Air Fryer Wing Warm-Up: Time And Temperature Guide

Chicken wings are a popular snack, but what happens when you have leftovers? Reheating them in an air fryer is a great way to keep the outside crispy and the inside tender and moist. It's also a quick and easy method that creates little to no mess.

To reheat chicken wings in an air fryer, first, take them out of the fridge so they can reach room temperature. Preheat the air fryer to between 350°F and 375°F. Spritz the wings with cooking spray and place them in the basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each wing. Reheat for up to 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to reheat wings in an air fryer from frozen

Preparation

If you're planning to reheat frozen wings in an air fryer, it's important to let them thaw first. Take them out of the freezer and let them sit in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before reheating.

Air Fryer Settings

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C). While the air fryer is preheating, remove the wings from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature to take off the chill.

Cooking

Line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Once the air fryer is preheated, place the wings in a single layer on the lined basket. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to ensure even cooking.

Cook the wings for 2-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.

Tips

• If your wings have a lot of sauce on them, add a bit of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent excess smoke.
• Brush the wings with olive oil or a neutral cooking oil before cooking to keep them moist and prevent drying.
• If you're reheating whole chicken wings, add an extra 2 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they heat through completely.
• Don't overcook the wings, as this will dry them out.
• Reheat only as many wings as you plan to consume, as they won't taste as good if reheated multiple times.

Sauces and Dips

You can serve your reheated wings with various sauces and dips, such as ranch, blue cheese, buffalo sauce, or honey sriracha sauce.

How to reheat sauced wings in an air fryer

Reheating chicken wings in an air fryer is a great way to get crispy skin and tender meat. It's fast, easy, and the wings taste just like they did the first time you cooked them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat sauced chicken wings in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

Remove the wings from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature while you preheat the air fryer. This helps the wings heat evenly.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C). It is important to preheat the air fryer to prevent overcooking and drying out the wings.

Step 3: Line the Air Fryer Basket

Line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier and helps to catch any dripping sauce, reducing smoke.

Step 4: Place the Wings in the Air Fryer

Place the sauced chicken wings in a single layer on the lined air fryer basket. Make sure the wings are not overlapping or touching, as this can affect even cooking. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

Step 5: Reheat the Wings

Reheat the sauced chicken wings for 4 to 5 minutes at 350°F (177°C). The exact time may vary depending on the size and power of your air fryer, so keep an eye on the wings to prevent overcooking.

Step 6: Check the Temperature (Optional)

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. For food safety, chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the wings are thoroughly heated, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and tender sauced chicken wings!

Tips:

• If you don't have foil or parchment paper, you can use a small air fryer pan to prevent the sauce from dripping and make cleanup easier.
• You can also place the wings on tin foil or parchment paper rounds with small amounts of sauce to help keep the mess to a minimum.
• If the wings don't seem crispy enough, give them a spritz of oil while they're in the air fryer.
• Store leftover chicken wings in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How to avoid drying out wings in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken wings, but it can be tricky to get them just right. Here are some tips to help you avoid drying out your wings:

• Don't overcook the wings. This is the most common mistake people make when cooking wings in an air fryer. Set a timer and keep an eye on them so they don't dry out.
• Preheat your air fryer. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. Remove them from the air fryer when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure the wings are in a single layer and not touching each other. This will allow air to circulate properly and prevent overcooking.
• Spray the wings with a spritz of oil before cooking. This will help keep them moist and tender.
• If you're reheating leftover wings, don't cook them for too long. Just a few minutes in the air fryer should be enough to warm them through without drying them out.
• Add a small drizzle of honey to the wings before reheating. This will help them caramelize and stay moist.
• If your wings are sauced, use a small air fryer pan, tin foil, or parchment paper to catch any dripping sauce and prevent smoke.
• Line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Don't put any liquids inside the air fryer. This will help prevent smoke and ensure even cooking.
• If your wings are frozen, defrost them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
• Pat the wings dry before cooking. This will help them get crispy.
• If you're cooking a large batch of wings, cook them in multiple batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking.
• If your air fryer has a basket or elevated grill surface, flip the wings halfway through cooking for even browning.

How to store leftover wings for reheating

If you want to eat your leftover chicken wings the next day or later in the week, it's best to store them in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for 3-5 days. Alternatively, you can store them in the freezer for up to three months in a regular freezer or up to a year in a deep freezer.

When you're ready to reheat your wings, there are several methods you can use, including the oven, air fryer, stovetop, or microwave.

Reheating Wings in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the wings from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Place the wings on a baking sheet in a single layer, leaving about an inch between each wing. Bake for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the wing reads 165°F.

Reheating Wings in the Air Fryer

Take your leftover wings out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Spritz the wings with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space for the hot air to circulate. Reheat for up to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Reheating Wings on the Stovetop

Let the wings sit out for about 15 minutes to reach room temperature. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a large skillet and heat on high. Add the wings to the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes, turning them halfway through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before removing them from the pan.

Reheating Wings in the Microwave

Line a microwave-safe plate with a damp paper towel. Place the wings on the plate and cover them with another damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the wings.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your wings are thoroughly heated without overcooking.
• For sauced wings, use a small air fryer pan, tin foil, or parchment paper to avoid a mess and help keep the wings moist.
• Always bring your wings to room temperature before reheating to ensure even cooking.
• If your wings are overlapped or touching in the air fryer, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• For crispy skin, preheat your air fryer before adding the wings and consider spraying them with a light coating of oil.

How to reheat wings without an air fryer

While an air fryer is a great way to reheat wings, getting them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it is not the only way. Here are some other methods to reheat your wings to perfection.

Reheating Wings in the Oven

If you don't have an air fryer, using the oven is the next best thing. However, instead of baking, you should use the broil option. Lay the wings out on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer. Place the baking sheet on a rack near the top of the oven. Keep a close eye on them, as they will cook quickly and may burn. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, flipping them halfway through.

Reheating Wings in a Frying Pan

A cast-iron skillet is also a good option for reheating and crisping up your chicken wings. Add a tablespoon of oil to the pan and fry the wings. If the wings are not heated through, finish them off in the oven at 177°C (350°F) for 5 minutes or less.

Reheating Wings in the Microwave

Although this method is not recommended, as wings tend to lose their crispiness, it can be done if you are in a hurry. Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to overheat, as this will dry out the wings.

Tips for Reheating Wings

• If your wings are sauced, pan-frying may be a better option, as it will help the meat stay in its sauce. Use cooking spray to coat the wings before frying for about 5 minutes.
• Add oil to the pan to help the wings retain a crispy texture.
• If you are worried about the wings drying out, spritz them with water before putting them in the oven.
• Always ensure your wings are thoroughly heated through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the wings has reached 74°C (165°F).

Frequently asked questions