How to Reheat French Fries: I’ve had more than a few instances of ordering too many crispy, salty french fries as a result of my family’s takeout habits.
Unless they are served immediately, french fries lose their crisp exterior as soon as they get cold, become gummy and sad, and leftover french fries are even sadder.
How to Reheat French Fries?
We tested four popular methods for reheating french fries, each promising crunchy revival, to see whether they work. While you can turn leftovers into something new (like a french fry frittata), simply heating them in the microwave will not make them crispy again.
The most impressive result of these tests was to find a solution that makes even your limp, cold fries taste like freshly fried ones again (yes, kids, really).
Why do fries get soggy so fast?
In a race against moisture and cold, once they are taken out of the hot oil bath, french fries lose their crispness. The starches in the potatoes hydrate when fried, and once they start to cool, the moisture inside them sweats out, leaving the fries limp.
Food writer, stylist, and chef Annie Nichols, author of the Potatoes cookbook, says if the fries were delivered in a takeaway container, they would have become sweaty from the steam they have released.
To slow moisture creep, Ed Szymanski, the British-born chef, and owner of Dame, the only carryout fish-and-chips shop in New York City, opt for large potato wedges cut from large russets to slice into small wedges.
While large fries may not burn as easily as skinny or fast food fries, their interiors will remain fluffy as they crisp back up.
Never Use a Microwave to Reheat Fries
A misusing of one kitchen appliance’s reputation as bad for overnight storage is behind the idea that microwaved fries do not taste as good the next day. Reheating fries requires reintroducing a moist, pillowy interior and a crispy outer layer.
Regardless of what kind of testing we did, it was impossible to achieve this aim using a microwave. In addition, depending on the type and quality of oil used, microwaved french fries may also produce bitter, disgusting flavours.
If you must microwave the fries, line a paper towel-lined sheet with potato chips and arrange the fries in a single layer. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time until they are warmed through.
Most Effective Methods to Reheat French Fries
Method#1 Use Your Stove
You can now reheat those fries on a stovetop so that they become not only edible but delicious, much like reheating leftover pizza.
Place them in your favourite heavy skillet so you get the most crispiness (cast iron is the king of skillets, of course). As the skillet heats up, add your French fries once it has reached a very, very high temperature.
If you’re hesitant about adding more oil to your diet, you can use cooking spray to help prevent splattering. While fries largely retain their oil, I add a little bit at the bottom of the pan to add some flavour and to make them extra-crisp.
As far as cooking oils are concerned, you might want to use cooking oil with a high smoke point. I prefer butter or a combination of extra-virgin olive oil and butter, but that is just my preference. In general, I recommend using active cooking oil.
To ensure your fries are perfectly crisp, arrange them evenly in a pan and make sure there is enough space between them. If there is too much material in a pan, the food will steam rather than fry as it should. Maintaining ample space will help you encourage crispness.
Ensure that the fries are evenly crisped and heated on all sides after you place them in the skillet. Flip them and stir them frequently so they get cooked evenly.
Place the tortillas on a paper towel and let them drain with excess fat. Sprinkle some salt and pepper and Parmesan cheese on top, and you are ready for Tastytown.
Method#2 Reheat Them in the Oven
In the absence of convection-style equipment, your next best option is to reheat your fries in the oven. Preheat your oven to 450 F, then arrange your fries in a single layer on a flat baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray. During the heating process, flip the pan once or twice during each 5- to 10-minute period.
Method#3 Reheat Fries in an Air Fryer
When it comes to reheating fries in an air fryer, these steps will tell you how to do it. If you don’t have an air fryer yet, you should consider it. After all, air fryer is a must-have electrical appliance these days.
You can cook them directly in your air fryer or add 1 tablespoon of oil and fry them.
Spread your fries in a single layer.
Fry your fries in an air fryer for 3 to 6 minutes until they are crispy, according to your preference.
Method#4 Fry Fries Again
You may want to reheat thick wedges or strips of potatoes again by double frying them in Belgium. Belgian fries have a soft centre and a crispy exterior thanks to the double frying process.
The Belgian way of doing this is to make sure your leftover fries are firm, otherwise, they will fall apart in the oil. Remember to keep away from the stovetop truffle-infused wedges if you want to preserve existing seasonings.
Cook french fries in medium-high oil (or heat the oil according to the thermometer until 300°F) on a countertop fryer or dutch oven for about 3-5 minutes. Remove the fries and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
It would be more time-consuming, but the fries would end up crispy. Let the leftover oil cool completely before disposing of it.