Nothing beats the mouthwatering taste of freshly fried KFC chicken. However, if you have some leftovers and want to enjoy them later, reheating them properly is essential to retain that signature crunch and flavor.
While microwaving may leave your KFC chicken lackluster and greasy, fear not, as we have a solution to bring back the finger-lickin’s goodness: reheating KFC chicken in an air fryer!
In this article, we’ll guide you through using your air fryer to reheat KFC chicken to perfection, ensuring you savor every crispy bite like it’s hot off the KFC fryer.
Why Use an Air Fryer to Reheat KFC Chicken?
Air fryers have increased immense admiration for their ability to recreate the crispy texture of fried foods using hot air circulation, and reheating KFC chicken is no exception.
Unlike microwaving, which can make fried Chicken soggy, the air fryer’s intense heat and airflow ensure that your Chicken remains crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, just as it was when freshly prepared.
Additionally, the air fryer allows for even reheating without extra oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.
So, whether you have some KFC chicken leftovers or want to reheat a batch you saved for later, your air fryer is your secret weapon to bring back the original deliciousness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating KFC Chicken in an Air Fryer:
Step 1: Preheat your Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer is crucial to achieving the best results. Established the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and let the air fryer preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
This ensures that the Chicken will start cooking immediately when placed in the air fryer, leading to a crispy exterior.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken in the Basket
Remove the KFC chicken pieces from the fridge or storage container while the air fryer is preheating.
Position the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a sole layer, ensuring they are not moving or overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each piece, ensuring uniform reheating.
Also, if you’re using a multilayer lack in an air fryer, try to place the chicken pieces smartly, ensuring each piece has enough space to breathe.
Step 3: Reheating Time
The reheating time will vary depending on the size and width of the chicken pieces. As a general guideline, reheat boneless chicken pieces (such as tenders) for about 3-4 minutes, while bone-in chicken (such as drumsticks or thighs) may require 8-12 minutes.
It’s essential to check the Chicken’s internal temperature by means of a meat thermometer to ensure it ranges at least 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption.
Step 4: Flip the Chicken (Optional)
If you prefer an extra crispy finish, consider flipping the chicken pieces halfway through the reheating process. This allows both sides of the Chicken to crisp up evenly.
Step 5: Monitor the Reheating Process
Keep a close eye on the Chicken during the reheating process to avoid overcooking. The air fryer’s rapid cooking capabilities can quickly turn perfectly crispy Chicken into something overly dry if left unattended.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Using tongs, once the KFC chicken is heated through and reaches the desired crispiness, carefully remove the pieces from the air fryer basket.
Let them rest for a minute before serving to lock in the juiciness. Now, it’s time to enjoy your reheated KFC chicken as if it were freshly prepared!
Time-Saving Tips for Perfectly Reheat KFC Chicken:
1. Use a Light Spritz of Oil (Optional)
For an even crisper finish and to enhance the flavor, lightly spritz the Chicken with olive oil or any cooking spray before placing it in the air fryer. This step is optional, but it can elevate the overall taste and texture of the reheated Chicken.
2. Don’t fill the Air Fryer Basket
To ensure proper air circulation and even reheating, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Reheat the Chicken in batches if necessary, ensuring enough space between each piece.
3. Avoid Overheating
Overheating the Chicken can lead to a dry and tough texture. Keep a close eye on the reheating process and check the Chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
4. Reheat Sauces Separately
If you plan to serve the reheated KFC chicken with sauces or dips, consider reheating the sauces separately in a microwave or stovetop. This ensures that the Chicken remains crispy, and the sauces can be warmed to the desired temperature separately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to reheat KFC crispy chicken in an air fryer?
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange Chicken in a single layer and reheat boneless pieces for 3-4 mins, bone-in for 6-8 mins.
Can KFC chicken be reheated?
Yes, it can be reheated. Use an air fryer or oven for best results to retain crispiness.
How long does it take to reheat KFC fries in an air fryer?
Reheat KFC fries at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 mins in a single layer for crispy results.
How to make leftover KFC crispy again?
Use an air fryer or oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C), and reheat in a single layer for a few minutes. Optionally, lightly spritz with oil for added crispiness.
Bottom Line
Reheating KFC chicken in an air fryer is a simple yet effective way to recapture that signature crunch and flavor.
By preheating the air fryer, arranging the Chicken in a single layer, and monitoring the reheating process closely, you can enjoy your leftover KFC chicken as if it were freshly made.
The air fryer’s hot air circulation ensures even reheating without extra oil, making it healthier and more efficient than traditional reheating techniques.
So, the next time you have some KFC chicken leftovers, don’t hesitate to give them new life with your air fryer. Say goodbye to soggy microwaved Chicken and hello to crispy, finger-licking goodness once again!
Say goodbye to soggy microwave reheating and hello to crispy, tender, and flavorful KFC chicken with the help of Air Fryer Mag!
Isla Zoey is the Owner and Author of Air Fryer Mag, She love to use, test and write about the Air fryers.