There's something utterly satisfying about biting into a crispy, saucy chicken wing. However, when it comes time to reheat chicken wings cooked the day before, the result can be less than desirable. Either the skin is soggy, doesn't cook evenly, or they dry out. So, what is the best and most effective way to reheat chicken wings? How do you preserve that delightful crunch and flavor when reheating them?
Air fryers are your trusty kitchen companions for transforming leftovers into something as mouth-watering as the first bite. Reheating wings in an air fryer is a game-changer, and it's the secret weapon you need to rejuvenate your leftover wings and make them taste just as amazing as they did the first time around.
In this blog post, we'll discuss how to reheat wings in air fryer.
How Does An Air Fryer Reheat Chicken Wings?
An air fryer excels at reheating chicken wings by using hot, circulating air to recreate freshly cooked poultry's crispy texture and delicious flavor. Unlike a microwave that often leaves chicken wings feeling rubbery and soggy, the air fryer's convection cooking method rapidly heats and crisps the outer layer of the chicken, restoring its original crunchiness. The result is chicken wings that are evenly reheated, with a golden-brown exterior and tender interior. You can tailor the process to different wing sizes and types with adjustable temperature and timing settings.
In addition to reheating, you can cook chicken wings in an air fryer and make air fryer chicken recipes.
Why Use An Air Fryer To Reheat Fried Chicken?
Reheating fried chicken using an air fryer provides a range of advantages. Firstly, it rejuvenates the chicken's crispy exterior to perfection, maintaining its original texture that microwaving often destroys. Secondly, the air fryer's convection technology evenly distributes heat, preventing hot spots and ensuring uniform reheating. Furthermore, it accomplishes this with minimal to zero additional oil, presenting a healthier alternative to double deep-frying. Moreover, air frying is speedy, preserving time and energy in contrast to conventional oven reheating. It's an ideal choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the same delightful crunch and flavor of their fried chicken without the hassle of refrying.
How To Reheat Wings In Air Fryer
Preheat The Air Fryer
To ensure that your chicken reheats evenly, take the extra minutes to preheat your air fryer temperature to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3-5 minutes.
Place Chicken In The Basket
Load the air fryer basket (or tray, depending on your air fryer model) with your leftover chicken wings. Be sure not to overload the basket! The pieces of chicken need to be placed in a single layer. Using an air fryer to reheat fried chicken is quick, so you have the time to work in multiple batches if need be. Avoid overcrowding; if necessary, reheat them in batches to ensure even cooking.
For an added layer of crispiness, you can lightly coat the wings in the air fryer with cooking spray. While entirely optional, this step can elevate the overall crunchiness.
Avoid using an air fryer liner, baking sheet, or foil, as they can block the hot air from circulating around the chicken.
Air Fry
Insert the basket or tray into the preheated air fryer, then configure the timer. The precise air frying duration may fluctuate based on wing size and type, typically ranging from 5 to 10 minutes. Remember to check and flip the wings midway through for uniform reheating.
Check For Doneness
After the set time has elapsed, check the chicken wings for doneness. They should be thoroughly heated with a crispy exterior. If not, you can add a few more minutes and continue monitoring.
Serve Immediately
Once your reheated air-fried chicken wings are ready, carefully take them off the air fryer's wire rack and savor them immediately! Pair them with your preferred dipping sauce for a delightful treat.
Clean Air Fryer
When reheating chicken wings in an air fryer, it's common for excess oil to drip into the basket's bottom and cause splattering inside the appliance. To simplify cleaning and maintain your air fryer's condition, it's advisable to clean the air fryer promptly after use.
Tips For Reheating Chicken Wings In Air Fryer
Cooking time and temperature: Remember that the cooking time and temperature are general suggestions. Depending on the size of your chicken pieces, you might need to extend the cooking time by a few minutes.
Reheat in Short Intervals: If you're unsure about the optimal reheating time, it's better to start with a shorter interval and check the chicken wings for doneness. You can always add more time if needed.
Lightly Oil or Spray: For extra crispy chicken wings, brush them with a light coating of either olive oil or butter before loading them into your air fryer basket.
Arrange in a Single Layer: Prevent overcrowding the air fryer basket or tray by arranging the wings in a single layer with adequate space between them. For larger quantities, consider reheating them in multiple batches.
Use a Meat Thermometer (Optional): For accuracy, you can employ a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of the wings reaches a minimum of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee thorough reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Prevent The Wings From Becoming Dry When Reheating In The Air Fryer?
You can prevent wings from becoming dry by starting with cold wings, using a light cooking spray or oil, reheating in a single layer, and monitoring the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking.
Can I Reheat Sauced Wings In An Air Fryer?
Yes, you can reheat sauced wings in an air fryer. However, it's often better to reheat the wings first until they're crispy and then toss them in sauce right before serving to maintain their crispiness.
When Do You Apply The Sauce?
Because air fryers blow hot air around to reheat wings and other types of food, common advice is to wait to apply sauce until after the leftover wings have been fully reheated. This is not bad advice! Reheating saucy wings in air fryer baskets may cause your air fryer to need a bit more cleaning afterward. Nevertheless, the remaining sauce on leftover chicken wings is unlikely to pose a significant issue. Just don't add a fresh layer of sauce to them!
Do I Need To Add Oil To Reheat Chicken Wings?
No! That's one of the benefits of using an air fryer to both cook and reheat foods. Air frying uses, well, hot air! The air fryer basket already features a nonstick coating, but you can give it a quick spritz with a nonstick cooking spray if you are concerned about chicken wings sticking and cleaning up.
Is The Cooking Process The Same For Boneless Chicken Wings?
Yes! Although boneless chicken wings and bone-in wings are quite a bit different, reheating boneless wings in an air fryer is the same process. To reheat boneless wings, arrange them in a single layer within the air fryer basket and cook for approximately 5 minutes. They require the lower end of the cooking time range compared to bone-in chicken wings.
Can I Reheat Frozen Chicken Wings In An Air Fryer?
Certainly, frozen chicken wings can be reheated in an air fryer. However, you'll need to adjust the cooking time and temperature. It may take longer, and you must thoroughly heat the wings.
What's The Best Way To Clean The Air Fryer After Reheating Chicken Wings?
After reheating, allow the air fryer to cool down, then remove the basket and tray. Clean them with warm, soapy water or place them in the dishwasher for effortless cleaning. Be sure to clean the air fryer's interior and exterior as well.
How To Store Leftover Chicken Wings?
After the cooked chicken wings have cooled, store leftover chicken wings in airtight containers. To prevent sticking, use parchment paper between layers. Refrigerate promptly at or below 40°F (4°C), and consume within 3-4 days. For extended storage, freeze wings in airtight containers or freezer bags, eliminating excess air. Thaw frozen wings in the refrigerator before reheating.
