When it comes to leftover rotisserie chicken, I used to dread the idea of reheating it. The microwave always seemed to leave it dry, and the oven took too long. Then I discovered the magic of the air fryer! Reheating rotisserie chicken in the air fryer has been a game changer. It’s quick, easy, and ensures the chicken remains juicy with a crispy exterior—just like it was freshly made.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to reheat your rotisserie chicken to perfection in an air fryer. From the essential ingredients to tips and FAQs, this guide has you covered so you can enjoy delicious, moist chicken every time.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Rotisserie Chicken: The star of the show! You can use store-bought or homemade rotisserie chicken. Whether it’s plain, lemon-herb, or garlic-seasoned, this method works perfectly.
Air Fryer: The air fryer is the ultimate tool for reheating leftovers. Its circulating hot air ensures the chicken is evenly reheated while keeping the skin crispy.
Cooking Spray (Optional): A light spritz of oil can help refresh the chicken’s skin and enhance its crispiness.
Aluminum Foil (Optional): Useful for covering smaller pieces of chicken to prevent over-crisping while reheating.
Ingredients List
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken (store-bought or homemade)
- Cooking spray (optional)
How to Make Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Allow it to preheat for 3–5 minutes for the best results. This ensures the chicken reheats evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps it reheat more evenly. If the chicken is in smaller pieces, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. For a whole chicken, ensure it fits snugly without overcrowding.
Step 3: Reheat the Chicken
Place the chicken in the air fryer basket. If you’re reheating a whole chicken, cook it for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For smaller pieces, 4–7 minutes should do the trick. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy crispy, juicy chicken!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Preheating: Preheating the air fryer ensures even reheating and prevents overcooking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. If reheating a whole chicken, make sure there’s enough space for air circulation.
- Check the Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Refresh the Skin: If the chicken skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like, lightly spray it with oil before reheating.
- Cover Smaller Pieces: Use aluminum foil to cover smaller or thinner parts of the chicken to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
Q: Can I reheat a whole rotisserie chicken in the air fryer?
Yes! Just make sure it fits comfortably in the air fryer basket. Adjust the time as needed and check the internal temperature to ensure it’s heated through.
Q: How long should I reheat rotisserie chicken in the air fryer?
For a whole chicken, it typically takes 10–15 minutes at 375°F. For smaller pieces, 4–7 minutes is sufficient.
Q: What should I do if the chicken dries out?
If the chicken seems dry, try brushing it with a little melted butter or olive oil before reheating. This can help retain moisture and improve the flavor.
Q: Can I reheat frozen rotisserie chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Start at a lower temperature (around 350°F) to allow the chicken to thaw slightly, then increase to 375°F to crisp it up.
Q: Is it safe to reheat rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.