We all love crispy chicken wings; however, they can get soggy after being reheated. An air fryer is an excellent option for reheating chicken wings to maintain crispiness.
It can help restore the crispiness of the wings without making them greasy, providing a quick and convenient way to enjoy delicious reheated wings.
I explain everything you need to know for reheating chicken wings, from determining the perfect cooking time to incorporating the ideal seasoning and sauce.
Say goodbye to soggy reheated wings and hello to perfectly crisp and delicious chicken wings.
Wing lovers, be sure to check out my other wing tips and recipes. Learn how to cut chicken wings like a pro with this step-by-step guide; smothered with Rich Gravy Turkey Wings made in the crock pot, Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings, and my favorite, 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Wings with one surprising ingredient.
Why Reheat Wings In An Air Fryer
If you want to enjoy hot and crunchy leftover chicken wings, using an air fryer with its unique cooking method is the best method. Instead of dunking food in greasy hot oil like traditional frying, air fryers use hot air for cooking and crisping the food. The best part is an air fryer lets you enjoy crispy skinned leftover wings the next day without adding excess grease.
- Taste: The original flavor remains authentic when you reheat wings in an air fryer.
- Texture: The chicken meat stays tender, and moisture is retained. Also, the outside skin will have a crispy texture.
- Time: You can have crisp hot wings in less than 10 minutes.
- Thourly Heated: An air fryer circulates heat at just the right temperature so your wings are heated evenly.
- Less Grease: Air fryer chicken wings are less greasy than deep-fried wings.
Ingredients Needed
There are a few grocery items that can help you achieve crispy, tender wings when reheating them.
- Leftover Chicken Wings: You can use leftover take-out wings or homemade wings.
- Avacado Oil: (optional) It is best to use a high smoke-tolerant oil such as avocado oil. You will lightly brush the oil on or use an oil mister bottle.
- Seasoning : (optional) Before placing the wings in the air fryer, you can season them with salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning blend. I like to use my Homemade Poultry Dry Rub Recipe.
- Sauce: (optional) If you like glazed wings, apply your favorite wing sauce just before the wings are finished reheated.
How To Reheat Wings In An Air Fryer
To reheat wings in the air fryer, follow these few simple steps. You will have hot, crunchy, delicious wings in under 10 minutes. Perfect for game day, a late-night snack, or a weeknight dinner.
- Take the leftover wings out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to warm up slightly.
- Next, preheat the air fryer at 375°F for 4 minutes.
- Brush on a light coating of avocado oil to promote crispness. Lightly season the wings with your favorite seasoning blend, if desired.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack of the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd to allow for proper air circulation. Place the basket in the air fryer and cook at 375°F for 4 minutes.
- After 4 minutes, flip the wings to ensure even cooking and crispness on both sides, then continue cooking for another 4 minutes.
- Check the wings towards the end of the cooking time for the desired level of crispiness. If you prefer them crispier, you can cook them for an additional minute or two, but be sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
- Once done, remove the wings from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a minute before serving. This technique produces excellently reheated wings that are crispy on the inside and have a juicy interior.
How To Sacue Air Fryer Wings
If you want sauce on your leftover wings, it is best to do this towards the end of the heating time.
- Take the wings out of the fryer basket using tongs 2 minutes before they are done cooking.
- Place the wings in a medium-sized bowl.
- Pour your favorite sauce over the wings and toss.
- Place the wings back into the air fryer basket and continue cooking for 2 more minutes.
- Once done, remove the wings from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a minute before serving. This method results in perfectly reheated wings with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Safety Tip: The USDA states that even though foods may have been safely cooked, bacteria from the air or people’s hands can contaminate the leftovers. Always test the internal temperature of the reheated wings in several places with a meat thermometer to be sure they reach 165 °F (73.8°C) throughout.
Can you reheat sauced wings in an air fryer?
You can reheat wings that have been cooked in sauce using an air fryer.
- To reheat already cooked wings with sauce in an air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer at 375°F for 4 minutes.
- Remove the wings from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Do not put more sauce on them yet.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, then cook at 375°F for 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, flip the wings and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes.
- If you’d like to add more sauce, toss the wings in your favorite sauce and return them to the air fryer for an additional 2 minutes.
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to an internal temperature of 165°F (73.8°C).
Tip For Saucing Wings: It’s important to remember that sauces and marinades with high sugar content may cause the wings to brown or char more quickly. Monitor the wings closely to prevent burning, and adjust the time or temperature as needed to achieve the desired result.
How Do I reheat take-out wings so they are crispy?
If you want to reheat take-out wings so they’re crispy, using an air fryer can be a great option. This method helps to preserve the wings’ crunchiness without adding too much oil. The hot air circulating inside the air fryer allows the wings to be reheated evenly, ensuring that the chicken remains juicy and tender while achieving a crispy exterior. Moreover, the wings will retain their original flavor. To reheat the wings, make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (73.8°C) all over.
I love reheating leftover buffalo wings the next day. I fill up bowls of dipping sauce, ranch, and blue cheese. Then, cut up some more celery and carrot sticks so the wings are just like the original takeout.
Can I reheat boneless wings in an air fryer?
You can reheat boneless wings in an air fryer by arranging the boneless wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in the air fryer for about 8 to 10 minutes at 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C). Be sure to test the boneless wings in several places with a food thermometer. the internal temp should reach 165 °F (73.8°C) throughout.
Can I reheat breaded wings in my air fryer?
You can reheat breaded wings in an air fryer. The air fryer’s hot air circulation will help maintain the crispiness of the breaded wings without the need for excess oil.
How long should I reheat wings in an air fryer?
The reheating wings in an air fryer can vary depending on factors such as the size of the wings, the desired level of crispness, and the specific model of the air fryer. As a general guideline, it is recommended to reheat wings in an air fryer for about 5 to 10 minutes at a temperature of around 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C). However, it’s important to monitor the wings closely and adjust the time as needed to achieve the desired level of crispness and ensure they are heated through. To be more precise, you can use an instant-read thermometer to check if the internal temp of the wings reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
| Size of Wings | Reheating Time (Approx.) | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 5-8 minutes | 350°F – 375°F |
| Medium | 8-12 minutes | 375°F – 390°F |
| Large | 12-15 minutes | 390°F – 400°F |
How to Store Air Fryer Leftover Chicken Wings
Allow the wings to cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating again, use the air fryer for the best results in maintaining their crispiness.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Crispy Guide For How to Reheat Wings In An Air Fryer
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
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Ingredients
- 1 pound leftover chicken wings, The amount of chicken wings will vary according to the size of the air fryer basket.
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt, Optional
- 1/2 teaspoon avocado oil, Optional
Instructions
Preparations For Reheating Chicken Wings
- Start by preheating your air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4 minutes. This step ensures the cooking temperature is regulated correctly and helps achieve optimal results. Note* Air fryer models vary on heating instructions, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preheating.
- Remove Wings from the Refrigerator: Take the leftover wings out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This allows them to warm up slightly, promoting more even reheating.1 pound leftover chicken wings
Reheating Chicken Wings
- Seasoning (optional step): If you want to add seasoning, you can lightly season the leftover wings with your favorite seasoning salt blend.1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
- Brush on oil (optional step): Lightly brush on or use an oil mister bottle to apply avocado oil to the leftover wings. This step will help crisp the wings if they are dry.1/2 teaspoon avocado oil
- Arrange your wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's essential to avoid overcrowding to allow for proper air circulation, which promotes even cooking and crispness. If you have a large batch of wings, you may need to cook them in multiple batches.
- Place the air fryer basket of wings into your air fryer. Be sure the temperature is set to 375°F (190°C), then turn the time to 4 minutes.
- For best results to ensure even cooking and achieve crispness on both sides, flip the wings after 4 minutes into the cooking process. Return the basket back into the air fryer and continue cooking for 4 more minutes.
- Towards the end of the cooking time, check the wings for the desired level of crispiness. If you prefer them crispier, you can cook them for an additional minute or two. Be sure to keep a close eye on the wings at this point so they do not get overcooked and dried out. When done, remove the basket and allow the wings to cool for a minute. Remove with tongs and serve.
How To Sauce Air Fryer Wings (Optional)
- If you would like sauce on your wings then follow these steps. Pull the wings out of the fryer basket using tongs 2 minutes before they are done cooking.
- Place the wings in a medium size bowl.
- Pour your favorite sauce over the wings and toss.
- Place the wings back into the air fryer basket and continue cooking for 2 more minutes.
Notes
Equipment
