Orange chicken is a delicious and popular dish that many people enjoy. It has a unique combination of tangy and sweet flavors that make it a favorite among those who love Chinese cuisine. If you have some leftover orange chicken and you’re wondering how to reheat it, using an air fryer is a quick and easy method. In this guide, we will show you step by step how to reheat orange chicken in an air fryer, so you can enjoy it just like it’s freshly cooked.
Gather your ingredients and tools
Before you start reheating your orange chicken in the air fryer, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools. You will need your leftover orange chicken, an air fryer, cooking oil or cooking spray, and aluminum foil. Having these items ready will ensure that the process goes smoothly and your orange chicken comes out crispy and delicious.
Preheat your air fryer
The first step is to preheat your air fryer. Preheating is important as it helps to evenly distribute the heat and ensures that your orange chicken is heated thoroughly. Set the temperature of your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. This will ensure that your orange chicken gets crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside.
Prepare your orange chicken for reheating
While your air fryer is preheating, it’s time to prepare your orange chicken for reheating. Start by removing the orange chicken from its container or wrapping. If the chicken is in a sauce, you can transfer it to a baking dish or oven-safe dish. This will help prevent any excess moisture from making the chicken soggy during the reheating process.
If using an air fryer basket:
If your air fryer has a basket, lightly grease it with cooking oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the orange chicken from sticking to the basket and make cleanup easier. Place the orange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Overcrowding the basket may result in uneven heating and less crispy chicken.
If using an air fryer tray or rack:
If your air fryer has a tray or rack, line it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place the orange chicken on the tray or rack, making sure to leave space between each piece for even cooking. This will help the hot air circulate around the chicken, ensuring that it reheats evenly.
Reheating process
Now that your orange chicken is prepared, it’s time to start the reheating process in your air fryer.
Step 1:
Place the orange chicken in the preheated air fryer. If you have a large amount of chicken, you may need to reheat it in batches to ensure even heating. Remember not to overcrowd the air fryer basket or tray to achieve the best results.
Step 2:
Set the temperature of your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and the timer to 5 minutes. This is a good starting point for reheating orange chicken, but the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. It’s important to keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking or burning.
Step 3:
Halfway through the cooking time, pause the air fryer and flip the chicken pieces over. This will help ensure that both sides of the chicken get evenly reheated and crispy. If any pieces of chicken are sticking to the basket or tray, gently loosen them with tongs or a spatula.
Step 4:
Once the timer goes off, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is thoroughly reheated and safe to eat. If the temperature is not reached, you can continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes and recheck the temperature.
Serving and enjoying your reheated orange chicken
Once your orange chicken has been reheated to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula, as it will be hot. You can serve the reheated orange chicken as it is or with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Storing leftover reheated orange chicken
If you have any leftover reheated orange chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating the leftover chicken again, you can use the same process in the air fryer or opt for the microwave or oven. Just remember to reheat it thoroughly to ensure it is safe to eat.
In conclusion, reheating orange chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious dish again. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve crispy, tender, and thoroughly reheated orange chicken. So, the next time you find yourself with some leftover orange chicken, don’t hesitate to use your air fryer for a convenient and tasty reheating method.