It may seem impossible to have leftover French fries, but it does happen. And you don’t want to waste that tastiness, so you probably stash the extras in the fridge. But you’re probably thinking ahead, wondering if it’s even possible to reheat French fries back to their hot, crispy glory. Nobody wants to dig into soggy fries!
There's nothing quite like the taste of golden French fries hot out of the fryer (or air fryer!), but you'd be surprised by how close you can get to the original texture with just a few helpful tips. Here, you'll find the best methods for reheating French fries so they regain their crispiness.
Whether you make them yourself or order takeout, French fries are known for not having a long shelf life. They’ll only be good for a few days in the fridge; any longer than that, and they'll start to lose their texture. Another important factor to consider? You should never microwave your leftover fries! More on that and the top three fail-proof methods below.
What is the best way to reheat French fries?
The best way to reheat French fries is in the oven. This will ensure that the outside gets as crispy as can be while the inside stays light and fluffy. First, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Then spread your French fries out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure none are touching (if they're too crowded, they won't get as crispy). Heat them in the oven for about eight to ten minutes, then give them a quick toss. If you like them a little crispier, continue to bake for two to three more minutes.
How do you reheat leftover French fries in the air fryer?
Using an air fryer is an excellent and easy way to give your fries that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch. Simply set your air fryer to 350 degrees, then place your leftover fries in a single layer in the fryer basket. Heat them for three to five minutes or until they reach your desired crispiness. Just like with the oven method, make sure you don't crowd the air fryer basket so the fries get nice and crispy.
How do you reheat French fries on the stovetop?
Grab your trusty skillet! Reheating French fries on the stovetop is a great option for those who want to reheat their fries in oil without actually deep-frying them again. Start by using a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add a couple of tablespoons of oil, then add in the fries. Be sure they're in a single layer and cook, flipping occasionally, until the fries are heated through and crispy.
Can you reheat French fries in the microwave?
Can you reheat fries in the microwave? Yes. Should you? Probably not. That’s because if you do, you're all but guaranteed to get soggy fries. They will be hot, but no one wants soggy fries.
