HOW TO REHEAT FRIED CHICKEN
Reheating fried chicken can be tricky, as you want to maintain its crispiness without drying it out. Here are a few methods to do it successfully:
1. Oven (Best Method for Crispiness)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken and helps it stay crispy.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is crispy again.
2. Skillet (Crispy)
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil (just enough to coat the bottom).
- Place the chicken in the skillet once the oil is hot. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy and heated through.
- Tip: Cover the skillet for a minute to help heat the inside of the chicken while keeping the outside crispy.
3. Air Fryer (Great for Crunchiness)
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer, ensuring there’s space between the pieces.
- Cook for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s heated and crispy.
4. Microwave (Quick, But May Lose Crispiness)
- Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking for warmth. For better results, try reheating in 30-second intervals.
How to keep reheated fried chicken crispy
To keep your reheated fried chicken crispy, follow these tips:
1. Use a Wire Rack
- Place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet while reheating. This ensures that hot air circulates around the chicken, helping the coating stay crispy on all sides.
- Avoid placing it directly on the baking sheet, as this can trap moisture underneath and make the coating soggy.
2. Oven or Air Fryer is Best
- Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. The dry heat from the oven helps maintain the crispy exterior.
- Air Fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C) and heat for 4-6 minutes. The rapid circulation of air helps make the coating crisp up without overcooking the chicken.
3. Avoid the Microwave
- The microwave can soften the crispy coating due to the moisture it generates. If you must use it, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to help prevent it from drying out, but the crispiness will likely be compromised.
4. Light Oil in a Skillet
- If reheating on the stove, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side. This can help restore the crispiness while heating the chicken evenly.
5. Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken
- If using the oven or air fryer, avoid stacking the chicken. Give each piece space so that air can circulate and crisp it up properly.
By using these methods, you’ll retain that crunchy, crispy fried chicken texture even when reheating!
The oven and skillet methods will retain the best crispiness, while the microwave is quicker but may make the chicken a little soggy.