Can you reheat KFC? The Colonel’s Approach

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Yes, you can reheat KFC in the microwave, oven or air fryer. Some dishes, such as chicken or pies, are better reheated in the oven because the consistency of the food is better preserved. If you are short on time, it is convenient to use the microwave. Expect your food to be mushy.

Reheating leftover KFC is only safe if it is cooked the first time and packaged and refrigerated after cooking. For more information, please read the article below.

How to reheat KFC in an Oven

Reheating KFC in the oven gives you a crispy dish, but not as good as it was when you first ordered it. Use an oven or an air fryer to maintain the chicken’s texture and moisture. Spray the pan with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the food from clinging to the pan. 

How long you reheat your food in the oven depends on the item. You need the rack near the top of the oven for the best reheating (Joythebaker.com). That allows the pan to collect the juice hence getting rid of the mess, and you can use it when serving a juicy and moist dish. 

The standard timing for KFC is 15 minutes, and it helps the chicken re-crisp to its original state. Cut into the center of the chicken before you eat it to ensure it is reheated.

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 180C or 350F. 
  2. Prepare your KFC as you line a baking tray with greaseproof paper or tin foil. Spray it with low-fat cooking or olive oil so your chicken will not stick to the tray. Line your KFC pieces side-by-side in a single layer before placing the tray in the center of the oven for even heating on all sides of the KFC and the center without a hustle.
  3. Reheat your KFC in the oven for between 20-25 minutes. Check the chicken after 20 minutes to check if done. If not, reheat it at five-minute intervals until it is ready. 
  4. Check the temperature if it has reached 75C or 165F before eating it. 
  5. Serve and enjoy when satisfied.
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Reheating KFC in a Microwave

A microwave should be your last option. Use it to reheat KFC, but the quality of the chicken coating will not remain the same. You still get tips if you have them.

Using a microwave is the quickest way to reheat food from KFC in the microwave. Make sure you use a microwave-safe plate and cover your food with a paper towel. A paper towel absorbs moisture and keeps the microwave safe from food splatters, minimizing mess in your kitchen.

The time it takes to reheat your leftovers from KFC depends on the menu items. It does not matter what you are reheating because it does not take longer than a few minutes to reheat your KFC leftovers in the microwave. Allow your food to cool for a minute after it is out of the microwave to avoid burning your mouth.

When reheating chicken from KFC in the microwave, do so for three to five minutes on high. Keep increasing the time till it is warm enough.

Steps

  1. Place your chicken pieces on a safe plate covered in foil. Put the chicken on a plate covered in tissue paper as an alternative. Cover the chicken with tissue paper to absorb the moisture that comes out of the chicken, and your food will be less soggy.
  2. Spray some cooking spray over the chicken so it does not stick to the foil, and microwave for 15 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius.
  3. Keep adding the minutes depending on how many chicken pieces you have. If you have one piece, it takes one to two minutes. If you have two pieces, it takes three.
  4. Serve once done.

Best method

Air Fryer

The air fryer is the best way to warm up KFC. One advantage of using an air fryer is that it locks in moisture and restores food to its original state. You can be unsure how long your leftovers from KFC take in the air fryer. Use your air fryer to reheat your leftover KFC using the instructions below. 

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Check your air fryer’s guide for cooking times (Simply recipes.com). If there are no guidelines, you can set the time for ten minutes and check on it every two minutes to avoid overheating or burning. To ensure the chicken is cooked, cut through the center and poke the inside with your finger to check if it is hot.

Steps

  1. Place your pieces of KFC in the air fryer basket. 
  2. Set the temperature to 160C or 320F. 
  3. Spray some oil if you want your KFC nice and crispy. Spray each piece with some low-fat cooking oil before closing the air fryer. 
  4. Close your air fryer and reheat your KFC for fifteen minutes. 
  5. Check the temperature. Check that the chicken is 75C or 165F before eating it. 
  6. When your KFC reaches the standard temperature, serve and enjoy.

Storage

Do not leave KFC sitting at room temperature; bacteria will grow on the chicken. Your leftover KFC has to be well stored. Reheat it to 75C or 165F.

Safe Temperatures

When reheating KFC chicken in the oven or air fryer, set the temperature between 350-370℉. Let it cook for ten to 15 minutes.

FAQs

Can You Reheat KFC Gravy?

Yes, KFC gravy can be reheated over low heat in a saucepan, stirring for even heating and to avoid clumps.

Can You Reheat KFC Beans?

Yes, you can reheat KFC beans in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave for 1 minute. Keep microwaving in short bursts till done.

Can You Reheat KFC Hot Wings?

Yes, wings from KFC can be reheated using a roasting tin as you put them into a preheated oven for 20 minutes. Check the internal temperature to ensure they are over 75C. Cover the tray with a sheet of foil to avoid burns.

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