The Ultimate Guide to Reheating KFC: Crispy and Delicious Every Time!

How to Reheat KFC: A Complete Guide

So, you ordered a bucket of delicious KFC and couldn’t finish it all. Now you’re left with some delicious leftovers, but you’re wondering how to reheat them to maintain their original crunch and flavor. Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to reheat various KFC items, from fried chicken pieces to hot wings and fries. Let’s dive in!

Is it safe to reheat KFC leftovers?

Before we delve into reheating techniques, it’s important to address the safety aspect of reheating KFC leftovers. The key factor is how you store the leftovers between eating the food and reheating it later.
If you leave KFC leftovers at room temperature for more than two hours or don’t refrigerate them, it’s best not to eat them. Leaving food at room temperature increases the risk of bacterial growth, making the leftovers unsafe to eat.
However, if you’ve refrigerated KFC leftovers after your meal, either in their original containers or in a refrigerator-safe container, you can safely reheat them within 24 hours.
In summary, it is safe to reheat KFC leftovers as long as you refrigerate them immediately after they reach room temperature and reheat them within 24 hours.

Reheating KFC pieces in the oven

If you want your KFC fried chicken pieces to be as close to their original crunch and juiciness as possible, reheating them in the oven is your best bet. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If you have a wire rack, place it on the tray. Spray both the tray and the rack with cooking oil or olive oil.
3. Place the KFC pieces on the wire rack or directly on the baking sheet, being careful not to overcrowd. Leave some space between each piece of chicken.
4. Place the tray of KFC pieces in the oven and reheat for 20 minutes.
5. Check the chicken after 20 minutes. If it’s completely cooked through, remove the tray from the oven. If not, put it back in the oven for another 5 minutes until it’s done.
6. If you have a food thermometer, use it to make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for complete reheating.

Reheating the KFC pieces on a wire rack will help reheat them thoroughly while keeping them crispy all around. However, using a baking sheet also gives good results.

Reheating KFC pieces in an air fryer

If you’re lucky enough to own an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your KFC pieces with fantastic results. The fryer helps keep the chicken crispy on the outside while keeping it tender and juicy on the inside. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Preheat your fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. When the fryer is fully heated, place the chicken pieces in the basket, leaving some space between each piece to avoid overcrowding.
3. Spray the chicken pieces with cooking oil to help them crisp up in the fryer.
4. Place the air fryer basket with the chicken in the air fryer and reheat for 15 minutes.
5. After 15 minutes, test the chicken. If they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (use an instant-read thermometer to confirm), or if they are piping hot, they are completely reheated.
6. If the KFC pieces aren’t hot enough, put them back in the fryer for another 3 minutes and check again. Repeat this process until they’re completely reheated.

Remember, when reheating multiple pieces, you may need to do it in batches to avoid overloading the fryer basket.

Reheating KFC Pieces in the Microwave

While microwaving KFC chunks may not produce the same level of crispness and tenderness as the oven or fryer methods, it can be a quick solution when time is of the essence. Follow these steps for best results:

1. Take the KFC leftovers out of the refrigerator and arrange them on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Cover the plate loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe paper towel.
3. Set the microwave to medium or 50% power to ensure even heating without drying out the chicken.
4. Microwave KFC pieces in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and texture after each interval.
5. Continue microwaving and checking until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

While microwaving does not provide the same level of crispiness as the oven or air fryer methods, it does offer convenience and speed. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and rubbery.

Reheating KFC Fries

Reheating KFC fries can be a bit tricky, as they tend to lose their crunch quickly. But with the right technique, you can revive them and enjoy their deliciousness once again. Here’s how:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Spread the KFC Fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. Place the baking sheet in the oven and reheat the fries for about 5 to 10 minutes or until hot and crispy.
4. Keep a close eye on the fries to prevent them from burning.
5. Once they’re heated through and crispy, remove the fries from the oven and season with salt or your favorite seasoning.

Reheating KFC fries in the oven helps restore some of their original crispness, making them enjoyable again.

Final Thoughts

With these reheating methods at your disposal, you can confidently enjoy your leftover KFC meals without compromising on taste and texture. Whether you prefer the oven, air fryer or microwave, each method has its advantages and will help you achieve delicious results.
Remember to always prioritize food safety by refrigerating leftovers immediately and reheating within 24 hours. In addition, use a food thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of reheated chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
So the next time you find yourself with leftover KFC, don’t hesitate to heat it up using one of these methods. Enjoy the irresistible taste of KFC again!

FAQS

Can I microwave KFC?

Yes, you can reheat KFC in the microwave, but be aware that the chicken may not retain its original crispness. Use medium power and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.

How long can I keep KFC leftovers in the fridge before reheating?

It is safe to refrigerate KFC leftovers for up to 24 hours before reheating. Make sure they are stored in an airtight container or in the original packaging to preserve their flavour and quality.

Can I reheat KFC Fries in the oven?

Yes, you can reheat KFC Fries in the oven. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes or until hot and crispy.

Is it necessary to use a wire rack when reheating KFC chicken pieces in the oven?

While using a wire rack can help the chicken heat up evenly and stay crispy, it is not necessary. You can place the chicken directly on a greased baking tray and it will still be delicious.

Can I reheat KFC in an air fryer if I don’t have an oven?

Of course you can! The air fryer is an excellent alternative to the oven for reheating KFC. Follow the instructions in the article on how to reheat KFC in an air fryer for crispy, tender results.

Can I reheat KFC more than once?

It is not recommended to reheat KFC more than once. It’s best to reheat it once and eat it immediately for the best taste and texture. Repeated reheating can cause the chicken to dry out and lose its original quality.