Reheating leftover chicken can be tricky. It’s easy to end up with dry, rubbery chicken if you don’t reheat it properly. However, using an air fryer is one of the best ways to reheat chicken without drying it out. Air fryers use hot air to quickly reheat foods, helping them maintain moisture and texture. Follow these tips for reheating juicy, flavorful chicken in your air fryer.
Should You Reheat Chicken in an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is an excellent appliance for reheating leftover chicken. Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer:
- Hot air circulates around the food, reheating it quickly and evenly.
- The chicken stays tender and juicy, not dried out.
- You don’t need to use any extra oil, keeping the chicken healthier.
- The chicken gets crispy on the outside from the hot air.
- It’s faster than reheating chicken in the oven.
- An air fryer reheats chicken with less risk of overcooking compared to the microwave.
For best results, make sure to not overload the air fryer basket. Reheating in small batches helps ensure even cooking. Additionally, cutting the chicken into smaller pieces allows it to reheat faster.
How to Reheat Chicken Pieces in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for reheating juicy chicken pieces like breasts, thighs, legs, wings, or tenders in an air fryer:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Make sure it’s not frozen or icy.
- Brush or lightly coat the chicken with a little oil. Olive, avocado, coconut, and canola oil all work well.
- Set the air fryer to 380°F.
- Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, not overcrowded.
- Reheat for 5-10 minutes, checking frequently and flipping the chicken halfway through. The time will vary based on the amount and thickness of the chicken.
- The chicken is ready when it’s heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check.
- Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving for juiciest results.
Remember not to overcrowd the air fryer, as that can lead to uneven reheating. Work in batches for larger amounts of chicken. And adjust the cook time as needed based on the size and quantity of the chicken pieces.
How to Reheat Shredded Chicken in an Air Fryer
Reheating shredded chicken in an air fryer is quick and easy. Here’s how:
- Place the shredded chicken in a bowl and add a splash of chicken broth or water. Mix well to moisten it.
- Put the chicken mixture into the air fryer basket lightly packed down.
- Set the air fryer to 330°F.
- Reheat for 6-8 minutes, gently stirring halfway through.
- Check that the chicken is piping hot throughout.
- Stir in any additional seasonings, sauces, or juices after reheating.
The small amount of liquid and lower heat helps keep the shredded chicken tender. Stirring halfway through prevents it from drying out. Adjust the cook time as needed based on the amount of chicken you’re reheating.
How Long to Reheat Chicken in an Air Fryer
The reheating time for chicken in an air fryer depends on a few factors:
- Amount of chicken – Smaller batches take less time.
- Thickness – Thinner pieces reheat faster than thicker pieces.
- Bone-in or boneless – Boneless reheats quicker.
- Chicken part – White meat takes less time than dark.
- Cooked vs. raw – Raw chicken takes longer.
For reference, here are some general air fryer reheating guidelines:
| Chicken Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast, boneless (1-2 pieces) | 5-7 minutes at 380°F |
| Chicken thighs, boneless (1-2 pieces) | 7-10 minutes at 380°F |
| Chicken drumsticks or wings (2-4 pieces) | 8-12 minutes at 380°F |
| Chicken pieces with bone (mix) | 10-15 minutes at 380°F |
| Shredded chicken (2 cups) | 6-8 minutes at 330°F |
Always check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken after reheating and adjust cook time if needed. Reheat cooked chicken to 165°F.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for perfectly reheated chicken using your air fryer:
- Cut larger pieces like breasts and thighs into smaller pieces for faster, more even reheating.
- Partially freeze chicken for 20-30 minutes before reheating for a crisper exterior.
- Brush or spray chicken with oil before reheating for crispy skin.
- Flip or stir chicken pieces halfway through for even cooking.
- Let chicken rest 2-3 minutes after reheating for juiciest results.
- Add herbs, spices, or sauces after reheating to keep flavors fresh.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – chicken should reach 165°F.
- Adjust air fryer temperature and time as needed based on amount of chicken.
- Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to end up with dried-out chicken if you’re not careful when reheating in an air fryer. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Overcrowding – Too much chicken prevents even reheating.
- Too high heat – High heat overcooks the exterior before the center is hot.
- Not using oil – Brushing with oil prevents chicken from drying out.
- Not checking temperature – Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
- No halfway stir or flip – This prevents hot spots and uneven cooking.
- No rest time – Letting chicken rest keeps juices locked in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you preheat an air fryer to reheat chicken?
Yes, it’s best to preheat your air fryer before putting chicken in to reheat. This allows the air fryer to quickly come up to temperature for fast, even reheating. Preheat at 380°F for 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken.
Can you reheat frozen chicken in an air fryer?
You can reheat frozen chicken in an air fryer, but it’s best to thaw it first. Partially thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Or defrost in the microwave until just slightly icy. This prevents the chicken from cooking unevenly.
What temperature should you reheat chicken at in an air fryer?
380°F is the ideal air fryer temperature for reheating chicken. This high heat helps the chicken reheat quickly and become crispy on the outside. Use a lower temp around 330°F for shredded chicken to prevent drying out.
Do you need oil to reheat chicken in an air fryer?
Lightly brushing or spraying chicken pieces with oil before reheating helps keep the chicken moist and prevents it from drying out in the air fryer. Olive, avocado, coconut, or canola oil all work well.
How do you reheat a whole rotisserie chicken in an air fryer?
Cut the rotisserie chicken into smaller pieces before reheating in batches. Brush the pieces with oil and reheat at 380°F for 10-12 minutes per batch, flipping halfway. Check the internal temp to confirm doneness before serving.
Conclusion
Reheating leftover chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get tender, juicy results every time. Allow chicken to reheat thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid overcrowding the basket and use moderate heat around 380°F. With a little oil and frequent flipping, you can enjoy moist chicken with crispy bits that tastes freshly-cooked. Follow these tips for reheating success when using your air fryer.