✔ Updated · Air fryer, skillet, oven + microwave
Soggy leftover drive-thru fries don't have to go in the trash. I'll show you how to get them hot and crispy again in about 5 minutes.
The best way to reheat McDonald's fries is in an air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. No air fryer? Fry them in a hot skillet with 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil for 3 to 4 minutes, or spread them on a preheated baking sheet at 425°F for 5 to 8 minutes. The microwave is the last resort, because it makes thin fries limp.
- Air fryer: 400°F, 3 to 5 minutes. Crispiest.
- Skillet: a little oil, medium-high, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Oven: 425°F on a preheated sheet, 5 to 8 minutes.
- Microwave: 20 to 30 seconds on a paper towel, then eat fast.
Why Fast-Food Fries Go Soggy
Thin shoestring fries lose their crunch fast. As they cool, moisture from the fluffy middle moves into the crust and the fat firms up, so they turn limp and a bit waxy. Reheating works when you drive that moisture back out with dry, high heat, which is why the air fryer and skillet win and the microwave loses.
How to Reheat Fries in the Air Fryer (Best)
This is my go-to. The hot circulating air crisps the outside without drying the fries to sticks.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the fries in a single layer, with no more than 2 handfuls at a time.
- Air fry 3 to 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Pull them as soon as they're golden and crackly; thin fries go from crisp to burnt quickly.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and eat right away.
How to Reheat Fries in a Skillet
- Heat 1 to 2 teaspoons of neutral oil (canola or peanut) in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the fries in a single layer once the oil shimmers.
- Cook 3 to 4 minutes, tossing every minute, until crisp on all sides.
- Drain briefly on a paper towel and salt lightly.
How to Reheat Fries in the Oven or Toaster Oven
- Put a baking sheet in the oven and heat it to 425°F. A hot pan crisps the bottoms straight away.
- Carefully spread the fries on the hot sheet in a single layer. A light mist of oil helps.
- Bake 5 to 8 minutes, flipping once, until sizzling and crisp.
- Skip the foil: fries stick and steam on it. Parchment is fine if you want easy cleanup.
How to Reheat Fries in the Microwave
Honestly, the microwave won't make them crispy, but if it's all you have, this keeps them from going rubbery. Spread the fries on a plate lined with a paper towel, microwave 20 to 30 seconds, then check. Better still, follow with 1 to 2 minutes in a hot dry skillet.
Storing Leftover Fries
Get leftover fries into the fridge within 2 hours, in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They're safe for 3 to 4 days, but for the best texture reheat them within a day, until steaming hot (165°F). You can freeze them flat on a tray, then bag them for up to 1 month, and air fry straight from frozen at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes.
Craving fresh ones? Try our McDonald's-style copycat french fries, and for leftover nuggets see how to reheat McDonald's chicken nuggets. More drive-thru favorites are in our McDonald's copycat recipes.
Turn Leftover Fries Into Something New
- Loaded fries: top crisped fries with cheese, bacon bits and green onion, then broil 2 minutes.
- Breakfast hash: chop and fry with onion and peppers, then top with a fried egg.
- Poutine-style: cheese curds and hot gravy over freshly crisped fries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to reheat McDonald's fries?
An air fryer is the best way. Spread the fries in a single layer and cook at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes, shaking halfway. They come out hot and crispy. A hot skillet with a teaspoon or two of oil is the next best option.
How do you reheat McDonald's fries in the air fryer?
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, add the fries in a single layer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Thin fries crisp quickly, so check them after 3 minutes and add a pinch of salt before serving.
Can you reheat McDonald's fries in the oven?
Yes. Preheat a baking sheet in a 425°F oven, spread the fries on it in a single layer and bake for 5 to 8 minutes, flipping once. Heating the pan first crisps the bottoms. Avoid foil, which makes them stick and steam.
Can you reheat fries in the microwave?
You can, but they will be soft rather than crispy. Microwave on a paper towel-lined plate for 20 to 30 seconds. For better results, finish them in a hot dry skillet for 1 to 2 minutes.
How long are leftover fries good for?
Leftover fries are safe for 3 to 4 days in the fridge if refrigerated within 2 hours, but they taste best reheated within a day. Freeze them for up to 1 month and air fry them straight from frozen.
