How to Reheat Burgers & Fries Like a Pro

Leftovers deserve love, too! Whether you're saving extra fries for later or holding onto that burger for round two, knowing how to reheat your food in the right way makes all the difference. No one wants soggy fries or a dried-out patty. Here’s how to bring your fresh fries and smash (or regular) burgers back to life while keeping that fresh, crispy, and juicy goodness intact.

Reheating Fries: The Right Way

Fries are meant to be crispy, golden, and full of flavor - just like our Smashfries®. But if you don’t reheat them properly, they can turn limp and lifeless. Here’s how to revive them the right way.

How to Reheat Fries in the Oven

For the crispiest results, the oven is your best bet. If you have large portions of french fries to reheat, the oven is preferable since it has more room. 

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Spray or lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil.
3. Spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 7 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through.
5. For extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for 30 seconds at the end.

How to Reheat Fries in a Toaster Oven

A toaster oven works similarly to a regular oven but is faster and great for small batches.

Steps:

1. Preheat to 350°F.
2. Spray or lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil.
3. Spread fries out evenly.
4. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking for crispiness.

How to Reheat Fries in an Air Fryer

The air fryer is one of the best methods for restoring that just-fried crunch.

Steps:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
2. Place fries in the basket in a single layer.
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes, shaking halfway through.

How to Reheat Fries in the Microwave (If You Must)

While not ideal, you can still make it work with a little extra effort. We recommend only using the microwave if you're short on time to get that initial heat. Then, toss fries briefly in a frying pan to crisp them up.  

Steps:

1. Place fries on a microwave-safe plate with a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture.
2. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking between rounds.
3. For extra crispiness, toss them in a hot pan for 1-2 minutes after microwaving.

FAQ: Fries Edition

Is it better to reheat fries in the oven or microwave?

• The oven (or air fryer) is the way to go. Microwaving fries often makes them soggy.

How do you reheat fries without them tasting bad?

• Keep them spread out in a single layer, avoid overcrowding, and finish with a quick broil or pan-fry.

What’s the best way to reheat fries?

• The air fryer or oven is best for maintaining crispiness.

How to Reheat Burgers Without Ruining Them

A good burger deserves to stay juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked - even on day two. The key is reheating it properly to keep everything intact.

How to Reheat a Burger in the Oven

The oven is a great option for warming up a burger without drying it out.

Steps:

1. Preheat to 350°F.
2. Separate the bun from the patty. Wrap the patty loosely in foil to lock in moisture.
3. Place the patty on a baking sheet and heat for 7 minutes.
4. Warm the bun separately for 2 minutes at the end.
5. Reassemble your burger and sandwich and enjoy!

How to Reheat a Burger in an Air Fryer

Want that fresh-off-the-grill flavor? The air fryer is a great option.

Steps:

1. Preheat to 350°F.
2. Separate the patty from the bun and place it in the air fryer.
3. Heat for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Add the bun for the last 30 seconds to warm it up.

How to Reheat a Smash Burger in a Skillet

Unlike thicker, traditional burgers, smash-style burgers are thin patties with crispy edges. Reheating smash burgers is trickier, since they can dry out faster when reheated. To maintain that freshly smashed flavor, use a hot skillet or griddle to restore the crust without overcooking the beef. 

Steps:

1. Preheat the cast-iron skillet or griddle to medium heat. Coat lightly with butter.
2. Separate the bun from the patty.
3. Place the smash burger patty directly onto the skillet for 1-2 minutes per side, checking frequently so it doesn't dry out. (Don't smash it again!)
4. Lightly butter the bun and lightly toast it on a separate section of the skillet until warm and golden. 
5. Reassemble and enjoy!

How to Reheat a Cheeseburger

Cheeseburgers need a little extra love to keep the cheese melty while warming the patty.

Steps:

• Oven or air fryer at 350°F.
• Place the patty (with cheese) on its own for the first few minutes, then add the bun near the end.
• If the cheese needs a little extra melt, cover the patty loosely with foil.

FAQ: Burger Edition

Can you reheat a cooked burger the next day?

• Yes! Just store it properly in the fridge and use one of these reheating methods.

Is it better to reheat a burger in the microwave or air fryer?

• Air fryer all the way. The microwave makes buns soggy, while the air fryer keeps everything crisp and juicy.

How do you keep burgers moist when reheating?

• Wrapping the patty in foil or adding a little water to the pan helps retain moisture.

How long should you reheat a burger at 350°F?

• 7 minutes in the oven or 3-5 minutes in an air fryer.

Final Thoughts: The Right Way to Bring Back the Smash

Your Smashburger® or other leftovers deserve better than a quick zap in the microwave. Whether you're reviving crispy fries or a juicy Smashburger®, these methods will keep your meal tasting fresh and delicious. So next time, don’t let those leftovers go to waste - give them the care they deserve!