Reheating Sesame Chicken: Air Fryer Time

Sesame chicken is a mouth-watering dish that often results in leftovers. The good news is that you can easily reheat sesame chicken and enjoy it the next day. There are several methods to reheat sesame chicken, including the oven, stovetop, microwave, grill, toaster oven, and air fryer.

This text will focus on reheating sesame chicken in an air fryer.

Air fryer temperature and time

To reheat sesame chicken in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F (180-200°C). Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out and not overcrowded. If your chicken is frozen, you can place it directly into the air fryer; otherwise, it is recommended to cover the chicken with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for 4-7 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the chicken halfway through. Check the chicken towards the end to avoid burning. If you are reheating a large batch, repeat the process until all the chicken is heated through.

For frozen sesame chicken, it is recommended to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Alternatively, you can defrost it in the microwave on low heat. Once thawed, follow the same process as above to reheat in the air fryer.

The time and temperature settings may vary slightly depending on the quantity of chicken and the specific air fryer model. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your air fryer and adjust the settings as needed.

Air fryer basket preparation

Step 1: Separate the Chicken and Sauce

Before storing your leftover sesame chicken, separate the chicken pieces from the sauce. Storing them together will saturate the chicken, making it soggy. Place the sauce in a small container and set it aside. This way, you can focus on reheating the chicken to crispy perfection and then add the sauce towards the end to warm it up.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Do not preheat the air fryer with the basket inside, especially if you are using parchment paper. This could pose a fire hazard. Only place the basket inside the air fryer once it has reached the desired temperature.

Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent the chicken from sticking. Be cautious when using aluminum foil, as it can be a fire hazard. Spray the basket or chicken pieces with a light coating of oil to further prevent sticking and promote crispiness.

Step 4: Arrange the Chicken in the Basket

Place your sesame chicken pieces into the prepared air fryer basket. Ensure that the chicken pieces are spread out evenly and are not overcrowded. Overcrowding the basket will result in uneven cooking and prevent the chicken from crisping up properly.

Step 5: Heat the Chicken

With the air fryer preheated to 400°F, place the basket inside and heat the chicken for 4-5 minutes. For larger batches, you may need to cook the chicken in shifts to ensure even heating. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure consistent results.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

After 4-5 minutes, check on your sesame chicken. It should be hot and crispy. If needed, return the basket to the air fryer for an additional minute or two. Keep a close eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking or burning.

Step 7: Warm the Sauce

While the chicken is reheating, warm the sauce. You can do this by microwaving it in a microwave-safe container or heating it on the stovetop. Ensure the sauce is warmed through before removing it from the heat.

Step 8: Combine and Serve

Once your chicken is hot and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and toss it with the warmed sauce. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side as a dipping option. Enjoy your delicious, crispy sesame chicken!

Preparing your air fryer basket properly is essential for achieving the best results when reheating sesame chicken. By following these steps, you can enjoy crispy, tasty sesame chicken that tastes almost as good as when it was fresh!

Air fryer alternatives

Air fryers are great for reheating food and cooking without oil, but they do have their downsides. They can be bulky, and the basket used to cook food is often relatively small. If you're looking for alternatives to an air fryer, here are some options:

Oven

Many electric ovens have a convection setting, which uses a fan to blow hot air around and create the super-crisp effect of frying. This mimics the air fryer's functionality, and you have the added benefit of a larger capacity.

Toaster Oven

A toaster oven with a convection setting is a great alternative, especially for those with smaller kitchens or limited counter space. It's a multipurpose appliance that can be used for toasting, air frying, and even cooking a meal for one.

Stovetop

Reheating sesame chicken on a stovetop is another option. You'll need a large pan or wok, a small amount of oil, and moderate heat. This method is more effective than using a microwave and helps maintain the texture of the chicken.

Grill

You can also reheat sesame chicken on a grill, but it will take around 15 minutes and carries a higher risk of burning the food.

Microwave

The microwave is the quickest option, but it can be tricky to get the best results. Place the chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap, leaving one corner open for ventilation, and heat in short intervals until warmed through.

Steam

Steaming is a healthy option for reheating sesame chicken. It ensures even heating and helps retain moisture.

In summary, while air fryers are convenient, there are several alternative appliances you can use to reheat and cook food with similar, if not better, results.

Air fryer vs other methods

Reheating sesame chicken in an air fryer is a great way to make the chicken crispy again. The high heat of the air fryer means that no extra oil is needed to get the chicken crispy. However, there are several other methods for reheating sesame chicken, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Air Fryer vs. Microwave

The microwave is the quickest method for reheating sesame chicken. It is also convenient and easy. However, the microwave may offer disappointing results, as the chicken can become soggy and lose its crispiness. The chicken may also dry out. To avoid this, it is recommended to cover the bowl of sesame chicken with a paper towel while microwaving. It is also important to stir the chicken while microwaving to ensure even heating.

Air Fryer vs. Oven

Reheating sesame chicken in the oven is another popular method. This method is relatively fast and offers great results. The oven can make the chicken crispy again, especially if foil is used to cover the chicken during the first part of the heating process. However, the oven method is slower than the air fryer and microwave methods.

Air Fryer vs. Stovetop

Reheating sesame chicken on the stovetop is a straightforward process that yields a delicious end result. This method allows the chicken to crisp up again without drying out. However, it requires the use of a pan or wok, which will need to be washed afterward.

Air Fryer vs. Grill

Sesame chicken can also be reheated on a grill, but this method increases the risk of the chicken getting burnt. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid reheating sesame chicken on a grill if other options are available.

Air fryer safety

Air fryers are a great, healthier alternative to deep fat fryers, but there are still some safety considerations to keep in mind when using one.

Firstly, always read the instruction manual carefully and keep it in a safe place for future reference. Check the appliance for any damage before each use, and do not use it if there are any issues. Make sure your air fryer has a British or European safety mark, and always unplug it when it's not in use.

Air fryers can get very hot, so it's important to use oven gloves when handling them, and to keep them away from flammable materials. They should be placed on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface, and you should avoid using an extension cable to power them. Instead, plug them directly into a power socket.

When cooking with an air fryer, avoid overfilling the basket or tray, as this can impede proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking. Always follow the recommended maximum capacity guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Do not cook food wrapped in foil, as this can also block airflow and cause undercooked or unevenly cooked food.

It's important to thoroughly clean your air fryer after each use, as food left in the tray could burn and cause a fire next time you use it. Additionally, there is a risk of food contamination if the appliance is not cleaned properly. Always wait for the air fryer to cool down fully before cleaning it, and be sure to clean the inside thoroughly, as some foods can get stuck to the inside.

Finally, always ensure your food is cooked at the correct temperature and for the correct length of time, to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Frequently asked questions