There’s a time and place for leftover fried chicken, whether it’s lunch the next day or a late-night snack straight from the fridge. But let’s be real, if you want that crispy outside and juicy inside again, how you reheat it totally matters.
There are a few ways: some leave the breading soggy, others dry out the meat. So, how to reheat fried chicken properly?
1. The Best Way: How to Reheat Fried Chicken in Oven
This method takes a little more time, but it’s so worth it. The breading gets crispy again, the meat stays juicy, and it tastes almost like you just made it. If you want that perfect combo of crunch, flavor, and texture, the oven is the best choice.
Here is how to reheat fried chicken in oven:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Let your fried chicken sit out for about 20 to 30 minutes before you reheat it. You don’t want it going straight from the fridge into the oven, or it won’t heat evenly.
- Go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F. If you have a convection setting, drop it to 375°F since the air circulates more in there.
- While the oven heats up, grab a wire rack and set it inside a baking sheet. Don’t skip this part. If you put the chicken right on the pan, the bottom gets soggy. The rack lets the hot air get all around each piece, which is what brings back that crispy crust.
Heat the Chicken Until Crispy and Warm Inside:
- Lay out your chicken pieces on the rack, making sure there’s a little space between each one, and pop the whole thing in the oven.
- How long to reheat fried chicken in oven: Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces. Bone-in thighs and breasts need a little more time than wings or tenders.
- Flip the chicken halfway through so it crisps up evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the outside is golden and crunchy, and the inside hits 165°F if you check with a meat thermometer.
If the skin isn’t as crispy as you want after baking, you can stick the chicken under the broiler for a minute or two. Just keep a close eye on it, since it can burn fast.
2. Other Ways to Reheat Fried Chicken
Let’s talk about other great ways to reheat fried chicken. All of these methods start with cold, day-old fried chicken straight from the fridge.
Reheat Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer
If you have an air fryer, this is the easiest way to get that just-fried crunch back with almost zero effort.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, then lay your chicken pieces out in a single layer (don’t crowd them).
- How long to reheat fried chicken in air fryer: Heat for about 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the outside is nice and crispy and the chicken is hot all the way through.
The air fryer works even better than the oven for smaller pieces like wings or tenders.
Reheat Fried Chicken in the Microwave
The microwave is definitely the quickest way to reheat fried chicken, but just know you’ll lose that crispy coating.
It’s perfect for when you’re in a rush and don’t mind if the outside gets a little soft.
- Just put your chicken on a microwave-safe plate with a paper towel underneath to soak up extra moisture.
- Heat it in 30-second bursts on medium power, checking after each round, until it’s warmed through.
- Skip the high-power setting. It can dry out the meat before the middle even gets hot.
The Stovetop Method
If you don’t want to use the oven, reheating fried chicken in a skillet is a solid option, especially for boneless pieces or if you’ve already cut the chicken up.
- Pour a little oil into the pan and heat it over medium heat.
- Once it’s hot, add your chicken and cover the pan loosely with a lid. This helps warm the inside without making the crust soggy.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, but keep an eye on it and adjust for thicker pieces.
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3. How to Reheat Different Types of Fried Chicken
Bone-In Fried Chicken:
- Bone-in chicken always stays juicier, but it does take a little longer to warm all the way through. Use the oven or air fryer at 400°F for this.
- Just make sure to check the meat right next to the bone – it’s always the last spot to heat up, so you want it to hit 165°F before you dig in.
Boneless Fried Chicken:
- Boneless fried chicken and tenders heat up super fast, but they can dry out if you’re not careful.
- Shave a few minutes off the cook time, no matter how you’re reheating, and check them early. The thinner pieces are done before you know it.
Fried Chicken With Sauce:
- If you’ve got fried chicken with sauce, try to reheat it without the sauce first so you keep that crispy outside. Then just add the sauce after.
- If it’s already coated, don’t worry – the oven or air fryer will still work, and a little caramelized sauce is actually pretty delicious.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I reheat fried chicken in the oven at 350 degrees?
If you’re reheating fried chicken in the oven at 350°F, give it about 20-25 minutes. Flip the pieces over halfway through so they heat evenly. If you’re working with bone-in pieces, plan for the full 25 minutes, or even a little longer. They always take longer.
Is reheating fried chicken worth it?
When you reheat fried chicken the right way, it can taste almost as good as when it was fresh. You still get that crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. If you care about taste and texture, it’s definitely worth the extra effort.
Can KFC be reheated in an air fryer?
Yes. KFC actually comes back to life really well in an air fryer. Just make sure the chicken is hot all the way through (165°F inside), especially if you’ve got bigger pieces like drumsticks or thighs.
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Conclusion
How to reheat fried chicken the right way?
Not all reheating methods are created equal when it comes to fried chicken. No matter which one you go with, try to avoid cranking up the heat too high and make sure the pieces have a little space to crisp up. That’s the secret to getting it as close to freshly fried as possible.
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