As a fan of Five Guys, I totally understand the struggle of trying to reheat their delicious fries at home. There’s just something about those crispy, flavorful potatoes that never seems to be quite the same when eating them as leftovers. But don’t worry, fellow fry enthusiasts, I’ve found some ways to bring those tasty fries back to life!
What Makes Five Guys Fries Special?
If you have ever eaten Five Guys fries, you understand their appeal. Five Guys only uses fresh potatoes, never frozen, and hand-cuts them daily. Five Guys also cook their fries twice in pure peanut oil for a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Ways to Reheat Five Guys Fries
While there are different ways to reheat Five Guys fries, not all are equal. Microwaving, for example, can cause the texture to become soggy and unappetizing. Here are my favorite ways to heat up Five Guys Fries.
Reheating in an Oven
Before we begin, let’s gather the necessary tools to reheat Five Guys fries in the oven:
- A baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- An Oven
- A spatula or tongs
Follow these simple steps to reheat Five Guys fries in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F: This temperature is ideal for reheating fries without overcooking them.
- Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper: This will protect your fries from direct contact with the baking sheet and make cleanup easier.
- Spread the fries evenly on the lined baking sheet: Ensure that they are in a single layer and not overlapping, so that they heat evenly.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes: Periodically monitor the fries, turning them occasionally with a spatula or tongs to ensure even reheating.
- Check for desired crispiness: Once the fries have achieved the desired level of crispiness, carefully remove them from the oven and let cool for a minute or two.
To get the best results when reheating Five Guys fries in the oven, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:
- Always preheat the oven: A preheated oven ensures that the fries heat evenly and quickly.
- Use aluminum foil or parchment paper: This prevents the fries from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.
- Spread the fries evenly on the baking sheet: A single layer ensures even reheating and prevents overlapping.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Overcrowded fries won’t reheat evenly and can become soggy.
- Do not leave the fries unattended: Monitor the fries to avoid overcooking or burning.
- Don’t forget to turn the fries: Turning the fries occasionally ensures even reheating and crispness.
Reheating on a Stovetop
Before we start, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- A non-stick frying pan or skillet
- A spatula
- A plate covered with paper towels (to absorb excess oil)
- Cooking oil or unsalted butter (for greasing the pan)
Follow these steps to reheat Five Guys fries on the stovetop:
- Heat the frying pan or skillet on medium heat.
- Add a small amount of cooking oil or unsalted butter to the pan, enough to lightly coat the surface.
- Once the oil or butter has melted, spread the Five Guys fries evenly across the pan.
- Allow the fries to cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn golden brown and start to sizzle.
- Gently turn the fries using a spatula, being careful not to break them.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the other side is also golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fries from the pan and gently place them on the prepared plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the crispy, reheated fries immediately and enjoy!
To get the best results when reheating Five Guys fries on the stovetop, keep these tips in mind:
- Reheat the fries in small batches for more even cooking.
- Shake off any excess salt before reheating, as the reheating process can intensify the saltiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan as it may cause the fries to become soggy and unevenly heated.
- Don’t use high heat, as this may cause the fries to burn quickly on the outside while remaining cold in the inside
Reheating in a Microwave
To reheat Five Guys fries in a microwave, you’ll need the following:
- Microwave
- Microwave-safe plate
- Paper towel
Here are the simple steps I follow to reheat Five Guys fries in a microwave. Using a microwave is my last choice and I only use it when I am short on time or super hungry and can’t wait to eat.
- Spread the fries on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer to ensure even reheating.
- Place a paper towel over the fries to help absorb excess moisture and keep the fries from becoming soggy.
- Heat the fries in the microwave on high for 30 seconds.
- Check the temperature of the fries. If they aren’t hot enough, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature.
Pro Tips When Reheating Five Guys Fries in a Microwave
- Always use microwave-safe materials to avoid damage to your equipment or your food.
- Try not to overcrowd the plate to ensure even heating.
- Monitor the temperature of the fries during the reheating process to avoid burning or overcooking them.
- Be aware that while microwaving is the quickest method, it may also result in a slightly different texture than the original fries.
Things to Avoid When Reheating Five Guys Fries
- Microwave: While the microwave may be a quick and easy option for reheating many different foods, it’s not the best choice for your Five Guys fries. I learned the hard way that reheating fries using a microwave often leaves them soggy and limp. So, I’d stay away from this method when reheating these delicious fries.
- Steaming: Another method to avoid is steaming the fries. Similar to the microwave, steaming adds moisture to the fries, and they’ll lose their crispiness in the process. I tried this method before and ended up with disappointingly soggy fries, so I would steer clear of using a steamer for this task.
- Overcrowding the pan: If you choose to reheat your Five Guys fries on the stovetop, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. When I piled too many fries into the pan, they didn’t cook evenly and some turned out soggy while others were too crispy. Giving the fries enough space will ensure that they heat evenly and retain their original texture.
- Using too little or too much oil: The right amount of oil is crucial when reheating fries. In my experience, using too little oil can lead to uneven heating and dry fries, whereas too much oil can make them excessively greasy. I found that the best approach is to use just enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan in order to achieve that perfect balance.
Pro-Tips for Best Results
Here are some additional pro-tips I’ve discovered to get the best results:
- Try tossing the fries in a bit of oil (like vegetable or olive oil) before reheating. This helps to restore some of the original flavor and crispiness.
- Add a pinch of salt right after reheating your fries to give them an extra flavor kick.
- Invest in a reusable silicone baking mat for your oven. This can help achieve a more even heat distribution and prevent sticking, resulting in better-reheated fries.
FAQs
How to make Five Guys fries crispy again?
If your Five Guys fries have gone cold and soggy, don’t worry, I will help you make them crispy again! First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While the oven is preheating, evenly spread out the fries on a baking sheet or an oven-safe dish. To ensure even cooking and crispiness, it’s important to spread the fries out in a single layer.
Once your oven has reached the desired temperature, place the baking sheet in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on your fries to prevent overcooking and remove them when they’re crispy to your liking. Voilà , your scrumptious Five Guys fries are now hot and crispy again!
Is an air fryer a good option for reheating Five Guys fries?
I’m glad you asked that because, in my experience, using an air fryer is indeed an excellent way to reheat Five Guys fries! It’s speedy, convenient, and helps achieve that crispy texture that we all love. To start, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F.
Once heated, place the fries in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer for even cooking. Cook the fries for 3 to 5 minutes, making sure to shake the basket halfway through to get that perfect crispiness on all sides. Your Five Guys fries should come out as delicious as they were when you first got them!
