Do you enjoy having wings at home? Isn’t there something special about the crisp skin, burst of flavors, or just the joy of digging into them while watching your favorite show? But what if the crispy wings you ordered from your favorite Italian restaurant get cold before you can even bite into them? Or maybe you ordered more than you could eat in one setting and want to save for later?
This guide is your go-to in those less-than-ideal situations. Here is the ultimate guide to reheating your wings while maintaining their texture and flavor.
Why Reheating Wings Properly Is Crucial for Flavor and Texture
Wings have the perfect balance of savory flavors and tender meat that meet seamlessly in your mouth. The most common method of reheating wings might be microwaving, but, as you might have noticed, it often leads to a chewy and rubbery texture. This is because your wings are heated unevenly.
Proper reheating is key to preserving the perfect balance of textures and flavors. When done right, the sauces stay rich, the meat remains juicy, and every bite feels just as satisfying as when it was first served. Using an oven, air fryer, or skillet can help you achieve that fresh-off-the-grill taste. However, sauced wings require a different approach than dry-rubbed ones to maintain their flavor and consistency. With the right method, you can relive the full experience — crispy, saucy, and irresistibly delicious.
The Best Methods for Reheating Wings
Every reheating method has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the methods for reheating your wings delivery. Choose the one you like based on your preferences and the serving size.
Ovens
Ovens heat up your food slowly. They are good at maintaining the crispy texture on the outside and the juicy tender chicken meat on the inside.
- Preheat your oven before placing the wings inside.
- Ensure your wings are at room temperature before they enter the oven.
- Spread the wings uniformly and do not stack or huddle them.
- Bake on both sides and make sure the chicken is hot on the inside. You might have to spray some water to keep the moisture.
Air Fryers
Air fryers are mainly used for quick and crispy dishes. But they are meant for smaller portion sizes and cannot take larger amounts of wings. You might have to do multiple rounds with this one if you have larger portions. Arrange the wings in a single layer and spread the layer evenly.
- Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 2–3 minutes.
- Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Heat the wings for 4–5 minutes, then shake the basket to flip them for even cooking.
- Continue reheating for another 2–3 minutes or until they reach your desired crispiness.
- Remove the wings carefully, let them cool slightly, and enjoy their crispy, flavorful goodness!
Pro Tip: If your wings are sauced, reheat them without sauce in the air fryer first, then toss them in warm sauce after heating. This keeps them from getting soggy!
Skillets
Skillets are the good old method. They are a great option for when the wings are not sauced beforehand (some sauces tend to stick to the skillet and start burning). Skillets are great if you have to toss and heat your wings, and some extra sauce and toppings later. Remember to grease the pan with some oil before adding the wings. Flip and turn them and remove once hot.
The Microwave: When It’s Not the Best Option
Microwaves offer the quickest way to reheat food, but they tend to heat unevenly, which can leave wings rubbery or chewy if not done properly. Since coal-fired wings are already cooked at high temperatures, they have lower moisture content, making them more prone to drying out when reheated. To keep your wings tender and flavorful, follow these tips:
- Use a damp paper towel: Covering the wings with a damp paper towel helps retain moisture and prevents them from drying out.
- Reheat in short bursts: Heat in 20–30 second intervals to avoid overheating and preserve the texture.
- Avoid overheating: Overcooking will make the meat tough and the skin chewy instead of crispy.
Can You Reheat Wings from Wings Takeout Restaurants More Than Once?
Reheating your wings more than once might seem convenient, especially if you can’t finish them all at once. However, doing so is not recommended for several reasons — food safety, texture, and flavor.
Each cycle of cooling and reheating increases the risk of bacterial growth, making the wings unsafe to eat and potentially leading to foodborne illness. Additionally, repeated reheating dries out the meat, making it tough and chewy. The once-crispy exterior can turn rubbery, and the rich, smoky flavors begin to fade.
- Reheat only what you plan to eat: This helps maintain quality and prevents unnecessary reheating cycles.
- Check for freshness: If the wings smell off, feel slimy, or have an unusual texture, discard them immediately.
If you’re craving more, it’s always best to order a fresh batch from your favorite wings takeout spot. Freshly made wings always taste better than repeatedly reheated ones!
Safe Reheating Practices for Leftover Wings
Here’s how you could safely reheat the leftover wings without compromising the flavor or texture:
- Store your wings in an airtight container and refrigerate as soon as they cool down to the temperature.
- Reheat only the portion that you plan on eating keep the rest in the same container and store them away.
- Reheated wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.
- If you have big portions, ensure you reheat them in batches. Spread the pieces evenly on the pan and avoid overlapping for uniform heating.
Where to Find the Best Wings for Reheating
The quality of your wings takeout matters, especially when it comes to enjoying leftovers. Some wings reheat better than others, and choosing the right kind can make all the difference. If you want wings that maintain their flavor, texture, and juiciness even after reheating, coal-fired wings are the way to go. Unlike traditional fried wings, coal-fired wings offer a unique smoky char and deep, robust flavor that holds up well over time.
At Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings, we take our wings to the next level. Cooked at 900°F in our signature coal-fired oven, our wings boast unmatched crispiness on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside. We use only the highest quality, hand-picked ingredients — homemade and carefully crafted from recipes passed down through generations. Why settle for ordinary wings? Order now and taste the difference of coal-fired perfection!
