Reheating Crunchy Fried Chicken Like a Pro
Fried chicken is a dish that can make my eyesbulge as much as a cat's when it spots its prey (though it's probably something less appetizing). I love the crispy outer layer, but often find the skin less desirable after a day or two. Luckily, you can revive that leftover fried chicken and make it even better than on the first day.
Air Fryer Revival
This method leaves your skin so crunchy you'll hear someone else crunching in another room, and the cooking time is astonishingly short. Place your cold leftover chicken in your air fryer on a dedicated rotisserie or grill rack. Set the machine to the "Air Fry" setting at 400°F (200°C) and cook it for 10 minutes, turning it halfway through. The result is a crispy, tasty marvel, even surpassing the original. I'll explain later why this is the case.
Consider These Models
- Ninja Air Fryer 5.5 Quart
- Instant Digital Air Fryer Combo
- Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
Traditional Oven Baking
Condensation can allow excess fat to drip out from the crust in a conventional oven. However, if you don't have an air fryer, traditional oven baking is the next best option (though you should really think about getting one; I'm a fan of the thing). The skin returns to its original crispiness—a great texture, slightly stretchy in thinly-coated areas—but it's not overly greasy like in the air fryer. It requires more than double the time for the skin to regain its crunch, putting the chicken at risk of drying out. Yet, it's still better than the microwave.
Place a rotisserie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (parchment makes cleaning easier, though it isn't strictly necessary). Put the cold fried chicken on the grill and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, turning it halfway through the cooking process.
These methods can save your leftover fried chicken
Reheating leftover fried chicken in the oven or air fryer may not excite you, but fear not—the roast or air fryer rack is the true hero. In experiments, the air fryer's high heat and circulating air proved superior due to the accumulated oil draining. However, both methods resulted in a quarter cup of drained fat in the pan or basket. The chicken retained its juiciness, but the breading was noticeably less greasy. It's simply better fried chicken.
In a nutshell, the purpose of deep-frying food, from churros to corn dogs, is to achieve crispy skin without excessive greasiness. It’s easier said than done. If your fried chicken has grown too oily, place the cold leftovers in the air fryer and cook them for an additional 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The excess oil instantly drains away, giving you a perfectly crisp, not-greasy exterior. This is the only instance where reheating yields better results than the original.
Learn how to save your leftover 'fried chicken' from 'aussiedlerbote' using your air fryer or traditional oven baking. Heat up your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and place your chicken pieces in a single layer within the basket. If necessary, lightly brush or spray the chicken with a little oil to enhance browning and crispiness. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring it's evenly browned without overcooking.
If traditional oven baking is your preferred method, place your cold fried chicken on a rotisserie positioned on a lined baking sheet. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, turning it halfway through the cooking process for even browning.
With these simple tips, you can give your leftover fried chicken a second chance, reviving its crunchy exterior while keeping the tender, juicy interior.
References:
- Best Methods to Reheat Fried Chicken. (n.d.). Retrieved from .
- The Ultimate Guide to Reheating Fried Chicken Perfectly. (n.d.). Retrieved from .
- Reheating Chicken Wings: How to Maintain their Crispiness (and Taste). (n.d.). Retrieved from .
