How to Reheat Fried Chicken in Air Fryer: Keep It Crispy and Juicy Every Time

There’s nothing quite like the crispy, golden perfection of fried chicken, but reheating it can be tricky. You want to bring back that crunchy exterior without drying out the tender meat inside. That’s where your air fryer comes to the rescue, transforming leftovers into a meal that tastes freshly made.

Using an air fryer is one of the best ways to revive fried chicken. It’s quick, easy, and keeps the texture just right without the sogginess you might get from a microwave. Whether it’s from last night’s dinner or a takeout order you couldn’t finish, this method will have you savoring every bite again.

Say goodbye to disappointing reheats and hello to crispy, juicy chicken that feels brand new. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying your favorite comfort food all over again, as if it just came out of the fryer.

Why Use An Air Fryer To Reheat Fried Chicken

Using an air fryer to reheat fried chicken ensures you get the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. Unlike microwaves that can leave your chicken soggy or ovens that may take too long, an air fryer recreates that just-cooked texture quickly and efficiently. The convection cooking technology circulates hot air evenly, restoring the crunch you love without needing extra oil. This method is mess-free, fast, and preserves the quality of leftovers like no other reheating option.

When you use an air fryer, you won’t have to worry about dry or burnt chicken. Instead, the air fryer warms it through evenly, keeping the inside moist while reviving the crackly coating on the outside. This makes it the ideal appliance for reheating fried chicken to its original glory—crispy, golden, and irresistibly delicious.

Tools And Equipment Needed

To successfully reheat your fried chicken in an air fryer and achieve that perfect crunch, you’ll need a few essential tools and equipment. Each item plays a role in ensuring a seamless process with optimal results.

Air Fryer: This is the star of the show. Choose an air fryer that’s clean and large enough to fit your chicken pieces without overcrowding.
Tongs: For flipping the chicken halfway through heating to ensure even crispiness.
Paper Towels: Use these to pat off any excess grease or moisture from the chicken before reheating. This step helps maintain the crispy texture.
Parchment Paper (optional): To line the air fryer basket and make cleanup easy while preventing crumbs from sticking.

Having these tools on hand ensures you’re fully prepared to reheat your fried chicken efficiently and hassle-free.

Ingredients

Leftover fried chicken (any cut of your choice)
Cooking spray or a few drops of neutral oil (optional, for extra crispness)
Parchment paper or a silicone mat (optional, for easy cleanup)

Directions

Follow these simple steps to reheat your fried chicken in an air fryer and achieve a crispy, golden texture with tender, juicy meat.

Prep The Fried Chicken

Remove your leftover fried chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This helps the chicken reheat evenly.
Use paper towels to gently pat any excess moisture or grease off the surface of the chicken.

Prepping The Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the air fryer basket by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat, if desired, for easier cleanup. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow proper airflow.
For extra crispiness, lightly mist the chicken pieces with cooking spray or brush them with a few drops of neutral oil.

Reheating The Fried Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
Reheat for 3-4 minutes. Then, use tongs to flip the chicken pieces over for even crispiness. Continue reheating for another 2-3 minutes.

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the reheated chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
If necessary, reheat in 1-minute increments until the chicken reaches the desired temperature and crispness. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the chicken dry.

Tips For Perfectly Reheated Fried Chicken

To achieve the best results when reheating fried chicken in an air fryer, follow these expert tips to ensure it stays crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside:

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken begins reheating in an evenly hot environment, helping restore its crispy texture quickly.
Avoid Overcrowding: Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overlapping or piling up the chicken can lead to uneven reheating and soggy spots.
Use Cooking Spray (Optional): Lightly mist the chicken with cooking spray or brush on a small amount of neutral oil. This adds extra crispiness to the skin without making it greasy.
Flip Halfway Through: Use tongs to flip the chicken halfway through the reheating process. This ensures the chicken crisps evenly on all sides.
Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is reheated perfectly when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.
Let It Rest: After reheating, allow the chicken to rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the heat and retain its moisture.
Line For Easy Cleanup (Optional): Use parchment paper or a silicone mat in the air fryer basket to catch crumbs and grease, making cleanup effortless.

By incorporating these tips into your reheating process, your fried chicken will consistently emerge golden-brown, crisp, and flavorful, just like when it was freshly cooked.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When reheating fried chicken in an air fryer, small missteps can affect the texture and flavor. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your chicken stays crispy and delicious:

1. Skipping Preheating The Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking. If you skip this step, the chicken might heat unevenly, leading to soggy spots or overly dry areas. Always let your air fryer preheat to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken.

2. Overcrowding The Air Fryer Basket

Placing too many pieces in the basket prevents proper air circulation, resulting in unevenly crispy skin. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, leaving some space between pieces. Reheat in batches if necessary.

3. Not Letting The Chicken Rest At Room Temperature

Reheating cold chicken directly from the fridge can cause uneven heating, where the outer layer cooks faster than the inside. Allow the chicken to sit out for 15-20 minutes before reheating for consistent results.

4. Using Too Much Oil Or Spray

While a light mist of cooking spray can enhance crispness, overdoing it can make the chicken greasy and alter the original flavor. Use sparingly—just a quick coat will suffice.

5. Flipping The Chicken Too Late Or Not At All

Failing to flip the chicken halfway through reheating can cause one side to crisp while the other stays soggy. Set a timer to remind yourself to flip the chicken after 3-4 minutes for even crispiness on both sides.

6. Reheating For Too Long

Overcooking can dry out the chicken and make it chewy. Stick to a reheating time of 5-7 minutes, and use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Monitor closely to avoid overcooking the chicken.

7. Not Cleaning The Air Fryer Properly Before Use

Leftover crumbs or grease from previous use can stick to your fried chicken, affecting its texture and taste. Ensure the air fryer basket is clean and free of food residue before reheating.

8. Neglecting To Monitor The Reheating Process

Each piece of fried chicken may differ in size and thickness. Ignoring the process can lead to uneven heating or burned pieces. Stay attentive and adjust the timing if needed.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you achieve perfectly reheated fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, just as you intended.

Serving Suggestions

Once you’ve perfectly reheated your fried chicken in the air fryer, it’s time to elevate your dining experience with thoughtful pairings and presentation. Fried chicken is versatile, so you can serve it with a wide range of sides and condiments to suit any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal more satisfying:

Classic Pairings

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: Creamy mashed potatoes with a savory gravy complement the crispy texture of the chicken perfectly.
Coleslaw: A refreshing, tangy coleslaw balances the richness of the fried chicken.
Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits are the ideal companion for a Southern-style feast.

Light and Fresh Options

Green Salad: Pair your chicken with a simple mixed greens salad for a lighter option. Add a vinaigrette for a zesty twist.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus for a wholesome side.
Fruit Salad: A juicy medley of fresh fruits like watermelon, grapes, and berries adds a refreshing contrast to the meal.

Dipping Sauces

Enhance the flavor of your reheated fried chicken with these sauce options:

Honey Mustard
Ranch Dressing
Barbecue Sauce
Spicy Buffalo Sauce
Garlic Aioli

Beverage Pairings

Complete your meal with drinks that pair wonderfully with fried chicken:

Sweet Tea: A Southern staple that adds a touch of sweetness.
Lemonade: A citrusy drink to cleanse your palate.
Craft Beer: Light ales or pilsners go especially well with the crispy flavors.

Plating Tips

Display your reheated fried chicken on a large platter lined with parchment paper or a checkered serving cloth for a casual, homestyle feel. Garnish with fresh parsley or a wedge of lemon to enhance the dish’s visual appeal.

By choosing the right accompaniments, you can turn your leftover fried chicken into a well-rounded meal that feels fresh and satisfying.

Conclusion

Reheating fried chicken in an air fryer is a game-changer for bringing leftovers back to life. With the right tools, a few simple steps, and some expert tips, you can enjoy crispy, juicy chicken that tastes just as good as when it was first made. Skip the disappointment of soggy or dried-out reheated meals and let your air fryer work its magic. Whether it’s a quick snack or part of a full meal, perfectly reheated fried chicken is just minutes away.