Nothing quite hits the spot like McDonald’s McNuggets, with their golden crispy coating and that classic, savory taste. Often, the craving strikes long after the drive-thru has closed, or maybe you ordered a few too many and saved the extras for later. But reheating McNuggets to perfection can be a challenge.
Many worry about the possibility of sogginess or losing that signature crunch, and it’s tempting to just give up and eat them cold. Luckily, there are methods to bring those nuggets back to life, giving them a fresh-from-the-fryer flavor that’s almost as satisfying as that first bite at McDonald’s.
McNuggets are a personal favorite, whether it’s lunch, dinner, or even late-night snacking. Nothing quite compares, especially when breakfast time slips by and the classic breakfast menu has switched over.
McNuggets fill that gap perfectly, no matter what time of day it is. Of course, McDonald’s has plenty of fan favorites, and it’s a shame to see fries, apple pies, or even a cheeseburger go to waste. Fortunately, most items can be reheated to bring back the flavors and textures that made them so crave-able in the first place.
This guide will take you through the best methods to reheat McNuggets, ensuring they keep that crispy exterior and juicy interior that makes them so beloved. With a few simple tips, you can make those leftover nuggets just as tasty as they were when first served.
Personal Favorites
- Air Fryer: Best balance of speed and texture
- Oven/Toaster Oven: Best for quality, closest to fresh McDonald’s
- Microwave: Best for speed and convenience, but lacks crispiness
Oven or Toaster Oven
Reheating McNuggets in an oven or toaster oven is a reliable method for restoring their crispy coating.
The oven provides even, controlled heat that crisps up the outside without overcooking the inside. This approach gives nuggets a texture closer to the original, delivering that freshly-made McDonald’s feel. The same option is great for other food, like leftover lasagna.
How to Do It?
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the nuggets on a baking sheet, and heat them for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Restores crispiness to the exterior | Longer wait time compared to a microwave |
| Delivers a texture close to freshly cooked nuggets | Requires some patience and access to an oven |
Air Fryer
Reheating McNuggets in an air fryer is a popular choice for achieving a quick, crispy result. The air fryer uses circulating hot air, which crisps up the nuggets without needing additional oil.
The air fryer’s design allows for even, high-temperature cooking that crisps up the exterior quickly, often within 3-5 minutes. This means you can enjoy your nuggets without a long wait.
How to Do It?
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the nuggets in a single layer in the basket, and cook them for 3-5 minutes. No flipping is necessary, but checking halfway through is a good idea.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick and easy with a short reheating time | Can dry out nuggets if overcooked |
| Delivers a crispy exterior similar to freshly cooked | Slightly drier texture than other methods |
Skillet or Pan
Reheating McNuggets in a skillet or pan is a solid method for keeping them crispy without drying them out too much. Using a small amount of oil helps to recreate the fried texture, making this a reliable option when you want nuggets that feel freshly cooked.
A skillet allows you to control the heat and add a small amount of oil, which helps in achieving that crispy outer layer. The direct heat also keeps the interior juicy.
How to Do It?
Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil, and place the nuggets in the pan. Heat them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re warmed through and crispy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Produces a crispy exterior with a juicy interior | Requires close attention to avoid burning |
| Quick method with minimal setup | Can leave nuggets soggy if heat is too low |
Microwave
Reheating McNuggets in a microwave is the quickest and easiest option, but it comes with trade-offs in texture. Microwaving heats the nuggets fast but often leads to a softer, sometimes soggy exterior.
The microwave heats food from the inside out, making it a fast option for reheating nuggets in under a minute.
How to Do It?
Place the nuggets on a microwave-safe plate, cover them with a paper towel to trap some moisture, and microwave on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Check for warmth and add a few more seconds if needed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fastest reheating method | Often leaves nuggets soft or soggy |
| Convenient with minimal setup | Doesn’t achieve a crispy texture |
Broiler
Using the broiler is another way to reheat McNuggets, especially if you want to achieve a crispy exterior in a relatively short time.
The broiler provides high, direct heat that crisps up the outside quickly. This is useful for getting a crispy result in just a few minutes.
How to Do It?
Set the broiler to low, place the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with foil, and position them on the middle rack. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking often, as broilers can burn food quickly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quickly crisps up the exterior | Requires close attention to avoid burning |
| Delivers a crispy result in minutes | Can lead to uneven heating |
Convection Oven
A convection oven can be a great choice for reheating McNuggets if you have a bit more time and want a balanced result. The fan in a convection oven circulates hot air around the nuggets, which helps them crisp up evenly without the need for added oil.
The circulating hot air in a convection oven provides an even, steady heat that crisps up the nuggets without drying them out too much. This makes it a reliable option for reheating multiple nuggets at once.
How to Do It?
Preheat the convection oven to 350°F (175°C), place the nuggets on a baking sheet with some space between them, and heat for about 6-8 minutes. Check halfway through and flip if necessary for an even crisp.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides even, consistent heating | Takes more time than microwave or air fryer |
| Delivers a crispy exterior without added oil | Requires preheating and a bit of patience |
Which Method Works Best?
For reheating McNuggets, the best method depends on how much time you have and how close you want to get to that fresh McDonald’s taste and texture.
The air fryer stands out as the top choice for a fast, crispy result that most closely resembles freshly cooked nuggets. It’s quick, keeps the nuggets crispy, and doesn’t require extra oil, making it a favorite for many who own this appliance. However, it can slightly dry out the nuggets if left in for too long, so it needs some attention to avoid overcooking.
If you’re looking for maximum quality and don’t mind waiting, the oven or toaster oven is a strong option. It delivers a crispy outside with a juicy inside, though it takes longer to heat up and cook than an air fryer. For those without an air fryer, this method is a reliable way to reheat nuggets that taste almost as good as when first served.
For quick convenience without much concern for texture, the microwave is the easiest and fastest option. It heats the nuggets in seconds, though they may end up soft and lack that signature crisp. Using a microwave works best if you’re in a hurry or simply want a quick snack without the extra steps.
