How to Reheat Fried Chicken Without Drying It Out or Getting Soggy

Wondering how to reheat fried chicken without losing that signature crunch? Whether it’s leftovers from your favorite takeout or a homemade batch, properly reheating fried chicken can make all the difference between soggy and satisfying. With the right methods, oven, air fryer, or skillet, you can restore its crispy coating while keeping the inside juicy and safe to eat. This guide covers the safest, most effective ways to reheat fried chicken like a pro.

• Chicken Temperatures: What Is The Best Temperature To Cook Chicken?
• What is the Best Oil for Frying Chicken Wings & Breast?

Is It Safe to Reheat Fried Chicken?

Yes, it is safe to reheat fried chicken as long as proper food safety guidelines are followed. According to the USDA, reheated poultry must reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) to be considered safe to eat. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding bones which can retain heat unevenly.

Equally important is how the leftover chicken was stored. Fried chicken that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or more than 1 hour if the room is above 90 °F/32 °C) falls into the danger zone (40 °F to 140 °F), where bacteria multiply rapidly. Such chicken should be discarded, not reheated.

To ensure safety:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking

• Refrigerate at or below 40 °F (4 °C)

• Consume within 3–4 days

Reheating won’t make unsafe chicken safe again if it was already improperly stored.

The key to reheating fried chicken is preserving the crispy crust while heating the interior thoroughly. These are the most effective methods:

How To Reheat Fried Chicken In Oven

This is one of the most reliable ways to reheat fried chicken and maintain crispiness.

• Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C)

• Place chicken on a wire rack set on a baking sheet (for better air circulation)

• Reheat for 15–20 minutes, depending on piece size

• Flip halfway through to ensure even crisping

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after reheating before serving. This helps lock in moisture.

• Preheat the air fryer to 360–375 °F

• Place chicken pieces in a single layer, not stacked

• Reheat for 2–7 minutes, depending on size and thickness

• Flip halfway through to reheat evenly

Air frying works well for wings, tenders, and boneless pieces.

Skillet / Refrying Method

Ideal for quick reheating and crispiness, but adds extra oil.

• Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a skillet to 300 °F (149 °C)

• Fry chicken pieces for 2–3 minutes per side, until heated through

• Place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil

Use a thermometer to ensure internal temp hits 165 °F.

How to Reheat Fried Chicken in Toaster Oven 

Convenient for small batches or boneless pieces.

• Preheat toaster oven to 400 °F

• Place chicken on foil or a rack inside the toaster tray

• Reheat for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through

Toaster ovens provide better browning and texture than microwaves.

How to Reheat Fried Chicken Microwave (Least Recommended)

Microwaving tends to make fried chicken soggy, but can be used in a pinch.

• Wrap chicken loosely in a paper towel to absorb moisture

• Heat in 30-second intervals at medium power until warm

• Finish in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness

Avoid overheating, as the coating can turn rubbery while the meat dries out.

Preparation Tips Before Reheating

Before reheating, proper preparation improves both safety and final texture:

• Let chicken rest at room temperature for 10 to 30 minutes before reheating. This helps reduce the temperature gap between the center and outer layers, allowing for more even heating and preventing a dry or overcooked exterior.

• Avoid overcrowding the pan, tray, or air fryer basket. Space between pieces allows hot air to circulate, which promotes even reheating and helps restore a crispy crust. Overcrowding traps steam, resulting in soggy skin or uneven temperatures.

These small steps significantly improve the reheating outcome—especially when working with bone-in or thick pieces.

How to Reheat Frozen Fried Chicken

Reheating frozen fried chicken requires a slightly different approach to ensure both safety and quality. Here are two reliable methods:

1. Microwave Then Oven (Fast Method)

• Microwave the frozen fried chicken for 3 to 6 minutes on medium power to begin warming the inside. Use a paper towel to absorb moistur e and prevent sogginess.

• Immediately transfer to a preheated oven at 400 °F (204 °C).

• Bake for 7 to 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

This method is ideal when you need speed but still want a crispy finish.

2. Direct Oven Reheat (Best for Texture)

• Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).

• Place chicken on a foil-lined tray or wire rack.

• Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 to 45 minutes (or up to 60 minutes for large or bone-in pieces).

• In the last 10–15 minutes, remove the foil to let the crust re-crisp.

Avoid thawing frozen fried chicken at room temperature, which increases food safety risks. Always cook to an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) before serving.

Restoring Crispiness & Moisture

Reheated fried chicken often struggles to balance moisture and crunch. These tips help restore that just-fried texture:

• Use a wire rack (in oven or toaster oven) so heat circulates underneath the chicken. This prevents sogginess from trapped steam and promotes even browning.

• Air fryer and skillet methods work best for restoring a crisp exterior. The circulating air or direct oil contact dries the surface effectively while reheating the meat inside.

• For oven or skillet reheating, cover the chicken briefly in the early phase (with foil or a lid) to help retain internal moisture. Uncover in the last few minutes to dry and crisp the coating.

This balance of covered-to-uncovered heating is key to avoiding dry meat while keeping the crust golden and crunchy.

FAQs About Reheating Fried Chicken

How do I reheat fried chicken to make it crispy again?

Use an oven or air fryer at high heat (375–400 °F) and place chicken on a wire rack for best crispiness.

Can you reheat fried chicken in a microwave safely?

Yes, but it's not ideal—it can make the crust soggy. Use short bursts, then crisp in the oven or air fryer.

What's the best way to reheat KFC fried chicken?

Reheat in the oven at 400 °F for 15–20 minutes on a wire rack, flipping once.

How long should fried chicken sit before reheating?

Let it rest at room temperature for 10–30 minutes for even reheating.

How Long Cooked Chicken Can Sit Out and What Happens If You Leave It Too Long

Can you reheat frozen fried chicken without thawing?

Yes. Either microwave briefly, then oven-bake, or reheat directly in oven at 375 °F for 35–60 minutes.

Should I cover chicken while reheating?

Yes, briefly at the start to retain moisture, then uncover to crisp.

Conclusion

Reheating fried chicken doesn’t have to mean compromising on texture or taste. By choosing the right reheating method and following simple preparation tips, you can enjoy crispy, delicious chicken that tastes nearly as good as freshly cooked. Whether you're working with refrigerated leftovers or frozen pieces, knowing how to reheat fried chicken properly ensures safe, flavorful results every time.