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Reheating a rotisserie chicken can be tricky, with the goal of achieving perfectly juicy meat and a crispy exterior. Thankfully, the air fryer is an ideal tool to reheat leftover rotisserie chicken, offering a convenient and efficient way to restore that delicious, just-cooked taste without drying out the meat.
Why Use an Air Fryer to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken?
Using the air fryer is a game-changer for reheating. Its quick, even heat circulation brings back the texture and taste of rotisserie chicken without making it soggy. This method keeps the meat juicy, and the skin becomes perfectly crisp in just minutes.
You may recall the magic of using the air fryer to reheat chicken from when I shared these popular posts:
Benefits of Reheating Rotisserie Chicken in Air Fryer
The air fryer gets down to business fast. In just minutes, you’ve got a perfectly reheated chicken without breaking a sweat or preheating an entire oven. And, let’s talk about that crispy exterior—the air fryer makes it golden-brown perfection, like it’s fresh out of the rotisserie. This keeps your chicken moist, tender, and ready to serve as delicious as it was when it was first cooked.
How to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes. This step ensures even reheating and helps maintain the rotisserie chicken’s texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
For cooking a whole rotisserie chicken in the air fryer, consider slicing it into manageable sections, like breast, thigh, and wings, to ensure even reheating. If you’re reheating chicken pieces (like leftover breast or thigh meat), they may take slightly less time to heat thoroughly.
Step 3: Add Moisture (Optional)
To keep the chicken from drying out, place a damp paper towel over smaller chicken pieces. Alternatively, brushing a small amount of chicken broth over the chicken surface can help retain moisture without affecting the flavor.
Step 4: Place Chicken in the Air Fryer Basket
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking to allow the hot air to circulate around each piece, ensuring even reheating.
Step 5: Reheat
- For Whole Rotisserie Chicken: Reheat for 5-6 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure the skin doesn’t over-crisp.
- For Chicken Pieces: Reheat for about 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the pieces halfway through.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Using a meat thermometer, verify that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s heated safely.
Step 7: Serve
Carefully remove the reheated rotisserie chicken from the air fryer basket and serve. You’ll have beautifully heated rotisserie chicken that’s as tender and crispy as when it was first made.
Tips for the Perfect Reheated Rotisserie Chicken
- Avoid Overcrowding: Place chicken in a single layer for optimal airflow.
- Adjust for Size: Smaller pieces of chicken will reheat faster; check often to avoid overcooking.
- Rest the Chicken: After reheating, let the chicken rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the juices to settle, enhancing the flavor and moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Reheat Frozen Rotisserie Chicken in an Air Fryer?
Yes, but you’ll need to add extra time. Start by heating at a lower temperature (300°F) for about 10 minutes, then increase to 350°F to finish reheating. For best results, thaw frozen rotisserie chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Do I Need to Preheat the Air Fryer?
Preheating is recommended for even heat distribution, which reduces cooking time and prevents the chicken from drying out.
How Long Does It Take to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken?
On average, it takes 3-5 minutes for chicken pieces and about 5-6 minutes for a whole rotisserie chicken. The exact time may vary based on the thickness and quantity.
Is the Air Fryer Better Than the Oven or Microwave for Reheating?
Absolutely. The air fryer gives a crispy skin and moist interior, whereas the oven can take longer, and microwaves often leave the chicken soggy.
Creative Ways to Use Reheated Rotisserie Chicken
Reheating rotisserie chicken in an air fryer makes it easy to enjoy your leftovers in new and exciting ways, keeping flavor and texture intact.
Once you’ve mastered reheating rotisserie chicken in the air fryer, there are endless ways to repurpose it:
- Chicken Caesar Wraps: Combine with lettuce, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese in a tortilla.
- Buffalo Chicken Salad: Toss with your favorite buffalo sauce, salad greens, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Chicken Tacos: Shred the chicken and add to tortillas with salsa, cheese, and guacamole.
Reheating rotisserie chicken in an air fryer is a quick, simple, and effective way to revive leftover chicken to its original deliciousness. Whether you’re reheating a whole chicken or smaller pieces, the air fryer helps keep the meat tender while delivering a crispy skin, making it the go-to method for perfectly reheated rotisserie chicken.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Taco Bowls for Taco Salad
- Homemade Barbecue Potato Chips Air Fryer
- How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Banana Bread
If you are following a low carb or keto diet, you’ll love these low carb air fryer recipes.
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Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in Air Fryer
Learn how to reheat a rotisserie chicken in air fryer to turn leftover cold chicken into perfectly crispy, fully heated chicken in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
- Optional: Chicken Broth
Instructions
- Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
- Slice whole rotisserie chicken into sections (breast, thighs, wings) for even heating. For individual pieces, ensure they’re in manageable portions.
- Cover small pieces with a damp paper towel or lightly brush with chicken broth to keep moisture.
- Arrange pieces in a single layer in the basket to allow even airflow.
- Reheat Whole Chicken: 5-6 minutes, checking halfway.
- Chicken Pieces: 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
Notes
Carefully remove and enjoy your perfectly reheated rotisserie chicken!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 33Total Fat 2gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 18mgSodium 209mgCarbohydrates 0gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 4g
The nutrition in recipes is calculate by AI, mistakes happen. It is highly recommended to check carb counts to make sure these recipes fit into your diet. Also, if you are following a specific diet or have allergies to certain foods, be sure to do your research on products before considering it safe to consume.
About Thirty Something Super Mom
My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.