reheat for 8–10 minutes for larger pieces, flipping halfway through so the chicken reheats evenly. For chicken tenders, reheat for about 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway.

How to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer

Leftover fried chicken can be disappointing, with the crispy coating from the original cooking lost, leaving soft or soggy skin. However, an air fryer can be a great way to reheat fried chicken and bring it back to its former glory.

Preparation

First, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. This will help the chicken heat through more evenly.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C. If you want to, you can spray or brush the chicken with a little oil to help it crisp up. However, this is not necessary, and too much oil may make the chicken greasy.

Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces aren't touching or stacked. This will allow the hot air to circulate and crisp up the coating. Depending on the size of the chicken pieces, you may need to work in batches.

Reheat the chicken for 5-10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces, with smaller pieces needing less time and larger pieces needing more. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer—it should be 165°F/74°C when ready.

Tips

• Avoid reheating fried chicken in the microwave, as this will make the exterior soft and soggy, and may cause uneven heating.
• If you are reheating chicken pieces prone to drying out, such as chicken breast or thighs, be careful not to overcook them.
• Do not reheat the chicken more than once, as this increases the risk of foodborne illness.

How long to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer

Reheating fried chicken in an air fryer is a great way to bring back its texture and taste. It is quick, easy, and ensures even heating. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C. Preheating is essential to ensure that the chicken reheats evenly and retains its crispy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the air fryer is preheating, take your leftover fried chicken out of the refrigerator. If the chicken pieces are stacked on top of each other, separate them to ensure even heating.

Step 3: Optional - Use Cooking Spray

For an extra crispy finish, you can lightly spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil. This step is optional but can enhance crispiness.

Step 4: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece for proper air circulation. Work in batches if your air fryer is small.

Step 5: Reheat the Chicken

Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 375°F/190°C. The time will depend on the size of the pieces:

• For larger pieces, such as chicken breasts or thighs, reheat for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• For chicken tenders, reheat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway.
• For chicken wings, reheat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 6: Check the Temperature

Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F/74°C when perfectly cooked. If it is not there yet, continue reheating in 1-2 minute intervals.

Step 7: Remove and Serve

Once the chicken is heated through and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute before serving.

Tips:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Reheat in batches if necessary to maintain crispiness and ensure even heating.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your chicken is thoroughly reheated.
• Customize with seasonings: sprinkle your chicken with your favorite seasonings or spices before reheating for extra flavor.
• Serve with dipping sauces: fried chicken pairs well with various sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or hot sauce.

How to make fried chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
• Buttermilk
• Cornstarch
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Flour (all-purpose or wheat)
• Olive oil spray
• Spices (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika)

Method

• Prepare the marinade by adding spices, buttermilk, and chicken to a large bowl. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to thicken.
• In a separate bowl, prepare the flour mixture by whisking together the ingredients for the breading.
• Using tongs, remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, quickly dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
• Generously spray the chicken with cooking spray and place them in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket.
• Air fry at 180C/350F for 15 minutes, then flip the chicken, spray again with cooking spray, and cook for another 5-10 minutes. The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165F.
• For chicken tenders or wings, reheat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. For larger pieces of chicken, reheat for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• To ensure the chicken is crispy, let it rest on a plate for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• Pat the chicken dry before coating it with the marinade and breading mixture to ensure it is extra crispy and juicy.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if needed.
• The chicken should be golden brown throughout the cooking process. If there are light pockets of colour, spray a little more oil over it.
• Add cornstarch as needed – if you add too much, the coating will be too thick.
• Don't microwave leftover fried chicken, as this will make it soggy. Instead, reheat in the air fryer or a preheated oven.

How to store leftover fried chicken

When it comes to storing leftover fried chicken, there are several methods you can use to keep it crispy and delicious. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your fried chicken remains tasty:

Cooling the Chicken:

Firstly, it is important to let the fried chicken cool down completely before storing it. Leaving hot chicken to cool in the refrigerator can cause condensation, making the crispy coating soggy. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for around 15-20 minutes to cool.

Choosing the Right Container:

Opt for an airtight container, such as a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. These containers prevent air from reaching the chicken, which can cause it to become soggy. If you don't have an airtight container, you can tightly wrap the chicken in aluminum foil.

Using Paper Towels:

Place a layer of paper towels in the bottom of your container, and then add another layer on top of the chicken once it's placed inside. Paper towels absorb excess moisture, keeping the chicken crisp. They also act as a barrier between the chicken and the container, preventing it from sticking and getting soft.

Avoiding Overcrowding:

When packing the chicken, avoid overcrowding the container. Leave space between the pieces to maintain crispness. If the pieces touch or stack, they can become damp and lose their crunch.

Storing Sauce Separately:

If your fried chicken is served with a sauce or gravy, be sure to store the sauce separately. Keeping the sauce separate prevents it from saturating the coating, helping it stay crispy for longer.

Refrigerating Promptly:

Once the chicken has cooled and is packed with paper towels in an airtight container, it's time to refrigerate. The refrigerator's low temperature will maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Consume the leftover fried chicken within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.

Alternative Storage Methods:

While airtight containers are the traditional method, there are alternative storage options:

• Paper Bag Method: Store the cooled chicken in a paper bag, which allows for airflow and prevents moisture build-up. However, this method is best for short-term storage, as the chicken can dry out over time.
• Baking Rack Method: Place a cooling or baking rack on a baking sheet, and then arrange the chicken pieces on the rack. This allows any excess moisture to drip onto the sheet, keeping the chicken crispy. You can loosely cover the chicken with foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Method: For longer storage, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in airtight freezer bags. Frozen fried chicken can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator and then reheated in an oven or toaster oven to restore crispness.

Reheating Fried Chicken:

To reheat your leftover fried chicken and maintain its crispiness, avoid using a microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy. Instead, use a conventional oven or toaster oven. Preheat the oven to around 375°F (190°C), and warm the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Another option is to re-fry the chicken in hot oil for a few minutes on each side until the coating becomes crispy again, but this should be done sparingly to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.

Now you're equipped with the knowledge to store and reheat leftover fried chicken like a pro! Enjoy your crispy and tasty fried chicken treats.

How to make leftover fried chicken crispy

There are several ways to reheat leftover fried chicken to make it crispy again. The best option is to use an air fryer, which can make your chicken crispy in under 10 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F/190°C. This will prevent extra moisture from getting into your chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Take your leftover fried chicken out of the fridge and let it come up to room temperature. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a lot of chicken, you may need to work in batches.

Step 3: Add Oil (Optional)

Spraying or brushing the chicken with a small amount of olive oil can make it crispier.

Step 4: Reheat the Chicken

Place the chicken in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes for tenders or wings, or 8-10 minutes for larger pieces. Flip the chicken halfway through so that it reheats evenly. Check that the chicken is fully reheated by using a meat thermometer—it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Other Options

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also reheat fried chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C and place the chicken on a wire rack inside a baking sheet. Bake for around 15 minutes, or until the skin is hot and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat fried chicken in a pan. Add oil to a cast iron skillet to a depth of 1-1.5 inches and heat the oil to 350°F. Fry the chicken for around 8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

Frequently asked questions