The best way to heat up fried chicken is to bake it in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to retain its crispiness and flavor.
Nothing’s worse than soggy, rubbery fried chicken leftovers. You crave that golden crunch but end up with a greasy mess. The wrong reheating method ruins texture and flavor—but the right one can bring it back to life.
The right fried chicken reheating technique can restore crispiness without drying out the meat. In this guide, we’ll cover the top methods, from oven baking to air frying, plus pro tips for juicy, crispy results every time.
Key Takeaways
- Oven reheating at 375°F preserves crispiness best
- Avoid microwaves—they create rubbery textures
- Air fryers deliver fast results with less oil
- Let chicken rest at room temp before reheating
1. Oven Method (Best for Crispiness)
Reheat fried chicken in an oven at 375°F for 10-15 mins to keep it crispy. This evenly circulates heat while maintaining texture. Follow these steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F
Pro Tip: Lightly brush chicken with oil or butter for extra crispiness. Avoid overcrowding—space pieces evenly.
2. Air Fryer Method (Fastest Option)
Air fryers use rapid hot air to reheat fried chicken in half the time of ovens. Ideal for small batches:
- Set air fryer to 350°F
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side
- Check internal temperature before serving
Note: Smaller pieces reheat faster. Overlapping causes uneven results.
3. Stovetop Method (Good for Large Pieces)
Pan-frying returns crunch but requires attention:
- Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a skillet to 300°F
- Cook chicken 2-3 minutes per side
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease
Best for: Drumsticks or thighs. Breasts may dry out.
4. Microwave (Last Resort)
Only use if other methods aren’t available:
- Wrap chicken in a damp paper towel
- Microwave in 30-second bursts
- Finish in a toaster oven for crispiness
Warning: High risk of soggy coating and uneven heating.
Reheating Methods Comparison
| Method | Time | Crispiness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | 10-15 mins | ★★★★★ | Large batches |
| Air Fryer | 6-8 mins | ★★★★☆ | Quick meals |
| Stovetop | 4-6 mins | ★★★☆☆ | Single servings |
Final Thoughts
For perfectly reheated fried chicken, the oven delivers unbeatable crispiness. Air fryers offer speed, while stovetops work for quick fixes. Avoid microwaves when possible. With these techniques, your leftovers will taste freshly fried every time.
