Reheating Chicken Parm: Air Fryer Time And Tips

Chicken parm is a delicious Italian-American dish, but it's not always easy to get it right. If you're reheating chicken parm in an air fryer, you'll want to make sure you're doing it properly to avoid drying out or overcooking the meat. The good news is that it's a quick and easy process that will have your chicken parm tasting as good as new in no time!

Preheat settings

Depending on the model of your air fryer, you may have the option to set a specific temperature for preheating, or you may need to select a general setting such as "Air Fry" or "Reheat." If your air fryer has multiple settings, it is best to choose the setting that most closely matches your desired temperature.

It is important to note that the preheat temperature is not the same as the cooking temperature. After preheating, you will need to adjust the temperature to 360°F (180°C) for cooking. This two-step process ensures that your chicken parm is heated evenly and thoroughly without drying out or burning.

The duration of the preheat setting will depend on your air fryer model and the quantity of food you are reheating. A good rule of thumb is to preheat for 3-5 minutes, or until the air fryer reaches the desired temperature of 350°F (175°C).

If you are using an air fryer with a basket, make sure to remove the basket during the preheat step. This will allow the air to circulate more effectively and ensure that your air fryer reaches the desired temperature.

Once the preheat cycle is complete, you can proceed to place your chicken parm in the air fryer basket or rack, being careful not to overcrowd it. Leave enough space between the pieces of chicken to allow for proper air circulation.

By following these preheat settings and instructions, you can ensure that your chicken parm will be warmed through, with a crispy outside and a juicy, tender inside.

Air fryer temperature

When reheating chicken parm in an air fryer, it's important to get the temperature right. This will ensure that your leftovers are heated through while maintaining the crispiness of the breading.

Most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. However, one source suggests a higher temperature of 380°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.

Once preheated, place your chicken parm in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space in between each piece for the air to circulate. If your chicken is thick, it may take longer to cook, which can cause the cheese to burn. To prevent this, wrap the chicken in aluminum foil for the first half of the cooking time.

Reheat for about 6–8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully warmed through, the outside is crispy, and the cheese is melted. The exact time will depend on the thickness and size of your chicken pieces, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.

A meat thermometer can be useful to ensure your chicken parm is heated through. The internal temperature should reach a minimum of 165°F (74°C).

Finally, once heated, remove the chicken from the air fryer using tongs and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Chicken parm placement

To ensure your chicken parm heats through evenly and efficiently, it's important to place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket or rack, leaving enough space in between for the air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

When placing the chicken parm in the air fryer, ensure that the chicken pieces are not overcrowded and have sufficient space to cook evenly. If you are using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

For optimal cooking and even heating, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 350–380 °F (175–180 °C) for 3–5 minutes before placing the chicken inside.

When cooking, the chicken pieces should be arranged in a single layer, with a spacing of about 0.5 inches between them. This ensures even cooking and browning.

If you are cooking a larger batch of chicken parm, it is advisable to cook at a slightly lower temperature, around 325 °F, to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Once the chicken is cooked, you can add the toppings. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto each piece of chicken, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Cooking time

The cooking time for reheating chicken parm in an air fryer depends on the thickness and size of the chicken pieces. For instance, larger pieces of chicken may require a slightly lower temperature to prevent them from drying out.

To reheat chicken parm in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for air to circulate. If the chicken pieces are thick, wrap them in aluminium foil for the first half of the cooking time to prevent the cheese from burning.

Reheat the chicken parm for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully warmed through, the exterior is crispy, and the cheese is melted. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach a minimum of 165°F.

It is important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. Therefore, it is recommended to start with 6 to 8 minutes and adjust the timing as needed.

Serving

Now that your chicken parm is ready, it's time to serve it! Here are some tips and suggestions for serving your delicious creation:

• Chicken parm is a versatile dish that can be served in several ways. You can plate it as-is, or get creative and make it the star of a more elaborate dish.
• For a classic presentation, simply place the chicken parm on a plate and serve it with a side of your choice. This could be a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even a comforting bowl of soup.
• If you're feeling indulgent, serve your chicken parm with a side of spaghetti. The combination of crispy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese pairs perfectly with a hearty helping of pasta.
• For a more casual meal, why not try making chicken parm sandwiches? Slice the chicken parm into pieces and serve them between toasted buns with a side of garlic bread.
• If you're looking for something fun and bite-sized, create chicken parm sliders using small rolls. Your guests will love the convenience and tastiness of these mini sandwiches.
• Chicken parm can also be a great addition to a larger Italian feast. Serve it as part of an antipasto platter, alongside other classics like bruschetta, caprese salad, and fresh crostini.
• Don't forget to garnish your dish! A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and a boost of flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

• If you have leftovers, store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and tasty. Leftover chicken parm can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, you can freeze your chicken parm. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn.
• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen chicken parm, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat it using your preferred method – oven, air fryer, or microwave.
• Reheating chicken parm is a delicate process to ensure it retains its crispy texture and delicious flavor. Avoid reheating it in the microwave, as it can make the breading soggy.
• The oven and air fryer are ideal choices for reheating, as they help maintain the crispy coating. Just be sure to monitor the temperature and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• If you're reheating a large quantity of chicken parm, it's best to do so in smaller portions to ensure even heating.
• Always let the chicken parm rest for a few minutes after reheating. This allows the flavors to blend and the cheese to set, ensuring a more enjoyable dining experience.

Frequently asked questions