McDonald’s nuggets have long been one of the most popular takeaway dishes. Whether you order them as a meal or bring a sharing box home, you might be wondering what to do with your leftovers.
If you somehow resist devouring them all in one go, that is! Is it safe to reheat McDonald’s nuggets? Yes, it is!
To reheat McDonald’s nuggets, pop them into an oven at 180C for around 10 minutes until they are hot through. You can also reheat McDonald’s nuggets in the microwave or air fryer.
How to Reheat McDonald’s Nuggets
Since McDonald’s introduced those huge sharing boxes of McNuggets, we’ve all been guilty of buying far too many than we can enjoy at any given time!
But thankfully, you can reheat McDonald’s nuggets relatively easily, meaning they should never go to waste!
There are three ways that you can reheat McDonald’s nuggets – in the oven, air fryer, or microwave. We advise you to opt for the oven or air fryer for the best results, but the microwave is a decent backup option if you want to save a little time.
Below are the detailed steps you need to follow to reheat McDonald’s nuggets following each method.
How to Reheat McDonald’s Nuggets in the Oven
Reheating your nuggets in the oven will ensure they turn nice and crispy. Here’s what you need to do:
- Preheat the Oven
Switch on your oven and preheat it to 350F or 180C. - Prepare Nuggets
Line an ovenproof tray with greaseproof paper or tin foil and spray with low-fat cooking oil (this stops the nuggets from sticking to the paper or foil). Then, lay your nuggets on the tray side by side. - Reheat
Place your nuggets in the centre of the oven for ten minutes. - Check the Temperature
Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of your nuggets is 75C or 165F before serving. - Serve and Enjoy
Your McNuggets are now ready to devour!
How to Reheat McDonald’s Nuggets in the Air Fryer
If you have an air fryer, this method is probably the best way to reheat McNuggets. Below are the simple steps you need to follow:
- Preheat
Preheat your air fryer to 350F or 180C. - Add McNuggets
Drop your McNuggets in the air fryer basket and return to the fryer. - Reheat
Allow your McNuggets to reheat in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes. - Check the Temperature
Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of your nuggets is 75C or 165F before serving. - Serve and Enjoy
Leave your McNuggets to stand on the countertop for sixty seconds before tucking into them.
How to Reheat McDonald’s Nuggets in the Microwave
The third and final way to reheat McDonald’s nuggets is in the microwave. Although not the best method, you can reheat your nuggets by following these steps:
- Prepare McNuggets
Remove your McNuggets from the fridge and allow them to sit at room temperature for thirty minutes or so – this will help them reheat evenly in the microwave. Then, place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a paper towel. - Reheat
On full power, reheat your McNuggets on thirty-second bursts, checking the temperature after every blast. - Check the Temperature
Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of your nuggets is 75C or 165F before serving. - Serve and Enjoy
You can now tuck into your reheated chicken nuggets!
How to Reheat McDonald’s Nuggets Successfully
Here are our 3 tips for having complete success when it comes to reheating nuggets:
- The Oven or Air Fryer Work Best – Most people enjoy their McNuggets crispy, which is the end result when you reheat them in the oven or air fryer.
If you reheat McNuggets in the microwave, they can go a little soggy and will be disappointing. As such, it’s best to use your microwave as a last resort when reheating McNuggets. - Always Check the Temperature – No matter which reheating method you use, make sure you always check the internal temperature of your McNuggets before eating them. They should be at least 75C or 165F before they’re safe to serve.
- Store Correctly – When you have leftover McDonald’s or any other takeaway, it’s tempting to leave your food to one side on the countertop until you’re ready to tuck back in.
But doing so can cause harmful bacteria to grow on your food. As such, make sure you wrap your leftover McNuggets and place them in the fridge or freezer as quickly as you can to keep them fresh.
Is It Safe to Reheat McDonald’s Nuggets?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to reheat McDonald’s nuggets. As with most takeaway foods, the most crucial consideration is how you store your leftovers, so be sure to keep them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to reheat them.
Also, always check the internal temperature of your McNuggets before eating them.
Reheating McDonald’s Nuggets FAQs
Do you have more questions about McDonald’s nuggets? Check these out:
They will not be as good as those fresh from the fryer in a McDonald’s but reheated nuggets still taste pretty good, especially if you use an air fryer.
This is not a good idea. You risk burning the outside of the nuggets before the heat has got into the centre. Instead, use the oven or air fryer for the best results.
Ross is a freelance writer with a passion for delicious food and drinks, having worked in the hospitality industry in the past. He began working with Let’s Foodie when it first launched to provide information on how to reheat, freeze and microwave different foods.
