There’s nothing quite like McDonald’s fries. They’re crispy, salty, and just begging to be dipped in ketchup (or ranch dressing, if that’s your thing). But sometimes, you don’t have time to eat them immediately, and you need to know how to reheat them, so they’re just as good as when first served.
For example, you may have bought fries on the way home from work, but they were cold by the time you got home. Or you went out the previous night and packed some leftover fries to eat for lunch the next day.
No matter the reason, you can restore the fries’ crispy texture and savory flavor by reheating them. This guide explains different methods to reheat McDonald’s fries to taste great.
Method 1: The Oven
The oven is your best bet if you’re reheating a large batch of fries or want them to be extra crispy. This reheating method is the most reliable way to reheat fries, so they taste almost as good as when first cooked.
Steps To Reheat McDonald’s Fries in the Microwave
Check these steps for fast and effective results:
Preheat the Oven
This step is key to getting crispy fries. First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before putting in the fries. This way, they’ll cook evenly and become nice and crispy on the outside.
Place Fries on Baking Sheet
Once you preheat the oven, place the fries on a baking sheet. If you have a wire rack, you can put that on top of the baking sheet for extra crispiness. Ensure the fries are in a single layer so they can all cook evenly.
Sprinkle Some Water
This step is optional, but if you want to add some extra crispiness, you can sprinkle a bit of water over the fries before you put them in the oven. This step will help create steam and make the fries even crispier. Make sure not to use too much water, or they’ll become soggy.
Bake for 2 Minutes
Once the fries are on the baking sheet (and optionally sprinkled with water), bake them in the oven for 2 minutes. Keep an eye on them, so they don’t overcook and become burnt. You want them to be crispy on the outside but soft on the inside.
Benefits of Reheating in Oven
There are a few benefits to reheating fries in the oven. First, it’s the best way to get them extra crispy. Moreover, it’s a good option if you’re reheating a large batch of fries.
So, oven reheating is one of the quickest methods, especially if you preheat the oven before adding the fries.
Note that to get the best results, leverage a foil to keep the fries warm for an extended time. Also, don’t go overboard with water, as it will make the fries soggy.
Downsides of Reheating in Oven
Reheating fries in the oven also has some downsides. First, it requires preheating the oven, which can take a few minutes. Also, it’s not the best option if you’re only reheating a small number of fries. Finally, it’s not the quickest method overall, though it is one of the fastest ways to get extra crispy fries.
Verdict
The oven is the best way to reheat McDonald’s fries if you’re looking for extra crispiness. It’s also a good option if you’re reheating a large batch of fries.
Method 2: The Microwave
The microwave is the quickest way to reheat fries, but it doesn’t produce the same crispy results as the oven method. So if you’re short on time and want to heat a small number of fries, the microwave is your best bet. But if you’re looking for extra crispiness, you should use the oven method.
Steps to Reheat McDonald’s Fries in the Microwave
Here are the steps you need to follow to reheat McDonald’s fries in the microwave:
Place Fries in Microwave-Safe Dish
The first step is to place the fries in a microwave-safe dish. You may need to use two dishes if you’re reheating many fries.
Cover With Paper Towel
Next, cover the dish (or dishes) of fries with a paper towel. This tip will help absorb moisture and prevent the fries from becoming soggy.
Heat for 30-60 Seconds
When it’s time to heat the fries, do it for 30 seconds, then check to see if they’re hot enough.
If not, heat them for an additional 30 seconds. Repeat this process until the fries get properly heated.
Benefits of Reheating in Microwave
The main benefit of reheating fries in the microwave is that it’s the quickest method. It’s also a good option if you’re reheating a small number of fries.
Downsides of Reheating in Microwave
There are a few downsides to reheating fries in the microwave. First, the microwave doesn’t produce the same crispy results as the oven method. Second, it’s not the best option for reheating many fries. Finally, the paper towel can sometimes stick to the fries, making them soggy.
Verdict
The microwave is the best way to reheat McDonald’s fries if you’re short on time and only reheating a small number of fries. But if you’re looking for extra crispiness, you should use the oven method.
Method 3: The Stovetop
The stovetop is a quick method that produces decent results. However, it’s not as good as the oven method if you’re looking for extra crispiness. And it’s not the best option if you’re reheating a large batch of fries.
Steps To Reheat McDonald’s Fries on the Stovetop
Here are the steps you need to follow to reheat McDonald’s fries on the stovetop:
Place Fries in Pan
The first step is to place the fries in a pan. If you’re reheating a large number of fries, you may need to use two pans.
Heat Over Medium Heat
Next, heat the pan (or pans) over medium heat.
Cook for 2-3 Minutes
Now it’s time to cook the fries. First, cook them for 2-3 minutes or until they’re heated.
Benefits of Reheating on the Stovetop
The main benefit of reheating fries on the stovetop is that it’s a quick method. It’s also a good option if you’re reheating a small batch of fries.
Downsides of Reheating on the Stovetop
There are a few downsides to reheating fries on the stovetop. First, it’s not as good as the oven method if you’re looking for extra crispiness. Second, it’s not the best option if you’re reheating a large batch of fries. Finally, it can be easy to overcook the fries if you’re not careful.
Verdict
A stovetop is a good option if you’re reheating a small batch of fries. But if you’re looking for extra crispiness, you should use the oven method.
Method 3: The Air Fryer
The air fryer is a quick and easy way to reheat McDonald’s fries. It produces decent results, but it’s not as good as the oven method if you’re looking for extra crispiness.
Steps to Reheat McDonald’s Fries in the Air Fryer
Here are the steps you need to follow to reheat McDonald’s fries in the air fryer:
Preheat Air Fryer
The first step is to preheat your air fryer. Most air fryers have a preheat setting, so select that and wait for the machine to heat up.
Place Fries in Air Fryer Basket
Next, place the fries in the air fryer basket. If you’re reheating a large batch of fries, you may need to cook them in batches.
Cook at 400 degrees for 2-3 minutes
Now it’s time to cook the fries. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees and cook the fries for 2-3 minutes.
Benefits of Reheating in the Air Fryer
The main benefit of reheating fries in the air fryer is that it’s a quick method. It’s also a good option if you’re reheating a small batch of fries.
Downsides of Reheating in the Air Fryer
There are a few downsides to reheating fries in the air fryer. First, it’s not as good as the oven method if you’re looking for extra crispiness. Second, it’s not the best option if you’re reheating a large batch of fries. Finally, it can be easy to overcook the fries if you’re not careful.
Verdict
An air fryer is a good option if you’re reheating a small batch of fries. But if you’re looking for extra crispiness, you should use the oven method.
Method 4: The Skillet
A skillet is a good option if you’re looking for extra crispiness. However, it’s not the best option if you’re reheating a large batch of fries.
Steps to Reheat McDonald’s Fries in a Skillet
Here are the steps you need to follow to reheat McDonald’s fries in a skillet:
Preheat Skillet
The first step is to preheat your skillet. Place it over medium heat and wait for it to get hot.
Place Fries in Skillet
Next, place the fries in the skillet. If you’re reheating a large batch of fries, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure that the fries are in a single layer.
Add a Few Drops of Water
Now it’s time to add a few drops of water to the skillet. The water will help to create steam and prevent the fries from sticking to the skillet. But be mindful not to add too much water, or the fries will become soggy.
Cover the Skillet and Steam the Fries
Once you’ve added the water, cover the skillet and steam the fries for a minute or two. This tip helps to make them extra crispy.
Remove the Cover and Add a Few Drops of Oil
After a minute or two, remove the cover and add a few drops of oil to the skillet. This tip will help to crisp up the fries even more.
Cook for a Few Minutes
Now it’s time to cook the fries. Cook them until they’re extra crispy.
Benefits of Reheating in a Skillet
The main benefit of reheating fries in a skillet is that it’s an excellent way to get extra crispiness.
Downsides of Reheating in a Skillet
Skillet isn’t the best option if you’re reheating a large batch of fries. Also, since you’re using oil, it can be easy to overcook the fries if you’re not careful.
Verdict
A skillet is a good option if you’re looking for extra crispiness. But if you’re reheating a large batch of fries, you should go with the oven method.
Method 5: Deep Fryer
The deep fryer allows you to reheat a bunch of fries at once, and it’s also an excellent way to get extra crispiness. However, it’s not the healthiest option.
Steps to Reheat McDonald’s Fries in a Deep Fryer
Here are the steps you need to follow to reheat McDonald’s fries in a deep fryer:
Preheat the Oil
The first step is to preheat the oil in the deep fryer. The oil should be between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add the Fries to the Fryer Basket
Next, add the fries to the fryer basket. If you’re reheating a large batch of fries, you may need to cook them in batches.
Deep Fry for 20 Seconds
Now it’s time to deep fry the fries. Cook them for 20 seconds, or until they’re extra crispy. Then place the fries on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Benefits of Reheating in a Deep Fryer
The main benefit of reheating fries in a deep fryer is that it’s an excellent way to get extra crispiness.
Downsides of Reheating in a Deep Fryer
One downside of reheating fries in a deep fryer is that it’s not the healthiest option. Another downside is that it can be a lot of work and requires you to be extra cautious for good results. In addition, the fries will be soggy if the oil doesn’t heat up properly. On the other hand, if you overheat the oil, the fries may burn and taste terrible.
Verdict
The deep fryer is not a good choice if you can’t assess the temperature of the oil properly. However, if you want to reheat a large batch of fries and don’t mind the extra work, then use a deep frier. Otherwise, stick to the oven method.
Method 6: Toaster Oven
A toaster oven is a good option if you’re reheating a small batch of fries. It’s also an excellent way to get extra crispiness.
Steps to Reheat McDonald’s Fries in a Toaster Oven
Here are the steps you need to follow to reheat McDonald’s fries in a deep fryer:
Preheat the Toaster Oven
The first step is to preheat the toaster oven. Set it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place Fries on Baking Sheet
Next, place the fries on a baking sheet. If you’re reheating a large batch of fries, you may need to cook them in batches.
Bake for 3-5 minutes
Now it’s time to bake the fries. Bake them for 3-5 minutes, or until they’re extra crispy.
Benefits of Reheating in a Toaster Oven
The main benefit of reheating fries in a toaster oven is that it’s ideal for extra crispiness.
Downsides of Reheating in a Toaster Oven
One downside of reheating fries in a toaster oven is that it can be tricky to get the timing right. If you cook the fries for too long, they’ll burn. But if you don’t cook them long enough, they’ll be soggy. Another downside is that it’s not the best option for reheating a large batch of fries.
Verdict: A toaster oven is a good option if you’re reheating a small batch of fries and you don’t mind being extra careful with the timing. Otherwise, stick to the oven method.
Tips to Store McDonald’s Fries
If you want to store McDonald’s fries so that you can reheat them later, there are a few things you need to do. First, make sure the fries are cooled completely before storing them. Otherwise, they’ll get soggy.
Additionally, store the fries in an airtight container. This idea will help to keep them fresh and crispy. Finally, make sure to put the fries in the fridge within two hours of cooking them. Otherwise, they’ll start to spoil.
Besides Reheating, What Are Some Other Ways to Use McDonald’s Fries?
There are a few other ways you can use McDonald’s fries besides reheating them. For example, you can use them as a topping for a cheeseburger or a hot dog. You can also chop them up and add them to soup or chili. Or, you could make French fry nachos. You may also incorporate the McDonald’s fries in your breakfast burritos or omelets.
Conclusion
There are a few different ways to reheat McDonald’s fries. The best way to reheat them is in the oven, but you can also use a toaster or deep fryer. The oven is good for reheating a large batch of fries. But if you’re only reheating a small batch of fries, the toaster oven or deep fryer will work just fine.
Just be careful not to overcook the fries, or they will burn. Finally, if you want to store McDonald’s fries so that you can reheat them later, cool them completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.