✔ Updated · air fryer, oven, skillet and microwave times + safe storage
Leftover McDonald's chicken nuggets don't have to be soggy, and I promise the air fryer brings them right back. Here's how I reheat them crisp and juicy, with exact times for every method.
The best way to reheat McDonald's chicken nuggets is in an air fryer. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C), spread the nuggets in a single layer and heat for 3 to 5 minutes, flipping once, until crisp outside and 165°F (74°C) in the center. No air fryer? Bake them on a rack at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Crispiest: air fryer, 375°F, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Best for a big batch: oven or toaster oven, 400°F, 6 to 8 minutes on a rack.
- Fastest: microwave, 30 to 60 seconds, but the breading goes soft.
- Safety: reheat to 165°F and eat refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days.
How to Reheat McDonald's Nuggets in an Air Fryer (Best Method)
This is my go-to, every single time. The air fryer blows hot, dry air around the nuggets, so the breading crackles again in minutes without any extra oil. Listen for the sizzle when you shake the basket: that's the crunch coming back.
- Take the nuggets out of the fridge and out of their box, and pat off any condensation with a paper towel.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the basket, with a little space between them.
- Air fry for 3 to 5 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway.
- Check that the thickest nugget is 165°F (74°C) in the center, or steaming hot all the way through. Rest 1 minute and serve.
How to Reheat Nuggets in the Oven or Toaster Oven
I use the oven for a big batch or a 20-piece box. Set the nuggets on a wire rack so hot air reaches the bottom and they don't steam in their own moisture.
- Preheat the oven or toaster oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Set a wire rack on a baking sheet (or use the toaster oven tray) and spread the nuggets out without touching. A sheet of foil under the rack catches crumbs; see my notes on using foil safely in a toaster oven.
- Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until crisp and 165°F in the center. Thick or very cold nuggets may need 10 minutes.
- Serve right away; they lose crunch as they cool.
How to Reheat Nuggets in a Skillet
No air fryer and no patience for the oven? A skillet works surprisingly well, and the edges get lovely and golden.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of neutral oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add the nuggets in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until crisp and hot.
- Drain briefly on a paper towel and check they reach 165°F in the center.
How to Reheat Nuggets in the Microwave
The microwave is the quickest way but the least crispy, because it heats the moisture inside the chicken and steams the breading. I only use it when speed matters more than crunch, and then I finish the nuggets in a hot pan.
- Line a microwave-safe plate with a paper towel and arrange up to 6 nuggets in a ring around the edge, leaving the center empty.
- Microwave on high for 30 seconds, flip, then heat in 15- to 20-second bursts. About 45 to 60 seconds is usually enough for 4 to 6 nuggets.
- Check that the centers reach 165°F, then let them stand 1 minute so the heat evens out.
- For more crunch, finish them for 1 to 2 minutes in a hot dry skillet or toaster oven.
Reheating Methods Compared
| Method | Temperature | Time | Crispness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air fryer | 375°F (190°C) | 3 to 5 min | Best |
| Oven or toaster oven | 400°F (200°C) | 6 to 8 min | Very good |
| Skillet | Medium heat | 2 to 3 min per side | Good |
| Microwave | High | 45 to 60 sec | Soft |
| From frozen (air fryer) | 375°F (190°C) | 6 to 8 min | Very good |
How Long Do Leftover Nuggets Last?
- Room temperature: refrigerate cooked nuggets within 2 hours, or within 1 hour if it's above 90°F. Nuggets left out overnight should be thrown away, even if they look and smell fine.
- Fridge: store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer: freeze in a single layer, then bag for up to 2 months for best quality. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer or oven.
- Reheat once: heat only what you'll eat, to 165°F, and don't re-refrigerate reheated leftovers.
- When in doubt: discard nuggets with a sour smell, a slimy surface or any mold.
Common Reheating Mistakes
- Reheating in the box. The cardboard traps steam and can scorch in the oven. I always tip the nuggets out first.
- Crowding the basket. Overlapping nuggets steam instead of crisping. Work in batches if needed.
- Skipping the preheat. A cold air fryer or oven dries the chicken before the breading crisps.
- Overheating. Past about 6 minutes in an air fryer, small nuggets turn hard and dry. I learned that one the chewy way, so check early.
- Covering them with foil. Foil traps moisture and softens the coating; leave them uncovered.
More McDonald's Leftovers and Copycats
- Reheat the rest of the meal with our guide to reheating McDonald's fries.
- Make fresh ones at home with our copycat McDonald's chicken nuggets and copycat McDonald's dipping sauces.
- Compare with our Chick-fil-A nuggets copycat and Burger King chicken nuggets copycat, or browse all McDonald's copycat recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to reheat McDonald's chicken nuggets?
An air fryer gives the crispiest result, and it's the method I use. Preheat it to 375°F, spread the nuggets in a single layer and heat for 3 to 5 minutes, flipping once, until they are crisp and 165°F in the center. An oven or toaster oven at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes on a rack is next best.
How long do you reheat McDonald's nuggets in the air fryer?
About 3 to 5 minutes at 375°F for refrigerated nuggets, shaking the basket halfway. Frozen leftover nuggets take 6 to 8 minutes. Check the thickest one reaches 165°F in the center and stop as soon as it does, since longer cooking dries them out.
Can you reheat McDonald's nuggets in the microwave?
Yes, but they will be softer. Spread up to 6 nuggets on a paper towel-lined plate and microwave on high for 30 seconds, flip, then heat in 15- to 20-second bursts until they reach 165°F, usually 45 to 60 seconds in total. Crisp them in a hot skillet for a minute afterward if you like.
Can you eat McDonald's nuggets left out overnight?
No. Cooked chicken should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F, because bacteria multiply quickly. Reheating does not make food left out overnight safe, so throw those nuggets away.
How long are leftover McDonald's nuggets good in the fridge?
Refrigerated within 2 hours of buying and stored in an airtight container, leftover nuggets keep for 3 to 4 days. Reheat them to 165°F before eating. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months and reheat from frozen.
