What are curly fries?
Curly fries are a fun, tasty variation on regular french fries. Instead of being cut into straight strips, the potatoes are cut into a spiral or wavy shape before frying, which gives them their signature curly appearance. They are often served as a side dish or appetizer at restaurants.
Why reheat curly fries?
There are a few reasons you may want to reheat curly fries:
- Leftovers – If you don’t finish your curly fries at a restaurant, you can take them home and reheat them later.
- Meal prep – You can make a batch of curly fries at home and reheat portions throughout the week.
- Craving curly fries – Sometimes you just get a craving for piping hot curly fries and want a quick way to satisfy it.
The key with reheating curly fries is to get them hot and crispy again, without drying them out or making them soggy.
Best ways to reheat curly fries
Here are some of the best reheating methods for curly fries:
Oven
One of the easiest and most effective ways to reheat curly fries is in the oven:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Spread curly fries out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until hot and crispy.
The dry heat of the oven will recrisp the outside of the fries. Just watch closely so they don’t burn.
Air fryer
An air fryer is great for reheating curly fries to a crispy texture:
- Set air fryer to 390°F.
- Place curly fries in fryer basket in a single layer, trying not to overcrowd.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking basket occasionally, until fries are hot.
The hot circulated air will crisp up the fries nicely. Adjust cooking time as needed based on amount of fries.
Stovetop
You can also reheat curly fries on the stovetop:
- Add a tablespoon of oil to a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add fries and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
The little bit of oil helps re-crisp the exterior of the fries. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn.
Tips
- Separate any fries that are stuck together before reheating so they can heat evenly.
- Use a nonstick pan or line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overload your pan or baking sheet to allow for good air circulation.
- Reheating in batches leads to more even reheating.
- Season reheated fries with a pinch of salt to add fresh flavor.
How long do reheated curly fries last?
Properly stored, reheated curly fries will last:
- At room temperature – 2 hours
- Refrigerated – 3 to 5 days
- Frozen – 1 to 2 months
Let fries cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. Reheat refrigerated fries within 3 to 5 days and frozen fries within 2 months for best quality.
Discard any fries that smell bad or look moldy. When in doubt, throw it out!
Conclusion
Curly fries are a fun spin on classic fries that can easily be reheated to crispy perfection using an oven, air fryer or stovetop. Separate stuck fries, reheat in batches, and season to refresh flavor. Properly stored leftovers can last for several days. Reheated curly fries make for a quick and tasty snack or side anytime you have a craving.