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How to Reheat Fries in Microwave

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Are you looking to reheat fries so they are crunchy instead of soggy? Leftover french fries are easily thrown away and do not typically make it to next day. 

Whether it is McDonald’s fries or frozen fries, microwave is quick and easy ways to reheat compared to oven.

How do you reheat fries in the microwave? Choose the desired amount of fries and bring to room temperature whether it is frozen or in the fridge. 

Place them on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel, or use a microwave crisper pan. If needed, sprinkle water or olive oil to keep them moist throughout the reheating process. 

Microwave on high for 20 second intervals until the fries are crispy and crunchy.

It is challenging to heat fries in the microwave without making them soggy. However, lightly coating with vegetable or olive oil can make them crisp up and prevent them from turning soggy. 

Also, the paper towel plays a big role to absorb any excess oil and moisture released from the fries while microwaving.

If you have not been successful with reheating french fries in microwave, read no further. Answered below are frequently asked questions about how to reheat fries in the microwave properly and tips to prevent the fries from turning mushy or soggy. 

Can you reheat fries in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat fries in the microwave. In fact, it takes a considerably shorter amount of time compared to the oven. 

To make the fries extra crispy, using a crisper tray is the best option. The special pan heat up the tray to provide a hot plate for browning.

While heating fries on a crisper pan, air pockets form that transfer heat to the surface of the fries instead of heating from the center. This put the crisp back into the fries without making them soggy.

Reheating fries in the microwave

Leftover french fries are challenging as they tend to easily become soggy or too dried out when reheated improperly. To ensure the best taste and texture in a short amount of time, microwave is the best option.

If you are looking to crisp up the leftover fries, olive oil or vegetable oil will work as extra lubricant that does not make the fries soggy.

In order to reheat fries in the microwave, transfer from the fridge to the counter and allow them to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Lay paper towel onto a microwave-safe plate and place the fries on a single layer. Do not overcrowd the fries as this traps steam that results in soggy fries.

Sprinkle some olive oil or vegetable oil over the fries to lightly coat them.

Place the plate into the microwave and heat on high power for 20 seconds at a time until you see golden brown color and the fries reach the right temperature. 

Once the fries are heated, carefully remove them and allow to cool down before consuming with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce. 

Cup of water in microwave with fries

If you do not own a microwave crisper pan, adding a cup of water in microwave with fries will help make a crispier texture.

The cup of water in the microwave with fires actually absorbs some of the microwaves, therefore the fries heat slower and more evenly. This causes less water to vaporize from inside the fries which leads to a crunchy texture. 

However, the ratio between amount of water and fries can determine the texture of heated fries. The more water there is the soggier the fries become. And the less water there is, the crispier the fries will result.

It is recommended to use 1 serving of fries with half full cup of water. Ensure the cup is not entirely full to prevent from spilling while microwaving. 

How long to reheat fries in microwave

Depending on the amount of fries and how it has been stored can require specific cooking time. In general, single serving fries can take no longer than 1 minute on full power to reheat in microwave. 

But make sure to microwave on 20 seconds interval instead of a full minute microwave time. The short burst of heat makes it easy to control the outcome and reach the desired temperature smoothly. 

To minimize the cooking time, consider to defrost or let it sit in the counter for room temperature to reheat quickly and evenly. Do not overcook the fries, this can make the fries soggy and will not be recoverable. 

Tips to reheat fries in the microwave

Reheating fries in the microwave saves time and allow you to take short cut when prepping a quick meal. Hot and crunchy fries are great addition to add as a side for a burger or sandwich to make a filling meal.

Leftover or frozen fries tend to become soggy and mushy when heated in the microwave without caution. Here are useful microwave tips to reheat fries quickly:

  • Add olive oil to lightly coat the fries and dab off any extra oil so they do not become soggy.
  • Lay a paper towel underneath the fries to help absorb any oil and excess moisture.
  • Use a microwave crisper pan to reheat fries for crispy result. 
  • Place the fries in a single layer and leave even space between each piece if possible.
  • Allow the fries to sit so they are in room temperature to reheat evenly in the microwave.

Microwave is the quickest way to reheat any food with the press of a button. Compared to oven, no need to wait to preheat and require additional tools. 

Even though the method is straightforward and easy, use the above microwave tips to reheat fries for a crispy and crunchy texture. 

Best way to reheat fries in the microwave

There are many ways to reheat fries including skillet, oven, and microwave. Microwave is known as being the quickest and easiest way to reheat food. 

However, when it comes to French fries, they can turn out soggy and mushy while microwaving with improper techniques.

In order to reheat fries in the microwave for best result, we recommend using a microwave crisper pan. It helps to brown the outside of foods for a crispy result when reheated in the microwave.

The tray heats the fries from the bottom which helps with the crispiness.

Start by pre-heating the crisper pan in the microwave for about 3 to 4 minutes. The preheating time may vary depending on the model and design so refer to the manufacturers recommendations. 

Once the pan is heated, carefully place the leftover fries in a single layer. Consider reheat a single portion at a time for best results.

Sprinkle a tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil onto the fries so they are lightly coated.

Microwave on high for 20 seconds and flip them on the other side and continue for another 20 seconds interval. Repeat the process until the sides of the fries are brown and turn crispy all around.

Remove the pan with an oven mitt, transfer the reheated fries onto a serving plate and garnish with sea salt and pepper or any of your favorite seasoning to enjoy the full flavor. 

How to reheat fries in microwave

Reheating Fries in Microwave: Conclusion

Whether it is for a side dish or quick snack, french fries are enjoyable at any time of day. However, making leftover fries taste freshly made or fried seems impossible. 

To make the reheated fries crunchy while heating up in the microwave, prepare the fries by allowing it defrost or bring up to room temperature beforehand. This will help to shorten cooking time and avoid from overcooking or drying out. 

If you are using a microwave crisper pan, preheat the pan according to the manufacturer instructions. But if you do not own a crisper pan, add a half filled cup of water for crispy results.

Place 2 to 3 layers of paper towels on a microwavable plate and spread the fries in a single layer. Lightly coat the fries with olive oil or vegetable oil for extra crispness.

Microwave on high power for 20 seconds at a time, and turn the sides in-between each interval until the fries are crispy and turn golden brown.

There are many ways to make fries crispy when using a microwave. From cup of water with oil and a paper towel to using a microwave crisper pan, choose the best option for you to reheat fries in the microwave.