Korean fried chicken, also known as KFC, has gained popularity worldwide for its crispy and delicious taste. The combination of a crunchy exterior and juicy, tender meat makes it a favorite for many food enthusiasts. However, leftover fried chicken can sometimes lose its crispiness when reheated. Thankfully, there is a solution – reheating Korean fried chicken in an air fryer! In this article, we will discuss the steps to achieve crispy and delicious results when reheating Korean fried chicken in an air fryer.
Why Reheat Korean Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer?
When it comes to reheating leftover fried chicken, the traditional methods like using an oven or microwave often fail to recreate the original crispy texture. The oven can sometimes make the chicken dry, while the microwave can make it soggy. This is where the air fryer comes to the rescue!
Air fryers are small kitchen appliances that use hot air circulation to cook food, mimicking the effects of deep frying, but with much less oil. The air fryer’s ability to evenly distribute heat and maintain a consistent temperature is ideal for reheating fried chicken, ensuring that it remains crispy on the outside while reheating the meat inside.
Steps to Reheat Korean Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you begin reheating your Korean fried chicken, it is essential to preheat the air fryer. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves that desired crispy texture. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for approximately 5 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the air fryer is preheating, take the Korean fried chicken out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. This step helps in achieving even reheating and prevents the chicken from becoming dry. If the chicken is too cold, it may take longer to reheat and might not be as crispy.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken in the Air Fryer Basket
Once the chicken has reached room temperature, arrange it in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is essential not to overcrowd the basket to ensure proper air circulation and even heating. If needed, reheat the chicken in multiple batches.
Step 4: Reheat the Chicken
Now, it’s time to start reheating the Korean fried chicken in the air fryer. Place the loaded basket back into the air fryer and set the timer for 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Flip and Reheat
After the initial heating time, open the air fryer and flip the chicken pieces using tongs or a spatula. This step ensures that both sides of the chicken receive consistent heat, resulting in an evenly reheated and crispy exterior. Continue reheating the chicken for another 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Check for Crispiness
Carefully remove one piece of chicken from the air fryer and check if it is crispy enough to your liking. If it needs more crispiness, place it back in the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 7: Repeat for Remaining Chicken
Once you have achieved the desired crispiness, remove the reheated chicken from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the process for any remaining chicken pieces.
Additional Tips for Reheating Korean Fried Chicken
To ensure the best results when reheating Korean fried chicken in an air fryer, consider the following additional tips:
1. Maintain Proper Spacing
To achieve a crispy exterior, it is crucial to maintain proper spacing between the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. Crowded chicken may result in uneven heating and lead to less crispy results.
2. Avoid Adding Oil
Since the chicken is already fried, there is no need to add additional oil to the air fryer. The hot circulating air will be sufficient to reheat and crisp up the chicken.
3. Adjust Reheating Time
The recommended reheating time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the air fryer model used. Keep an eye on the chicken while reheating and adjust the cooking time if needed.
4. Serve Immediately
For the best eating experience, serve the reheated Korean fried chicken immediately after removing it from the air fryer. This way, you can enjoy the crispy texture and juicy meat while it’s still fresh and hot.
Conclusion
Reheating Korean fried chicken in an air fryer is an excellent way to enjoy crispy and delicious results even with leftover chicken. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can achieve that desired crunch without sacrificing the tender meat inside. Remember to preheat the air fryer, arrange the chicken properly, and flip it during the reheating process for even crispiness. With a little bit of patience and the help of an air fryer, you can relish the flavorful joy of Korean fried chicken anytime, without compromising on quality.