Chicken wings are a staple food at gatherings such as parties, graduations, or any family gathering.
However, because no idea how much meat we should purchase per person, we end up with a surplus of leftover chicken wings after the party is over.
Nevertheless, chicken wings can be super delicious on day 2, 3, and even 4.
But to enjoy these delicious delights for the next 4 days, you must know how to reheat chicken wings properly.
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Can You Reheat Cooked Chicken Wings?
Of course, you can reheat cooked chicken wings. The key is to store and reheat the chicken wings properly.
However, if the chicken wings are not stored properly, they may not be safe to consume even if they are reheated.
How To Store Cooked Chicken Wings
In addition to this, storing chicken wings properly ensures they do not spoil too quickly or become freezer burned.
Therefore, the FDA suggests storing all poultry and meat within a two-hour time frame after cooking or reheating.
Additionally, you need to store the chicken wings in airtight containers.
Alternatively, you can also vacuum seal your wings to keep them fresh for as long as possible if you are freezing them.
Next, store your chicken wings in the refrigerator or freezer.
How Long Do Leftover Chicken Wings Last
We can all agree; no true meat lover wants to waste food as delicious as chicken wings.
That’s why you need to know how long chicken wings last. If you are storing your leftover chicken wings in the fridge, they can be stored for up to 4 days.
However, if you are freezing the chicken wings, they can be frozen for up to 3-4 months.
How to Reheat Chicken Wings
Knowing how to reheat chicken wings is important if you want delicious chicken wings.
If you do not reheat them correctly, you could end up with dried-out wings, and who wants that.
How to Reheat Wings in the Oven
It doesn’t matter whether you are reheating brisket, corn on the cob, or crab legs; the oven is by far the best method you can use to reheat chicken wings.
This method allows the chicken wings skin to re-crisp while maintaining its moist, tender interior.
Furthermore, if you are worried your chicken wings will dry out, lightly mist them with water before you place them in the oven.
To reheat your chicken wings in the oven, heat your oven to 350°F.
While the oven is heating, remove your leftover chicken wings from the refrigerator and let them sit for 15-20 minutes until they are at room temperature.
If you froze your wings, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then pull them out while the oven is heating.
Arrange the leftover chicken wings on a wire rack set over a cookie sheet in an even layer.
Bake the chicken wings for 5-6 minutes, then turn them over and cook them for an additional 5-6 minutes until an infrared thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken wings has a temperature of 165°F.
The cooking time of reheating chicken wings may differ depending on the number of wings you are reheating as well as the temperature of the oven and chicken wings.
How to Reheat Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
The air fryer is the perfect cooking vessel if you want your reheated chicken wings to be extra crispy.
Remove your leftover chicken wings from the fridge at least 10 minutes before you reheat them.
If you froze your chicken wings, remove them from the freezer and thaw them overnight.
Remove your chicken wings from the fridge 10 minutes before you intend to air fry them.
Arrange your chicken wings in the air fryer’s basket, leaving enough room for air to circulate between the wings.
Overfilling the air fryer’s basket with wings will cause them to reheat unevenly.
Some chicken wings may be perfectly crispy and cold on the outside, while others may be soggy.
Cook your chicken wings for 5-10 minutes at 400⁰F. Place the chicken wings and let them cool for 3-5 minutes before serving them.
How to Reheat Wings in the Microwave
While the microwave is very convenient, it is not the best for reheating chicken wings.
However, line a microwave-safe dish with a paper towel if you must use the microwave.
Then, arrange the chicken wings on the dish and cover it with a damp paper towel.
Heat the leftover chicken wings in the microwave for 2 minutes.
For best results, remove the chicken wings from the microwave as soon as they are warm to prevent them from overcooking.
How to Reheat Chicken Wings Using the Stove
Reheating chicken wings on the stovetop is also an excellent way to yield crispy wings.
Best of all, reheating wings on the stovetop only takes 10 minutes.
Remove the chicken wings from the refrigerator 5-10 minutes before reheating them.
Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a frying pan and set it over high heat.
Add the chicken wings once the oil is hot and cook them for 1 1/2 minutes.
Turn the chicken wings over and cook them for an additional 1 1/2 minutes.
Remove the chicken wings from the frying pan once they are golden and enjoy.
How to Reheat Chicken Wings in the Broiler
Although the broiler is a strange way to reheat chicken wings, it is a great way to reheat chicken wings.
However, the broiler cooks food in no time. You must make sure you watch your chicken wings carefully so they do not burn.
Remove your chicken wings from the fridge 15-20 minutes before you intend to broil them so they can come to room temperature.
Turn your oven to broil, then arrange your wings in an even layer on a cookie sheet.
Cook the chicken wings for 5 minutes, then turn them over and cook them for an additional 5 minutes until the wings are heated through.
Allow the wings to cool 2-3 minutes before servings.
Final Thoughts
Yes, there can never be enough chicken wings. However, sometimes we end up with more leftovers than we foresaw when we purchased the wings.
Luckily you know how to reheat chicken wings and will be enjoying them for the next 3-4 days.
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I have been smoking and grilling meat from an early age and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise through the hundreds of articles I have written about BBQ. I hope to make everyone’s BBQ journey that little bit easier.