If you’ve ever wondered whether you can reheat McDonald’s chicken nuggets, the answer is yes! You can certainly enjoy them at a later time by reheating, and they will stay tasty. The only caveat is that you have to reheat them properly.
This article will discuss how to reheat McNuggets to maintain a similar level of quality as when you originally ordered them.
We’ll give specific instructions for each way to reheat McNuggets, which include the following methods, from best to worst:
- Oven
- Air fryer
- Stovetop
- Grill
- Microwave
- Toaster
The Best Method: How To Reheat McNuggets in the Oven
The best method for reheating McNuggets is to do so in the oven. This method combines a good level of convenience with a tasty reheating method that maintains a crispy exterior and soft inside.
To reheat Mcdonald’s chicken nuggets using the oven, you’ll want to distribute them evenly on an oven tray layered with foil and coated with cooking space, so the nuggets don’t stick to the tray.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 180°C).
- Spray the nuggets and the baking sheet with a light coat of cooking oil. This optional touch will improve the result of the crust and give the nuggets a fresher texture.
- Make sure the nuggets are distributed evenly on the tray. Then, place the nuggets on a rack in the center of the oven.
- Bake the McNuggets for around 8-10 minutes.
- Check that the internal temperature of the nuggets reaches 165 °F (or 74 °C). Once you achieve that internal temperature, you have successfully reheated your nuggets.
- Allow the chicken nuggets to rest for at least 60 seconds before eating, and enjoy!
Why an Oven Works Best
The oven is the best overall way to reheat McNuggets because it reheats them evenly on all sides. This method works well due to how heat circulates in an oven; the heat waves will hit all parts of the McNugget, not just the top or bottom.
Even reheating is important because it helps maintain the original taste and texture of the McNugget. When you bite into a nugget that’s been reheated in the oven, you should expect it to taste as fresh as it did when you initially ordered them.
The main downside of using an oven to reheat McNuggets is that it takes some time for the oven to heat up to the correct temperature instead of heating it in something quicker, like a microwave.
However, the wait is worth it for the best-tasting reheated McNuggets.
You can also use a toaster oven, making similarly delicious nuggets even quicker!
How To Reheat McNuggets Using an Air Fryer
If you want your McNuggets to have a crispy texture, reheating them in an air fryer is the way to go. An air fryer will circulate hot air around the nuggets, which mimics the effect of deep frying. The result is a McNugget that has a crispy outer crust but is still soft and juicy on the inside.
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (or 204°C).
- Place the McNuggets in the drawer or basket, ensuring they aren’t touching or overcrowding the basket.
- Cook the McNuggets for 2-3 minutes until fully heated.
- Remove the McNuggets from the air fryer, allow them to cool for 60 seconds, and enjoy!
Why an Air Fryer Works Well
The air fryer is a good choice for reheating McNuggets because it heats the nuggets quickly and evenly. Additionally, the air fryer will give the McNuggets a crispy texture, which some people prefer.
The main downside of using the air fryer is that it can be difficult to distribute the McNuggets in the basket evenly. If they are touching or overcrowded, they may not cook evenly.
Additionally, if you don’t have an air fryer, one of the least common appliances on this list, this method is simply not an option.
How To Reheat McNuggets on the Stovetop
Reheating McNuggets on the stovetop is a good option if you want to reheat a large batch of McNuggets at once.
This method is also a good choice if you want to avoid using an oven, which can take longer to heat up, but still want the nuggets to maintain a certain level of freshness while avoiding sogginess.
Instructions
1. Place a skillet over medium heat and add cooking oil.
2. Once the oil is heated, add the McNuggets to the skillet.
3. Cook the McNuggets for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once, until fully heated.
4. Remove the McNuggets from the heat, allow them to cool for 60 seconds, and enjoy!
Why the Stovetop Works Well
The stovetop is an agreeable choice for reheating McNuggets because it reheats them evenly on all sides as it will hit all parts of the McNugget, not just the top or bottom.
It’s also easier to ensure that your nuggets turn out exactly how you like them, at the right temperature and crispy. It is easier to check for these qualities on the stove than in an oven, microwave, or air fryer.
One downside of using a stove to reheat McNuggets is that it takes a bit of extra time and attention than using a microwave or an air fryer. You also have to flip the nuggets, which you don’t necessarily have to do if you use an oven or a toaster oven.
How To Reheat McNuggets on the Grill
If you want to add an exciting, smoky flavor to your reheated McNuggets, then grilling them is the way to go.
This method is also a good choice if you want to avoid using an oven or stove, as grills tend to heat up quicker than these appliances.
Instructions
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Grill the McNuggets for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once, until completely heated.
3. Remove the McNuggets from the grill and allow them to cook for 60 seconds
4. Enjoy!
Why the Grill Works Well
The grill is a good choice for reheating McNuggets because it adds a smoky flavor to the nuggets. You may even find that the nuggets are even more delicious after grilling them than they were when you ordered them!
Additionally, the grill heats up quickly, so you won’t have to wait as long to start reheating your McNuggets.
The main downside of using a grill is that you have to be careful not to overcook the McNuggets. They can go from perfectly reheated to burning very quickly, so you will need to keep a close eye on them, just as you would if you were grilling any other type of meat.
How To Reheat McNuggets in a Microwave
A microwave offers the quickest and most convenient way of reheating your McNuggets.
If you are low on time and don’t have that many nuggets left, you may choose this method, even if the consistency and taste are not optimized in this method.
Instructions
- Place your leftover nuggets on a microwave-safe plate, distrusted evenly
- Place the plate inside the microwave
- Heat the nuggets for 15-45 seconds, depending on how many nuggets you are reheating
- Remove the nuggets and allow them to cool for 60 seconds before consuming
- Enjoy your McNuggets!
Why the Microwave Works Well
The microwave is a reliable method for reheating McNuggets because it takes the least time and effort.
If you are coming back home from a late night out, trying to snack between two meetings, or just wanting to have a quick bite at a non-meal hour of the day, using the microwave is a fast and straightforward way to get the job done.
It’s also nice that you can warm the nuggets for 15-second increments to get the temperature just right without overheating them.
The downside to using a microwave to reheat nuggets is that the nuggets lose their crispy texture. They may feel quite limp after microwaving or even a bit spongy and rubbery, especially if you overheat them.
The Worst Way: How To Reheat McNuggets in a Toaster
While a toaster oven is an ideal way to reheat nuggets, a regular toaster is not ideal. Getting the small-sized nuggets out of the narrow toaster slots is not only difficult but dangerous.
And once you do manage to get them out, they will be significantly overcooked on one side and undercooked on the other.
If you are determined to use a toaster, then be sure to put them in the oven on the low broil setting for just a minute or two. This will help to even out the cooking and give the nuggets a crispy texture. Then, use toaster bags to make sure the nuggets are easy to insert and remove from the toaster.
But again, we recommend using a toaster oven, or any of these other appliances, before using a toaster to reheat your McNuggets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you’re aware of the best (and worst) ways to reheat McNuggets, we’ll answer some commonly asked questions about the topic.
What’s the best way to store McNuggets?
The best way to store McNuggets is by wrapping them individually in pieces of foil before placing them in the fridge or freezer. This foil method helps preserve the nuggets’ texture and flavor.
Make sure to let the McNuggets cool down completely before wrapping them in the foil.
Additionally, you can choose to keep them in the fridge or the freezer. The fridge will keep them edible for up to four days, while the freezer will keep your nuggets tasty for up to two months.
Is it safe to reheat McDonald’s chicken nuggets?
Yes — but, only if they are stored properly, not expired, and reheated to an internal temperature of at least 165 °F (or 74 °C), McNuggets will be safe to eat.
You can enjoy them for up to four days if you store them in the fridge and up to about two months if they are in the freezer.
If you notice anything odd about them, such as an abnormal color or smell, do not take the risk of eating them and simply throw them out.
How do you reheat McNuggets without drying them out?
The best ways to reheat McNuggets without drying them out are in the oven, on the stovetop, or in an air fryer.
Microwaving them will make them dry out, as well as reheating them in a toaster.
If you do use the microwave, make sure to reheat them for the shortest amount of time possible, in 15-second increments. And let them sit for about a minute before opening up the microwave and eating them to help them maintain their moisture.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are several different methods to reheat McNuggets.
We believe the best way to do so is in the oven because it is relatively quick (quicker than grilling) and will resemble a fresh batch of McNuggets in terms of the crispy outer texture and juicy inside texture.
However, if you don’t have time to reheat them in the oven, a toaster oven, the stovetop, or even a microwave will do the trick — all with varying pros and cons.
Now that you know how to reheat McNuggets, which method will you try the next time you have leftovers?