Can You Reheat KFC? (Menu Items, Oven, Microwave, Air Fryer + More)

KFC’s chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes, and almost everything on the menu are to die for, allowing the fast-food chain to grow to one of the most popular in the United States.

However, you might be curious if KFC is good enough that you can save your leftovers and reheat them later. If you’d like to find out, keep reading this article to see what I discovered!

Can You Reheat KFC In 2024?

You can reheat every KFC menu item using either a microwave, oven, or air fryer in 2024. Regarding chicken, Famous Bowls, and pot pies, it’s best to use the oven or an air fryer to maintain the chicken’s texture. However, KFC mashed potatoes reheat best in the microwave.

If you want to learn how to reheat your favorite foods from KFC in the air fryer, oven, and microwave, make sure you keep reading for all the details you need to know!

Can You Reheat Food From KFC in the Oven?

One of the best ways to reheat leftover KFC is in the oven because it helps maintain the food’s moisture, texture, and overall taste.

For most KFC menu items, you can reheat them at 350℉ on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil.

It’s also recommended that you spray the pan with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the food from clinging to the pan. Next, place the rack near the top of the oven for the best reheating.

Of course, how long you reheat your food in the oven depends on the menu item. However, in regards to KFC chicken, keep it in the oven for about 15 minutes to help the chicken re-crisp to its original state.

Also, make sure you cut into the center of the chicken before you eat it to ensure it’s reheated all the way through.

Can You Reheat Food From KFC in the Microwave?

The quickest way to reheat food from KFC is in the microwave. In order to do so, make sure you use a microwave-safe plate and cover your food with a paper towel.

When you use a piece of paper towel, it helps absorb the moisture and keep the microwave safe from food splatters.

Of course, the length of time it takes to reheat your leftovers from KFC depends on the menu items.

Still, it won’t take longer than a few minutes to reheat your KFC leftovers in the microwave regardless of what type of food it is. Next, let your food cool for about a minute after it’s out of the microwave.

However, keep in mind that when you reheat KFC chicken, biscuits, or pot pies in the microwave, the texture will be soggier compared to reheating it in the air fryer or oven.  

Can You Reheat Food From KFC in the Air Fryer?

Perhaps the best way to reheat leftovers from KFC is in an air fryer, because it locks in moisture and restores food to its original state. To reheat food from KFC in an air fryer, simply follow these steps:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 370℉
  • Cook food for eight to 15 minutes (depending on the item and whether it was stored in the refrigerator or freezer)
  • Halfway through the cooking time, flip food over

If you’re unsure how long your leftovers from KFC will need in the air fryer, check your air fryer’s guide for recommended cooking times. You can also set the time for ten minutes and check on it every two minutes or so.  

Can You Reheat KFC Chicken?

Can You Reheat KFC Chicken?

It’s certainly possible to reheat chicken from KFC, and the best way to do so is in the oven. However, you can use an air fryer if you have one or a microwave if you’re short on time.

When reheating KFC chicken in the oven or air fryer, set the temperature between 350-370℉ and let it cook for ten to 15 minutes.

To ensure the chicken is cooked all the way through, cut through the center and poke the inside with your finger to check if it’s hot.

When reheating chicken from KFC in the microwave, do so for three to five minutes on high, increasing the time if it’s not warm enough.

Can You Reheat a KFC Famous Bowl?

You can reheat a KFC Famous Bowl by setting your oven’s temperature to 350℉ and letting it cook for eight to ten minutes.

When you use the oven to reheat a KFC Famous Bowl, it helps keep the chicken crispy while cooking the bowl evenly.

Using a microwave is also an option for reheating a Famous Bowl from KFC, but make sure it’s completely reheated before eating.

It’s best to microwave the Famous Bowl for about a minute, stir up the contents, and place it back in the microwave for another minute or so.

Can You Reheat KFC Mashed Potatoes?

You can reheat mashed potatoes from KFC by using the microwave, as it allows for an even reheat and is the quickest method available.

You can reheat KFC mashed potatoes in the original container you bought them in, which makes the process even easier.

However, make sure you take the lid off (so it’s not sealed) and set it to partially cover the potatoes before placing it in the microwave.

Next, microwave the mashed potatoes for 30 seconds, stir the contents, and set them back in the microwave for another 30 seconds to a minute.

Also, in between microwave increments, you can add a little milk to keep the potatoes from drying out if you prefer a creamier texture.

Moreover, you may need to reheat the mashed potatoes for longer than the previously listed increments depending on the quality of your microwave.   

Can You Reheat KFC’s Pot Pies?

Although they’re a bit more tricky to reheat, it’s possible to reheat pot pies from KFC, and the best way to do so is in the oven set at 350℉ for about 20 minutes.

Next, for the final five minutes of the reheating process, it’s best to cover the dish with aluminum foil to lock in more flavors.

Additionally, if you’re short on time, you can undoubtedly reheat KFC pot pies in the microwave for three to five minutes on high.  

To learn more about KFC, you can also read our related posts on whether or not KFC has potato wedges, if you can freeze KFC chicken, and where does KFC get its chicken.

Conclusion

When it comes to reheating your leftovers from KFC, you can do so in the oven, air fryer, or microwave. However, keep in mind that some items, like chicken or pot pies, reheat better in the oven because it helps maintain the food’s texture. However, if you’re short on time, you can always use a microwave, although your food might be a little soggy.

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

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