Trust us, this doesn’t happen very often! But on the rare occasion when we don't finish all our French fries, the extras are stashed in the fridge as leftovers. We know what you're thinking… how is it even possible to reheat French fries?! The crispy potatoes just don't seem like the kind of thing that would taste nearly as good the next day. And nobody wants to dig into soggy fries—you're not wrong about that! There's nothing quite like the taste of golden French fries that are hot out of the fryer (or air fryer for that matter!), 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 you can return them to their former glory.
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 our top three fail-proof methods below. Whether you're simply heating up a basket of good ol' shoestrings to serve with chicken tenders or transforming your day-old fries into cheesy loaded fries or garlic-parmesan fries, these reheat methods will work wonders for making them hot and crispy.
What is the best way to reheat French fries?
No matter what, do not—we repeat, do not—use a microwave! If you do, you're all but guaranteed to get soggy fries. No one wants this. Instead, the best way to reheat French fries is in the oven at a high temperature. This will ensure that the outside gets as crispy as can be while the inside stays light and fluffy. But if you do happen to own an air fryer, you can use that, too! It works just as well.
How do you reheat leftover French fries in the oven?
First, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Then, spread your French fries out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure none of them 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, we recommend continuing 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.
