air fryer BBQ cooking tips Reheat fried chicken

How to Reheat Fried Chicken Breast in Air Fryer for Perfect Results

Written By Avi Green
How to Reheat Fried Chicken Breast in Air Fryer for Perfect Results

Barbecue enthusiasts know the struggle all too well: you wake up the next day and find leftover fried chicken in the fridge, and all you want is for it to taste as crispy and delicious as it did fresh out of the fryer. Luckily, learning how to reheat fried chicken breast in air fryer can save you from soggy breading and dry meat. In this guide, we will delve into the best techniques to reheat your fried chicken using an air fryer.

how to reheat fried chicken breast in air fryer

Why Use an Air Fryer?

The air fryer is a kitchen appliance that has gained massive popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Air fryers cook food with hot air, resulting in a crispy texture similar to deep frying but without the oil. This makes it perfect for reheating fried items. When you reheat fried chicken breast in an air fryer, you get the best of both worlds: crispiness and moisture.

how to reheat fried chicken breast in air fryer

Steps to Reheat Fried Chicken Breast

Preparation

Before you even think about turning on that air fryer, it's crucial to prepare your chicken breasts. Take the fried chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the chicken reheat more evenly, reducing the chances of biting into a piece of chicken that's hot on the outside but cold on the inside.

Using the Air Fryer

Now, let's talk about the actual reheating process. Set your air fryer to 350F (175C). While it's preheating, arrange your chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure there's a bit of space between each piece for the hot air to circulate. Avoid overcrowding the basket or stacking the chicken pieces.

how to reheat fried chicken breast in air fryer

Timing and Temperature

Reheat Time

Reheating times can vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken breast. On average, it will take around 7-10 minutes to reheat your fried chicken in an air fryer. Flip the chicken halfway through the process to ensure even reheating. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read 165F (74C) when the chicken is fully reheated.

how to reheat fried chicken breast in air fryer

Pro Tips for Extra Crispiness

Mist with Oil

If you really want that extra crispiness, consider misting your chicken lightly with a bit of cooking spray or oil before placing it in the air fryer. This step is optional but highly recommended for the ultimate crispy texture.

Check Frequently

The air fryer cooks rapidly, and different brands might have varying heat levels. Therefore, it's always wise to check your chicken frequently to prevent it from drying out or becoming overly crispy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

No barbeque enthusiast likes a kitchen mishap, and reheating fried chicken is no exception. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:

Overcrowding the Basket

Overcrowding the air fryer basket will lead to uneven cooking. To get that crispy exterior, always make sure to arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer.

Not Preheating the Air Fryer

Just like an oven, an air fryer should be preheated to ensure even cooking. Always give your air fryer a few minutes to reach the desired temperature before placing your chicken inside.

Additional Resources for Barbecue Lovers

If you love everything BBQ, you might find these articles useful:

FAQs

Can I reheat frozen fried chicken breast in an air fryer?

Yes, you can. However, you may need to increase the temperature slightly and add more time to ensure it's thoroughly reheated. It's best to thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.

Is it safe to reheat fried chicken breast in an air fryer?

Absolutely. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, making it a safe method for reheating meals, including fried chicken.

Will the chicken retain its flavor?

Yes, reheating fried chicken in an air fryer helps preserve its original texture and flavor, making it taste almost as good as fresh.

If you're interested in more barbecue tips and tricks, be sure to check out this guide on how to start a charcoal grill.

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(180 Cu. In. (2 Pack)
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(2 Pack) Ocean'S Halo, Organic Soy-Free Spicy Korean BBQ Sauce, 12 Ounce
$48.00
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$27.98
(Set of 3) Heavy Duty Vegetable Grill Baskets for Outdoor Grill, Stainless Steel Veggie Grilling Basket for All Grills, BBQ Gifts for Men, 1 Large & 2 Small
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, 24025BMT, Cast 2-Burner, Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Black
$338.00
, 60936, Grill Light Cob Handle Mount,Black
$40.22
, Deli Slices, Hickory Smoked, 5.5 Oz
$10.28
, Inc. 1423 Broiler Brush, Black
$77.66
, One Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Seasoning Mix, 1.5 Oz
$5.65
, Santa Maria Style Seasoning, 7 Oz.
$22.28
- 4 Piece Black Drillbrush Ultra Stiff Cleaning Brush Set - Metal Brush for Drill Alternative - Grill Brush for Cordless Drill - Grill Grate Cleaner Brush
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- BBQ Grill Cleaner Oil | 100% Plant-Based & Vegan | Best for Cleaning Barbeque Grills & Grates | Use with Wooden Scrapers, Brushes, Accessories & Tools | Great Gift for Dad! (8Oz)
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- Black Nitrile Gloves, Hypoallergenic Co-Polymer 6 Mill Thickness, Disposable Gloves, Powder Free, Non Sterile, Ambidextrous, Finger Tip Textured, Dispenser Pack of 100, Size. Medium.
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- Double Pre-Seasoned, Square Carbon Steel BBQ Grill Griddle, Made in USA - Perfect for Gas Grill - Durable, Flat Top Grill Pan - 1/4" Thick, 14" X 18"
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- Greek Freak Mediterranean Spice Blend - All-Purpose Rubs, Spices and Seasonings - Use On: Chicken, Chickpeas, Beef, Seafood, Pork, Vegetables, Turkey, Potatoes and Salad Dressing - 4 Oz
$34.24
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- Magnetic Barbecue BBQ Light Set for Grilling - 6 Alkaline AAA Batteries Included - Works on All Grills with an Exception to Stainless Steel.
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- Master Grill Pan, Korean Traditional BBQ Grill Pan - Stovetop Nonstick Indoor/Outdoor Smokeless BBQ Cast Aluminum Grill Pan
$105.58
- Meat Claws Bbq Grill Accessories Set - 2 Silicone Gloves, Claws for Pulled Pork, BBQ Thermometer - Perfect Smoker Accessories Grilling Tools Gift Set for (Orange Glove-Thermometer-Claw)
$40.18
- Monterey Seafood Seasoning and Hog Wild Cajun Seasoning, Gluten-Free Bbq Rubs and Spices for Smoking
$55.17
- Onyx Collection, 12-Inch Grill Pan, Coated with New Teflon Platinum Non-Stick Coating (PFOA Free) (12-Inch)
$87.98
- Professional Grade Chef Apron for Kitchen, BBQ & Grill
$67.98
- Stovetop Indoor Korean BBQ Nonstick Grill Pan With, Pfoa-Free, Dishwasher Oven Safe, Made in Korea
$77.98
-Outdoor Gas Pizza Oven, Rotating Propane Pizza Grill Oven for Exterior Backyard Pizza Maker with 14" Pizza Stone, Portable Pizza Ovens for outside with Pizza Peel,Pia,Cutter,Gloves and Thermometer.
$500.58
. the Safer Grill Cleaning Brush. All Natural. No Metal Bristles.
$59.98
07047 Cool Touch Electric Griddle
$73.98
07061 22-Inch Electric Griddle with Removable Handles, Black, 22-Inch
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1 Pair/2 Pieces BBQ Gloves, Grilling Gloves, Heat Resistant Barbecue Oven Gloves, 1472°F/800°C Kitchen Fireproof Mitts Heat Proof for Grilling, Baking, Cooking, Welding Gloves Mitts - Red
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1 Piece Random Nonstick Enameled Cast Iron Pan/Pot (4 Styles: 10.25" Skillet/2Qt Saucepan/2.8Qt/4.8Qt Dutch Oven) – Healthy round Pot for Sourdough Bread Baking on All Stovetops, Mystery Cookware Box
$69.99
1-Piece 16.50 Inch Cast Iron Griddle Plate | Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan for Gas Stovetop | Double Sided Used on Open Fire & in Oven | Pre-Coated with Oil
$58.44
1/2" X 1/8" Lavalock High Temp BBQ Gasket Smoker Seal for Nomex Door Lid, Self Stick Grey
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1/3Pc Non-Stick BBQ Grill Mat 40*33Cm Baking Mat Cooking Grilling Sheet Heat Resistance Easily Cleaned Kitchen for Party
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10 Inch Square Cast Iron Grill Pan Skillet Grill Pan with Easy Grease Draining for Grilling Bacon, Steak, and Meats, Stove, Fire and Oven Safe for Camping or Barbecue (Red)
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10" Square Cast Iron Grill Pan Steak Pan Pre Seasoned Grill Pan with Easy Grease Drain Spout, with Large Loop Handles for Grilling Bacon, Steak, and Meats
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10-42 BBQ Brisket Rub - All-Natural Spice Seasoning for Steak, Rib, Beef Brisket - Barbecue Meat Seasoning Dry Rub - BBQ Rubs and Spices for Smoking and Grilling - No MSG, 0 Calorie - 10.5Oz Bottle
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10-Inch Skewer for BBQ Kebab, Unbleached Long Bamboo/Wood Roasting Sticks for Grill -Heavy Duty Thickness -Flat Stick Flag Handle -With Dust-Free Packaging (100-Pack)
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100 Pcs Grilling Gloves Kit Disposable BBQ Gloves with 2 Pairs Cotton Liners Grilling Gloves Cooking Gloves Latex Free Nitrile Gloves for Outdoor Grilling Barbecue Cooking
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$53.96
100% Compostable Food Prep Gloves, Restaurant-Quality,For Food Handling, Powder-Free, 100 Count, Medium, Earth Friendly Highest ASTM D6400, US BPI and Europe OK Compost Certified, San Francisco
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