Air frying already cooked chicken wings is a great way to quickly reheat and crispen them up. When reheating fried foods like chicken wings in the air fryer, it’s important to not overcook them or they can become dried out. The amount of time needed will depend on factors like the amount of wings and size of your air fryer. With some simple guidelines, you can easily determine the optimal air fry time for your cooked chicken wings.
How Long Should You Air Fry Previously Fried Chicken Wings?
For freshly cooked wings straight from frying, a short air fry time of just 2-5 minutes is usually enough to reheat them. The goal is just to warm them through and recrisp the outside without drying them out.
If your cooked wings were refrigerated or frozen before air frying, they will likely need a little longer. Refrigerated wings may need 6-8 minutes, while frozen around 10-12 minutes.
Check them periodically and remove them once hot and crisp. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Adjust timing as needed based on the doneness and crispness of your particular wings.
Here are some general air fry time guidelines for previously cooked chicken wings:
| Chicken Wing Type | Air Fry Time |
|---|---|
| Freshly fried | 2-5 minutes at 360°F |
| Refrigerated | 6-8 minutes at 360°F |
| Frozen | 10-12 minutes at 360°F |
Factors That Affect Air Fry Time
When reheating fried chicken wings in an air fryer, there are a few key factors that can alter the time needed:
Amount of Wings
The more wings you add to the air fryer basket, the longer the required cook time. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around to crisp and cook the food. More wings means less air space in between each piece. Overcrowding wings can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to a single layer, avoiding overlaps. You may need to cook them in batches for even results.
Size and Shape of Wings
Larger, meatier chicken wings with more surface area will typically take a little longer to reheat than smaller wings. Irregular shapes and drummettes may also require slightly more time if there are thicker parts.
Air Fryer Size
Larger capacity air fryers heat a greater amount of food more efficiently. A smaller appliance may need a couple extra minutes to properly crisp up wings. Get to know your fryer’s capabilities and adjust accordingly.
Frozen vs. Refrigerated
Thawed refrigerated wings only need to be heated through, while frozen wings must also go through a defrosting period before crisping up. Frozen foods contain additional moisture that takes longer to evaporate.
Tips for the Best Results
Here are some top tips for perfectly air frying leftover chicken wings:
– Pat wings dry before air frying – Drier skin will get crispier.
– Use a single layer – Avoid stacking or overcrowding.
– Preheat fryer – Let it fully heat before adding wings.
– Toss wings in a little oil – A light coating helps enhance browning.
– Turn wings over halfway – Ensures even browning on all sides.
– Check for doneness – Wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
– Adjust time as needed – Your fryer may require slightly shorter or longer.
How to Tell When Reheated Wings are Done
The best way to test when your wings are fully heated and crisped is to:
– Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part. It should reach 165°F.
– Inspect wings for crispy, browned outsides.
– Cut into a wing to check it’s hot all the way through, not cold in the center.
– Pierce with a fork to check meat is tender, not tough.
Wings that are dried out or seem overdone may have been air fried too long. For perfectly crispy wings without drying them out, start checking early and remove them as soon as they are fully heated and browned.
Serving and Storing Reheated Wings
Air fried wings taste best immediately after cooking. If you won’t be serving them all right away, here are some storage tips:
– Hold in a 200°F oven to keep crispy for up to 2 hours.
– Let cool completely, then refrigerate in a covered container for up to 4 days. Reheat later in the air fryer.
– Freeze cooled wings in a single layer on a sheet pan before transferring to bags. Reheat frozen wings straight from freezer.
Proper storage retains texture and moisture. Avoid letting wings sit out at room temperature too long after reheating.
Recipe Ideas for Air Frying Leftover Wings
Reheating wings in the air fryer is quick and easy, but you can take them to the next level with sauces, glazes or extra seasonings:
BBQ Chicken Wings
Toss cooked wings in bbq sauce before air frying until caramelized.
Buffalo Wings
Coat cooked wings in hot sauce and butter before crisping up.
Garlic Parmesan Wings
Toss in melted butter, garlic and parmesan before air frying.
Jamaican Jerk Wings
Season wings with dry jerk seasoning before air frying.
Honey Sriracha Wings
Drizzle spicy honey sriracha glaze over wings before reheating.
Cajun Wings
Sprinkle cajun seasoning on wings before air frying.
The possibilities are endless for giving leftover wings new life! Air frying locks in moisture and makes the skin deliciously crisp.
Common Questions about Air Frying Leftover Chicken Wings
Should you bread wings before air frying?
Pre-breading wings is optional. Breading adds crunch but also absorbs more oil. For lower fat, you can skip breading and season wings directly.
Do you need to flip wings while air frying?
Flipping halfway through is recommended to ensure even browning and heating.
Should you toss wings in oil or sauce first?
It’s fine to coat pre-cooked wings with a light brushing of oil or sauce prior to air frying. Just avoid heavy thick sauces that could burn.
Is air fried chicken as healthy as baked?
Air frying is slightly healthier than deep frying wings, but baking is still the healthiest preparation method. Air fried wings are lower in fat than deep fried.
What oil is best for air frying?
Light refined oils like grapeseed, avocado or canola work well for air frying. Avoid thick, heavy oils that can become greasy.
How do you make leftover wings taste fresh?
Reheating wings in the air fryer makes them crispy and juicy again. Adding new seasonings or glazes also revives flavor.
Conclusion
Air frying is the perfect quick and easy way to reheat delicious crispy chicken wings in just minutes. With the right timing, wings come out hot, juicy and golden brown without drying out. Adjust air fry times based on the amount and condition of wings for best results. Following proper reheating and storage methods will keep your wings tasting their absolute best. So put those leftover wings to good use and rediscover just how delicious they can be in your air fryer!