How to Reheat Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer: The Best Way

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Reheating fried chicken can be a tricky endeavour and one that is not done properly can make you very ill! 

You want it to maintain its crispy skin while ensuring the inside is heated through without drying out. If you’ve ever struggled with soggy chicken or unevenly reheated leftovers, you’re not alone. For many of us, we usually reheat on the hob or in the oven however did you know that this air fryer method is widely regarded as the best way to reheat fried chicken, delivering crunchy, hot results that taste almost as good as fresh? Plus, if you follow it properly, you can have reheated chicken, that is cooked through and evenly!

Here’s everything you need to know to achieve the best results when you reheat fried chicken.

Why Choose an Air Fryer?

The air fryer is a great way to reheat fried chicken because it replicates the dry heat of a deep fryer without requiring additional oil. This method is particularly effective for maintaining the texture of your leftover fried chicken, preventing it from becoming soggy while ensuring it reheats evenly.

Different ways of reheating chicken, like using a microwave, often result in rubbery or soggy chicken. While the traditional oven can produce better results, it requires more time and effort than an air fryer and let’s face it the cost of running the air fryer is so much cheaper these days. The air fryer method is quicker, cleaner, and produces crispy, reheated fried chicken in just minutes.

Preparing Your Leftover Fried Chicken for Reheating

If this is your first time using an air fryer to reheat your chicken, here are a few steps you should follow to ensure the best results:

1. Bring Chicken to Room Temperature: Take your leftover chicken out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes. This step helps the chicken heat evenly and prevents overcooking the outside while the inside remains cold.
2. Check the Pieces: Examine your leftover chicken to identify bigger pieces, such as chicken breast or chicken thighs, and smaller pieces, such as chicken wings or tenders. Smaller pieces will reheat faster than larger ones, so it’s a good idea to group them accordingly.
3. Prepare Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This is the ideal temperature for reheating fried chicken without drying it out or burning the coating. This will all depend on your air fryer though and you may find that you need to make adjustments to the timing and temperature when air frying.

The Best Way to Reheat Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer

Step 1: Arrange Chicken in a Single Layer

Place your pieces of chicken in the air fryer basket or on a wire rack, ensuring they are in a single layer. Avoid stacking or crowding the basket, as this can prevent proper air circulation and result in uneven heating. If you have a lot of chicken leftovers, reheat them in batches for the best results. With our Ninja Foodi, we can cook in two air fryer baskets at once, so it will depend on your air fryer model and the size of your chicken cuts.

​If you do have to do it in batches, it is better to cook similar-sized pieces at the same time for consistency.

Step 2: Adjust Cooking Time Based on Size

The cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken pieces you’re reheating:

• Smaller pieces like chicken wings or tenders typically take 4–6 minutes.
• Larger pieces like chicken breast or thighs may require 6–8 minutes.

Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and use tongs to flip the pieces over to ensure even crispiness on all sides.

Step 3: Check for Doneness

Use a food thermometer or a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that your chicken is thoroughly reheated and safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s hot and steamy in the centre. As mentioned before, it is so important to make sure you are cooked through thoroughly to avoid making yourself poorly.

Tips for Reheating Different Types of Chicken

1. Chicken Wings: These smaller pieces reheat quickly and remain crispy in the air fryer. For best results, keep an eye on them during reheating to avoid overcooking.
2. Chicken Breast: As a larger piece, chicken breast takes longer to reheat. Consider slicing it into smaller pieces before reheating for quicker, more even results. Chicken breast can dry out really quickly so it is worth cooking at a lower heat for longer.
3. Chicken Tenders: These are usually smaller and cook quickly, making them perfect for reheating in an air fryer.
4. Larger Pieces: Thighs and drumsticks may need a little extra time to heat through properly. Flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even reheating.

Storing Leftover Fried Chicken

Proper storage of your leftover fried chicken is crucial for maintaining its quality when reheating. Place your chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. If you plan to reheat it the next day, ensure the chicken is stored without extra moisture to avoid fogginess. Once you have reheated your chicken, it needs to be eaten and not cooled and stored again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Basket: Too much chicken in the air fryer basket can lead to soggy chicken and uneven reheating. Always arrange the chicken in a single layer for the best results.
2. Skipping Preheating: Preheating the air fryer ensures consistent heat and helps maintain the crispy texture of your chicken.
3. Not Flipping the Chicken: Flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process guarantees even reheating on all sides.
4. Reheating Too Long: Overcooking can dry out the chicken and ruin its texture. Keep a close eye on the cooking time and check the chicken frequently.
5. Not bringing the chicken to room temperature: Allowing the chicken to come to room temperature before reheating ensures that the chicken heats evenly without overcooking the coating. Skipping this step may result in uneven reheating or dry meat.

Why the Air Fryer Is the Best Option

Compared to other reheating methods, the air fryer provides a unique combination of speed and quality. The circulating hot air ensures even heating, while the dry environment keeps the coating crispy. Whether you’re reheating chicken wings, chicken tenders, or larger pieces like chicken breast, the air fryer method consistently delivers great results.

Final Thoughts

Reheating fried chicken doesn’t have to be a challenge. The air fryer method is the best way to enjoy leftover fried chicken without sacrificing its crispy texture and juicy interior. Following these simple tips and guidelines, you can turn your chicken leftovers into a delicious meal that tastes freshly made.

So, the next time you’re wondering how to bring your leftover chicken back to life, grab your air fryer and enjoy perfectly reheated fried chicken every time.