Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely air fry rotisserie chicken that has already been cooked. Air frying pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great way to reheat it to serve again while maintaining a crispy skin and juicy meat. The air fryer provides a quick and convenient method for reheating rotisserie chicken without overdrying it. Air frying helps revive the crispy skin by using super hot air rather than microwave radiation which can make the skin soggy.
What is Rotisserie Chicken?
Rotisserie chicken refers to whole chickens that are seasoned and roasted on a rotisserie, which is a cooking apparatus that slowly rotates the chicken to promote even cooking. The constant rotation allows the chicken to cook evenly and creates a crispy, seasoned skin.
Rotisserie chickens are available pre-cooked at most grocery stores and supermarkets. They offer a quick and convenient option for meals since they are already fully cooked. Many grocery stores even season or marinate the chicken to add extra flavor.
Some key benefits of rotisserie chicken include:
- Convenience – Rotisserie chickens are ready to eat after bringing them home from the store.
- Even cooking – The rotisserie method cooks the chicken evenly throughout.
- Flavorful – Store-bought rotisserie chickens are often seasoned or marinated.
- Crispy skin – The rotisserie cooking gives the skin a crispy texture.
- Time-saving – No need to season, stuff, truss, and roast a whole chicken yourself.
For these reasons, rotisserie chicken makes a quick and tasty option for meals from Monday to Sunday. The pre-cooked chicken can be used right away or refrigerated and used within 3-4 days.
Benefits of Reheating Rotisserie Chicken in an Air Fryer
Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer to reheat rotisserie chicken:
Restores Crispiness
One of the best parts of rotisserie chicken is the crispy, seasoned skin. Unfortunately, the skin can lose its crispiness after being refrigerated. The air fryer blasts the chicken with hot circulating air to help revive and recrisp the skin.
Prevents Drying Out
Microwaving chicken can cause it to dry out quickly. The intense heat of the microwave often overcooks the meat while heating it unevenly. The air fryer reheats the chicken gently and evenly throughout to prevent drying out.
Adds New Flavors
You can add extra seasonings or flavors before air frying to give the chicken a new taste. Try sprinkling different spice rubs, herbs, or lemon pepper to liven up the leftovers.
Quick and Convenient
The air fryer reheats rotisserie chicken quickly at a high temperature. In just 10-15 minutes, you can enjoy hot, crispy chicken again. Clean up is easy too since you won’t have any pots or pans to scrub.
How to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for reheating rotisserie chicken in an air fryer:
Step 1: Remove Bones and Skin
For boneless chicken meat, remove the skin and bones from the rotisserie chicken. The skin can be air fried separately if desired.
Pull or slice the chicken into smaller pieces if necessary. This allows for quick and even reheating.
Step 2: Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. This high heat helps to quickly crisp the chicken skin.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place the pulled chicken pieces into the preheated air fryer basket. Air fry for 5-10 minutes, checking frequently and stirring once halfway through.
The time will vary based on the amount of chicken and your air fryer model. Chicken is fully reheated once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4: Crisp the Skin
If desired, the chicken skin can be air fried separately to recrisp it. Place the skins into the air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes at 400°F until crispy.
Toss the skins halfway through for even crisping. Season with salt and pepper or other spices if desired.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once reheated through, immediately remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve. Enjoy the hot juicy chicken straight from the air fryer!
Tip: For added flavor, brush the chicken with barbecue sauce or other glaze before air frying.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips when reheating rotisserie chicken in an air fryer:
- Cut the chicken into smaller pieces to ensure even heating.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature.
- Preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken.
- Flip or stir halfway through cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Pat the chicken skin dry before air frying for crispiest results.
- Brush chicken with oil or sauce for added moisture and flavor.
With the right techniques, the air fryer does an excellent job of reviving both the texture and flavor of leftover rotisserie chicken.
Air Fryer vs Oven Comparison
How does reheating rotisserie chicken in an air fryer compare to using the oven? Here is a breakdown:
| Air Fryer | Oven | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes | 15-20 minutes |
| Result | Crispy skin, juicy meat | Crispier skin, meat can dry out |
| Convenience | More convenient, faster | Takes more time |
| Clean Up | Minimal | Pans to wash |
As shown, the air fryer reheats the chicken faster and gives a crispy skin while retaining moisture in the meat. The oven takes longer and can cause the meat to dry out if overcooked. For quick weekday meals, the air fryer is the more convenient option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reheat rotisserie chicken in an air fryer?
It takes 10-15 minutes to reheat rotisserie chicken pieces in an air fryer at 350°F. Chicken skins may take 6-8 minutes at 400°F. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F.
Can you reheat chicken from frozen in an air fryer?
Yes, frozen chicken can be reheated in an air fryer. First thaw the chicken partially to prevent burning the outside before the inside is warmed. Then air fry at 325°F for 15-25 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What is the best way to reheat chicken?
The best reheating methods for chicken are using the oven, air fryer, or skillet. Avoid the microwave which can make chicken rubbery. Oven and air fryer work well for pieces. Use a skillet to reheat chicken tenders or breaded cuts to recrisp the coating.
Is air fried chicken healthy?
Air fried chicken is healthier than traditional fried chicken since it uses little to no oil. The air fryer produces crispy chicken with up to 80% less fat than deep frying. Go light on any breading or batter for the healthiest results.
Can you reheat chicken more than once?
It’s best to only reheat cooked chicken once for food safety. Reheating chicken more than once increases the risk of bacteria growth. Eat leftovers within 3-4 days and don’t reheat more than once. Discard any chicken that smells or looks off.
Conclusion
Reheating rotisserie chicken in the air fryer is an easy way to enjoy the delicious meal twice. The air fryer brings back the crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy and preventing drying out. Cut the chicken off the bone, preheat the air fryer, then cook for 10-15 minutes until heated through 165°F.
Follow proper food safety guidelines and avoid reheating chicken more than once. With the simple air fryer method, you can enjoy convenient rotisserie chicken throughout the busy week.