Air Fryer Orange Chicken: Reheating Time

If you're looking to reheat orange chicken in an air fryer, there are a few steps you should follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, always preheat your air fryer, and separate the chicken from the sauce to avoid sogginess. Then, place the chicken in the air fryer basket, setting the temperature to 350-400°F for 3-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For an extra crispy finish, spray the chicken with oil. Finally, toss the chicken in the sauce and serve!

Preheat the air fryer to 350–400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of reheating orange chicken. By preheating, you help ensure that your chicken will have the best crispy texture.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and allow it to heat up to the desired temperature. In this case, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. This temperature range is ideal for reheating foods like orange chicken, as it will help to crisp up the exterior without drying out the interior.

Depending on your air fryer model, preheating can take anywhere from a few minutes to around 10 minutes. It's a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can proceed with placing your orange chicken inside and following the remaining reheating steps. This will help ensure that your orange chicken turns out crispy and delicious!

Separate the chicken from the sauce

When reheating orange chicken in an air fryer, it is important to separate the chicken from the sauce. This is because storing the chicken in the sauce will saturate it, and you want to avoid this as much as possible.

To separate the chicken from the sauce, you can use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken pieces from the sauce and place them in a container. Make sure to get as much of the sauce off the chicken as possible. You can also use a strainer to separate the chicken from the sauce. Another option is to pour the sauce and chicken into a strainer and then transfer the chicken to a container.

Once you have separated the chicken from the sauce, you can store them separately. Put the sauce in a small container and place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to reheat it. As for the chicken, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator as well.

When you are ready to reheat your orange chicken, take the chicken out of the refrigerator and place it in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and heat the chicken for 6-8 minutes or until it is warmed through and crispy. For the sauce, you can heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it is warmed through.

By separating the chicken from the sauce before reheating, you ensure that the chicken stays crispy and that the sauce does not become soggy. This method also allows you to control the amount of sauce you add to the chicken, so you can adjust it to your preference.

Spray the air fryer basket with oil

Spraying the air fryer basket with oil is an important step in reheating orange chicken. It helps to prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket and ensures that the chicken cooks evenly.

There are a few things to keep in mind when spraying the basket with oil. First, make sure that you use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or another cooking oil spray. Olive oil, for example, is not recommended due to its low burning point and flavour profile. Additionally, be generous with the amount of oil you use. This will help to ensure that the chicken doesn't stick and that the potato starch coating cooks properly, resulting in a crispy texture.

When arranging the chicken pieces in the basket, leave a little space between them. This helps the heat circulate and ensures even cooking. After placing the chicken in the basket, spray the tops of the chicken pieces with oil. This will help the potato starch coating cook nicely and prevent the chicken from drying out.

Once the chicken is done cooking on one side, flip the pieces over and spray the other side with oil. This will ensure that both sides of the chicken are crispy and golden brown.

Place the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–10 minutes

When reheating orange chicken in an air fryer, it's important to place the chicken in a single layer to ensure even heating. This will help you achieve that desirable crispy texture without overcooking the chicken.

• Preheat your air fryer: Always start by preheating your air fryer to achieve the best results. Set it to the desired temperature, usually between 350°F and 400°F.
• Prepare the chicken: Separate the chicken from the sauce if they were stored together. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, you can line the basket with a perforated parchment paper liner or a silicone liner to prevent sticking.
• Spray with oil: Generously spray the chicken pieces with oil to ensure a crispy texture. Don't skimp on the oil, as it is crucial for achieving that crunchy exterior.
• Cook the chicken: Air fry the chicken for 3-10 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces and the desired level of crispiness. For smaller pieces, 3-5 minutes should be sufficient. For larger pieces, aim for 7-10 minutes. Shake the basket or turn the chicken pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
• Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking. The chicken is ready when it is warmed throughout but not soggy. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F.
• Reheat the sauce: While the chicken is cooking, you can reheat the sauce separately. Microwave it or heat it in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
• Combine and serve: Once the chicken and sauce are both heated, combine them in a bowl and toss gently to coat the chicken pieces evenly. Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Remember, the key to successful reheating is to avoid overcrowding the air fryer and to keep a close eye on your food to prevent overcooking. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful orange chicken!

Reheat the sauce separately

Reheating orange chicken in an air fryer is a great way to get that crispy finish. However, if you've stored your orange chicken with the sauce, it's best to separate them before reheating to prevent the chicken from getting soggy.

To reheat the sauce, simply heat it in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or orange juice to thin it out.

If you want to keep the sauce separate from the chicken, place the chicken in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispness.

Alternatively, you can place the chicken on a pan or aluminium foil in the air fryer to help with sticking and cleanup. Reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.

Remember, the key to reheating orange chicken is to ensure it's crispy without overcooking or drying it out.

Frequently asked questions