Fried chicken is one of those comfort foods we all love. Its golden, crunchy coating and juicy, flavorful meat make it a go-to favorite for dinners, picnics, and takeout nights. But when you have leftovers, reheating fried chicken without turning it soggy can be tricky. Microwaving often makes the coating soft, while improper reheating can dry out the meat. Luckily, with the right methods, you can bring back that delicious crispy texture and enjoy your fried chicken as if it were freshly cooked.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to reheat fried chicken while keeping it crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. These tips are simple, practical, and perfect for both home-cooked and store-bought fried chicken.
Why Fried Chicken Loses Crispiness When Reheated?
Before diving into reheating methods, it helps to understand why fried chicken tends to lose its crunch. Fried foods get their crispy coating from moisture evaporating during frying, leaving a crunchy crust. When stored in the fridge, moisture from the chicken seeps into the coating, softening it. If you reheat it incorrectly, that moisture turns into steam, making the crust soggy and the meat rubbery.
The goal of reheating is to remove excess moisture while warming the chicken thoroughly, this ensures both food safety and that coveted crunch.
Best Methods To Reheat Fried Chicken
Here are the most effective ways to reheat fried chicken while keeping it crispy and flavorful:
-
Reheat in the Oven (Best Overall Method)
Using an oven is one of the easiest and most effective ways to restore the crunch.
How to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Take the fried chicken out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet (this allows hot air to circulate).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and crispy.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
This method ensures even heating and helps prevent sogginess.
-
Reheat in an Air Fryer (Fastest Method)
An air fryer is perfect for bringing back the crunch quickly.
How to do it:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket.
- Heat for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for crispiness and serve immediately.
This method is quick and keeps the chicken’s texture close to fresh.
-
Reheat on the Stovetop (Crispy but Requires Attention)
If you don’t have an oven or air fryer, reheating in a skillet is another great option.
How to do it:
- Add a thin layer of oil (about 1-2 tablespoons) to a skillet and heat it over medium heat.
- Place the chicken in the pan and cover loosely with a lid.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, flipping until heated through and crispy.
- Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
This method works well but requires careful attention to avoid burning.
-
Avoid the Microwave (Unless You’re in a Hurry)
The microwave is the fastest method, but it makes fried chicken soggy because it heats food by steaming it. If you must use a microwave, try this trick:
- Wrap the chicken loosely in a paper towel to absorb moisture.
- Heat in short intervals (30 seconds at a time) until warm.
- Finish in an air fryer or oven for a quick crisp-up.
Tips To Keep Fried Chicken Crispy for Later
Reheating works best when chicken is stored properly. Here are a few tips:
- Cool completely before refrigerating to avoid trapped steam.
- Store in a paper towel-lined container to absorb moisture.
- Don’t overcrowd storage containers – this prevents sogginess.
Final Thoughts:
Reheating fried chicken the right way makes all the difference. Instead of settling for soggy leftovers, take a few extra minutes to bring your chicken back to life. The oven method is the best overall, giving you an even, crispy coating and juicy meat. The air fryer is perfect for quick results, while stovetop reheating works well for small batches. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave can be a backup, but finishing your chicken in the oven or air fryer will restore that perfect crunch.
By using these reheating techniques and storing your fried chicken properly, you can enjoy leftovers that taste almost as fresh as the first bite. So, next time you order a bucket of fried chicken or make your own at home, don’t worry about leftovers, reheating them the right way will ensure they’re just as crispy, juicy, and satisfying as day one.
