How to Reheat Wings So They Stay Crispy and Delicious

Chicken wings are one of our favorite game day appetizers and party snacks, but sometimes our eyes are bigger than our stomachs when we order (or make) this tasty treat. But don’t worry, the crowd-pleaser can be just as delicious on day two or three if you know how to reheat wings the right way.

If you want to make sure your leftovers are just as appetizing the next day, there are a few steps you can follow in order to reheat your chicken wings without drying them out. We asked two expert chef’s to share their tips and tricks on everything from how long to reheat chicken wings to if you can reheat wings in the microwave.

Read on to find out how to keep all the crispiness and sweet and spicy Buffalo sauce goodness intact. Hungry yet?

How to Reheat Wings in the Oven

It’s a good thing this method is the first one you’re reading about, because both of our experts agree that the oven is the best way to reheat chicken wings or any other type of wings. “This method will yield you a nice crisped outside, while still moist and juicy on the inside,” explains executive chef Joseph Rizza of Prime & Provisions. 

And if it’s dry wings you’re worried about, Claudia Sidoti, a chef at HelloFresh, recommends spritzing your wings with water to prevent them from drying out. This method also works well if you need to reheat boneless wings. And in case you’re wondering how long to reheat wings in oven, the total time is about 10 to 12 minutes. Here are the steps Rizza recommends when you need to reheat chicken wings in the oven. 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Take your leftover wings out of the fridge allowing them to come to room temperature for about 15-minutes. 
3. Prepare a sheet pan (cookie sheet) with some non-stick spray. You can do this as your wings are adjusting to room temperature.
4. Arrange the wings about an inch apart.
5. Insert into the oven once. 
6. Reheat them for about five to six minutes on one side, then flip them and continue to heat for another five to six minutes. 
7. Using a thermometer, check that the internal temperature comes to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 

How to Reheat Wings in the Microwave

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

If cooking up a homemade batch of wings is not your jam, there’s a good chance you know exactly where to go for the best wings in town. There’s also a good chance that your order typically includes way more wings than your stomach can handle. Not such a bad thing though, right? 

After all, who doesn’t love wings the next day for lunch? So, if you’re looking for the fastest way to reheat Buffalo Wild Wings or you need a few tips and tricks to reheat Wingstop wings in the microwave, we’ve got you covered. Here are the steps that Sidoti follows to reheat wings in the microwave. 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a microwave-safe plate with a damp paper towel (to absorb excess moisture). 
3. Place chicken on the plate, followed by another layer of damp paper towel.
4. Place the wings in the microwave and heat for about two minutes or until they become slightly warm. DO NOT overheat. This will dry them out.
5. Take the wings out of the microwave and place on a baking sheet. 
6. Place in the oven on 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Cook for about one minute, then flip over and place back in oven. 
8. Cook for another minute.
9. Take them out, serve and enjoy.

How to Reheat Wings in the Frying Pan

The oven will give you the best-tasting wings, especially if you are trying to recapture the original taste. As far as the microwave, that will reheat them the fastest. But there is also one other method that you can use when you want to reheat hot wings or reheat Pizza Hut wings: the good old fashion burner and frying pan. 

If you’re more of a hands-on chef and like to be involved when you reheat chicken wings, then this may be the best way to go. Plus, the process is relatively simple and only takes about ten minutes. When Sidoti fires up the stove to reheat chicken wings so they are crispy, these are the steps she follows. 

1. Take the wings out of the refrigerator and let them sit for a few minutes until they reach room temperature.
2. Heat the frying pan on the stove on high. 
3. Add oil and then wings.
4. Fry the wings for two to three minutes, being sure to toss a few times to get all the sides covered.
5. Once the wings appear golden, remove them from the oil. 
6. Let them cool.
7. Serve and enjoy.

How to Reheat Buffalo Wings

Step into any BBQ restaurant or bar and grill, and there’s a good chance the menu will be full of wings. And if you leave with a to-go box of Buffalo wings, make sure you have access to an oven the next day. “Since Buffalo wings are coated in a vinegar-based sauce and butter, they are definitely best reheated in the oven,” explains Sidoti. 

Plus, this technique also works if you need to reheat Buffalo Wild Wings boneless wings. “Any other method will result in a soggy mess,” she adds. Sidoti recommends following these steps to reheat Buffalo wings so they taste like they were just served up. 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 
2. Line a baking sheet or baking pan with foil and place the wings on them. 
3. Bake for 15 minutes or until they are thoroughly heated through. 
4. Remove and enjoy.

Conventional Oven Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Remove wings for the container and place on baking pan.
3. Cooking times may vary by oven and the number of wings being reheated at one time. Always ensure that reheated wings read an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 
4. Serve immediately. 

Microwave Instructions

1. Remove wings from the container.
2. Place wings on a microwave-safe plate.
3. Place a microwave-safe plate in the center of the microwave.
4. Reheating times vary by microwave and the number of wings being reheated at one time. 
5. Let stand for one minute then serve.

Both of the oven and microwave work if you want to reheat Buffalo Wild Wings boneless wings. 

How Long Can You Store Leftover Chicken Wings?

After you perfect a batch of chicken wings, the last thing you want to do is throw out the leftovers. So it’s good to know how long you can store chicken wings. While we’re at it, knowing the best way to store them will also help keep your leftover wings safe from freezer burn or going bad too quickly. 

According to the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection, you need to refrigerate poultry or meat within two hours of cooking or reheating. And when it comes to packaging those leftover wings safely, make sure to cover the wings in airtight packaging, or seal them in storage containers for storage in the refrigerator. 

Once the chicken wings are packaged, immediately put them in the fridge or freezer. If you’re opting for to store them in the fridge, the wings can be kept in there for three to four days. But if the freezer (0° F or below) will be their home, the wings can stay there for three to four months. 

How to Make Chicken Wings Part of a Meal

Sitting down to a delicious plate of wings will satisfy any meat lovers craving. But sometimes, pairing this dish with a side of mashed potatoes, French fries, or a sweet side of corn on the cob, is an easy way to turn your leftovers into a family favorite. 

Chicken wings are one of the least expensive, most versatile parts of a chicken, says Sidoti, so they can easily fit into your families grocery budget. And since chicken wings have a strong flavor, they work well with various seasonings — so feel free to spice them up or add a touch of heat, if you can handle it!