Reheating leftover french fries has always been a challenge, as they often lose their crispy exterior and turn soggy once they get cold. But worry not, because we have put four popular methods to the test, each promising to revive the crunchiness and freshness in your cold, limp fries. By following the findings from these tests, you can enjoy french fries that taste just like they were freshly fried.
It’s important to note that simply reheating your fries in a microwave won’t make them crispy again. So with that in mind, we have tried out various techniques that are known to improve the texture and taste of reheated french fries, allowing you to relish the ultimate takeout staple whenever you crave it, without having to contend with sad, soggy leftovers.
Key Takeaways
Four popular methods for reheating french fries are tested to find the crispiest result
Microwaving is not recommended, as it does not help restore the original texture
Enjoy freshly-fried tasting french fries by following the ultimate reheating technique
How We Tested the Methods for Reheating French Fries
To ensure a fair comparison, we ordered a generous amount of fries from a local eatery, known for their delicious golden peanut oil-fried fries. We refrigerated the fries overnight in their original serving cup and bag to mimic the typical storage method and guaranteed equal sogginess.
With everything set, we proceeded to test the four reheating methods, as suggested by our team of editors. As you reheat your fries, pay attention to texture, taste, and overall quality. Remember to prioritize safety while handling heating appliances. Happy reheating!
Reheating Method: Toasted Under the Broiler
Toasting your fries under the broiler can be a speedy method, taking just about 10 minutes, including preheating the broiler. Here’s how you can efficiently reheat your fries using this method:
Preheat your broiler for 5 minutes.
Line a baking pan with foil and place your fries on the pan, bringing them as close to the broiler as possible.
Broil one side before flipping, ensuring even cooking.
Remember to use the lowest setting on your broiler. This will help attain a golden and warmed-through texture for your fries. In approximately 4 minutes, you should have some crispy fries ready to be enjoyed.
However, keep in mind that this method might not cook your fries evenly. Thicker fries may burn, while thinner tips and ends may come close to burning as well. There’s also a chance that your fries might end up being crispy on the outside but still cold on the inside.
Though microwaving is not ideal for fries, letting them come to room temperature before broiling or using this method for a larger batch of fries may yield better results.
Reheating Method: Pan-Fried
In just 15 minutes, you can bring your leftover fries back to life using the pan-fried method. To do this, follow these easy steps:
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
Pour a few tablespoons of canola oil into the pan, which has a high smoke point and will prevent burning.
Add your cold fries to the hot pan, being mindful not to overcrowd them.
Cook the fries, flipping them once to ensure even heating and crisping.
This pan-fried method will produce crisp and delicious fries, but they may be slightly greasier due to the refrying process. Remember to season your fries with pepper and any other desired seasoning after taking them out of the pan. While this might not be your go-to method for reheating fries, it’s a reliable option if you’re looking for a quick fix to enjoy your tasty leftovers.
Reheating Method: Oven-Roasted
To enjoy revitalized and crispy fries, follow the oven-roasting method. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grab a baking sheet and cover it with a layer of crinkled aluminum foil. The foil helps ensure the fries become crisp on all sides. You may also use a cooling rack instead of foil if you prefer.
Arrange your fries evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Apply a light coat of cooking spray to prevent sticking, and then put the fries in the oven. The process takes around 25 minutes, including preheating time. After they finish roasting, your fries will be delightfully crispy on the outside with a soft, fluffy interior.
To enhance the taste, you can sprinkle a bit more salt on the oven-roasted fries. Enjoy your fresher, home-roasted fries!
Reheating Method: Air Fryer
Using an air fryer is a fantastic way to reheat your leftover fries. To achieve the best results, preheat your air fryer to 350°F for a few minutes. After preheating, place the fries in an even layer to ensure equal cooking. Cook them for just 3 to 5 minutes.
While reheating, you can gently shake the fries to redistribute them for even crispiness. Feel free to sprinkle a little seasoning if desired. This method helps you avoid the sad sogginess that comes with microwaving and retains a thinner crisp exterior, making the fries taste as good as fresh. Just be mindful of your air fryer’s size since it may limit the amount of fries you can reheat at once. Enjoy your delicious, perfectly reheated fries!
Final Takeaways
Your air fryer is the ideal choice for reviving leftovers and maintaining the perfect texture. Toasty fries, full of delicious flavors, will be yours by preheating your gadget. For those without an air fryer, a hot oven works wonders too! Keep the moisture away and enjoy crispy, appetizing fries even on day two.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make pan-reheated fries crispy?
Place a non-stick pan on medium heat.
Add a small amount of oil to the pan.
Put the fries in a single layer on the pan.
Cook for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy.
What is the best way to reheat french fries in a toaster oven?
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
