Make Fried Chicken Crispy Again: Air Fryer Tricks

There are many ways to make fried chicken crispy again, but using an air fryer is one of the most effective methods. Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, as they require little to no oil, and they produce a similar texture and taste. To get the best results, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer, use an oil spray, and ensure that the chicken is in a single layer. The ideal temperature for cooking fried chicken in an air fryer is between 350°F and 390°F, and the cooking time is usually around 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

Reheating fried chicken in an air fryer

If you're looking to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get that crispy, juicy texture and flavour once again. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you out:

Temperature and Timing:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the right temperature. Most sources recommend a temperature between 360-390 degrees Fahrenheit for reheating fried chicken. However, one source suggests a lower temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid burning the exterior.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the fried chicken inside and reheat for around 7 to 10 minutes. One source recommends cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Keep a close eye on the chicken to ensure it doesn't burn.

Oil:

Using oil is essential to getting that crispy texture back. Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, lightly coat or spray both sides of the chicken with oil. This will help to crisp up the breading and ensure it doesn't burn. You can also spray any dry spots of flour with oil during the reheating process.

Other Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Ensure there is enough space between the pieces of chicken for the hot air to circulate.
• If you're reheating a large quantity of chicken, cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check if the chicken is reheated thoroughly. It should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Avoid using the microwave to reheat fried chicken, as it will make the breading soggy.

By following these instructions and tips, you'll be able to enjoy your leftover fried chicken with that crispy, juicy texture and flavour once again!

Using olive oil spray to make fried chicken crispy again

Olive oil spray is an essential ingredient when making fried chicken in an air fryer. It helps to "fry" any leftover coating on the chicken that hasn't been cooked through.

How to Use Olive Oil Spray to Make Fried Chicken Crispy Again

Firstly, it's important to note that you should always spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray before placing the chicken inside. This will help to crisp up the skin.

Once you've placed your chicken in the air fryer, you should spray the chicken coating with olive oil spray halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure that the coating becomes crispy and golden brown.

If you notice that there are still some areas of the chicken that are white and floury, you should spray those areas with olive oil. This is a crucial step in achieving the crispiest fried chicken, as any parts of the chicken that haven't been coated with oil will stay white and floury.

Tips for Using Olive Oil Spray

• Be generous with the olive oil spray. It's important to cover all the flour on the chicken with oil, otherwise, it will stay white and floury.
• If you're using a thicker batter, you may need to add a little more olive oil spray to prevent it from burning.
• If you notice any dry flour spots on the chicken during the air frying process, spray those spots with oil to prevent them from burning.

When air frying food with a coating, it's important to completely cover the batter with olive oil spray. This will help to create a crispy texture and prevent the food from drying out.

Other Tips for Making Crispy Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer

• Use bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs and legs for the most flavor.
• Marinate the chicken in buttermilk to help the flour mixture stick and to add flavor.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave enough space between the chicken pieces to allow air to circulate.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
• Don't stack the chicken when storing leftovers, as this will pull off the coating.

Marinating chicken in buttermilk

To prepare the buttermilk marinade, simply combine buttermilk with spices such as salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a large bowl. You can also add a little hot sauce to the buttermilk for some extra heat. Place the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated, and let them soak.

After marinating, remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, proceed to coat the chicken with flour or breadcrumbs, as per your preferred recipe. This double dredging technique ensures a crispy and flavourful coating that will not fall off during cooking.

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own by combining milk with lemon juice or vinegar. Alternatively, you can use plain yoghurt mixed with milk as a substitute.

Dredging chicken in flour

Before dredging the chicken in flour, it is recommended to marinate the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and spices such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This helps the flour adhere better to the chicken and adds flavour. You can also add hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture for some extra heat. The chicken can be marinated for as little as 10 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

For the flour mixture, combine all-purpose flour with your desired spices and seasonings. You can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like Old Bay, cajun seasoning, or paprika. Make sure to season the flour well. You can also use gluten-free flour if needed.

When you're ready to dredge the chicken, use tongs to dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture. Make sure to coat both sides of the chicken evenly and thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour before placing the chicken on a baking sheet or wire rack to rest while you preheat the air fryer.

Some recipes suggest double-dipping the chicken in the flour mixture for a thicker coating. If you do this, be aware that the flour may not fully hydrate in the air fryer, so you'll need to spray any dry spots with oil during the cooking process to ensure even crisping.

Finally, don't overcrowd the air fryer. Cook the chicken in batches if needed, leaving enough space between the pieces for air to circulate. This will help ensure even cooking and crisping.

Air frying chicken at 360 degrees Fahrenheit

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat dry the chicken pieces with paper towels. You can use either bone-in or boneless chicken, but it's recommended to use skin-on chicken for a crispier crust. You can use a variety of chicken cuts, such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts.

Step 2: Brine the Chicken (Optional)

Brining the chicken is optional but recommended for juicier and more flavourful results. You can use a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling salt directly on the meat). For a dry brine, sprinkle kosher salt on all sides of the chicken and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 3: Make the Breading

In one bowl, prepare the breading mixture by combining flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add in other spices like cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning for extra heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs until well combined.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the buttermilk mixture, and finally, roll it back into the flour mixture, ensuring the chicken is completely coated. Set the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet and let them sit for about 10 minutes to let the breading dry.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and to help the crust crisp up quickly. Most air fryers have a preheat function, but if yours doesn't, simply turn it on and let it run for a few minutes before adding the chicken.

Step 6: Spray the Chicken with Oil

Generously spray or brush all sides of the breaded chicken pieces with olive oil or cooking spray. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy, golden coating. Make sure to coat the chicken entirely, as any missed parts may stay white and floury.

Step 7: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the chicken from getting crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Step 8: Air Fry the Chicken

Air fry the chicken at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes. Then, carefully flip the chicken pieces over and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and serve it fresh and hot. You can pair it with mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, or your favourite sides.

By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, crispy, and juicy air-fried chicken cooked at 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frequently asked questions