Our culinary experts tested various methods—oven, air fryer, stovetop, and microwave—to determine the most effective way to reheat chicken wings. Here’s what we discovered.
Josh Miller is a seasoned food writer, editor, recipe creator, and stylist with over two decades of experience in the Southern food scene. His articles have been featured in Southern Living, Food & Wine, Cooking Light, Taste of the South, and Southern Cast Iron.
Updated on January 15, 2025
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Carolyn O’Neil, MS, RDN, holds a Master’s in Nutrition and Communication and brings over 30 years of expertise as a dietitian, media personality, and specialist in food and nutrition storytelling.
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Photography by Greg Dupree, Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Styling by Christine Keely
Mastering the art of reheating chicken wings is an essential Southern kitchen skill. Even if you don’t often cook, there’s no need to settle for cold leftovers. Thanks to modern kitchen appliances, reheating wings is simple and effective using tools like the oven, air fryer, stovetop, or microwave.
Credit: Caitlin Bensel
Our Favorite Ways To Reheat Chicken Wings
While you can’t really go wrong, some reheating methods are far more effective than others. Here’s our ranking of the most popular techniques—from least to most successful.
Using the Oven
The oven remains the top choice for reviving wings to their former glory, offering a perfectly crispy outside with tender, juicy meat inside. To avoid over-drying, lightly mist the wings with water before baking.
Using the Air Fryer
Air fryers, though not in every home, are ideal for reheating small quantities. Acting like a miniature convection oven, they circulate hot air to evenly warm the wings and restore a satisfyingly crisp texture.
Using the Stovetop
A skillet can be a quick and efficient way to reheat wings without sacrificing moisture. However, it’s not the best choice for wings coated in sauce, as they can stick to the pan and scorch.
Using the Microwave
The microwave, while convenient, is our least favorite method. It tends to steam the wings, resulting in a soggy texture. If you’re pressed for time and can overlook the lack of crispness, it’s a viable option.
How To Reheat Chicken Wings in the Oven
- Set your oven to preheat at 350°F.
- Allow the wings to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes after removing them from the refrigerator.
- Prepare a baking sheet with cooking spray and space the wings evenly, keeping about an inch of space between them.
- Bake the wings for approximately 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, according to USDA food safety guidelines.
How To Reheat Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
- Bring the refrigerated wings to room temperature before reheating.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Lightly coat the wings with cooking spray and arrange them in the fryer basket, ensuring air can circulate around each piece.
- Heat for up to 10 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165°F.
How To Reheat Chicken Wings in the Skillet
- Let the wings sit out for about 15 minutes to warm slightly.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Add the wings to the hot oil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning halfway through. When they turn golden brown and reach 165°F inside, they’re ready to serve.
How To Reheat Chicken Wings in the Microwave
- Place a damp paper towel on a microwave-safe plate.
- Arrange the wings on the plate and cover with another damp paper towel.
- Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, but avoid overheating, as it will dry out the meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to warm up leftover chicken wings?
The oven offers the best results overall, delivering a crispy texture while keeping the meat tender. Air fryers provide similar results, maintaining more moisture than the microwave, which is the fastest but least effective option for preserving texture.
How do you reheat wings with sauce?
Both the oven and air fryer are suitable for saucy wings. However, sautéing in a pan with oil can help preserve and slightly caramelize the sauce. Use a bit of cooking spray before frying and a splash of oil to help retain that crispy bite.
How long do chicken wings stay good?
Just like other cooked chicken, wings stay fresh in the fridge for about two days. If stored in the freezer, they can last up to four months.
Can you reheat wings using foil?
Yes—line a baking sheet with foil before reheating in the oven. This method simplifies cleanup while still delivering great results.
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