Restore the Crisp: Foolproof Ways to Reheat McDonald’s Nuggets

McDonald’s chicken nuggets are a go-to favorite for both kids and adults. When you have leftovers, properly reheating them is key to making them taste fresh and delicious again. Below are detailed instructions to reheat McDonald’s chicken nuggets using a microwave, oven, or air fryer.

Microwave Method

The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat chicken nuggets.

How long to reheat chicken nuggets in the microwave?

• Arrange nuggets in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each nugget to allow heat to circulate. This prevents them from steaming each other.
• Microwave on HIGH power for 45 seconds to 1 minute per 5-6 nuggets. The exact time will vary based on your microwave wattage and amount of nuggets. For a 1000W microwave, cook 6 nuggets for 50 seconds or 12 nuggets for 1 minute and 15 seconds.
• For best results, cover the plate loosely with a damp paper towel. The paper towel traps in steam and prevents nuggets from drying out.
• After half the cook time has elapsed, carefully remove the plate and flip each nugget over. This ensures even heating on both sides.
• After microwaving, insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of a nugget to check it reached 165°F internally. If not, continue cooking at 15 second intervals, checking the temperature in between.
• Let nuggets sit for 1 minute before serving to allow heat to evenly distribute through each one.

Oven Method

The oven allows you to evenly reheat larger batches of chicken nuggets.

How to reheat chicken nuggets in the oven:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
• Arrange nuggets in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch space around each nugget to promote air circulation. Avoid overcrowding.
• For added crispness, brush the tops of the nuggets lightly with oil or cooking spray. Flip and brush underside as well.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, until hot and crispy. Rotate the pan from front to back halfway through for even cooking.
• Use tongs to flip each nugget over individually during cooking for optimum reheating.
• Check internal temperature by cutting a nugget in half and inserting a food thermometer. Temperature should reach 165°F. Add 1-2 minutes more baking if needed.

Air Fryer Method

An air fryer makes McDonald’s chicken nuggets taste crispy and fresh again.

How to reheat chicken nuggets in an air fryer:

• Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
• Place nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overfill. Overcrowding reduces crispness.
• Lightly mist or brush nuggets with oil for added crispness. Flip and coat the underside too.
• Cook for 3-5 minutes initially. Shake the basket or toss the nuggets with tongs halfway through cook time.
• Check doneness after 3 minutes. The coating should be hot and crispy again.
• Cut a test nugget in half and check internal temperature with a thermometer. Cook 1-2 minutes longer if needed to reach 165°F.
• For frozen nuggets, add 1-2 minutes to the cook time and shake frequently for even reheating.

FAQs

How long should I microwave McDonald’s nuggets for the best texture?

Microwave the nuggets on HIGH in 30-45 second intervals until heated through, checking temperature with a food thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internally. Microwaving too long can make the coating soggy.

What is the best oven temperature for reheating nuggets?

Preheat your oven to 400°F prior to baking the nuggets. This high heat helps crisp up the outside coating.

Should I reheat frozen or thawed nuggets in the air fryer?

You can use either frozen or thawed nuggets in the air fryer. Thawed may cook slightly quicker. Add 1-2 mins for frozen.

How can I keep the coating crispy in the microwave?

Use a paper towel to cover the plate which traps in steam and prevents sogginess. Only microwave until hot, not cooked through. Finish by baking in oven.

How do I get the most crispness reheating in the oven?

Brush both sides of the nuggets lightly with oil before baking. Bake on a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet for airflow.

How can I tell when the nuggets are fully reheated?

Always use a food thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F when reheating nuggets for food safety.

Tips

1. When microwaving, arrange nuggets in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate, leaving space between each one.
2. Flip nuggets halfway through microwaving or baking for evenly heated nuggets.
3. Let nuggets rest 1 minute after cooking to allow heat to fully distribute internally.
4. For oven baking, use a non-stick foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
5. Mist nuggets with oil or nonstick spray before air frying for extra crispiness.
6. Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to redistribute nuggets.
7. Add your favorite dipping sauce after reheating so it doesn’t soak into the coating.
8. For food safety, discarded any unconsumed reheated nuggets within 2 hours.

Recipes

1. BBQ Baked Nuggets
   Toss nuggets in BBQ sauce then bake at 400°F for 8-10 mins until 165°F.
2. Ranch Nugget Bake
   Toss nuggets in ranch dressing, bake at 400°F for 8-10 mins until 165°F.
3. Spicy Air Fried Nuggets
   Coat nuggets in hot sauce before air frying at 370°F for 4-5 mins until 165°F.
4. Garlic Parmesan Nuggets
   Toss cooked nuggets in melted butter and garlic Parmesan seasoning.
5. Sweet and Sour Nuggets
   Toss cooked nuggets in sweet and sour sauce. Microwave 30 secs to heat sauce.

Here are some specific model recommendations for reheating McDonald’s chicken nuggets:

Microwaves:

1. Toshiba EM925A5A-BS Microwave Oven – 0.9 cu. ft. capacity, 900W power
2. Panasonic NN-SN67HS Microwave Oven – 1.2 cu. ft. capacity, 1200W power
3. GE JES1097SMSS Microwave Oven – 1.0 cu. ft. capacity, 950W power
4. Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL Microwave – 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, 1000W power
5. LG NeoChef LMC0975BD Microwave – 0.9 cu. ft. capacity, 950W power

Ovens:

1. LG LDE4415ST Electric Oven – 5.3 cu. ft. capacity
2. GE JB650SKSS Electric Oven – 5.3 cu. ft. capacity
3. Bosch HGI8056UC 800 30″ Electric Oven – 4.6 cu. ft. capacity
4. Frigidaire FFET3025PS Electric Oven – 5.3 cu. ft. capacity
5. Whirlpool WOS31ES7JS Electric Oven – 4.8 cu. ft. capacity

Air Fryers:

1. Cosori Air Fryer Max XL 5.8 Quart
2. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer 4 Qt
3. Instant Vortex Air Fryer 6 quart
4. Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
5. Dash Tasti Crisp Air Fryer

With these detailed steps for microwave, oven, and air fryer, you can easily reheat McDonald’s chicken nuggets to taste just like new. The key is using the right appliance for your desired result – quick and easy, larger batches, or extra crispy. Just be sure to check internal temperature and adjust cook times accordingly. Enjoy your reheated nuggets!