Leftover wings are a blessing—until you reheat them the wrong way and end up with something dry, chewy, or disappointingly soggy. If you’ve ever thrown your wings in the microwave and regretted it immediately, you’re not alone. But don’t worry! The air fryer is here to save your leftovers and make them taste just as good (if not better) than when you first got them.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best way to reheat wings in an air fryer, ensuring they stay crispy outside, juicy inside, and full of flavor. Whether they’re from your favorite wing joint, homemade, or straight out of the fridge or freezer, these simple steps will make your leftovers taste fresh and delicious.
Why Use an Air Fryer to Reheat Wings?
Before we get into the step-by-step process, let’s talk about why the air fryer is the ultimate tool for reheating wings.
- Crispiness Restored: Unlike microwaving, which turns wings into rubbery disappointments, the air fryer brings back that perfect crunch.
- Even Heating: The circulating hot air ensures your wings heat up evenly without drying out.
- Fast & Convenient: No need to wait 20-30 minutes like you would with an oven. The air fryer gets the job done in less than 10 minutes!
- Healthier: You don’t need extra oil to reheat wings in the air fryer, which means fewer calories and less mess.
How to Reheat Wings in Air Fryer (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
To get the crispiest wings, preheating is key. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the wings start crisping up immediately instead of sitting in a cold basket and turning soggy.
Pro Tip: If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, just set it to 350°F and let it run empty for a few minutes.
Step 2: Arrange the Wings Properly
Take your leftover wings out of the fridge and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Don’t overcrowd the basket! If the wings are stacked or piled on top of each other, they won’t heat evenly, and you’ll end up with some crispy pieces and some sad, soft ones. If you have a lot of wings, reheat them in batches.
Pro Tip: If your wings have been sitting in the fridge for a while and look a little dry, you can lightly spritz them with water or a tiny bit of oil to restore some moisture. But don’t overdo it!
Step 3: Heat for 5-7 Minutes
Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let the wings reheat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- For refrigerator-stored wings → 5-7 minutes should be perfect.
- For frozen wings → You might need 10-12 minutes at 360°F (182°C), flipping halfway.
Pro Tip: If you like your wings extra crispy, you can increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
Step 4: Check If They’re Ready
After 5-7 minutes, check if the wings are hot and crispy. You can do this by cutting into one of them and ensuring the inside is steaming hot. If they still feel cold in the center, pop them back in for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Once your wings are perfectly reheated, take them out and let them rest for 1-2 minutes before digging in. This allows any excess steam to escape, keeping them crispy.
Want to add extra flavor? Toss the wings in fresh sauce before serving! Some great options include:
- Classic buffalo sauce
- Honey BBQ
- Garlic Parmesan
- Lemon Pepper
- Spicy Sriracha
Or, if you like dry-rubbed wings, sprinkle on some extra seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, or a little extra salt & pepper) before serving.
Tips for the Best Reheated Wings
- No Extra Oil Needed – Wings already have enough fat, so there’s no need to add extra oil when reheating.
- Use Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup – If your wings are saucy, placing parchment paper or an air fryer liner in the basket can prevent a mess.
- Shake or Flip Halfway – This helps ensure all sides get crispy.
- Reheat in Batches if Needed – If you’re reheating a large batch, do it in smaller portions to get that crispiness.
What If Your Wings Are Frozen?
If you’re dealing with frozen leftover wings, don’t worry—the air fryer can still work its magic.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) instead of 350°F.
- Arrange wings in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Check if they’re hot inside. If they need more time, add another 2 minutes.
- Crank the heat to 400°F for the last 2 minutes if you want extra crispiness.
Pro Tip: If your frozen wings are pre-sauced, wrap them in foil for the first few minutes to prevent burning.
Read the Article: How to Reheat Pork Chop in Air Fryer
Final Thoughts
Reheating wings in an air fryer is a total game-changer. It brings back the crispy, juicy goodness you love—without drying them out or making them rubbery.
Next time you have leftover wings, skip the microwave and go straight for the air fryer. It’s quick, easy, and makes your wings taste freshly made!
So, whether you’re reheating buffalo wings, BBQ wings, garlic parmesan, or even boneless wings, the air fryer is your best friend. Try it out and enjoy restaurant-quality wings at home!
FAQs
How long to cook Tyson buffalo wings in air fryer?
Cook Tyson buffalo wings in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
How to reheat chicken wings in an air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Reheat for 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through until crispy and heated through.
How to reheat Wingstop boneless wings in air fryer?
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the boneless wings in the air fryer basket for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated and crispy.
How long to cook TGI Fridays wings in air fryer?
Cook TGI Fridays wings in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway for even cooking.