Yes, you can absolutely reheat cooked chicken drumsticks in an air fryer. An air fryer is a great way to quickly and conveniently reheat leftover chicken drumsticks to crispy, hot perfection.
How to Reheat Chicken Drumsticks in an Air Fryer
Reheating chicken drumsticks in an air fryer is super easy and only takes a few minutes. Here are step-by-step instructions:
- Pat the cooked chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps remove any moisture on the surface which can prevent them from getting crispy in the air fryer.
- Brush or toss the drumsticks lightly with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, melted butter, or poultry seasoning. The oil helps promote browning and extra crispiness.
- Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded together. Crowding can prevent even cooking.
- Set the air fryer temperature to 360°F-400°F. The higher temperature helps replicate the crispiness you get from deep frying.
- Air fry the drumsticks for 5-8 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The timing will depend on your air fryer model and the size of the drumsticks.
- Check that the drumsticks are fully heated through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Cut into a drumstick to check they are hot in the center.
- Let the reheated drumsticks rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices.
- Enjoy your leftover chicken drumsticks! They will taste freshly fried.
Benefits of Reheating Chicken in an Air Fryer
Using an air fryer to reheat cooked chicken drumsticks has many benefits:
- It’s incredibly quick and convenient. Drumsticks reheat in just 5-8 minutes.
- The chicken comes out crispy like it’s freshly fried. The air fryer mimics deep frying.
- It locks in moisture and prevents the chicken from drying out.
- You don’t need to add any extra oil for reheating in an air fryer.
- An air fryer reheats the chicken evenly all over.
- It’s easy to get the drumsticks piping hot and safe to eat.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips when reheating chicken drumsticks in an air fryer:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space between drumsticks.
- Use a higher temperature like 380°F for maximum crispiness.
- Flip the drumsticks over halfway for even reheating.
- Brush drumsticks with a little oil for extra browning and texture.
- Let the chicken rest before serving so juices can redistribute.
- Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer.
- Adjust cook time based on the thickness of the drumsticks.
How Long Do Reheated Chicken Drumsticks Last?
Properly reheated chicken drumsticks that have been refrigerated after cooking can safely be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat them again in the air fryer within this time frame.
Here are some storage tips for leftover reheated chicken drumsticks:
- Let drumsticks cool completely before refrigerating in a sealed container.
- Use reheated drumsticks within 3-4 days.
- Do not keep at room temperature more than 2 hours.
- Freeze for longer storage up to 2-3 months.
- Discard if drumsticks have an off smell or appearance.
Other Ways to Reheat Chicken Drumsticks
While an air fryer works great, you can also reheat cooked chicken drumsticks using these other quick methods:
| Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Oven | Place drumsticks on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. |
| Skillet | Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook drumsticks 5-6 minutes per side until crispy. |
| Microwave | Microwave drumsticks on a microwave-safe plate for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway. |
| Grill | Cook drumsticks over direct medium heat 5-7 minutes per side. Brush with BBQ sauce. |
Conclusion
Reheating leftover cooked chicken drumsticks in an air fryer is an easy, quick and delicious way to enjoy them again. The air fryer yields crispy, juicy chicken with great texture in just minutes. Be sure to patronize the drumsticks of excess moisture, brush with oil, and allow the chicken to rest after reheating in the air fryer before serving. Store properly refrigerated and enjoy your reheated drumsticks within 3-4 days. Air frying makes leftovers taste like new again!