KFC is undoubtedly one of the most popular fast food options available. But after you bring it home, how do you go about reheating KFC so that it remains as delicious as when it was first cooked? Your traditional oven or even a microwave just won’t cut it if you want to get that perfect crispy texture. The solution? Reheating KFC in an air fryer!
Read on to find out our tested and perfected way for reheating fried chicken in an air fryer–so you can enjoy your favourite KFC snacks any time, without sacrificing quality.
How to Reheat KFC in an Air Fryer (Step by Step Instructions)
Step 1: Preparing the KFC for Reheating
Like people, cold KFC can be quite stubborn and unyielding. So, give it a few minutes to come to room temperature before attempting to reheat it.
KFC often comes in packaging that’s meant for delivery or takeout. Remove any packaging or wrapping to allow for better air circulation while reheating.
Just like you’d pat yourself dry with a towel after a shower, use a paper towel to dry the chicken. This will help remove any excess moisture that could make the chicken soggy while reheating.
Step 2: Preheating the Air Fryer
As a self-proclaimed fried chicken aficionado, I’ve had my fair share of KFC menu items over the years. And while I love the taste of freshly fried chicken, sometimes I just can’t eat it all in one sitting. That’s where the air fryer comes in to save the day!
I like to set my air fryer to 400°F and let it warm up for a 5 minutes. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and not end up too dry.
To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup, I recommend lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper or cooking spray. This also helps to avoid any unnecessary mess in the air fryer basket.
If you’re like me and have a bit of a sweet tooth, then you’ll want to make sure that any leftover honey mustard sauce or sweet chili sauce is at the ready.
Pro tip: you can warm up sauces in a separate container in the air fryer alongside the chicken.
Step 3: Reheating the KFC in the Air Fryer
Now, let’s get down to business – reheating the KFC menu items. Gently place the KFC pieces in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece.
KFC Chicken Tenders, Popcorn Chicken, Chicken Wings
For chicken tenders, I recommend setting the air fryer to 360°F and cooking them for 3-4 minutes.
For popcorn chicken, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for 3-4 minutes.
As for chicken wings, I like to set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 6-7 minutes to get that perfect crispiness.
Pro tips:
- For a healthier option, you can skip the cooking oil or use a cooking spray with a low-fat content.
- For an extra crispy texture, you can also coat the chicken tenders with a mixture of breadcrumbs and spices before reheating.
- If the chicken are too dry, you can lightly coat them with a small amount of cooking oil or spray to help them retain moisture.
- For an extra crispy texture, you can increase the temperature to 425°F and cook for an additional minute or two.
KFC Crispy Chicken Sandwich
When it comes to the crispy chicken sandwich, 350°F for 3-4 minutes is the sweet spot. (Pro tips: discard any condiments, mayonnaise and vegetables may become warm and soggy during the reheating process.)
For the original recipe chicken, set the temperature to 360°F and cook for 5-6 minutes. And for extra crispy chicken, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for 6-7 minutes.
KFC Chicken Pot Pie
If you’re looking for something on the heartier side, the chicken pot pie can be reheated at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
Pro tips:
- Do not microwave the chicken pot pie as this can make the crust soggy and the filling unevenly heated.
- Do not overcook the chicken pot pie as this can cause the filling to dry out.
- If the crust is already crispy, you can skip the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent the crust from burning.
- For an extra flavorful touch, you can add some fresh herbs or spices to the filling before reheating.
KFC Mac and Cheese, Mashed Potatoes
The mac and cheese only needs 2-3 minutes at 320°F, while the mashed potatoes can be reheated at 350°F for 4-5 minutes.
Pro tips:
- Remove the Mac and Cheese or Mashed Potatoes from the container and place it in an oven-safe dish.
- Add a small amount of milk or cream to the Mac and Cheese to prevent it from drying out.
- Cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from drying out.
- Add breadcrumbs or grated cheese to the top of the dish for an extra crispy texture.
KFC Biscuits
And let’s not forget the beloved biscuits – 320°F for 2-3 minutes will have them tasting fresh out of the oven!
Pro tips:
- Brush the biscuits with melted butter for extra flavor and the butter will crisp up the surface.
- Brush the top of the biscuits with a small amount of melted butter or oil.
- After reheating, brush the top of the biscuits with more honey for an extra flavorful touch.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying!
Let the reheated KFC rest for a minute before serving. This will help the chicken retain its juices and flavors.
KFC is nothing without its sauces, so grab your favorite dipping sauces and get ready to indulge. Whether you’re a fan of honey mustard or BBQ sauce, KFC pairs well with a variety of sauces.
No KFC meal is complete without some delicious sides. Whether you prefer mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or mac and cheese, KFC has plenty of options to choose from.
KFC is best enjoyed with friends and family, so invite some loved ones over and make it a feast. Plus, it’s always more fun to share your love for KFC with others. As Colonel Sanders himself once said, “Finger-lickin’ good!”
FAQs:
Can the air fryer overcook KFC?
Yes, it is possible to overcook KFC in an air fryer if you’re not careful. Always keep an eye on the chicken while it’s reheating, and check its temperature with a meat thermometer before serving to ensure that it’s cooked through.
Does reheating KFC in an air fryer change the taste?
Not at all! Reheating KFC in an air fryer maintains its signature flavor and texture, so you can enjoy your favorite fried chicken snack without any difference in taste or quality.
How long does it take to reheat KFC in an air fryer?
It typically takes about 8-10 minutes to reheat KFC in an air fryer, depending on the number of pieces and the type of chicken you’re reheating. Make sure to check its temperature with a meat thermometer before serving.
Is it safe to reheat KFC in an air fryer?
A. Yes, it is perfectly safe to reheat KFC in an air fryer as long as you follow the proper steps and use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached the proper internal temperature before serving.
Conclusion
Reheating KFC in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy your favorite fried chicken snack without having to leave the comfort of your own home. Just make sure to preheat, dry the chicken, and keep an eye on it while it’s reheating to ensure that it doesn’t overcook. Add some dipping sauces and sides to make your KFC experience extra delicious. Enjoy!
EXCITING AIR FRYER RECIPES TO REHEAT YOUR LEFTOVERS YOU’LL LOVE:
