There are quite a few ways to go about reheating chicken wings if you happen to find yourself with some leftovers, but one method really stands out from the rest. We’ll share the best way to reheat chicken wings in this article.
We signed up for Butcher Box when they were having a promo for free chicken wings for life, so we eat a lot of wings. We make BBQ chicken wings, jerk chicken wings, Cajun chicken wings. You name it, there are so many delicious sauces to try!
While it’s a rare occurrence to have any chicken wings left over at my house, it does happen on occasion and we’re faced with the need to reheat them.
The best way to reheat chicken wings is to put them in the air fryer or oven.
4 Best Ways to Reheat Chicken Wings
A few years ago I would have said that reheating chicken wings in the oven was the way to go, but that was before I got an air fryer. Now I’m a firm believer that the air fryer is the single best method for reheating most foods.
That said, it won’t matter if you use an air fryer, a toaster oven, a full oven, or a convection oven to reheat your wings. They will turn out the best when done this way because it allows for even and thorough heating, which helps retain the juicy and tender texture while ensuring they are fully heated.
Reheating chicken wings in the oven or air fryer also adds crispness to the skin, which we all know is the #1 best thing about chicken wings.
Reheating Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 365°F (185°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- Place the chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.
Overall, reheating chicken wings in an air fryer is a great option for those who want to enjoy hot and crispy wings fast. It provides consistent results, ensuring that the wings are heated evenly and thoroughly.
Reheating Chicken Wings in an Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Place the chicken wings on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve the wings hot, and enjoy!
Suppose there’s no oven or air fryer available. It is possible to reheat chicken wings on the stove top or in the microwave, but I really don’t recommend either of these methods. For me, I would only use these methods if no oven or air fryer is available.
This is because the skin can’t get crispy in the microwave and you lose a lot of the juiciness as it cooks. You will end up with dry wings at best. Sometimes the microwave can even make them tough.
Reheating Chicken Wings on a Stovetop
- Place a large pan over medium heat.
- Add a little bit of oil.
- Place the chicken wings in the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes.
- Turn occasionally until they are heated through.
Reheating on a stovetop can be a great option if you’re looking for a fast and convenient way to reheat your chicken wings while maintaining their texture and flavor.
Reheating Chicken Wings in a Microwave
- Place the chicken wings in a container that’s microwave-safe
- Cover them with a microwave-safe wrap or a lid.
- Microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Using a microwave can be a quick and convenient option for those short on time. However, it’s important to note that it can sometimes result in uneven heating. This can cause the skin of the chicken wings to become rubbery.
To avoid this, reheat the wings in short intervals and stir them occasionally for even heating.
How to Prevent Chicken Wings from Drying Out?
You can enjoy juicy and tender wings even after reheating them!
Here’s how:
- Don’t Overcook – Overcooking the wings will result in dry and tough meat. Reheat the wings for the minimum time necessary, as per the reheating method you choose.
- Avoid Using High Heat – Reheating chicken wings on high heat for a long time can dry them out. Using a lower temperature for a shorter amount of time will help to maintain the moisture in the wings.
- Add Moisture – Spraying a light mist of oil or cooking spray over the wings before reheating can help to add moisture and prevent drying.
- Cover the Wings – Covering the wings with foil or a lid while reheating can help trap the moisture and prevent them from drying out.
- Store the Wings Properly – Proper storage of the chicken wings before reheating can also help to prevent drying. Store the wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their moisture.
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Laura is a home cook, with 25 years experience behind the stove, who spends an extraordinary amount of time in the kitchen cooking. She loves making new recipes and finding wonderful new things to eat, both at home or abroad. She spends a lot of time researching, crafting, and perfecting her recipes and currently has a cookbook in development.
