Leftover fast food is a common reality after late-night orders, oversized combo meals, or feeding a crowd. But anyone who has tried microwaving cold fries or soggy burgers knows the results can be underwhelming. The key to reviving fast food at home is using the right methods and tools to restore texture, moisture, and flavor without turning your meal into a rubbery or dry disappointment. With a few quick tricks, it’s easy to bring back the crispy edges and fresh-off-the-grill warmth that make fast food so satisfying in the first place.
When it comes to fries, reheating them in the microwave should be avoided. The best way to re-crisp fries is using an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer. Preheat the oven or air fryer to 375°F and spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet or basket. Heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re golden and hot. A light drizzle of oil before reheating can help restore crispness. For thin fries like those from McDonald’s or Burger King, a shorter time is often sufficient. Avoid covering them with foil, which traps steam and softens the exterior.
Burgers require a slightly more nuanced approach to avoid drying out the bun or overcooking the meat. Separate the burger into its main components: patty, bun, and toppings. Warm the patty in a skillet over medium-low heat for a couple of minutes on each side, or use the oven at 300°F for about 8 minutes. Toast the bun separately in the toaster or oven to keep it crisp. Cold toppings like lettuce and tomato should be added after reheating, as warming them can make the burger soggy. If using a microwave is your only option, wrap the burger in a paper towel and microwave in 20-second intervals, flipping halfway through. While it won’t be perfect, this method works in a pinch.
Reheating sandwiches, especially those from places like Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A, or Popeyes, depends on the ingredients. For fried chicken sandwiches, remove any cold toppings and reheat the sandwich in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes. Wrapping the sandwich loosely in foil can help prevent the bun from drying out while keeping the chicken crisp. If you’re using an air fryer, heat it at 350°F for 5 to 6 minutes. For grilled chicken sandwiches, a skillet works best—cover the pan with a lid to help retain moisture and heat evenly.
Breakfast items like Egg McMuffins, breakfast burritos, or hash browns can also be revived. Hash browns crisp up well in an air fryer or pan with a small amount of oil. Breakfast sandwiches should be separated and reheated piece by piece, with eggs and meat warmed in the oven or microwave and the muffin or biscuit toasted separately for best results.
When reheating pizza from fast food spots like Little Caesars or Domino’s, skip the microwave. Instead, place the slice in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, cover with a lid, and warm for 3 to 5 minutes. This technique keeps the crust crisp while melting the cheese evenly.
