Reheating roast potatoes while keeping them crispy can be tricky. The potatoes easily become soggy and lose their delicious crunch when reheated in the oven or microwave. However, with some careful techniques, you can revive those leftovers and make them taste freshly roasted again.
Can you reheat roast potatoes?
Yes, you can reheat roast potatoes to restore crispiness. The key is using the right reheating method and preparation to drive moisture out of the potatoes before serving.
What makes roast potatoes go soggy?
Roast potatoes turn soggy when reheated because moisture gets trapped inside them. This causes the crispy outer layers to become soft and mushy.
The main culprits for soggy roasties are:
- Steam – Using a steamy oven or microwave leads to condensation forming on the potatoes
- Oil – Failing to drain off excess oil after roasting creates a barrier that moisture cannot escape
- Starch – Starch released during roasting absorbs water and makes potatoes soggy
Follow proper reheating techniques to avoid these pitfalls and keep your spuds crispy.
How to reheat roast potatoes in the oven
The oven is the best way to reheat roast potatoes while maintaining crispiness. Use these steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Pat roast potatoes dry with paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Space potatoes out on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Increase temperature if needed to get crisper results.
Baking at a high heat will drive out moisture and recrisp the outer surface of the potatoes. Spreading them out prevents steaming.
Oven reheating tips
- Use leftover roasted potatoes – Frying reheated mash won’t get as crispy.
- Cut larger potatoes – More surface area crisps up better.
- Coat in oil/fat – Toss in olive oil or beef dripping to boost crispiness.
- Finish under broiler – Place under broiler for 1-2 minutes to add crunch.
How to reheat roast potatoes in the microwave
It’s challenging to get roasties crispy in the microwave, but you can rescue them from getting soggy with these tips:
- Pat potatoes dry with paper towels.
- Place potatoes in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high in 30 second intervals until heated through.
- Let stand 1 minute before serving.
Microwaving uses short bursts to gently reheat potatoes without creating steam. Standing time allows excess moisture to evaporate.
Microwave reheating tips
- Add a paper towel – Absorbs extra moisture released.
- Use a bacon press – Weighs down potatoes to extract moisture.
- Finish crisping in skillet – Toss potatoes in oil in a hot skillet.
While microwaved roast potatoes won’t be crispy, you can minimize sogginess.
How to reheat roast potatoes in the air fryer
An air fryer is the ultimate tool for reheating roast potatoes back to crispy perfection. Follow this simple process:
- Pat potatoes dry to remove oil.
- Toss potatoes in a little oil or cooking spray.
- Air fry at 400°F for 4-8 minutes, shaking halfway.
The hot circulating air surrounds the potatoes to drive out moisture and make the outer layer crunchy.
Air fryer reheating tips
- Cut potatoes smaller – 1-2 inches maximizes crisping.
- Toss in corn starch – Adds an extra crispy coating.
- Finish with seasoning – Toss with herbs, salt and pepper.
For the best results, the air fryer will revive even the soggily reheated roasties.
How to store and reheat potatoes to stay crispy
Proper storage after initial roasting is key for maintaining crispy roast potatoes when you reheat them later:
- Cool potatoes completely before storing.
- Refrigerate potatoes in an airtight container.
- Store no more than 3 days for best texture.
- Let potatoes come to room temp before reheating.
Following these steps minimizes moisture forming on the potatoes that makes them lose crispness.
What is the best oil for roast potatoes?
The type of fat used when initially roasting potatoes makes a big difference in getting them crispy. Choose an oil with a high smoke point and rich flavor:
| Oil | Smoke Point | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Duck fat | 375°F | Rich, meaty |
| Dripping | 400°F | Beefy, savory |
| Peanut | 450°F | Neutral, nutty |
| Canola | 400°F | Neutral, versatile |
Avoid olive oil as it can burn at high roasting temperatures, making bitter potatoes.
What are the best potato varieties for roasting?
Starchy, fluffy potatoes yield the crispiest roasted results. The best potatoes for roasting include:
- Russets – Fluffy, starchy interior; fluffy when roasted
- Yukon Gold – Waxy, rich flavor; stays firmer when roasted
- Sweet potatoes – Roasted until caramelized; naturally sweet
Waxy potatoes like red potatoes don’t roast up quite as crispy. But any potato will work!
What is the best way to prep potatoes for roasting?
Proper prep before roasting is vital for crispy spuds. Make sure to:
- Cut potatoes evenly – Uniform pieces roast consistently.
- Parboil potatoes – Partially boiling jump starts the cooking process.
- Toss in starch – A light coating of starch helps increase crispiness.
- Dry potatoes well – Removing moisture prevents sogginess.
Leave the skin on or peel potatoes – both methods work great! Just keep the skin thinly peeled.
How do you roast potatoes in the oven?
Oven-roasting is the go-to method for achieving the perfect crisp, golden potatoes. Follow these steps:
- Prep potatoes: peel, cut, parboil, dry and coat with starch.
- Toss potatoes in 1/4 cup oil to coat.
- Spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes. Flip and roast 20 more minutes.
- Increase temperature if needed to crisp further.
Feel free to add herbs and spices to the oil for more flavor. Roast until browned and crunchy.
How to make extra crispy roast potatoes
Take roasted potatoes to the next level of crispy with these pro tips:
- Soak potatoes in salty water after parboiling – Seasons and dries potatoes.
- Use a double fry method – Fry once at a lower temp, then again at high heat.
- Freeze potatoes before roasting – Creates ice crystals that form air pockets when melted.
- Finish under the broiler – Crisps surface at a high temp.
With the right technique, you can enjoy restaurant-quality crispy roasties at home.
Conclusion
Reheating leftover roast potatoes without losing that satisfying crunch may seem impossible. But have no fear – with the right reheating method and preparation, you can easily revive those spuds back to their peak crispy state. Whether you baked or roasted them initially, strategic oven, microwave, or air fryer reheating will have you snacking on crispy, golden potatoes again in no time. Give your roasties the revival they deserve!