Reheat Chicken Wings Using an Air Fryer

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Last Updated on April 2, 2024 by Share My Kitchen

Chicken wings are definitely a delicious way to make any meat lover’s mouth water. This snack is also great for sharing with friends at parties.

You can always grab chicken wings from the fridge and reheat them if you don’t have time to prepare a meal, feel like cooking, or you just want some chicken wings.

However, it is difficult to decide which method is best for warming chicken wings. Personal preference will ultimately determine the resultant taste and ease.

Reheat Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

Chicken wings are in high demand due to its increase in popularity. So if you are looking to serve your family with an unforgettable meal, the air fryer chicken will surely live up to your expectations.

It takes very little effort to get them ready. This also allows you to use your oven to cook other food, as the air fryer does all the work.

Increased in Popularity

An air fryer utilizes heated air generated and circulated within the machine to cook food.

These machines have gained popularity in recent years because they can fry food to a golden crisp using 30% to 50% less oil than deep-frying. This makes them healthier.

The air fryer is also great to use to reheat chicken wings as it is a good method to cook them.

Reheating Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

Here are the steps to reheat the wings in an air fryer:

  • First, you need an air fryer
  • Take out your leftover chicken wings from the refrigerator, and put them on the counter to let them come to room temperature. Just let them rest for 5 minutes
  • When placing chicken wings into the air fryer, make sure that the basket isn’t full. Make sure there is enough space between each piece of chicken wings so they will be reheated evenly. However, if you have a small air fryer, the process may take longer when you’re reheating large quantities of chicken wings.
  • Next, set the air fryer temperature to 400°F or 205°C.
  • It also needs to be reheated for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking.
  • Once the chicken wings have been fried, take them out of the basket.

Useful Tip when frying chicken wings:

It is recommended for you to spray some oil on the chicken wings prior to reheating, so they become crispy after reheating them. You also need to turn them over halfway through the reheating to make sure that the pieces of chicken wings are evenly heated.

Reheating Chicken Wings in a Toaster

Toaster ovens provide one of the fastest methods to reheat chicken wings. This good appliance gives a gentle and even source of heat, making them perfect for reheating any type of food.

Although, if the temperature is high, or the timer is turned on for an extended time, it is possible that the chicken wings will dry out. You can, however, cover your chicken wings with aluminum to decrease the likelihood of them drying out.

Here are the steps to reheat chicken wings in the toaster oven:

  • The first thing you need to do is get a baking sheet, foil and a toaster oven.
  • Chicken wings that have been stored in the refrigerator should be brought out and left on the counter for five minutes. This will allow them to come to room temperature. Keep in mind that this step should not be skipped.
  • Next, cover your baking sheet with aluminum foil. You can also place your chicken wings directly onto the baking sheet without wrapping them in aluminum foil. However, it is much easier to clean up if you cover it with aluminum foil beforehand.
  • Place the chicken wings on a baking sheet.
  • You can skip this step if you decide to just leave the chicken wings uncovered. However, covering them with aluminum foil can prevent your chicken wings from drying out and enhancing their flavor.
  • You can use your toaster oven to cook the chicken wings on your baking pan.
  • Set the temperature at 350°F (175°C).
  • Then, it can be baked in the oven for 5 and 10 minutes.
  • You must remove the baking pan from the oven.
  • Finally, serve your reheated chicken wings with any remaining sauce.

Useful Tip:

Don’t worry, you can follow the same steps even if you have a traditional oven. You can also adjust the temperature and timer settings to suit your needs. Moreover, be careful not to leave them in for too long if you preheat your oven. You will prevent them from drying out.

Reheating Chicken Wings in a Deep Fryer

One of the most popular methods to prepare chicken wings is deep-frying them. You can also refry your leftover deep-fried chicken wings to reheat them to ensure good flavor.

This method will make your chicken wings taste brand new. Refrying your leftover chicken wings also gives you golden crispy results.

Here are some steps to reheat your chicken wings in a deep fryer:

  • First, get a frying pan and oil, then put it on the stove.
  • Chicken wings that have been stored in the refrigerator should be brought out and left on the counter for five minutes. This will allow them to come to room temperature. Keep in mind that this step should not be skipped.  
  • Next, preheat the frying pan that you placed on the stove.
  • Once the pan has gotten hot, add oil into it.
  • Heat the oil to a high temperature.
  • Also, be aware that because of the reaction between oil and moisture in the chicken wings, oil can splash or splatter when you move them one at a time on the frying pan.
  • The chicken wings should be crispy after about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Then turn the chicken wings over.
  • Continue to fry them for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until crispy on the other side.
  • Remove the wings from the frying-pan.
  • Finally, serve them with a sauce once they have cooled.

Useful Tip:

You must use a nonstick pan and tongs to make frying easier. Moreover, place a paper towel on the plate before you add the refried chicken wings. This is to make sure that the excess oil is drained.

Reheating Chicken Wings in Microwave

It is common for many kitchens to have microwave ovens. They are a kitchen staple and often used to reheat food. And if you have one, it can be used to heat up chicken wings.

Although it is possible to quickly heat up wings in the microwave oven, there is a predicament with unevenness when using this appliance. It also won’t preserve the crispy texture of your chicken wings, so you will end up with soggy wings.

Here are the steps to reheat the wings in the microwave:

  • First, you will need a microwave-safe pan.
  • Chicken wings that have been stored in the refrigerator should be brought out and left on the counter for five minutes. This will allow them to come to room temperature.
  • If a damp paper towel is placed on top of a microwave-safe container or plate, it will be made microwave-safe.
  • Microwave the chicken wings according to your instructions. Place a moist paper towel between the chicken wings and the microwave-ready container or plate.
  • Then add another sheet of moist paper towel over the chicken wings. If you prefer to wrap the chicken wings in plastic wrap or a lid, sprinkle a few drops of water on them first. This will keep your chicken wings moist and prevent them from drying out.
  • Next, place the container inside the microwave oven
  • The chicken wings only need to be heated on high for 2 minutes.
  • It is also important to check if your chicken wings were heated perfectly.
  • However, if the wings are still not fully heated, heat them again for 30 seconds.
  • Take the chicken wings out of your microwave oven.
  • Finally, serve them with any leftover sauce once they have cooled.

Reheating Chicken Wings in Oven

Using an oven is the best way to heat wings is to make your own spicy and juicy chicken wings. Here’s how to reheat the wings in an oven:

  • First, you need aluminum foil and a baking pan.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Then let the wings come to room temperature for 20 to 25 minutes.
  • When the oven is ready, place the aluminum foil into the baking dish and put the wings on it with another sheet of foil on top.
  • Leave them in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • When your wings are crispy and golden brown, you can serve them with your meal.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Tips for Extra Crispy Wings

  • Spray cooking oil to prevent chicken wings from sticking to the basket of an air fryer.
  • Perfect chicken wings start cooking at a lower temperature first, then turn up the heat towards the end to get that beautiful crispy texture.
  • For a delicious meal, combine crispy chicken wings with your favorite sauce.
  • An air fryer is ideal for reheating leftover chicken wings.

Maximum Time to Reheat the Wings

In an air fryer, a 15-inch thick chicken wing takes approximately 30 minutes. Also, slice the basket every 10 minutes to get the wings evenly crispy.

For juicy wings with crispy skin, start by cooking them at a lower temperature, then increase the heat in the last few minutes. This allows the fat to render and makes the skin extra crispy.

Making a Bigger Batch

It is best to fry the chicken wings in small batches. This makes sure that wings are not crowded and use less fat. Separate the wings into two layers, and fry each individually before increasing the heat.

However, make sure that your basket is not too full to allow air to circulate.

Reheating Frozen Wings in an Air Fryer

An air fryer can cook frozen wings. They can be air-fried separately at 380°F for 5 minutes (29 total minutes), then increase the heat by 6° during the last six minutes to make them crispy.

After a few minutes, shake the basket to separate the wings. However, don’t be alarmed if they seem stuck together in the beginning.

Flavorings and Sauces for Wings

After the wings are air-fried, you can add whatever seasoning or sauce of your liking to them. Here are some examples of sauces:

  • There are many ways to make buffalo chicken sauce. You can either make your own with just two ingredients or buy it.
  • Chicken wings with a delicious garlic parmesan sauce.
  • Honey Garlic Sauce
  • Lemon Pepper Sauce
  • Sweet Teriyaki Sauce
  • Seasoning with Cajun
  • BBQ Sauce; add as much sauce you like on the wings, and toss the wings between each coat
  • Old Bay seasoning, also mix 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Then, combine the wings into the sauce, and brush Old Bay seasoning.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Wings

  • Chicken wings tossed in Buffalo Sauce can also be served with fresh celery and baby carrots, and Blue Cheese or Ranch dip sauce on the side.
  • Combine chili wings with chips, fries, onion rings, coleslaw and mozzarella sticks to make a great snack.

Method of Storing Leftover Chicken Wings

Proper storage is essential to ensure safe reheating. If you want your leftover wings to taste great, make sure they are stored in a safe place.

  • It is important to ensure that your wings are stored within two hours after they have been cooked.
  • They will be more likely to contract bacteria if they are left at the counter for too long.
  • In addition, it is important to wrap them in an airtight container to ensure that they don’t get damaged during storage.
  • It is also recommended to double wrap to avoid freezer burn if you plan to freeze them.
  • You can keep a variety of chicken wings in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. However, they can be frozen for up to 3 to 4 months.
  • After that point, the quality of the food will start to decline. However, it is still safe to eat.
  • You can reheat your wings multiple times as long as they are properly stored and reheated correctly.

Frequently Ask Questions

For how long should chicken wings be reheated in an air fryer?

The air fryer is a great way to reheat fried chicken, if you have one. However, make sure that the fried chicken is at room temperature, and placed in the air fryer at 375°F. After the chicken is fried, place them in a single layer and cook for approximately 4 minutes. Also, flip once to ensure they’re cooked evenly.

How does an Air fryer work for reheating sauced wings?

You can reheat chicken wings in the oven, toaster oven, microwave, air fryer, skillet, or under a broiler. The quality of your reheated chicken wings will depend on how you prepared them, and whether they were dry rubbed or sauced.

Are boneless wings able to be reheated in an air fryer?

Another fast and easy method to reheat boneless wings is to use an air fryer, if it’s at your disposal. However, before you place the wings in the air fryer, let them come to room temperature for at least 5 minutes. Then, heat the wings in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes until they reach the desired temperature.

Does an air fryer need to be preheated?

You cannot just put your food in the air fryer and set the heat. It is required to preheat the air fryer prior to using it. This applies to food cooked in an oven fryer. Before cooking, the air fryer should be preheated for 10 minutes.

Can leftover chicken wings be eaten cold?

Cold wings are delicious and easy to make. So, grab some cold wings from the fridge, put them on your plate, and enjoy! As long as they are safely stored in the fridge, they are safe to eat. Moreover, they are a great cold alternative to deli sandwiches during the summer heat.

How can chicken wings remain warm and crispy?

If you fry too many wings at once, a high temperature oil may reduce the heat of the wings individually. So, they will not be crispy. Place the cooked wings on a baking tray to keep them warm while you cook the rest.

Which air fryer is the best?

For this recipe, it is best to use a larger basket since this gives more cooking surface and lets you make more wings. Steel basket fryers are also preferred over aluminum. This is because aluminum air fryers did not cook food as crispy as those made of steel.

Conclusion

There are many ways to reheat wings at home, and you can enjoy the savory flavor on your own.

No matter which option you choose to use, it is important that the meat does not dry completely. You want the juices to remain within the wings. Wait until you discover the best way to reheat the chicken until you achieve the desired taste.

However, the best way to reheat wings is to bake them. It takes a little time to make wings golden brown and crispy without losing their flavor. This also makes sure that the wings are crispier and more flavorful.

It can be soggy at times, but it keeps the balance between being dry. This makes it an ideal food for satisfying your taste buds.

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