How to Reheat Chicken Breast In Air Fryer (Perfectly!)
Apr 20, 2024
Here is my moist and easy way to reheat chicken breast in an air fryer. This method will give your next-day cooked chicken breasts a second chance without drying them out.
Here’s how to warm your chicken breasts so they stay as juicy and plump as the first time you cooked them.
It’s faster than the oven with a more appealing, fresher texture than a microwave, and if done right, keeps all the moisture intact.
You can use this method for bone-in and boneless chicken breasts.
How To Reheat Chicken Breast in Air Fryer
Here’s a simple guide to reheating chicken so that it stays moist and juicy.
Prepare the chicken
If your chicken breast is in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to take off some of the chill. This helps it reheat more evenly.
If you like, brush the chicken breast with a little bit of oil or use a cooking spray to help bring out the crispiness.
Arrange in the air fryer basket
Place the chicken breast in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there is space between each piece for the air to circulate effectively.
If you’re reheating bigger pieces, you may need to do this in batches.
Reheating process
Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the chicken breast.
Flip the chicken for even reheating after 6 minutes. Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, it could take between 10 and 20 minutes for them to heat through.
Start taking internal temperature after 10 minutes and monitor it closely to prevent it from overcooking.
Check for doneness
After the 6 minute flip, start checking the internal temperature of the chicken breast using a meat thermometer.
It should register at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s thoroughly reheated and safe to eat.
Note On Preheating
I don’t find it necessary to preheat the air fryer for this purpose.
Since the chicken is already cooked, you want to be extra cautious not to let the hot air dry out the outside by the time the inside is heated through.
Optional Crisping Step
If you prefer your air fryer chicken breast to be a bit more crisp, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking time.
However, be careful not to overcook it.
Note: These instructions and process is similar for chicken wings, chicken thighs and other leftover chicken pieces. Whether you have leftover fried chicken or grilled pieces – the process of checking internal doneness remains the same.
Top Tips For Reheating Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer
Here are some points on how to get the best results when reheating your chicken breasts in the air fryer:
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as it can prevent proper air circulation. This can result in uneven reheating.
- If your chicken breast is coated with sauce or breadcrumbs, place it on parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
- Remember to adjust the reheating time based on the thickness of your chicken breast pieces.
- Always check the internal temperature of the chicken breast to ensure it’s thoroughly reheated to 165°F (74°C). This is according to USDA guidelines.
- Experiment with seasonings or sauces to add extra flavor to your reheated chicken breast.
How Long Does it Take to Reheat Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer?
The time needed to reheat chicken breasts in an air fryer can vary depending on factors like the thickness of the chicken, the starting temperature, and the model of the air fryer.
Reheating Time: A Starting Point
Smaller pieces:
- 6-10 minutes
Larger pieces:
- 10-15 minutes
Very large or bone-in pieces:
- 15-20 minutes
Use this guide as place to start, but always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s thoroughly reheated and safe to eat, as per USDA guidelines.
Safety Tips: How to Reheat Cooked Chicken Breast Safely
Following USDA safety notes to ensure you safely reheat chicken breast in an air fryer. Here are some safety tips:
Use a food thermometer
Always use a food thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the reheated chicken breast reaches at least 165°F (74°C). This temperature kills any harmful bacteria that may be present.
Avoid cross-contamination
Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw chicken separate from your cooked chicken. Wash your hands, utensils, and countertops thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw chicken.
Refrigerate leftovers promptly
If you have leftover reheated chicken breast, refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking. Store leftovers in shallow containers to allow for rapid cooling.
Reheat only once
Reheat chicken via air frying only once. Avoid reheating leftovers multiple times, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination.
By following these USDA guidelines, you can safely reheat chicken breast in an air fryer while minimizing the risk of foodborne illness.
Storing Reheated Chicken Breast
Storing reheated chicken breast properly is crucial to maintain its quality and safety.
Here’s how to store reheated chicken breast effectively:
- Cool down quickly: After reheating the chicken breast, allow it to cool down to room temperature for no more than 2 hours.
- Divide into portions: If you have a large batch of reheated chicken breast, consider dividing it into smaller portions before storing it.
- Use airtight containers: Transfer the reheated chicken breast to an airtight container or resealable plastic bags for storage.
- Label and date: Label the containers with the contents and date of reheating. This helps you keep track of how long the chicken has been stored.
- Refrigerate promptly: Place the containers of reheated chicken breast in the refrigerator within 2 hours of reheating.
- Avoid freezing reheated chicken: While you can freeze cooked chicken breast, it’s generally not recommended to freeze it after reheating. Freezing, thawing, and reheating chicken multiple times can affect its texture and taste.
What To Serve With Reheated Chicken Breasts
Want a little inspiration on what to serve with your chicken breasts? Try it in sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for mid-week salads.
Or serve with a batch of the fluffiest mashed potatoes you’ll ever try!
More Great Recipes to Try in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Pizza Recipe plus the complete guide to Reheating Pizza in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Tuna Steak
- Crispy air fryer eggplant
- Air Fryer Frozen Salmon
- Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- The Juiciest Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Roast Beef
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast
- Can You Cook Bacon in an Air Fryer?
How to Reheat Chicken Breast In Air Fryer (Perfectly!)
Ingredients
- Chicken breast as needed
- Cooking oil or spray a little (optional)
Instructions
- Let the chicken breast sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to remove some chill. This step helps it heat more evenly.
- Optionally, brush the chicken with a bit of oil or cooking spray to enhance crispiness. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring space between them for air flow.
- Set air fryer at 350°F and reheat. Flip after 6 minutes. Continue heating, checking internal temperature after 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F. For extra crispiness, increase heat to 400°F for the last minute.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
