The Best Way to Reheat Chicken Wings in the Airfryer

This easy method for reheating wings in the air fryer creates crispy delicious skin as well as moist and tender meat.  You will completely forget these are leftover wings because they taste just as good as the first time.

Why you need to know this

Fast:  This method of reheating chicken wings in the air fryer only takes 2-3 minutes

Easy: Just place one layer in the air fryer and cook.

Just like the first time:  You won’t even notice a difference between the first time you ate them and this time.

Try these Air Fryer chicken recipes, after you’ve tried this one: The BEST Crispy Chicken Wrap, Chicken Goujons and Easy Spicy Chicken Sandwich 

How to Store Leftover Chicken Wings

Before we start, let’s talk a little about the best way to store your leftover chicken wings so they are ready to reheat when you want them.

First and foremost, if you want to eat them the next day or later the same week, then the best place to store your wings is in the refrigerator.  Place them in an airtight container or bag and they will keep for 3-5 days.

Another option is in the freezer.  If you plan to order wings and then use them at a later date, then the best place to store them is in the freezer.  

Cooked chicken wings will keep in the regular freezer for 3 months and in a deep freezer for up to 1 year.  Just make sure you let the wings thaw for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator before trying to reheat them.

Can you Reheat Wings in the Air Fryer?

The short answer is yes.  The air fryer is a great method for reheating chicken wings.  An airfryer is quick and easy to use, keeps the skin crisp and is easy to keep an eye on so the wings don’t get overcooked.

Why this Method Works

When you order chicken wings at a restaurant, they are normally fried.  Which is what creates the nice crisp flavorful skin on the outside and the tender juicy meat on the inside.

Reheating wings in an airfryer gives the same taste and texture because it is essentially re-frying the outside while warming the inside of the wings.

And on top of the great texture and flavor that airfrying gives, the method only takes a few minutes.

Ingredients

Leftover chicken wings
These chicken wings have been seasoned with paprika, onion salt, oregano and red chillies, a winning combination for this nandos chicken. 

Garlic, Parsley and Lemon
Garlic has already been added but you can add some fresh parsley, which adds flavour and brightness and lemon for acidity to cut through the rich fatty flavours of the Peri Peri chicken. 

Honey
You can add a small drizzle of honey to adds extra sweetness to balance out all the other flavours in this recipe, ato help the wings caremelise and crisp up again when reheating.

How to Reheat Wings in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer to 177°C (350°F).
2. Remove the wings from the refrigerator and allow them to warm up while the air fryer preheats. 
3. Line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper for easy clean up.
4. Once preheated, place one layer of chicken wings on the lined basket.
5. Cook approximately 2-5 minutes or until the internal temperature is 74°C (165°F). ( I like to use an instant meat thermometer)

For other reheat articles, see my Best Ways To Reheat Salmon, How to Reheat Chicken Wings in the air fryer and How to Reheat Baked Ziti

Variations/ Adaptations

Reheating wings in the oven:  If you don’t have an airfryer, the next best thing is reheating chicken wings in the oven.  Instead of using the bake option, you will use the broil option.  Lay the chicken wings out on a rimmed baking sheet in one layer.  Then place the baking sheet in the oven on a rack that is close to the top of the oven.  And MOST IMPORTANTLY, keep an eye on them.  They will cook (and possibly burn) if you don’t watch closely.  Cook for 1-2 minutes then flip and cook on the other side for 1-2 minutes.

Reheating wings in the microwave:  This is not the best option for wings, but if you are in a pinch or if you don’t care about the skin being crispy, then this method will work.  Just place the wings on a microwave safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes.  

Reheating wings in a frying pan:  A nice heavy cast iron skillet is great for reheating and crisping up chicken wings.  Just add a tablespoon of oil and fry the wings on the outside.  If they do not get warm in the center, you can place them in the oven to finish them off at 177°C (350°F) for 5 minutes or less.

Add new sauce or spices: Make your leftover wings taste completely different from the first time by adding a different sauce, different dipping sauce, or different spices.  

Did you know you can use the airfryer to cook from frozen; How to cook frozen chicken breast in the air fryer, Cooking Frozen Sausages in an Air Fryer and Frozen Fish Fingers in Air Fryer

Can you put sauced wings in the air fryer?

Yes, you can air fry wings that have sauce on them.  To cut down on the clean up and smoke from dripping in the air fryer, make sure to line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper and then reheat as outlined above.

What to Serve with Reheated Wings

• Celery
• Mac and cheese
• Dips like ranch and blue cheese
• French fries
• Salad

Here are some side dishes for you to try with the spicy chicken wings: Creamy Polenta with Parmesan, The BEST Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes and Israeli Couscous (Pearl Couscous Recipe)

FAQs