Looking to enjoy mouthwatering reheated BBQ chicken in an air fryer? You’ve come to the right place! In this guide, I’ll show you how to reheat BBQ chicken in an air fryer with crispy perfection. Whether you have chicken wings, rotisserie chicken, chicken legs, boneless chicken thighs, roast chicken drumsticks, chicken breast, chicken tenders, BBQ wings, baked chicken, honey BBQ, or any other delicious variation, I’ve got you covered. Get ready to elevate your leftover BBQ chicken game with these simple yet effective techniques. So, let’s fire up that air fryer and dive into the world of tantalizing flavors and delightful textures!
Table of Contents
Preparing the BBQ Chicken for Reheating
Now that you’re ready to embark on your journey to reheating BBQ chicken in an air fryer, let’s dive into the essential steps to ensure your chicken is at its prime before it hits the sizzling hot air fryer basket. Trust me, this is where the magic begins!
Handle Those Leftover BBQ Chicken Pieces with Care
When dealing with leftover BBQ chicken, it’s crucial to treat it like the precious gem it is. First, make sure the chicken is properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only keeps it fresh but also prevents any potential foodborne illnesses. Remember, we want to enjoy tasty chicken, not suffer from any unappetizing consequences.
Thawing: Patience is Key
If your BBQ chicken is frozen, resist the urge to rush the thawing process. Patience, my friends, is key here. Place the frozen chicken in the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This gradual thawing allows the chicken to retain its moisture and ensures even reheating later on. Trust me, the results will be worth the wait.
Say NO to dry Chicken: Keep it moist
Dry chicken is a culinary crime we want to avoid at all costs. To prevent your chicken from drying out during the reheating process, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or a drizzle of olive oil before placing it in the air fryer. This extra moisture will work wonders in maintaining the juiciness of your chicken.
How to Reheat BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer
STEP 1:
To kickstart this mouthwatering adventure, preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). Just like warming up before a race, preheating ensures that your chicken gets the perfect amount of heat from the get-go.
STEP 2:
Take your BBQ chicken pieces and arrange them in the air fryer basket with tender love and care. For bone-in chicken wings, drumsticks, or legs, make sure they’re spread out in a single layer, allowing the hot air to work its magic on each piece.
If you’re reheating boneless chicken thighs, breasts, or tenders, place them gently in the basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Each piece deserves its fair share of hot air attention for that delectable outcome.
STEP 3:
Now, here’s where the precision comes into play. Set the time and temperature on your air fryer based on the specific model and the thickness of your chicken pieces. As a starting point, aim for a temperature of 350°F (175°C) and a reheating time of 5-7 minutes.
STEP 4:
Halfway through the reheating process, it’s time to flip your chicken pieces. This simple act ensures that both sides of the chicken receive equal attention from the hot air, resulting in that coveted crispy exterior.
Use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip each piece and let the air fryer work its magic for the remaining time.
Bone-In Chicken Pieces
- Set the temperature to around 400°F (200°C) and let the wings dance with the heat for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Boneless Chicken Pieces
- Set the temperature to approximately 380°F (190°C) and let the air fryer do its thing for around 8-10 minutes.
STEP 5:
During the last few minutes of reheating, grab a brush and generously coat your chicken pieces with your favorite BBQ sauce. This step takes the flavors to a whole new level, adding that tangy, smoky goodness we all crave.
STEP 6:
We’ve reached the climax, my friends. It’s time to check if your reheated BBQ chicken is ready to grace your plate. For bone-in chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), while boneless pieces should reach 160°F (71°C). This simple step ensures both safety and optimal flavor.
Serving and Enjoying Reheated BBQ Chicken
Follow these tips to take your culinary experience to the next level.
Presentation is Everything
Take a moment to plate your reheated BBQ chicken with finesse. Arrange the pieces on a platter or individual plates, making them look as appetizing as possible. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, a garnish of sliced lemon, or a colorful side salad can elevate the visual appeal and make your dish truly Instagram-worthy.
Pair with Delicious Sides
BBQ chicken is a versatile companion, and it deserves some equally delicious sides. Consider serving it with classics like corn on the cob, coleslaw, or buttery mashed potatoes. Alternatively, opt for lighter options such as a crisp green salad, grilled vegetables, or sweet potato fries. The possibilities are endless, so let your taste buds guide you.
Dipping Sauces Galore
If you’re a sauce aficionado like me, then a selection of tantalizing dipping sauces is a must. Whip up a homemade tangy BBQ sauce, a zesty ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo. These sauces add an extra layer of flavor and give you the opportunity to customize each bite to your heart’s desire.
EXCITING AIR FRYER RECIPES TO REHEAT YOUR LEFTOVERS YOU’LL LOVE:
- How to Reheat Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer
- How to Reheat Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer
- How to Reheat Korean Fried Chicken in Air Fryer
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reheat frozen BBQ chicken in an air fryer?
Absolutely! The air fryer is a fantastic tool for reheating frozen BBQ chicken. Simply follow the same steps mentioned in the guide, but allow for a slightly longer reheating time to ensure the chicken is thoroughly heated.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce for reheating the chicken?
Yes, store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly fine for reheating your chicken. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with homemade sauces or try different flavors to add a personal touch to your dish.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out during reheating?
To prevent your chicken from drying out, make sure to add some moisture before placing it in the air fryer. Consider adding a splash of chicken broth or a drizzle of olive oil to help retain the chicken’s juiciness.
Can I reheat different cuts of chicken together in the air fryer?
While it’s possible to reheat different cuts of chicken together, it’s essential to consider their cooking times. If the cuts have significantly different thicknesses, it’s best to reheat them separately to ensure even cooking and avoid overcooking or undercooking any pieces.
How long can I store leftover BBQ chicken before reheating?
Leftover BBQ chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days before reheating. Make sure to keep it properly sealed in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and quality.
Can I reheat bone-in and boneless chicken together in the air fryer?
While it’s possible to reheat bone-in and boneless chicken together, it’s advisable to reheat them separately due to their different cooking times and requirements. This ensures that each piece is reheated properly and achieves the desired texture.
How long to reheat whole BBQ chicken in the air fryer?
The reheating time for a whole BBQ chicken in an air fryer will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken. As a general guideline, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the chicken for approximately 15-20 minutes.
How to reheat store-bought BBQ chicken?
Reheating store-bought BBQ chicken is a breeze. Here’s how:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Reheat for approximately 8-10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and enjoy your delicious reheated store-bought BBQ chicken.
Warp-up,
To conclude, reheating BBQ chicken in an air fryer is a great way to upgrade your leftovers. With the air fryer, you can enjoy a crunchy yet juicy meal that tastes like it has just been grilled or smoked. It’s also healthier than using traditional reheating methods such as the oven and microwave, which can dry out food. In addition, using an air fryer for reheating will save you time and energy since it only takes around 10 minutes to reheat your meal. All in all, an air fryer is an excellent choice for reheating BBQ chicken while still being able to enjoy the unique textures and flavors of the food. And given how little effort it takes to make a delicious dish from day old chicken, what better option could you ask for?
How to Reheat BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer (Summary Recipe)
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Tongs or spatula
- 1 Meat Thermometer (optional)
Materials
- 4 pieces BBQ chicken leftovers
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the BBQ chicken leftovers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Reheat the chicken for approximately 8-10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Once heated through, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve and enjoy the reheated BBQ chicken with your favorite sides and sauces.
