Skip to content
We’ve all been there—you ordered (or made) way too many chicken wings, and now you’re stuck with leftovers. But don’t worry! Reheating chicken wings doesn’t have to be a disaster. With the right method, you can enjoy wings that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and just as delicious as they were fresh. This article will walk you through the best ways to reheat chicken wings without losing their flavor or texture. Whether you have an oven, air fryer, stovetop, or just a microwave, we’ve got you covered!
Why Reheating Chicken Wings the Right Way Matters
Let’s be honest—no one wants soggy or rubbery wings. Reheating them properly can make all the difference between a sad meal and a treat you’ll look forward to. The goal is to keep the wings crispy on the outside while heating them thoroughly for safety and deliciousness. So, let’s skip the soggy microwaved wings and explore the best ways to reheat them like a pro!
How to Reheat in Air Fryer: The Ultimate Guide to Crispy Leftovers
Best Methods for Reheating Chicken Wings
Here are four tried-and-true methods to bring your leftover wings back to life, along with easy-to-follow steps for each one.
Reheating Chicken Wings in Oven
The oven is one of the best ways to reheat chicken wings. It works wonders for maintaining that crispy texture while evenly heating the meat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. The rack allows air to circulate around the wings, ensuring they stay crispy.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack, leaving a bit of space between each wing.
- Heat in the oven for 10-20 minutes, depending on how many wings you’re reheating. Check that they’re heated through to 165°F (74°C) inside (you can use a meat thermometer for this).
- Remove and enjoy your perfectly crispy wings!
Pro Tips:
- If you don’t have a wire rack, you can place the wings directly on the foil, but flip them halfway through to keep them crispy.
- Brush the wings with a tiny bit of oil before reheating to enhance crispiness.
Why it works: The oven method provides even heating and keeps the wings crispy, making it ideal for reheating large batches.
Reheating Chicken Wings In Air Fryer: Quick and Crunchy
Don’t have time to wait for the oven? Grab your air fryer! This method is fast and gets your wings crispy in minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions How to Reheat Chicken Wings in Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the wings in the fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them; they need space for air to circulate.
- Reheat for 3-4 minutes, then give the basket a shake.
- Continue reheating for another 2-3 minutes, or until the wings are hot and crispy all over.
Why Use the Air Fryer?
- It’s quick and efficient.
- The hot circulating air restores the wings’ crispy exterior without drying them out.
The air fryer is perfect for smaller batches and is great for breaded or sauced wings.
What Type of Containers Can You Put in An Air Fryer?
Reheating Chicken Wings in Stovetop
No oven or air fryer? No problem! You can reheat chicken wings on the stovetop with just a skillet.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil (just enough to lightly coat the bottom).
- Place the wings in a single layer in the skillet and cover with a lid. This helps trap heat and moisture so the insides heat evenly.
- Reheat for 2-3 minutes, then flip the wings.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the wings are hot and crispy.
Pro Tip:
If your wings were sauced, consider adding a splash of water to the skillet to prevent the sauce from burning.The stovetop method is quick and works well if you’re only reheating a few wings.
How to Reheat Chicken Wings Microwave
The microwave is the fastest method, but it’s not ideal for maintaining crispiness. Still, it can work if you’re in a hurry.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat on medium power (70%) for about 2 minutes.
- Check the wings and heat for another 30 seconds to 1 minute if needed.
Pro Tip:
To make your wings crispy again after microwaving, transfer them to an oven or air fryer for a few minutes.The microwave method is best for reheating unsauced wings or when you need a quick fix.
Microwave-Safe Items: What Can You Microwave and What to Avoid?
Tips for Perfectly Reheated Wings
No matter which method you choose, here are a few tips to make sure your wings turn out amazing:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Always give your wings space to heat evenly. Overcrowding traps steam, which can make them soggy.
- Check the Temperature: Make sure your wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re safe to eat.
- Reheat Once: Try to only reheat your wings once to maintain flavor and texture.
- Add Sauce Last: If your wings were sauced, consider reheating them unsauced and adding fresh sauce afterward. This prevents burning or stickiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Preheating: Whether it’s the oven or air fryer, always preheat! It helps the wings cook evenly and stay crispy.
- Using Too High Heat: High temperatures can dry out the meat or burn the skin. Stick to the recommended settings.
- Reheating Too Long: Overheating can make wings tough and chewy. Keep an eye on them and check frequently.
FAQs About Reheating Chicken Wing Leftovers
How long to reheat wings in oven at 400?
About 15-20 minutes. Place them on a baking sheet and heat until crispy and warmed through.
How to reheat chicken wings without drying them out?
Cover them with foil in the oven for the first 10 minutes, then uncover for crispiness. You can also use an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Can you reheat chicken wings with bones?
Yes! Bone-in wings reheat well in the oven or air fryer, keeping them juicy while maintaining crispiness.
Conclusion
Reheating chicken wings doesn’t have to be a challenge. With these methods, you can enjoy crispy, juicy wings that feel like they just came out of the fryer. Whether you go with the reliable oven method, the speedy air fryer, or even the stovetop, your leftovers are in good hands. So, next time you have leftover wings, don’t settle for soggy results—reheat them the right way and dig in!
