Reheating Baked Chicken: Air Fryer Time And Tips

Reheating chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to restore its crispiness and juiciness. It is also the best method to reheat fried chicken without making it soggy. To reheat baked chicken in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 350–400°F (175–200°C) for a few minutes. Then, place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces are not crowded. Reheat for around 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. To check if the chicken is ready, insert a thermometer into the thickest part, avoiding the bone. It should read 165°F (74°C) when perfectly cooked.

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F/190°C

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of reheating your baked chicken. By setting the temperature to 375°F/190°C, you create the optimal conditions for achieving that coveted crispy exterior while retaining the juicy goodness inside. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your chicken is reheated evenly and safely:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F/190°C. This temperature setting is crucial as it strikes the perfect balance between crisping up the skin and ensuring the meat is warmed through. Depending on your air fryer model, the preheating time may vary, so it's a good idea to refer to your appliance's instructions.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the air fryer is preheating, it's time to prepare your chicken. Take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This step is important because it helps the chicken heat more evenly. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate effectively, crisping up the skin without overcooking the interior.

Step 3: Reheat the Chicken

Once your air fryer reaches the desired temperature, it's time to pop in the basket with the chicken. Set the timer for about 4 to 6 minutes for smaller pieces, and 8 to 10 minutes for larger pieces like chicken breasts or thighs. Keep in mind that the exact timing may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken and the model of your air fryer, so keep a close eye on it.

Step 4: Monitor and Adjust

During the reheating process, it's crucial to monitor the chicken to prevent it from drying out or overheating. You can turn or flip the pieces halfway through to ensure even heating and crisping on both sides. If needed, you can extend the cooking time by a minute or two to achieve your desired level of crispiness.

Step 5: Check the Internal Temperature

To ensure your chicken is not only hot but also safe to eat, it's important to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C, which indicates that your chicken is adequately reheated and safe for consumption.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Once your chicken reaches the desired temperature and crispiness, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket. Let it rest for a minute or two to cool down slightly before serving. Now you can indulge in your juicy, crispy, and evenly reheated baked chicken!

Remember, while the air fryer is excellent for achieving that crispy texture, it's essential to follow these steps to ensure your chicken is not only delicious but also safely reheated. Enjoy your meal!

Oil the chicken (optional)

Oil is an optional ingredient when reheating baked chicken in an air fryer. If you choose to use oil, lightly brush the chicken with a small amount of oil or use cooking spray. This will enhance the flavour and crispiness of the chicken.

It is important to note that the air fryer cooks food without the need for oil. The circulating hot air in the air fryer will restore the crispiness of the chicken without the use of additional oil.

However, if you prefer your chicken to be extra crispy, applying a thin layer of oil or your favourite sauce can help achieve that desired texture.

Additionally, if you are reheating chicken with bones, it may take longer, so be sure to reheat it for a longer time to ensure it is thoroughly cooked.

Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket

When reheating baked chicken in an air fryer, it's important to arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This ensures that hot air can circulate effectively around each piece of chicken, helping to retain moisture and achieve a crispy texture.

• Preheat your air fryer: Set the temperature to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to warm up for a few minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps prevent the chicken from drying out.
• Prepare the chicken: Place the baked chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not crowded and are arranged in a way that allows adequate airflow around each piece.
• Avoid overlapping: It's important that the chicken pieces do not overlap. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispiness. You may need to work in batches if you have a large quantity of chicken.
• Cooking time: Once the air fryer is preheated, insert the basket with the chicken and set the timer. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, but it typically ranges from 4 to 10 minutes. For example, smaller pieces might take 4-5 minutes, while larger pieces could take up to 8-10 minutes.
• Flip halfway through: To ensure even heating and crispiness on both sides, consider flipping the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking process. This helps prevent the chicken from drying out and ensures a consistent texture.
• Monitor the chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken during the cooking process. You may need to adjust the timing slightly based on your air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken pieces. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is safe to consume.
• Rest and serve: Once the chicken is done, let it rest briefly before serving. Enjoy your crispy and juicy reheated baked chicken!

Reheat for 5-7 minutes

Reheating chicken in an air fryer is a great way to retain its moisture and crispiness. Here is a step-by-step guide to reheat your baked chicken in 5-7 minutes:

Preparation:

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (175-200°C) for a few minutes. This step is optional but ensures even cooking. Remember to handle the air basket with care as it will be hot from preheating.

Cooking:

Place the leftover chicken in the basket, ensuring it is in a single layer with pieces not touching. This is important to allow hot air to circulate and ensure even cooking. Reheat for 5-7 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure all sides are heated.

Serving:

Once the chicken is heated through and crispy, remove it from the air fryer tray. You can place it on a wire rack or paper towel to cool for a minute before serving.

Tips:

• For maximum crispiness, brush the chicken lightly with oil before cooking.
• To check if your chicken is ready, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part. It should read 165°F (74°C) when perfectly cooked.
• Avoid covering the chicken while reheating as this obstructs airflow and can result in soggy chicken.
• Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before reheating for the best results.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.

By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy, and evenly heated baked chicken in just 5-7 minutes using your air fryer!

Check the internal temperature

Checking the internal temperature of your chicken is a crucial step in ensuring it is safe to eat. The USDA recommends that chicken should be heated to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature is considered safe for consumption and helps prevent foodborne illnesses.

To check the internal temperature, you can use an instant-read meat thermometer or an internal read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding any bones, to get an accurate reading. If you are reheating multiple pieces of chicken, it is important to check the temperature of each piece, as they may not heat evenly.

For smaller pieces of chicken, such as tenders or wings, the reheating process is generally shorter, and it is important to monitor the temperature closely to avoid overcooking. Larger pieces, such as chicken breasts or thighs, may require a longer reheating time, and checking the internal temperature will help ensure they are thoroughly heated without drying out.

Additionally, if you are reheating a whole chicken or a rotisserie chicken, the internal temperature reading is crucial. While the outer parts of the chicken may appear done, the thicker or inner parts may still be undercooked. Therefore, it is essential to use a thermometer to check that the chicken has reached the safe minimum temperature throughout.

By following these guidelines and checking the internal temperature, you can ensure that your reheated chicken is not only delicious but also safe to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions