What To Know
- Cover the chicken with a damp paper towel or parchment paper to keep it moist.
- Whether you prefer the oven, air fryer, microwave, or stovetop method, remember to use a meat thermometer, preheat your cooking surface, and cover the chicken to retain moisture.
- Preheat your oven or air fryer to a high temperature and reheat the chicken for a short amount of time.
Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food that deserves to be enjoyed at its best, even after it’s been sitting in the fridge. Reheating fried chicken can be tricky, but with the right techniques, you can achieve crispy skin and juicy meat that rivals the freshly made version. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the secrets to reheating fried chicken to perfection, ensuring you savor every bite.
Methods for Reheating Fried Chicken
1. Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place fried chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
2. Air Fryer
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place fried chicken pieces in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Microwave
- Place fried chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel.
- Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through.
4. Stovetop
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add a splash of oil or butter.
- Place fried chicken pieces in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through.
Tips for Reheating Fried Chicken
- Use a meat thermometer: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Preheat the oven or air fryer: This helps to crisp up the skin and prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Avoid overcooking: Reheating for too long can make the chicken dry and tough.
- Cover the chicken: Using a paper towel or parchment paper traps moisture, keeping the chicken juicy.
- Don’t overcrowd the cooking surface: This can prevent the chicken from heating evenly.
Reheating Breaded vs. Battered Fried Chicken
- Breaded chicken: Reheats well using all of the methods mentioned above.
- Battered chicken: May lose some of its crispiness when reheated. The oven method is recommended to retain as much crispiness as possible.
Reheating Fried Chicken without Drying It Out
- Use a lower temperature: Reheating at a lower temperature takes longer but helps to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Add moisture: Cover the chicken with a damp paper towel or parchment paper to keep it moist.
- Reheat in a covered container: This traps moisture and prevents the chicken from losing its juiciness.
How to Reheat Fried Chicken Wings
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place wings in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Place wings on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through.
How to Reheat Fried Chicken Strips
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place strips in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Place strips on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through.
Summary: Enjoying Perfectly Reheated Fried Chicken
Reheating fried chicken is an art form, but with the right techniques, you can enjoy crispy, juicy, and delicious fried chicken every time. Whether you prefer the oven, air fryer, microwave, or stovetop method, remember to use a meat thermometer, preheat your cooking surface, and cover the chicken to retain moisture. With a little practice, you’ll master the art of reheating fried chicken and savor every bite.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Can I reheat fried chicken multiple times?
A: It’s not recommended to reheat fried chicken more than once, as it can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
Q: How do I reheat fried chicken without losing the crispy skin?
A: Preheat your oven or air fryer to a high temperature and reheat the chicken for a short amount of time.
Q: Can I reheat fried chicken in a toaster oven?
A: Yes, you can reheat fried chicken in a toaster oven using the same methods as a regular oven.
