Chicken drumsticks are very difficult to reheat so they end up being dry and unappetizing especially if not well reheated.
Thankfully, the air fryer comes to our rescue in this regard as well. In this guide, you will find everything that you need to know about reheating chicken drumsticks in an air fryer, and make sure that these pieces stay moist and delicious like the very first day.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
Nowadays the air fryer can be noticed not only in restaurants but also in most home-cooked kitchens.
Here are a few reasons why it’s particularly effective for reheating chicken:
• Crispiness: The hot air circulation makes our part soft and juicy.
• Speed: Air fryers are generally said to heat food quicker than conventional ovens since they operate on the principle of heat circulation.
• Flavor Retention: Air fryers are different from microwaves as the latter gives the chicken a rubber-like texture while conceding the original taste.
Chick Drumsticks are easy to prepare and even easier to reheat
Here’s how:
Before diving into the reheating process, gather the following:
• Leftover Chicken Drumsticks: Make sure they are conditioned well in an air-tight container after which they should be kept in the fridge.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: These assist improve crispiness and counteract drying.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure that the internal temperature of your chicken is the right temperature to be eaten safely.
How to Reheat Chicken Drumsticks and the Process Again
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Place your air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius, for about 3 to 5 minutes. This helps bring heat evenly to all parts thus frying and getting that crunchy outer surface.
2. Prepare the Chicken
• Coat with Oil: Coat the drumsticks slightly by using oil or you may use a paint brush to cover it. This bestows moisture and aids crispness.
• Arrange in Basket: Do not overcrowd the basket, arrange the drumsticks in a single layer. Do not overstuff furniture to allow free and proper circulation of air through the surface.
3. Reheat the Chicken
• Cooking Time: Next start the countdown timer of 4-6 minutes. We suggest the above time and it might slightly differ depending on your air fryer and the size of the drumsticks.
• Check for Doneness: Insert another meat thermometer and check the internal temperature after 4 minutes roughly. The prevalent advised internal temperature given by USDA for properly cooked poultry is 165°F or 74°C. 4.
4. Serve and enjoy!
If you use an air fryer to heat through the drumsticks, they are ready for serving as soon as you take them out of the appliance. They should be hard on the outside, and tender inside.
Chicken drumsticks themselves are pretty tasty, but reheated they are even yummier –
here are some helpful tips how to make the reheating’s as perfect as you want them to be. To ensure your reheated chicken drumsticks are as delicious as possible, consider these additional tips:
• Use Cooking Spray: When they are reheated, they tend to dry up and lose the crispy texture, a light coating of cooking spray can help add the moisture back to them.
• Avoid Covering: Avoid putting a lid on the chicken during reheating, this hinders air circulation and kills that crispy feel.
• Add Flavor: If necessary, you may put some barbeque sauce or hot sauce on the top during the last one minute of its cooking time.
Key Takeaways
• When reheating, make sure your air fryer is preheated to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit before you commence.
• Space chicken drumsticks in one layer so that they all are exposed to heat at the same time.
• Afterwards check its internal temperature and ensure it is at 165°F (74°C).
• When you want to make it moist and crispier you apply oil or even cooking spray.
• For better results, do not cover chicken during reheating.
FAQ
1. Are frozen chicken drumsticks suitable for air fryer reheating?
Yes! Yes, the chicken drumsticks may be reheated using an air fryer at the same temperature as above but the cooking time would be a little longer compared to the fresh chicken.
2. What are the criteria that tell me that my chicken is ready to be eaten?
Make sure and use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature of the chicken has to be above 165 °F (74 °C).
3. Is it possible to heat a microwave to boil or heat food?
Although you might take it in the microwave, it becomes a little soggy on the skin. In terms of crispiness, the air fryer comes out top.
4. I recently had a question on the same topic: What if my chicken is still cold after reheating?
If your chicken still is not hot if take your fork and check it the first time, then put it back in the air fryer for another one to five minutes in one-minute intervals till it gets heated up.
5. For how long can drumsticks be stored as leftovers?
The cooked chicken seems to last in the refrigerator for a maximum of four days in an airtight container or in the freezer.
Conclusion
Air frying is very fast when it comes to reheating chicken drumsticks while still keeping them hot, tasty, and moist. By following the above-detailed guide, you will be able to be served with good leftovers as you would be served with a new meal.
For further tips on how best to take advantage of the appliance, head on to Tasting Table.
Key Takeaways Recap
• Always make sure that your air fryer is well hot to optimize the cooking process.
• The texture will be better if oil or cooking spray is used.
• Ensure internal carriage safe temperature is maintained.
• Ideally this dish should be served immediately!