Are you craving the delectable flavors of Korean fried chicken but worried about losing its irresistible crispy texture when reheating? Look no further! In this guide, I will share my expertise on how to reheat Korean fried chicken in an air fryer, ensuring that each bite remains as crispy and flavorful as when it was first served. With a focus on popular chicken cuts like wings, bonchon chicken wings, chicken breast, and chicken drumsticks, as well as mouthwatering options like spicy Korean variations, I’ll provide you with professional tips and personal experiences to achieve perfect results. Say goodbye to soggy reheated chicken, and get ready to savor the magic of crispy fried goodness once again.
Table of Contents
What’s Korean Fried Chicken?
Korean fried chicken offers a variety of options when it comes to the choice of chicken cuts. From the ever-popular wings to the beloved bonchon chicken wings, there’s a cut to suit every preference.
The wings, with their delicate balance of crispy skin and juicy meat, are an absolute favorite among Korean fried chicken enthusiasts.
If you prefer white meat, the succulent chicken breast is an excellent choice, ensuring a tender bite in every mouthful. And for those who savor the robust flavors of dark meat, the chicken drumsticks deliver a delightful combination of juicy meat and crispy skin.
In the world of Korean fried chicken, variety knows no bounds. Alongside the classic flavors, there exists a tantalizing array of spicy options that ignite the taste buds and elevate the experience. From mild heat to fiery explosions, the spicy Korean variations are a testament to the nation’s love for bold and vibrant flavors. Whether it’s a sticky gochujang glaze or a tongue-tingling kimchi-infused sauce, these spicy renditions take Korean fried chicken to new heights of culinary delight.
How to Reheat Korean Fried Chicken in Air Fryer
STEP 1:
Set the air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically around 350°F (175°C), and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
STEP 2:
Place the Korean fried chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space to crisp up evenly.
STEP 3:
If you have a large quantity of chicken, it’s best to reheat it in batches rather than overcrowding the air fryer, which may result in uneven reheating.
STEP 4:
The exact reheating time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. Generally, reheating for 5-8 minutes should be sufficient.
Chicken Wings:
- Temperature: Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
Reheat time: Air fry the wings for approximately 8-10 minutes - Flip the wings halfway through the reheating process to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Continue reheating for another 3-4 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Chicken Breast:
- Temperature: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Reheat time: Air fry the chicken breast for about 6-8 minutes, flipping it once during the process to ensure even reheating.
- Adjust the cooking time slightly, as chicken breast may require a few extra minutes to reheat fully.
- Consider covering the chicken breast with aluminum foil during the initial reheating to prevent excessive browning.
Chicken Drumsticks:
- Temperature: Set the air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
- Reheat time: Air fry the drumsticks for approximately 10-12 minutes, turning them over once to achieve an evenly crispy exterior.
- Increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the drumsticks heat through to the bone.
- Monitor the drumsticks closely for desired crispiness, adjusting the time as needed.
STEP 6:
Remove the chicken from the air fryer, allowing it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Reheat Korean Fried Chicken with Sauce
Reheating Korean fried chicken with sauce in the air fryer requires a slightly different approach to ensure the sauce blends perfectly with the crispy exterior. Consider the following methods:
STEP 1:
Place the Korean fried chicken pieces in the air fryer basket and drizzle the desired amount of sauce over them.
STEP 2:
Reheat at the recommended temperature (around 350°F/175°C) for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to warm and meld with the chicken.
STEP 3:
Alternatively, you can pour the sauce into a separate small bowl or ramekin. Reheat the chicken in the air fryer as usual, and once reheated, dip each piece into the warm sauce just before serving.
Tips to Prevent the Sauce from Becoming Soggy During Reheating
- Avoid drowning the chicken in an excessive amount of sauce. A light drizzle or dipping the chicken into the sauce will prevent it from becoming overly saturated.
- If you prefer to control the amount of sauce and its impact on the crispiness, serve the reheated chicken with the sauce on the side. This way, you can dip each piece as desired, maintaining the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
How to Reheat Korean Fried Chicken in Oven
While the air fryer is a popular choice for reheating Korean fried chicken, the oven can also be an effective alternative. Here’s a comparison between the two methods:
Air Fryer:
- Pros: Rapid heating, even circulation of hot air for crispy results, requires less preheating time, suitable for smaller quantities.
- Cons: Limited capacity for larger batches, may not achieve the same level of browning as the oven.
Oven:
- Pros: Higher capacity for reheating larger quantities, provides even heat distribution for thorough reheating, suitable for various sizes of chicken cuts.
- Cons: Longer preheating time, may require additional steps for achieving optimal crispiness.
To achieve optimal results when reheating Korean fried chicken in the oven, follow these temperature and cooking time adjustments:
STEP 1:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a consistent and even reheating process.
STEP 2:
Place the reheating chicken pieces on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. This elevates the chicken, allowing hot air to circulate around it and promote better browning.
STEP 3:
Prior to reheating, lightly brush or spray the chicken pieces with oil. This helps to rejuvenate the crispiness during the reheating process.
STEP 4:
Adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the chicken cuts, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Temperature adjustment:
- Wings: Set the oven to 400°F (205°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Chicken Breast: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes.
- Chicken Drumsticks: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) for around 15-18 minutes.
For an extra crispy exterior, increase the oven temperature by 25°F (15°C) during the final few minutes of reheating. Keep a close eye to prevent over-browning.
STEP 4:
To ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides, flip the chicken pieces halfway through the reheating time. This promotes an evenly crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I reheat Korean fried chicken in the microwave?
Reheating Korean fried chicken in the microwave is not recommended as it can result in a loss of crispiness and a soggy texture. The microwave tends to generate steam, which can make the chicken’s coating become soft and mushy. It’s best to use alternative methods like the air fryer or oven to reheat Korean fried chicken for better results.
How long can I keep leftover Korean fried chicken before reheating?
Leftover Korean fried chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days before reheating. Ensure that the chicken is properly stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Before reheating, check for any signs of spoilage such as an off odor or slimy texture. If the chicken appears questionable, it’s best to discard it to avoid foodborne illnesses.
Can I freeze Korean fried chicken and reheat it later?
Yes, Korean fried chicken can be frozen for later use. To freeze, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When reheating frozen Korean fried chicken, it’s recommended to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using the air fryer or oven to reheat it. This ensures even reheating and helps to maintain the chicken’s texture and flavor.
How can I prevent reheated Korean fried chicken from becoming dry?
To prevent reheated Korean fried chicken from becoming dry, it’s important not to overcook it during the reheating process. Consider using the drizzle or dip method with sauce to help retain moisture. Lightly coating the chicken with oil before reheating can also help to preserve its juiciness.
Can I reheat Korean fried chicken more than once?
It’s generally best to reheat Korean fried chicken only once to maintain its quality. Repeated reheating can lead to further moisture loss and an undesirable texture. If you have leftovers that you won’t be able to finish, it’s advisable to reheat only the amount you intend to consume at a given time and store the remaining chicken properly in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
Final
Reheating Korean fried chicken can be a tricky endeavor. However, using the right techniques, you can make sure that your lunchtime déjà vu experience is as delicious as the first time you tried it. Air-frying is one of the greatest ways to obtain perfectly crisp and hot fried chicken without having to hold up an industrial deep fryer at home. Be brave and let your culinary flag fly! Add whatever tweaks and flavor combinations you want to spice things up! Most importantly, remember that while reheating Korean fried chicken isn’t something to scoff at, it can still be done effectively—with great results! That way, whether devouring leftovers from last night’s retail therapy or preparing for family movie night feasting—you can get that true Korean Fried Chicken flavor on demand with confidence. Enjoy!
EXCITING AIR FRYER RECIPES TO REHEAT YOUR LEFTOVERS YOU’LL LOVE:
