Reheating a whole roasted chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious leftover chicken. With an air fryer, the chicken comes out crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Using the right technique and timing is important to properly reheat the chicken without drying it out.
Factors That Affect Reheating Time
There are a few key factors that affect how long it takes to reheat a whole chicken in an air fryer:
- Size of the chicken – A larger chicken will obviously take longer than a smaller one.
- Level of doneness – A chicken cooked to a higher temperature initially will reheat faster than one that was more undercooked.
- Thickness of meat – Thicker parts like breasts and thighs will take longer than thinner wings and legs.
- Bone-in or boneless – Boneless chicken reheats more quickly since the bones act as insulation.
- Air fryer wattage – More powerful models with higher wattages will reheat food faster.
Taking these factors into account will help determine the best reheating time and ensure even heating.
General Reheating Guidelines
For a whole roasted chicken, a good rule of thumb is to reheat it in an air fryer for 8-12 minutes at 300°F. This timing is based on a 3-4 pound chicken.
Here are some more specific guidelines for reheating a whole chicken in an air fryer:
| Chicken Weight | Air Fryer Temperature | Reheating Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 lbs | 300°F | 6-8 minutes |
| 2-3 lbs | 300°F | 8-10 minutes |
| 3-4 lbs | 300°F | 10-12 minutes |
| 4-5 lbs | 300°F | 12-15 minutes |
For larger chickens over 5 pounds, it’s best to break it down into smaller pieces to ensure thorough, even reheating. You may also need to increase the time in 1-2 minute increments.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect chicken reheating in an air fryer:
- Preheat air fryer to 300°F.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Brush or spray chicken with oil or cooking spray to help crisp the skin.
- Place chicken in air fryer basket – breast side up for whole chicken.
- Reheat for recommended time based on weight.
- Check internal temperature, reheating until 165°F is reached.
- Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
If reheating chicken pieces, arrange them in a single layer, meatier pieces towards the center and thinner pieces around the edges so they crisp up.
To maintain juiciness, place a few pats of butter inside the chicken cavity before reheating. Baste the skin with pan juices as well.
What Temperature to Reheat Chicken in Air Fryer?
The optimal air fryer temperature for reheating chicken is 300°F. This allows the chicken to heat through gradually without drying out the meat. Higher temperatures can make the outside over-crisp before the center is piping hot.
Aim to reheat the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F. Check with a meat thermometer poked into the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
Tips for the Best Results
Here are some helpful tips for delicious air-fried reheated chicken:
- Don’t overcrowd – Leave space around the chicken for air circulation.
- Flip chicken halfway – This prevents one side from over-browning.
- Cut into pieces – Breaking down a large chicken speeds up reheating.
- Use cooking spray – A light spray helps the skin get crispy.
- Add seasonings – A sprinkling of salt, pepper, herbs, or spice rubs boosts flavor.
- Check often – Peek every few minutes to monitor progress.
Common Mistakes
It’s easy to make some mistakes when reheating chicken in an air fryer. Here’s what to avoid:
- Overcooking – This dries out the meat. Follow reheating times carefully.
- Undercooking – Allow enough time for chicken to come to temperature.
- Too much oil – Excess oil will cause the skin to be greasy, not crispy.
- Too-high heat – High temps lead to burnt exterior and raw interior.
- Not patting dry – Damp chicken won’t get as crispy when reheated.
- Not preheating – Always preheat the air fryer before adding chicken.
Storing Leftover Chicken
Properly storing leftover roasted chicken ensures it stays fresh until you’re ready to reheat it. Here are some storage tips:
- Let chicken cool completely before refrigerating.
- Store in airtight shallow containers to quick chilling.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Use within 3-4 days for maximum freshness.
- Freeze chicken for longer storage (2-3 months).
- When freezing, wrap chicken tightly in plastic then foil.
- Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Reheated Chicken
Reheating chicken in an air fryer leaves you with juicy, flavored meat and crispy skin ready to be served. Here are some delicious ways to use your reheated chicken:
- Serve whole or cut up over rice, roasted veggies, or salad.
- Shred and use in tacos, nachos, wraps, or sandwiches.
- Crisp up the skin and sprinkle over soups or salads.
- Toss cubed chicken in buffalo sauce for appetizers.
- Make chicken pot pie or casseroles like chicken divan.
- Dice and add to pasta dishes, frittata, omelets, or quiche.
FAQs
Should chicken be covered when reheating in an air fryer?
No, don’t cover the chicken when reheating in an air fryer. Leaving it uncovered allows the hot air to circulate and crisp up the skin. Covering will cause the chicken to steam and become soggy.
Can you reheat frozen chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, it’s possible to reheat frozen chicken in an air fryer. Thaw the chicken first in the refrigerator until no longer frozen in the center. Be sure to increase reheating time by a few minutes to account for the chicken being cold in the middle when it goes into the air fryer.
Is reheated chicken safe to eat?
Yes, as long as the chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest part, it is safe to eat when reheated. Discard any chicken that was left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours before reheating. Follow proper storage guidelines as well.
How long does reheated chicken last in the fridge?
Reheated leftover chicken should keep for 3-4 days when refrigerated. Be sure to reheat until steaming hot each time before serving. Do not re-refrigerate chicken once reheated.
Conclusion
Reheating a whole chicken in an air fryer is a quick and healthy way to enjoy a home-cooked meal without the hassle. With the right timing and technique, the chicken comes out of the air fryer hot, juicy, and full of flavor. Follow the guidelines above for best results and you’ll have delicious reheated chicken any night of the week.