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

If you’ve ever struggled to reheat leftover chicken wings and ended up with soggy skin, dry meat, or unevenly heated pieces, you’re not alone. The good news? Using an air fryer to reheat wings is not only possible—it’s the bestway to restore that crispy, golden exterior and juicy interior you loved when they were fresh out of the oven or fryer. This guide will walk you through exactly how to do it, step by step, with pro tips to avoid common mistakes and ensure your reheated wings taste just as good as the first time.

Why Reheating Wings in an Air Fryer Beats Other Methods

Before diving into the “how,” let’s address the “why.” Chicken wings are all about texture: a crunchy, seasoned skin paired with tender, moist meat. Most reheating methods fail here. Microwaves, for example, use moisture to heat food, which turns crispy skin soft and chewy. Ovens, while better, take longer and often require preheating, risking over-drying. Stovetop reheating can burn the skin before the inside warms through.

Air fryers, however, use high-velocity hot air circulation to mimic deep frying—without the oil. This method quickly heats the surface of the wings, evaporating excess moisture to revive crispiness, while the controlled heat prevents the meat from drying out. The result? Wings that taste fresh, with that satisfying crunch you crave.

Step-by-Step: How to Reheat Wings in an Air Fryer

Reheating wings in an air fryer is simple, but attention to detail makes all the difference. Follow these steps for consistent, delicious results:

1. Start with the Right Prep

• ​Let wings cool slightly (if fresh):​​ If you’re reheating wings that were just cooked but need to be held for later, let them cool to room temperature first. Stacking hot wings in an airtight container traps steam, which softens the skin.

• ​No need to thaw (if frozen):​​ If your wings were frozen after cooking, you can reheat them directly from frozen—though you may need to add 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.

• ​Pat dry (optional but helpful):​​ If wings are damp from storage (e.g., in a fridge or takeout container), gently pat them with paper towels. Excess moisture can delay crisping.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating is critical. Set your air fryer to ​360°F (180°C)​​ and let it run for 3–5 minutes. A preheated basket ensures the wings start cooking immediately, which helps lock in juices and crisp the skin faster.

3. Arrange Wings in a Single Layer

Overcrowding the basket is the biggest mistake. Place wings in a single layer with space between them—this allows hot air to circulate evenly. If you have a lot of wings, reheat in batches (2–3 batches max for most air fryers). Use a wire rack insert if your air fryer has one; it elevates the wings, letting air flow underneath for extra crispiness.

4. Add a Light Coat of Oil (Optional)

While not required, a tiny spritz of olive oil or cooking spray can enhance crispiness, especially if the wings were stored without any oil. Avoid heavy oils—they can burn at high temps.

5. Reheat Time: 5–8 Minutes (Adjust as Needed)

Slide the basket into the preheated air fryer and set the timer for ​5 minutes. After 5 minutes, check the wings:

• If they’re still cold in the center, cook for 1–2 more minutes.

• If the skin is getting too dark, reduce the temp to 350°F (175°C) for the remaining time.

​Note:​​ Wings that were originally fried or baked may reheat faster than grilled or smoked wings, which have thicker, smokier exteriors. Adjust time based on their original cooking method.

6. Flip and Check for Crispiness

At the 5-minute mark, flip the wings using tongs. This ensures even heating on both sides. Taste one—if the meat is warm throughout and the skin is crispy, they’re done. If not, return to the air fryer for another 1–2 minutes.

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Reheated Wings

Want restaurant-quality results? These tweaks make all the difference:

• ​Add a flavor boost:​​ Sprinkle wings with a pinch of salt, garlic powder, or chili flakes before reheating. The heat will reactivate seasonings.

• ​Use a baking sheet for large batches:​​ If your air fryer is small, spread wings on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, then finish in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to crisp.

• ​Restore juiciness with a sauce glaze:​​ If your wings were originally saucy (e.g., buffalo or honey garlic), brush a light layer of sauce on them during the last 2 minutes of reheating. Be careful—the sauce can burn quickly.

• ​Let them rest:​​ Once done, transfer wings to a plate and let them sit for 2–3 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, preventing them from spilling out when you take a bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to mess up. Steer clear of these errors:

• ​Overcrowding the basket:​​ As mentioned, this leads to steamed, soggy wings. Patience with batches pays off.

• ​Skipping preheating:​​ Cold air fryer baskets take longer to heat the wings, increasing the risk of dry meat.

• ​Using high heat for too long:​​ Temperatures above 375°F (190°C) can burn the skin before the inside warms. Stick to 360°F (180°C) unless adjusting for frozen wings.

• ​Not checking doneness:​​ Wings vary in size—always taste or use a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C internal temp) to confirm they’re heated through.

What If Your Wings Still Turn Out Soggy or Dry?

Mistakes happen—here’s how to fix them:

• ​Soggy skin:​​ Return wings to the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes. The higher temp will evaporate residual moisture.

• ​Dry meat:​​ Mist the wings lightly with water or chicken broth, then reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 1–2 minutes. The steam will add moisture without making the skin soft.

Beyond Reheating: Air Fryer Wings 101

Now that you’ve mastered reheating, why stop there? Air fryers are fantastic for cooking wings from scratch. For crispy, restaurant-style wings:

1. Toss raw wings in oil, salt, and your favorite seasoning.

2. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. Finish with your sauce of choice during the last 5 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Reheating wings in an air fryer isn’t just convenient—it’s the key to preserving the texture and flavor you love. By following these steps—preheating, single-layer arrangement, and adjusting time as needed—you’ll never settle for soggy leftovers again. Whether you’re reviving last night’s game-day wings or prepping for a quick weeknight snack, the air fryer delivers crispy, juicy results every time.

Give it a try, and don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonings or sauces. With a little practice, your reheated wings might just taste better than the originals.