How To Reheat Fried Chicken To Keep It Crispy

4 Best Ways To Reheat Fried Chicken

Before diving into reheating methods and their preparation, it is vital to understand why fried chicken loses its crispiness upon reheating. The crispiness of fried chicken primarily comes from its coating, which is typically a combination of flour, breadcrumbs, or batter.

Remember that moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so the goal when reheating is to minimize moisture absorption and retain as much initial crunch as possible.

Scroll down for your ease as we have mentioned the step-by-step process to ensure your leftovers come out perfectly crispy every time. No more soggy, sad fried chicken because with these techniques you will be able to enjoy your fried chicken just as crunchy and flavorful as the day it was first cooked.

1. In The Oven

Reheating your stunning fried chicken in the oven is one of the best methods to maintain that signature crispy exterior. By following a few simple steps, you can breathe new life into your leftover fried chicken and enjoy it just as fresh and crunchy as the day it was first cooked.

Ingredients and Tools

• Leftover fried chicken
• Wire rack
• Baking sheet

1. Bring the Chicken to Room Temperature

• Take the fried chicken out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before reheating to allow it to come to room temperature.
• This will help the chicken heat through more evenly.

2. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• This temperature will help crisp up the skin.

3. Use a Wire Rack

• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil
• Place the fried chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet
• The wire rack will allow air to circulate the chicken, preventing the bottom from getting soggy.

4. Reheat the Chicken

• Bake the chicken for 12-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (75 degrees C)
• Keep a close eye on it to prevent over-drying.

5. Rest and Serve

• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Enjoy your crispy reheated fried chicken. 

Pros and Cons

Let's have a short look at the pros and cons of reheating fried chicken in the oven:

Pros

• Crispy Exterior: The high heat of the oven helps to re-crisp the breading and skin of the fried chicken, restoring that signature crunch.
• Evenly Heated: Placing the chicken on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate all around the pieces, ensuring even heating throughout. 
• Retains Juiciness: The oven's dry heat helps to lock in the chicken's natural juices, preventing it from drying out.
• Convenient: The oven is a common household appliance, making it an accessible and easy-to-use option for reheating fried chicken.

Cons

• Longer Reheating Time: Reheating fried chicken in the oven takes longer compared to other methods like the air fryer or microwave.
• Potential for Overcooking: If the chicken is left in the oven for too long, it can become dry and tough, compromising the overall texture.
• Requires More Preparation: Setting up the wire rack and baking sheet adds an extra step compared to just throwing the chicken in the microwave.
• Higher Energy Consumption: Preheating and running the oven for 15-20 minutes uses more energy than quicker reheating methods.

2. In An Air Fryer

For those who own an air fryer, it is one of the best tools for reheating fried chicken while retaining its signature crunch. The circulating hot air helps remove excess moisture from the chicken's exterior, restoring its crispy texture without drying out the meat.

Gather These Things

• Leftover fried chicken
• Air fryer

Directions

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reheat fried chicken in an air fryer:

1. Prepare the Chicken 

• Allow the fried chicken to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes.

2. Preheat your Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

3. Arrange the Chicken

• Place the fried chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
• This will allow the hot air to circulate around each piece.

4. Reheat the Chicken

• Lightly spray or brush the chicken with oil to help re-crisp the coating.
• Air fry for 3-4 minutes, then flip the pieces and air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

5. Rest and Serve

• Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Pros

• Quick and Efficient: The air fryer can reheat fried chicken in 3-5 minutes, making it a fast and convenient option.
• Healthier: Air frying requires less oil compared to traditional frying methods, making it a healthier choice for reheating.
• Crispy Exterior: The hot circulating air helps remove excess moisture from the chicken's exterior, restoring its crispy texture without drying out the meat.
• Even Heating: The air fryer's basket design allows for even heating, ensuring each piece of chicken is reheated consistently.

Cons

• Limited Capacity: The air fryer basket can only accommodate a limited number of chicken pieces at a time, which may be inconvenient if you have a large batch to reheat.
• Potential for overcrowding: If you overload the air fryer basket, the hot air may not circulate properly, leading to uneven heating and less crispy results.
• Noise: Air fryers can be noisy during operation, which may be a consideration for some users.
• Cost: They are more expensive than some other kitchen appliances, which may be a drawback for those on a budget.

3. In A Pan (Stovetop)

While the oven and air fryer may be the preferred methods for reheating fried chicken, the stovetop can also be a viable option for maintaining that coveted crispiness. Revitalize your leftover fried chicken on the stovetop with these easy steps.

Ingredients and Tools

• Leftover Fried Chicken
• Skillet or frying pan
• Cooking oil

Directions

After gathering your essential tools, let's move towards the directions.

1. Bring the Chicken to the Room Temperature 

• Allow the fried chicken to come to room temperature before reheating. This will help it heat through more evenly.

2. Heat Oil in a Skillet

• In a skillet or frying pan, heat about 1/4 inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat. 

3. Fry the Chicken

• Carefully add the fried chicken pieces to the hot oil.
• Fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through and the skin is crispy.

4. Drain and Serve

• Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
• Serve the reheated, crispy fried chicken immediately.

Pros

• Crispy Exterior: Reheating in a pan allows you to re-crisp the breading and skin of the fried chicken, restoring its crunchy texture.
• Even Heating: By cooking the chicken in a single layer, you can ensure even heating and prevent hot spots that might make the chicken soggy.
• Quick and Convenient: This method is quick and easy to execute, making it a convenient option when you need to reheat your fried chicken quickly.

Cons

• Potential for Overcooking: If you don't monitor the heat and cooking time carefully, the chicken can become dry and tough.
• Requires Attention: You need to keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning or overcooking, which can be time-consuming.
• Limited Capacity: The pan can only accommodate a limited number of chicken pieces at a time, which might be inconvenient if you have a large batch to reheat.

4. In The Microwave

The microwave can be a convenient way to reheat fried chicken, but it requires a bit of care to avoid ending up with soggy, rubbery chicken. If you must use the microwave, here is how to do it:

Ingredients and Tools

• Leftover fried chicken 
• Microwave-safe plate or container
• Paper towels

Directions

After collecting all the tools, let's start the process of reheating our crispy-fired chicken:

1. Bring to Room Temperature

• Remove the fried chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
• This will help the chicken reheat more evenly.

2. Use a Paper Towel

• Place the chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a paper towel.
• The paper towel will help absorb excess moisture and prevent the chicken from getting too soggy.

3. Reheat in Short Bursts

• Microwave the chicken in 30-second intervals, flipping the pieces after each interval.
• This will help the chicken heat through without overcooking the outside.
• Keep a close eye on it and stop microwaving once the chicken is heated.

4. Let it Rest

• After microwaving, let the chicken rest for a minute or two before serving.
• This will allow the heat to distribute evenly and help maintain the crispness of the skin.

There are various pros and cons to reheating fried chicken in the microwave. Let's take a closer look at them.

Pros

• Time-saving: The microwave is the fastest way to reheat fired chicken, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a quick meal.
• Convenience: Microwaving fried chicken is a simple process that requires minimal effort. All you need is a microwave-safe plate or container, and you're good to go.
• Suitable for boneless, skinless chicken: Reheating boneless, skinless chicken cuts in the microwave is relatively easier compared to bone-in or skin-on chicken. The lack of bones and skin makes the chicken less prone to drying out or becoming soggy.

Cons

• Soggy skin: One of the biggest drawbacks of reheating fried chicken in the microwave is that it tends to make the skin soggy and tough. The microwave adds moisture to the chicken, which can compromise the crispy texture of the skin.
• Uneven heating: Microwaves can heat food unevenly, leading to some parts of the chicken being overcooked while others remain undercooked. This can result in a less-than-ideal texture and temperature throughout the chicken.
• Drying out: If you're not careful, microwaving fried chicken for too long can cause the meat to dry out and become tough. The high heat of the microwave can quickly sap the moisture from the chicken, making it less juicy and flavorful.
• Loss of crispiness: Despite your best efforts, it's challenging to maintain the crispy texture of fried chicken when reheating it in the microwave. The added moisture and uneven heating make it difficult to achieve the same level of crispiness as when the chicken was freshly fried.

To mitigate some of these issues, you can try arranging the chicken pieces in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate, covering them loosely with a paper towel to absorb moisture, and microwaving in 30-second intervals while flipping the pieces after each interval.

Overall Tips for Crispy Reheated Fried Chicken

• As we discussed, allowing the chicken to come to room temperature before reheating will help it heat through more evenly.
• Placing the chicken on a wire rack will ensure the bottom doesn't get soggy.
• Leaving space between the chicken pieces will allow for better air circulation and crisping.
• If your fried chicken has lost its crunch, you can try rebreading it before reheating.

How Long Does Leftover Fried Chicken Last?

Leftover fried chicken, whether from a restaurant or homemade, will typically last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.

How To Store Leftover Fried Chicken?

• Allow the fried chicken to cool completely to room temperature before storing, it for about 30 minutes.
• Wrap each piece of chicken individually in foil or reusable food wrap, or place it in an airtight container.
• Put a layer of paper towels in the bottom of the container to absorb any juices and help keep the chicken crispy.
• Store the wrapped or sealed chicken in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
• Refrigerate at 40 degrees F or below for 3-5 days.

Additional Tips

• Use shallow containers no more than 3 inches deep for quicker cooling.
• Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Properly stored, frozen fried chicken can retain quality for up to 3 months.

FAQs

How do I prevent my reheated fried chicken from drying out?

The key to preventing dry, tough reheated fried chicken is to avoid overcooking it. Use the oven or air fryer, and keep a close eye on the chicken to ensure it doesn't stay in the heat for too long. Additionally, allowing the chicken to come to room temperature before reheating can help.

Can I reuse the oil from frying the chicken to reheat it?

It's generally not recommended to reuse the same oil for reheating fried chicken. The oil may have absorbed flavors and impurities from the initial frying, which could negatively impact the taste and texture of the reheated chicken. It's best to use fresh oil or another reheating method, such as the oven or air fryer.

Can I reheat fried chicken more than once?

It's best to reheat fried chicken only once to maintain quality and safety. Repeated reheating can dry it out and affect its taste and texture.

How can I make fried chicken stay crispy for longer after frying?

After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack to cool instead of paper towels. This prevents steam from making the coating soggy.

Can I use a toaster oven to reheat fried chicken?

Yes, you can use a toaster oven to reheat fried chicken and keep it crispy. Here is a simple overview of how to do it:

1. Preheat your toaster oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Place the fried chicken pieces on a foil-lined baking tray.
3. Reheat the chicken in the toaster oven for 2-3 minutes.
4. Let the chicken rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Is it safe to eat reheated crispy fried chicken?

Yes, it is generally safe to reheat fried chicken, as long as it is properly cooked and stored the first time. The key is to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when reheated.