Last night's hot and crispy fries are looking a whole lot less yummy today! Don't panic. Here's how to reheat fries so that they are as crisp and delicious as ever.
How to Reheat Fries So They’re as Good as Day One
Updated on Feb. 13, 2023
There’s nothing quite like tucking into some hot, crispy fries now and then, especially when you dunk them in ketchup! If you have eyes bigger than your belly, though, you may not be able to finish a whole restaurant portion at once. Taking them home, though, can be a sorry affair. Have you ever had a microwaved fry? So sad! But we’ve got tips on how you can freshen up this common takeout leftover so it tastes as good as it did on day one.
Step 1: Crank up the heat
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when it comes to how to reheat fries is failing to get enough heat. Use a cast iron skillet for the best, crispiest results here. Put the skillet on the burner and turn up the heat fully for a couple of minutes. The idea is to get the skillet super hot. Here are a few tips to reheat McDonald’s fries.
Are you caring for your cast-iron correctly?
Step 2: Oil it up!
Next, you’re going to need some oil. You should use approximately two tablespoons of olive oil in a medium-sized skillet. Wait for the oil to heat up and start to shimmer.
Test Kitchen tip: Don’t put the fries in the pan until the oil is ready. Not doing so could mean that they end up greasy!
Step 3: Add the soggy fries
When you’re sure that the oil is ready, it’s time to add the fries to the skillet. Don’t make the mistake of layering up the fries here; you need to make sure that each and every one of them is touching the oil and the skillet. Cook them for about a minute.
Step 4: Get flipping
Grab your spatula and get flipping. Try to make sure that every fry is turned over so that both sides cook evenly. Leave the fries for around 30 seconds and then flip them back over for a further 30 seconds. Use your own judgment to see whether you think that the fries look crispy and cooked as some will need longer than others.
Step 5: Sprinkle with a little salt
Last but by no means least, get your fries out of the pan and sprinkle them with just a little salt to taste. You can also add something extra like paprika, herbs or spices (try one of these DIY spice blends). After you’ve done that, you’re free to enjoy some tasty fries that taste as good as they did when you ordered them!
Oh, and if you want to make your leftover fries even more interesting, there are a few things you can do. Why not turn them into poutine for a decadent treat? Alternately, make a nacho-style dish with salsa, cheese and guacamole. Or toss them into a breakfast hash the next morning. Go ahead and get creative in the kitchen.
Hey, fry lovers: These are for you!
BBQ Chicken Waffle FriesThis is one of those dishes that sounds so wrong but tastes so right! Trust me—barbecue chicken leftovers are fantastic with the fries. We like it with lettuce, tomato and pickle, but you can add almost any toppings you like. —Janet Telleen, Russell, Iowa
Garlic-Chive Baked FriesYes, you do want fries with that—especially these crispy, golden fries, full of garlic flavor and just a little bit of heat. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin. Find out the secret technique for making crispy oven-baked fries.
French Fry CasseroleCheeseburger-inspired french fry casserole is a playful take on a hot dish. Who wouldn't smile when presented with a toasty platter of fries crowning a cheesy, beefy tumble? As with a burger, you can customize yours with any toppings you like.
Cheese FriesQuick, easy and a surefire hit at your next gameday potluck or family gathering, you need just 20 minutes and six ingredients to whip up a large batch of these cheese fries.
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If you're a fan of loaded fries you can also try making animal style fries from In-N-Out.
Parmesan Potato WedgesHere's a simple way to serve potatoes that has big flavor: cut into wedges, coat generously in garlic, paprika and Parmesan cheese, and bake until tender inside and crisp outside.
Baked Chops and Cottage FriesConvenience items like frozen vegetables, cottage fries and a jar of cheese sauce make it a snap to assemble this comforting pork chop supper. It's a simple one-dish meal. —Gregg Voss, Emerson, Nebraska
Baked Sweet Potato FriesWhen you want a super-simple, crispy, flavorful side dish, turn to this baked sweet potato fries recipe. It takes only a little seasoning to create an oven-baked fry dish that will become one of your favorite ways to eat sweet potatoes.
Waffle Fry NachosMy husband and two grown sons really enjoy these fun nachos—they can devour a platter of them in no time. They're also fun to make when friends come over. —Debra Morgan, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Reuben Waffle Potato AppetizersI love Reubens, so I turned the classic sandwich into a fun appetizer with corned beef and sauerkraut on waffle fries. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
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Ultimate Pastrami SandwichesThis peerless pastrami sandwich was adapted from a menu favorite at Primanti Bros. Restaurant in Pittsburgh. We took the basic ingredients—grilled cold cuts, cheese, fried potatoes and tomatoes—and created a tasty replica that includes our version of their secret coleslaw topping. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Oven FriesCheck out this super-healthy twist on fries: the secret is that they’re baked French fries.
Cheesy Chili FriesMy family is all about chili fries, but restaurant versions pile on the calories. For a healthier approach, bake the fries and serve them with green onions and avocado. —Beverly Nowling, Bristol, Florida
Potato Wedges with Sweet & Spicy SauceI'm a small-business owner, so most of my recipes are a result of not having time to run to the store, and doing with what's on hand. Here's a perfect example. Dip these wedges in anything. —Dana Alexander, Lebanon, Missouri
Steak and Fries SaladThis is a very popular dish at restaurants in central Pennsylvania. Prepared sweet-and-sour dressing is good on this salad, too. —Nancy Collins, Clearfield, Pennsylvania
Two-Tone Potato WedgesBetter than french fries, these tasty potatoes have just the right touch of garlic and Parmesan cheese. This is the only way my daughter will eat sweet potatoes, and she loves 'em!. —Marie Nicolau Schumacher, Larchmont, New York
Parmesan-Romano Potato WedgesI taught my nieces to make these easy, cheesy oven-baked potatoes. When the whole family comes over, we triple the recipe—and have no leftovers. —Ann Brown, Niles, MI
