Keeping fried chicken crispy overnight can be a challenge. The crispiness comes from the coating and frying process. Once fried chicken sits for a while, the coating can start to soften and lose its crunch. Thankfully, there are some tricks you can use to revive and maintain that crispy texture.
Use a Crisping Method
One of the best ways to keep fried chicken crispy is to use a secondary crisping method. This gives you an extra layer of crunch and prevents the original coating from getting soggy. Some easy crisping methods include:
- Breadcrumbs – Coat the fried chicken in breadcrumbs before storing or reheating. Panko breadcrumbs work especially well.
- Cornstarch – Dust the chicken with a light coating of cornstarch. This will turn deliciously crispy in the oven or air fryer.
- Batter – Make a simple batter with flour, baking powder, and water. Quickly dip the chicken to coat before reheating.
You can also use crushed-up crackers, crushed potato or corn chips, or crushed pork rinds to add extra crunch.
Store Properly
How you store fried chicken also impacts how well it keeps its crispiness. Follow these storage tips:
- Let it cool completely first – Don’t cover hot fried chicken or it will steam and get soggy.
- Use wax or parchment paper – Wrap chicken pieces individually in wax or parchment paper before storing in a container.
- Avoid plastic wrap or bags – These create moisture which ruins the crisp coating.
- Store in a single layer – Don’t stack chicken pieces or they’ll stick together and soften.
- Seal tightly – Use a tight-sealing food storage container or zip top bag with all air pressed out.
- Refrigerate – Keep fried chicken refrigerated to maximize crispness. Do not freeze.
Reheat Wisely
The way you reheat fried chicken also affects crispiness. Some good reheating methods include:
- Oven – Bake in a 400°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Air fryer – Air fry at 400°F for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Toaster oven – Place in a toaster oven for 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on it.
- Skillet – Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet. Cook chicken pieces 2-3 minutes per side.
Avoid microwaving fried chicken as this will make it soggy quickly. You can help revive crispiness by coating in breadcrumbs or cornstarch before reheating.
Frying Tips
Starting with properly fried chicken is also key. Follow these frying tips:
- Use a thermometer – Fry at 350-375°F to ensure proper crispness. Watch oil temperature.
- Don’t overcrowd – Fry chicken in batches so oil temperature doesn’t drop dramatically.
- Fry just until done – Take chicken out as soon as it’s golden brown. Overcooking can soften the crust.
- Let oil return to temp – Allow oil to come back up to temperature between batches.
- Use fresh oil – Old oil won’t get the coating as crispy. Discard oil once it looks dark or smells off.
Dredging in flour then egg wash then breadcrumbs will also maximize the crispy coating.
Coating Tips
The coating you use on your fried chicken also impacts crispiness. Follow these tips:
- Use a light, thin batter – Thick batters or doughs will become soggy. A thin crispy batter is best.
- Season flour – Season your dredging flour with salt, pepper, spices, and herbs.
- Use cornstarch – Add 1-2 tbsp cornstarch to your flour mixture to help chicken stay extra crispy.
- Use crunchy coatings – As mentioned above, use panko, pork rinds, crackers, etc. for added crunch.
- Press coating – After dredging, press coating onto chicken so it adheres.
- Let sit – Let coated chicken sit 5-10 minutes so coating sticks better before frying.
Avoid heavy, thick batters that will become soggy. A light, thin, seasoned coating is ideal.
Conclusion
Keeping fried chicken crispy requires using proper frying, cooling, storing, and reheating techniques. Follow these tips:
- Use a secondary crisping coating like breadcrumbs or cornstarch before storing or reheating.
- Store chicken properly in a single layer in wax paper in the fridge.
- Reheat using the oven, air fryer or skillet, not the microwave.
- Fry chicken at the proper temperature in fresh oil just until golden brown.
- Use light, thin, seasoned batters and coatings.
With the right methods, you can enjoy crispy fried chicken for up to 3-4 days after cooking. Just be sure to follow these helpful guidelines for the best results.
Some readers may also find the following tips helpful:
Marinating Tips
For extra flavor and moisture, marinate chicken before breading and frying. Some good marinades include:
- Buttermilk – Soaks into the chicken and helps keep it juicy. Also reacts to create a crispy coating.
- Yogurt – Adds moisture and tenderizes the chicken. Use plain whole milk yogurt.
- Brine – A saltwater brine seasons the chicken and helps retain moisture.
- Spices and herbs – Marinate chicken in spices, herbs, garlic, etc to add flavor.
Marinate bone-in, skin-on chicken overnight for the most flavor and moisture. Pat dry before dredging and frying.
Serving Suggestions
To make the perfect crispy fried chicken meal:
- Include sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or mac and cheese.
- Offer condiments like hot sauce, ranch, honey mustard or barbecue sauce for dipping.
- Make fried chicken sandwiches on brioche buns with pickles and mayo.
- Use leftovers for casseroles, soups, salads or fried rice.
- Pair with a cold beer, sweet tea or lemonade.
Enjoy your crispy fried chicken in a variety of delicious ways!
