Burgers are comfort food at its finest! Whether they’re fresh off the grill or fried in a pan, a piping hot patty with all the fixings is the most craveable meal any time of year. But when it comes to cookout season, it's hard not to make as many as you can. You've gotta enjoy those backyard barbecues while you can, right?
But trying out all those homemade burger recipes inevitably leads to leftovers, and you certainly don't want them to go to waste. That's why you should know how to reheat burgers so they taste as juicy and delicious as possible. If they are already assembled, the first step is to scrape off the sauces, set the buns aside to re-toast, and assess whether to replace the veggies with crisper ones.
Next, reheat the patties and assemble the burgers again. But how do you reheat a burger without drying it out? Well, it's definitely not the microwave. That will just make them tough and rubbery. Try these three easy ways to reheat leftover burgers instead! They'll retain way more of their original texture than nuking them.
How to Reheat Burgers in the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. While the oven heats up, let the patties sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Place a wire rack on a sheet pan and place the patties on top. If you don't have a rack, line the pan with aluminum foil and place the patties directly on top.
Reheat the burgers for seven to ten minutes, flipping halfway through, until the center registers 165 degrees. (Sorry, the only time you can pick your ideal burger doneness is when it's cooked the first time.) If you want to add cheese (or more cheese if the patty already has some from the first go-round), do so in the last minute or two.
If you want to reheat your buns, you can also add them cut side up to the same sheet pan and toast them at the same time the burgers are heating up. You can also replicate this whole process in the toaster oven, too!
How to Reheat Burgers in the Air Fryer
While an air fryer might be a little too aggressive with buns and cheese, it is quick and effective with patties. Set your air fryer to 350 degrees, place the patty in the basket, and cook for two to four minutes. Now, depending on your model, you may also be able to reheat the bun and cheese, but you have to watch them closely. They can be quick to burn.
How to Reheat Burgers on the Stove
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Place the patties in the pan along with about two tablespoons of water. Cover the pan and let the burgers cook for a few minutes on each side, flipping halfway through. The water plus the cover will create enough steam to keep the patties moist.
Once you remove the patties from the pan, the water should have evaporated already. It's at this point that you can reheat your buns in the same pan to warm and crisp them up. Regardless of which method you choose, you can assemble (or reassemble) your burgers immediately and eat them. They won't stay hot for long!
