Reheat Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

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Leftover chicken thighs can be just as tasty as freshly made when you learn how to reheat chicken thighs in air fryer. Say goodbye to soggy, rubbery reheated chicken with this air fryer method that works for all your favorite air fryer chicken recipes. 

Suitable for gluten free, low carb diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

the finished reheat chicken thighs in air fryer recipe

Reheating chicken thighs in the microwave is certainly an option, but the method diminishes the quality of the chicken. Reheating in the oven is an excellent method but can be time-consuming.

Air fried chicken thighs are evenly heated and juicy on the inside with crispy skin on the outside

Like Reheating Fried Fish in the Air Fryer, reheating chicken in the air fryer is a great idea, and it’s your best bet if you want chicken with incredible taste and moisture.

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Prep time is minimal, the cooking time in the air fryer is fast, and you get delicious results that yield the best flavor. The air fryer is the best way to reheat chicken thighs! 

It is also great to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken in the Air Fryer, as it come out as good as new.

top down view of the finished reheat air fryer chicken thighs recipe

Why Make This Recipe

  • Easy – This simple air fryer method yields juicy, crispy chicken thighs in under 5 minutes.  Great with Air Fryer Baby Potatoes.
  • No Waste – You may not have enough chicken thighs to make a complete meal, but you can enjoy a light lunch or a tasty snack.
  • Budget-Friendly – Reducing waste in the kitchen means less waste from your wallet, so reheating chicken in air fryer is a budget-friendly option.   

Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken – This chicken in air fryer recipe is to reheat chicken thighs. Quickly reheat skin on, or skinless, bone-in, or boneless chicken thighs. You can also reheat fried chicken in air fryer, and the process will be the same. This air fryer method can also work for other fried chicken cuts, such as chicken wings, chicken breasts, or any chicken pieces that you love. 

Ready to make this reheat fried chicken thighs air fryer recipe? Gather your ingredients and I will show you…

Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!

For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Air Fryer Tools on Amazon.

How To Reheat Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

  1. Preheat an air fryer to 380 degrees F / 180 degrees C for 5 minutes. 
  2. Remove chicken thighs from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. 
  3. Place chicken in air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece of fried chicken.
  4. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through and the skin is crispy. Flip air fryer chicken thighs halfway through cooking.

Note: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The temperature should be 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

close up view of reheat chicken thighs in air fryer basket

Expert Tips 

  • Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes. 
  • For incredibly crispy skin, allow chicken thighs to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before placing in the air fryer.
  • Optionally, spray the chicken skin with a small amount of oil to achieve crispy skin. 
  • Leave space between the pieces of chicken in air fryer so the hot air can circulate. 
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
  • Begin by placing the chicken in air fryer skin side down and finish with the chicken skin side up.
  • Turn the air fryer chicken thighs over halfway through cooking. 
  • If adding sauce, brush sauce on the chicken thighs 1-2 minutes before the end of the air fryer cooking time. 
  • Air fryer cooking times are approximate and should be adjusted based on the size of your chicken and the model of air fryer. This post is meant to serve as a guide.
  • Don’t reheat fried chicken in air fryer more than once, or it will dry out.
  • Check the reheated air fryer chicken thighs for doneness with a meat thermometer, and when the internal temperature is 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C they are ready to serve.

Prep And Storage

  • Prep Ahead – Set the chicken thighs out of the refrigerator for 30 minutes before reheating. 
  • Store – Leftover chicken thighs should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. 
  • Freeze – Chicken thighs that have been frozen should be thawed entirely before reheating in the air fryer. 
four reheat chicken thighs in air fryer basket

FAQs

Can I Reheat Frozen Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer?

Chicken thighs will need to be thawed completely before reheating in air fryer. Thaw chicken by placing it in the fridge overnight. 

What Is The Best Way To Reheat Chicken Thighs?

While the fastest option, chicken thighs that are reheated in the microwave can be rubbery, and unevenly heated and the skins will be soggy rather than crispy.

Reheating in the oven is an option but can take up to 20 minutes plus the time it takes for the oven to come to temperature. Air fryer chicken thighs is our favorite method for reheating leftover chicken thighs. 

How Long To Reheat Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer?

Reheating chicken thighs in air fryer is easy to do and takes less than 5 minutes. For fried chicken with crispy skin, flip halfway through the air fryer cooking time and check air fryer chicken thighs for doneness with a meat thermometer. 

reheat chicken thighs in air fryer and serve on a white plate

More Reheat Chicken in Air Fryer Recipes

And check this post out to learn more about how to Reheat Food in Air Fryer.

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Serving Suggestions

Weight Watchers Points

There are 7 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

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the finished reheat chicken thighs in air fryer recipe
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Reheat Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Western
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 4
Calories: 249kcal
Author: Bintu Hardy

Ingredients

  • 4 Chicken Thighs Cooked leftovers

Instructions

  • Preheat an air fryer to 380 degrees F / 180 degrees C for 5 minutes.
  • Remove chicken thighs from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  • Place chicken in air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece of fried chicken.
  • Reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through and the skin is crispy. Flip air fryer chicken thighs halfway through cooking.
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Notes

  • Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes. 
  • For incredibly crispy skin, allow chicken thighs to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before placing in the air fryer.
  • Optionally, spray the chicken skin with a small amount of oil to achieve crispy skin. 
  • Leave space between the pieces of chicken in air fryer so the hot air can circulate. 
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
  • Begin by placing the chicken in air fryer skin side down and finish with the chicken skin side up.
  • Flip the air fryer chicken thighs halfway through cooking. 
  • If adding any sauces, brush them on the chicken thighs 1-2 minutes before the end of the air fryer cooking time. 
  • Air fryer cooking times are approximate and should be adjusted based on the size of your chicken and the model of air fryer. This post is meant to serve as a guide.
  • Don’t reheat fried chicken in air fryer more than once or it will dry out.
  • The air fryer chicken thighs are done when the chicken is checked with a meat thermometer and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.
  • Storage – keep leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • There are 7 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Protein: 22g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 218mg | Vitamin A: 162IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

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