Reheating Chicken Drumsticks: Air Fryer Time

Reheating chicken drumsticks in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy skin without the grease. The circulating hot air in the air fryer cooks food evenly, so your chicken drumsticks will be heated through and retain their moisture. Preheat your air fryer to between 350–400°F and place your chicken drumsticks in the basket in a single layer, giving them space to cook evenly. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, and ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of reheating chicken drumsticks. By preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature, you ensure that your chicken heats evenly and efficiently. The ideal temperature range for reheating chicken drumsticks is 350-400°F (175-200°C).

Preheating your air fryer to this temperature range helps to prevent your chicken from drying out and becoming overcooked. It is also important to ensure that your air fryer is preheated before adding the chicken to achieve the best results.

When reheating chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook them for about 10 minutes at 400°F or for four to six minutes at 350°F. However, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces and the model of your air fryer. Therefore, it is advisable to keep an eye on the chicken during the reheating process and adjust the timing as needed.

In addition to preheating your air fryer, there are a few other tips to keep in mind for optimal results. Firstly, it is best to place the chicken drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they are not overcrowded. This allows hot air to circulate effectively around each piece of chicken. Secondly, you can apply a thin coat of oil or cooking spray to the chicken before reheating, adding moisture and enhancing a crispy texture.

By following these instructions and preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature range, you can enjoy delicious, evenly heated, and crispy chicken drumsticks from the comfort of your home.

Oil the chicken drumsticks

Oil is an important component when reheating chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. The right amount of oil will help to crisp the outside of the chicken and add moisture to the coating.

When using an air fryer, it is best to use a thin coat of oil. You can use olive oil, or any other type of oil you have available. Spraying or brushing the chicken with oil will help to crisp the outside and keep the meat moist.

If you are reheating fried chicken, a light coating of oil will help to reactivate the oil in the breading, making the chicken crispy. This is also true when reheating pizza in an air fryer.

You can also add oil to the chicken in the form of a sauce. Adding sauce to the chicken before placing it in the air fryer will help to add moisture and enhance the flavour.

However, it is important to note that if your chicken has been sitting in sauce, you may want to reheat it without the sauce, as the sauce can make the skin soggy.

Cook for 10-15 minutes

Reheating chicken drumsticks in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy your leftovers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. This will help ensure that the chicken heats evenly and prevent any extra moisture from getting in.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks

Take your refrigerated leftover chicken drumsticks and, if desired, brush them with a thin coat of olive oil, butter, or cooking spray. This will help to crisp the outside, add moisture to the coating, and prevent the chicken from drying out. You can also season or baste the drumsticks with salt and pepper, or your choice of sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Drumsticks

Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This will allow hot air to circulate effectively, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.

Step 4: Check the Temperature and Serve

To ensure your chicken is safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. Once it has reached this temperature, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy chicken drumsticks!

Check the internal temperature

Checking the internal temperature of your chicken drumsticks is an important step in ensuring they are safe to eat. The USDA recommends that chicken should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature kills off harmful bacteria that may be present in the meat.

You can check the internal temperature of your chicken drumsticks by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone, to get an accurate reading. If your chicken is not yet at the desired temperature, you can continue to cook it in the air fryer in small increments until it reaches 165°F (74°C).

It is important to note that chicken should only be reheated once. Reheating chicken multiple times can cause the proteins to break down, making the meat dry and tough. Additionally, bacteria present in the raw chicken can multiply when the meat is heated a second time, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your chicken reaches the desired temperature of 165°F (74°C) during a single reheating session.

Once your chicken drumsticks have reached the desired internal temperature, you can remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in juicy and tender meat. Enjoy your delicious and safely cooked chicken!

Let the chicken rest

If you are cooking chicken drumsticks, it is recommended to lightly tent the drumsticks in aluminium foil for 5 minutes before serving. This will ensure the chicken is extra juicy.

If you are reheating chicken, it is important to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the air fryer. This will allow the chicken to finish cooking and ensure it is safe to eat.

The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F (74°C) when it is fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

It is also important to note that chicken should only be reheated once. Reheating chicken multiple times can lead to dry chicken and increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Frequently asked questions