How to Reheat Chicken Wings in Air Fryer: The Ultimate Guide for Crispy, Juicy Results Every Time​

If you’ve ever struggled with soggy, dry, or unevenly reheated chicken wings, you’re not alone. Leftover wings—whether from a weekend BBQ, game day feast, or a quick weeknight meal—deserve to be enjoyed just as much as the first serving. The good news? Using an air fryer to reheat them is not only fast and efficient but also the best way to restore that crispy skin and juicy interior you love. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to reheat chicken wings in an air fryer, covering preparation, temperature settings, timing, and pro tips to avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll have a step-by-step method that turns leftover wings into a snack worthy of a second (or third) round.

Why Air Fryer Is the Best Tool for Reheating Chicken Wings

Before diving into the “how,” let’s address the “why.” Air fryers are ideal for reheating chicken wings for three key reasons:

1. ​Crisp Restoration: Unlike microwaves, which use moisture-heavy radiation to heat food (often leaving wings soft and limp), air fryers circulate hot air at high speeds. This process evaporates excess surface moisture, re-crisping the skin while gently warming the meat.

2. ​Even Heating: Air fryers’ convection technology ensures heat distributes uniformly, reducing the risk of cold spots or overcooked edges. This is especially important for bone-in wings, which can retain coldness in thick areas like the drumette.

3. ​Speed and Convenience: Air fryers preheat in minutes (unlike ovens, which can take 15–20 minutes) and reheat wings in under 15 minutes total. This makes them perfect for weeknights when you don’t have time to wait.

Step 1: Prep Your Leftover Chicken Wings

The key to successful reheating starts with how you store and handle the wings beforehand. Here’s what to do:

​1.1 Start with Properly Stored Wings​

Leftover wings should be cooled to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking, then refrigerated in an airtight container or resealable bag. For best results, reheat them within 3–4 days—after that, texture and flavor may decline, even with perfect reheating.

Pro Tip: If storing for longer than 2 days, freeze wings instead. Frozen wings can be reheated directly (more on that below) without thawing, though they’ll take slightly longer.

​1.2 Pat Dry Before Reheating​

Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Before placing wings in the air fryer, use paper towels to gently pat both sides of each wing. This removes surface condensation or leftover sauce that could steam the wings instead of crisping them.

Note: If your wings have a thick, sticky sauce (e.g., buffalo or honey garlic), you may want to brush off excess sauce with a paper towel. Sauces can burn easily in the air fryer, so keeping them minimal prevents charring.

Step 2: Set the Right Temperature and Time

Air fryer models vary slightly, but most operate between 120°C–200°C (250°F–400°F). For reheating, we recommend a moderate temperature to balance crisping and warming.

​2.1 For Refrigerated Wings (Most Common Scenario)​​

If your wings have been in the fridge (not frozen), follow these settings:

• ​Temperature: 180°C (350°F)

• ​Time: 8–12 minutes total, flipping halfway through.

Why this works: 180°C is hot enough to evaporate surface moisture quickly but not so hot that the wings burn before the interior warms. Flipping ensures both sides crisp evenly.

Testing Doneness: After 8 minutes, check one wing by cutting into the thickest part (near the drumette). The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F)—the FDA’s safe minimum for reheated poultry. If it’s still cool, add 2–3 more minutes.

​2.2 For Frozen Wings (No Thawing Required)​​

If you stored wings in the freezer and want to reheat them straight from frozen:

• ​Temperature: 190°C (375°F)

• ​Time: 12–15 minutes total, flipping halfway.

Adjustment Tip: Frozen wings have more moisture to evaporate, so a higher temp and longer time are needed. If your air fryer is on the smaller side (under 4 quarts), reduce time by 2 minutes to avoid overcrowding.

Pro Tip: To prevent frozen wings from sticking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil before adding the wings.

Step 3: Add Optional Enhancements (Optional but Recommended)

While plain reheating works, a few simple additions can elevate your wings:

​3.1 A Light Brush of Oil​

If your wings were originally baked or air-fried (not deep-fried), brushing them with 1–2 teaspoons of neutral oil (e.g., avocado or canola) before reheating can enhance crispiness. Avoid olive oil, which has a lower smoke point and may burn.

​3.2 A Sprinkle of Seasoning​

Leftover wings can lose some of their original seasoning during storage. Toss them with a pinch of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika before reheating to refresh the flavor.

​3.3 Sauce on the Side (For Saucy Wings)​​

If your wings were saucy (e.g., teriyaki or sweet chili), avoid adding sauce before reheating—this can cause burning. Instead, reheat plain, then toss with fresh sauce after they’re done. The residual heat will meld the sauce with the wing without scorching.

Step 4: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Even with the best intentions, reheating wings can go wrong. Here are the top mistakes to avoid:

​Mistake 1: Overcrowding the Basket​

Air fryers need space for hot air to circulate. If you pack too many wings in, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Work in batches if necessary—use a rack or second basket if your air fryer is large enough.

​Mistake 2: Skipping the Flip​

Wings have uneven surfaces (drumettes vs. flats), so flipping ensures both sides crisp equally. Use tongs to gently turn them halfway through cooking.

​Mistake 3: Overheating​

Leaving wings in too long can dry out the meat. Stick to the recommended time, and check early if you’re unsure. Remember, residual heat will keep them warm after removing them from the fryer.

​Mistake 4: Using High Heat for Sauces​

Sugary or thick sauces burn easily. If reheating saucy wings, lower the temp to 160°C (325°F) and add the sauce after reheating. Alternatively, cover the basket with foil for the first 5 minutes to protect the sauce, then remove foil to crisp the skin.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy (With Confidence!)

Once reheated, transfer wings to a plate lined with fresh paper towels to absorb any remaining surface moisture. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces (ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot sauce) and enjoy.

Bonus Tip: For an extra-crispy finish, place reheated wings back in the air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 1–2 minutes after seasoning. This “crisp boost” mimics the crunch of freshly fried wings.

Why This Method Works: The Science Behind Air Frying Reheated Wings

To understand why air frying excels at reheating, let’s break down the science:

• ​Convection Heat: Air fryers use a fan to circulate hot air at 200°C+, which rapidly heats the wing’s surface. This evaporates moisture, creating that desirable crunch.

• ​Maillard Reaction: The high heat triggers the Maillard reaction—a chemical process that browns proteins and sugars, enhancing flavor and color. This is what gives reheated wings that golden, crispy exterior.

• ​Even Distribution: Unlike ovens, which have hot spots, air fryers’ compact design ensures consistent heat flow, so every part of the wing warms evenly.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Art of Reheated Wings

Reheating chicken wings in an air fryer isn’t just about convenience—it’s about preserving the quality of your original cook. By following these steps—patting dry, setting the right temp, avoiding overcrowding, and enhancing flavor—you’ll turn leftovers into a snack that’s just as satisfying as the first time around.

Remember: The key is balancing speed and heat to crisp the skin without drying the meat. With a little practice, you’ll perfect your technique and never waste a single wing again. Now, go fire up that air fryer and enjoy those crispy, juicy leftovers!