Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in Air Fryer

Rotisserie chicken is a versatile and convenient meal option, but what happens when it's time to reheat leftovers? We love to reheat leftover rotisserie chicken in the air fryer. We'll also share all of our favorite tips and tricks and compare them to other reheating methods. 

Why I Love This

The air fryer works wonders for reheating cold rotisserie chicken, and it's the easiest method and a great way to get leftovers on the table fast.

Unlike a microwave, which can leave your chicken soggy, or an oven, which might dry it out, the air fryer reheats evenly and restores the crispy chicken exterior.

How? It circulates hot air around the chicken, heating it quickly while maintaining its moisture.

I love using the air fryer to reheat leftovers and it's the best thing when I need to get a delicious meal on the table fast.

Reheating meals with the air fryer is one of my favorite ways to use the air fryer. If you enjoy this method for reheating, you might also enjoy our posts for reheating chicken wings, chicken tenders, and fried chicken. The best part is you always get juicy meat in return! 

Jump to:

• Why I Love This
• Ingredients
• How To Guide
• TIPS
• Comparison with Other Reheating Methods
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Air Fryer Recipes
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Ingredients

• leftover Rotisserie chicken

How To Guide

Step 1
Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the chicken heats evenly.

Step 2
Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This step reduces the shock of the temperature change and promotes even reheating.

Step 3
Section the Chicken: For more uniform heating, consider cutting the chicken into smaller sections. Legs, wings, and breasts can be separated for better heat distribution.

Step 4
Season (Optional): If you desire, you can add some extra spices or a light brushing of oil for additional flavor and moisture.

Step 5
Place in the Air Fryer: Arrange the whole chicken or pieces in the air fryer basket. If using chicken pieces, ensure they are not overcrowded to allow the hot air to circulate freely.

Step 6
Reheat: Cook the chicken for about 3-5 minutes, then flip the pieces and continue for another 3-4 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the chicken pieces.

Step 7
Check the Temperature: The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's heated through.

Step 8
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.

TIPS

• Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure the chicken pieces are not touching. This ensures even heat distribution and crisping.
• Cleanup: use aluminum foil or parchment paper for an easy cleaning.
• Don't Overheat: Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent it from drying out or burning.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your chicken is heated through to the correct temperature.
• Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after reheating. This step is crucial for retaining its juiciness.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 3-4 days
• Chicken: Use this method for homemade whole chicken or your store-bought rotisserie chicken.

Comparison with Other Reheating Methods

When it comes to reheating rotisserie chicken, there are several different ways available, each with its own set of pros and cons.

Understanding these can help you choose the best method based on your needs and preferences.

Let's compare reheating in an air fryer with other common methods, including the reheating time:

1. Microwave:

• Pros: The microwave is the quickest method for reheating chicken. It's convenient and ideal for those who need a speedy meal.
• Cons: Microwaving often results in uneven heating, with some parts too hot and others still cold. It also tends to make the skin of the chicken rubbery and the meat less juicy.

2. Oven:

• Pros: Reheating in an oven can provide relatively even heating and maintain the chicken's moisture, especially when covered with foil.
• Cons: It takes significantly longer than an air fryer, often requiring preheating and up to 25 minutes of cooking time. There's also a risk of drying out the chicken if not monitored closely.

3. Stovetop:

• Pros: Using a skillet on the stovetop can crisp up the skin nicely and provide quick reheating for smaller portions or shredded chicken.
• Cons: It requires more attention, as you need to frequently turn the chicken to avoid burning. It's also not as effective for larger pieces or a whole chicken.

4. Air Fryer:

• Pros: The air fryer offers a quick and efficient reheating method. It evenly warms the chicken while maintaining its juiciness and crisping the skin. It's also energy-efficient compared to heating a full oven.
• Cons: The main limitation is size; larger air fryers are needed for a whole chicken or larger portions.

5. Sous Vide:

• Pros: For those who have a sous vide setup, this method can reheat chicken evenly without any risk of drying it out. The chicken retains its moisture and flavor excellently.
• Cons: It's the slowest method and requires special equipment (a sous vide machine and bags).

Each reheating method has its unique benefits. The microwave is the fastest but can compromise texture and moisture.

The oven is great for even heating but takes longer and risks drying out the meat.

The stovetop offers quick reheating for smaller pieces but requires constant attention. 

The sous vide excels in flavor and moisture retention but is time-consuming and requires special equipment.

The air fryer strikes a balance between speed, even heating, and preserving the chicken's original taste and texture, making it a top choice for reheating rotisserie chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reheating rotisserie chicken in an air fryer is a game-changer for enjoying leftovers. Not only does it preserve the chicken's moisture and flavor, but it also brings back that desirable crispy skin.

Now you can enjoy your leftover whole chicken as if it were freshly cooked, making your meals both convenient and delicious. Win-Win!

Here are a few of our other favorite meals to reheat in the air fryer.

More Air Fryer Recipes

📖 Recipe