Bringing Back the Crispy Glory: How to Reheat Chicken Fried Steak in an Air Fryer

Ever found yourself with leftover chicken fried steak and wondering how to get it back to its crispy delicious glory? You’re not alone! I’ve been there too staring at that container in the fridge, hoping there’s a way to enjoy it without ending up with a soggy disappointment. Good news – your air fryer is about to become your best friend!

After trying countless methods for reheating this classic comfort food, I’ve found that the air fryer is hands-down the champion for reviving chicken fried steak It maintains that perfect textural contrast between the juicy meat and the crunchy coating that we all crave

Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to reheating chicken fried steak in an air fryer so you can enjoy leftovers that taste nearly as good as when freshly made!

Why the Air Fryer Works Magic on Leftover Chicken Fried Steak

Before we get to the step-by-step process, it helps to understand why the air fryer is so effective:

• Rapid air circulation – The air fryer functions like a mini convection oven, circulating hot air around your food for even heating
• Re-crisping ability – Unlike microwaves that make breading soggy, air fryers actually restore crispiness
• Minimal oil required – Healthier than re-frying while still achieving great results
• Speed and convenience – Faster than conventional ovens with less prep and cleanup

As Michelle McGlinn, a recipe developer, explains, “Leftovers aren’t ideal, but can be saved in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.” And when it comes time to reheat them, the air fryer is her top recommendation for maintaining that signature crunch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Chicken Fried Steak in an Air Fryer

Preparation Steps

1. Remove from refrigerator – Take your leftover chicken fried steak out and let it come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This helps ensure even heating.

2. Pat dry if needed – If your chicken fried steak seems excessively greasy, gently pat it with a paper towel. This prevents oil splatter in the air fryer and promotes better crisping.

3. Consider a light oil spritz – While optional, a very light spray of cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil work great) can help enhance crispiness, especially if the breading seems dry.

The Reheating Process

1. Preheat your air fryer – Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Don’t skip this step! Preheating ensures consistent heating and prevents the chicken fried steak from sitting in a partially heated environment.

2. Arrange properly – Place your chicken fried steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This is super important! Avoid overcrowding as it leads to uneven heating and soggy results. If needed, reheat in batches.

3. Set time and temperature – Air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures even crisping on both sides.

4. Check doneness – The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Use a meat thermometer if you have one.

5. Serve immediately – Enjoy your revitalized chicken fried steak right away for maximum crispiness!

Pro Tips for Air Fryer Success

I’ve learned a few tricks that make a big difference in the final result:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket – This is probably the #1 reason for soggy results. Give each piece enough space for air to circulate.

• Monitor closely – Air fryers vary in power, so keep an eye on your chicken fried steak and adjust cooking time as needed.

• Separate the gravy – Always store gravy separately and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Adding hot gravy to your crispy reheated steak right before serving is the way to go!

• Use the right oil – If you choose to add a light spray of oil, use ones with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil.

• Consider a wire rack – If your air fryer has accessories, placing the steak on a wire rack can improve air circulation even more.

Common Questions About Reheating Chicken Fried Steak

Can I reheat chicken fried steak from frozen in the air fryer?

While possible, it’s not ideal. The breading often becomes soggy before the inside heats through. If you must, reduce the temperature to 325°F and increase the cooking time, flipping frequently. But honestly, thawing first will give you much better results.

How do I prevent my chicken fried steak from drying out?

The key is not overcooking it. Using a meat thermometer helps ensure you’re just getting it to the safe temperature without going overboard. That light spritz of oil I mentioned earlier can also help retain moisture.

Can I reheat chicken fried steak multiple times?

For both food safety and quality reasons, I don’t recommend it. It’s best to reheat only the portion you plan to eat. Multiple reheating cycles increase bacterial risk and degrade texture.

What about the gravy?

Never reheat gravy in the air fryer! It’ll make a mess and won’t heat properly. Warm it separately in a saucepan on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe container, stirring occasionally for even heating.

How long can I keep leftover chicken fried steak in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, leftover chicken fried steak can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. But for best flavor and texture, I recommend enjoying it within 1-2 days.

Alternative Methods (When You Don’t Have an Air Fryer)

Don’t have an air fryer? While not quite as effective, here are some alternatives:

Conventional Oven Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Place chicken fried steak on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
3. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through
4. For better results, place on a wire rack over the baking sheet to improve air circulation

Stovetop Method

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil
2. Place the chicken fried steak in the skillet
3. Heat for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through and crispy
4. Be careful not to use high heat which could burn the coating

The Bottom Line

The air fryer truly is the best tool for reheating chicken fried steak. It maintains that perfect balance of juicy meat and crispy coating that makes this comfort food so irresistible. With these tips and techniques, your leftover chicken fried steak might even rival its freshly-cooked state!

I’ve used this method countless times in my own kitchen, and it never fails to impress. There’s something so satisfying about transforming day-old food into something that tastes freshly made. And honestly, sometimes I even make extra chicken fried steak just to have leftovers to reheat in the air fryer the next day – it’s that good!

So next time you find yourself with leftover chicken fried steak, don’t settle for soggy microwaved disappointment. Pull out your air fryer and enjoy that crispy, delicious goodness all over again!

Quick Reference Guide

Remember, the exact timing may vary based on your specific air fryer model and the thickness of your chicken fried steak. When in doubt, start with less time – you can always add more if needed!

Have you tried reheating chicken fried steak in an air fryer before? What were your results? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!