How to Reheat KFC

4.3 from 3 votes

Written By Ross Young

Published:

How often have you ordered a KFC bucket only to get halfway down before giving up? As much as you might like to try and devour a whole bucket in one sitting, it’s something that not everyone can manage. So, can you store and then reheat KFC at a later date?

Close up of breaded fried chicken from KFC

There are two methods for reheating KFC without impacting the texture or flavour too much:

How to Reheat KFC in the Oven

Reheating KFC in the oven will keep it nice and crispy, although not quite as good as it was when you first ordered it! Here’s how to reheat KFC in the oven safely: 

  1. Preheat Oven
    Switch on your oven and heat it to 180°C. 
  2. Prepare Your Tray
    Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper or tin foil. Spray it with low-fat cooking oil or olive oil. This ensures your chicken won’t stick to the tray.
Spraying a lined tray with oil
  1. Add Chicken
    Next, line your KFC pieces side-by-side before placing the tray in the centre of the oven. Make sure none of them are touching so that the heat can easily circulate around the chicken, reheating it nice and evenly.
Placing cooked leftover KFC onto a baking tray
  1. Reheat
    Leave your KFC in the oven for between 20 to 25 minutes. You should check the temperature of the chicken after 20 minutes to check if it’s done. If it’s not yet up to temperature, reheat it at 5-minute intervals until it’s ready. 
Reheating KFC chicken in the oven
  1. Check the Temperature
    When reheating KFC chicken, you need to check that the internal temperature has reached 75°C.
  2. Serve and Enjoy
    When your KFC is at the right temperature and is deliciously crispy on the outside, it’s time to tuck in and enjoy yourself! 

How to Reheat KFC in the Air Fryer

If you have access to an air fryer, then this can be an even better way to reheat KFC. You’ll get a particularly crispy outside:

  1. Preparation
    Allow the KFC chicken to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before reheating. This is so you get more even heating.
  2. Preheat the Air Fryer
    Turn on your air fryer and preheat it to 190°C. If your air fryer has no preheat setting, run it empty at this temperature for a few minutes.
  3. Arrange the Chicken
    Place the KFC chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation.
  4. Reheat
    Reheat the chicken for around 10 minutes. This will differ depending on the chicken pieces you have.
    • Original Recipe: Heat for 10 to 15 minutes, turning each piece over halfway through to ensure even reheating.
    • Boneless Pieces or Tenders: Typically require less time, around 8 to 12 minutes, again turning halfway.
  5. Check
    After the suggested time, check one of the larger pieces to ensure it’s adequately heated through. If needed, you can continue to heat in 2-minute increments until fully warmed.
  6. Serve
    Once you’ve achieved the desired temperature and crispness, remove the KFC chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately.
What is the Best Way to Reheat KFC?

Reheating KFC is best done in an air fryer. This method retains the chicken’s crispiness and ensures even heating. An oven will work fine, though.

How to Reheat KFC Sides

Although the staple food at KFC is always going to be chicken, the list of sides and extras they have on the menu is constantly expanding. But, can you reheat these, too? And how?

Can You Reheat KFC Gravy?

Yes, KFC gravy can be reheated. You should do so over low heat in a saucepan, stirring regularly to ensure it is piping hot through.

Can You Reheat KFC Hot Wings?

Yes, hot wings from KFC can be reheated. Put them in a roasting tin and then into a hot oven for around 20 minutes. Check the internal temperature to ensure they are over 75°C. Cover the tray with a sheet of foil if they’re close to burning.

Can You Reheat KFC Chips?

Yes, you can reheat KFC chips; an air fryer at 190°C for 3-5 minutes offers the crispiest result.

Can You Reheat KFC Burgers?

KFC burgers can be reheated using an oven at 190°C for 10-12 minutes while loosely wrapped in foil to maintain moisture and ensure even heating.

Tips for Reheating KFC

If you want to have complete success when it comes to reheating KFC, then make sure you follow these tips:

  • Freeze It: Did you know that you can freeze your KFC leftovers? So many of us have gotten carried away when ordering takeaway and end up having far more than we could possibly eat at one time! If this resonates with you, simply wrap your excess KFC well and place it in the freezer. It will be good for several months. 
  • Don’t Leave It Sitting Out: You cannot store KFC in the fridge (or freezer) until it has cooled down. However, this doesn’t mean you should leave it sitting out at room temperature for extended periods. As soon as it has cooled down, get it in the fridge.
  • Reheat Sides Too: You can also reheat any sides that you’ve ordered with your KFC. Fries, beans, and even corn will reheat perfectly well in the air fryer or oven (use the microwave for the beans). This gives you no excuses to throw any of your KFC order in the bin! 
  • Always Check the Internal Temperature: Eating undercooked, reheated chicken is extremely dangerous and could cause salmonella. To be on the safe side, invest in a meat thermometer and be sure to check the temperature of your meat is 75C or 165F before tucking in. It can save you from a seriously upset stomach! 
Can You Reheat KFC in the Microwave?

We would avoid reheating KFC in the microwave where possible. Although it is possible to reheat it in the microwave, you’ll find the texture to be completely off. The outside former-crispy coating will become soggy and soft and the chicken will turn rubbery.

How to Reheat KFC

4.3 from 3 votes
Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

25

minutes

Here are 2 methods for reheating KFC.

Ingredients

  • Leftover KFC

  • Oil

Directions

  • How to Reheat KFC in the Oven
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  • Line a tray with greaseproof paper or foil, then lightly spray with cooking or olive oil. Arrange KFC pieces on the tray.
  • Place the tray in the oven for 20 minutes. If not hot enough, continue reheating in 5-minute increments.
  • Ensure the chicken temperature reaches 75°C. Once crispy, serve and enjoy your KFC!
  • How to Reheat KFC in the Air Fryer
  • Let KFC chicken rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 190°C. If there’s no preheat setting, run it empty for a few minutes at this temperature.
  • Arrange KFC pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring space between each for air circulation.
  • For Original Recipe chicken, reheat for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway. For Boneless Pieces or Tenders, reheat for 8-12 minutes, turning halfway.
  • After the suggested time, check a larger piece for adequate heating. If needed, reheat in 2-minute increments.
  • Once heated and crispy, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Recipe Video

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