Leftover rotisserie chicken can be easily revived in an air fryer to make it taste fresh, crispy, and delicious again. Using an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to reheat rotisserie chicken without drying it out. The high heat and circulating air of an air fryer mimics the results of deep frying, allowing you to achieve a crispy exterior and moist interior in just minutes. Read on to learn how long you need to air fry leftover rotisserie chicken to get perfect results.
Factors That Affect Air Fry Time
Several factors impact how long it will take to air fry leftover rotisserie chicken:
- Amount of chicken – The more chicken you are reheating, the longer it will need in the air fryer.
- Size of pieces – Larger pieces like breasts or thighs will take longer than smaller shredded or diced pieces.
- Bone-in or bone-out – Chicken on the bone reheats slower since the bone partially insulates the meat.
- Temperature of chicken – Refrigerator cold chicken takes longer than room temp. Frozen takes the longest.
- Air fryer wattage – Higher wattage air fryers heat up faster and shorten cook time.
Taking these factors into account will help you estimate the best air fry time for your rotisserie chicken leftovers.
Recommended Air Fry Times
Here are general guidelines for how long to air fry rotisserie chicken leftovers based on piece size and wattage of the air fryer:
Small Pieces
Small shredded, diced or chopped rotisserie chicken pieces – 3 to 5 minutes at 370°F in a 1200-1500W air fryer.
Medium Pieces
Larger shredded or diced pieces, wings, drumsticks – 5 to 7 minutes at 370°F in a 1200-1500W air fryer.
Large Pieces
Chicken thighs or breasts – 7 to 10 minutes at 370°F in a 1200-1500W air fryer. Bone-in pieces may take slightly longer.
For lower wattage air fryers, add 2-3 additional minutes to the cook times above.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for getting crispy, juicy leftover rotisserie chicken using your air fryer:
- Pat chicken dry before air frying to help it crisp up.
- Toss in a light coating of oil before air frying if the chicken seems dried out.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Let the chicken rest 1-2 minutes out of the air fryer before serving.
- Adjust cook times as needed based on thickness of pieces.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket which can cause uneven cooking.
Temperature Chart by Piece Size
This table provides temperature guidelines based on the size of the rotisserie chicken pieces you are reheating:
| Chicken Piece Size | Air Fry Temp |
|---|---|
| Shredded or chopped | 370°F |
| Small pieces like wings or drumsticks | 370°F |
| Medium pieces like thighs | 370°F |
| Large pieces like bone-in breasts | 350°F |
At these air fryer temperatures, the chicken will reheat thoroughly without burning or drying out.
Expected Cook Times
Use these cook time estimates as a guide when reheating leftover rotisserie chicken in an air fryer:
| Chicken Piece Size | Cook Time Range |
|---|---|
| Shredded or chopped | 3 to 5 minutes |
| Small pieces like wings, drumsticks | 5 to 7 minutes |
| Medium pieces like thighs | 7 to 9 minutes |
| Large pieces like breasts | 9 to 12 minutes |
The precise cook time needed will depend on the specific size, shape and thickness of the pieces along with your air fryer wattage. Check for doneness and adjust time accordingly.
Tips for Reheating Different Chicken Pieces
Each type of rotisserie chicken piece may require slight adjustments to the air fryer method:
Breasts
Bone-in breasts take longest to reheat. Brush with oil and air fry at 350°F for 9-12 minutes flipping halfway. Check internal temp reaches 165°F.
Wings
Toss drumsticks and wings in oil, air fry at 370°F, flipping once until crispy and heated through, about 10 minutes total.
Thighs
Rub bone-in thighs with oil and spices if desired. Air fry at 370°F for 8-10 minutes until 165°F internally. Boneless thighs take less time.
Shredded
For shredded chicken, pat dry, drizzle with oil and air fry at 370°F just until heated through, 5 minutes max.
Conclusion
Air frying is a fast, convenient way to reheat leftover rotisserie chicken so it tastes juicy and fresh again. Small shredded pieces need only 3-5 minutes while larger bone-in breasts may require 9-12 minutes at a slightly lower temp. Monitor thickness and test doneness. Adjust air fry times as needed to get the perfect crispy yet tender results. With the right technique, your air fryer can make those rotisserie leftovers taste like new again.