As a fan of both delicious wings and the convenience of an air fryer, I can’t recommend this method enough. Reheating wings in the air fryer is a game-changer, especially when you want to bring back that crispy, fresh-from-the-restaurant texture without the hassle. Whether you’re working with leftover wings or need a quick snack, this method ensures your wings are as crisp and tasty as when they were first cooked.
The air fryer is an excellent tool for reheating because it uses hot air circulation to crispen up the exterior of the wings while keeping the inside moist. This method works wonders without the need for excess oil or grease, making it a healthier option to restore your wings. Let me walk you through how to do it, and you’ll be enjoying perfectly reheated wings in no time!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Wings: The star of the show! Whether you’re reheating leftover wings or frozen ones, they will all work perfectly with this method. Be sure to have enough wings to fill your air fryer basket, but don’t overcrowd it for even reheating.
Cooking Spray: A light spritz of cooking spray helps create an extra-crispy texture. You can also use a bit of oil for extra crispness if you prefer, but the air fryer tends to do a great job without it.
Air Fryer: The key tool here! An air fryer cooks food quickly and evenly by circulating hot air, which is perfect for reheating wings to get that crispy exterior.
Tongs: Tongs will help you carefully handle the wings without burning yourself while they’re hot. It’s also perfect for flipping them mid-reheat to ensure even cooking.
Ingredients list
- Wings (leftover or frozen, as many as needed)
- Cooking spray or oil (optional)
- Air fryer
How to Make Reheating Wings in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you start, make sure to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up for a few minutes. This will help ensure that the wings get crispy right from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Wings
If you’re using leftover wings, take them out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature for a few minutes. For frozen wings, you can cook them directly from frozen, but it may take a few extra minutes. Lightly spray the wings with cooking spray or drizzle with a bit of oil for extra crispiness.
Step 3: Arrange the Wings in the Air Fryer
Place the wings in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. The air needs to circulate around each wing to crisp them up. If necessary, cook them in batches.
Step 4: Reheat the Wings
Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and reheat the wings for about 5-7 minutes. Halfway through, use tongs to flip the wings so that they crisp evenly. Continue cooking for the remaining time until they are golden brown and heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the wings are heated through and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or enjoy them as is!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is key to ensuring the wings reheat evenly and get crispy. If you have a large batch, reheat in batches.
- Use a Light Spray of Oil: Adding a tiny bit of oil or cooking spray will help the wings crisp up nicely.
- Check for Doneness: Reheating times may vary depending on the size of the wings and the brand of air fryer, so always check for crispiness and doneness before serving.
- Reheat from Frozen: If you have frozen wings, you can reheat them without thawing. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Adjust Temperature if Necessary: If you prefer your wings extra crispy, you can bump the temperature up to 400°F (204°C) for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
FAQs
Can I reheat sauced wings in the air fryer?
Yes, you can! However, be careful with sauced wings, as the sauce can get messy in the air fryer. It’s best to reheat plain wings first, then toss them in your sauce after they are reheated.
How long do wings take to reheat in the air fryer?
Wings typically take about 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C), but the exact time will depend on the size and type of wings. Always check them to ensure they are hot and crispy.
Can I reheat wings in a regular oven instead of the air fryer?
While you can use an oven, the air fryer is much quicker and ensures the wings stay crispy. If using the oven, reheat at 350°F (177°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I freeze leftover wings and reheat them later in the air fryer?
Absolutely! You can freeze leftover wings and reheat them straight from frozen in the air fryer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time for best results.