McDonald’s chicken nuggets are one of the most popular items on the McDonald’s menu. Have you ever wondered about the reason behind it?

If there is one menu item that children and adults can’t resist at McDonald’s, it is their most-loved chicken nuggets. This one-of-a-kind menu item is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
This quality of McDonald’s chicken nuggets often makes us buy some extra nuggets. But cold nuggets won’t taste as amazing as freshly made.
To solve this problem, we have some great ways to rescue your favorite nuggets. You can reheat McDonald’s chicken nuggets using commonly found kitchen appliances like:
- Oven
- Air fryer
- Microwave
- Grill
- Skillet
Let’s check out all these ways in detail to reheat the McDonald’s chicken nuggets the best way.
Is It Ok To Reheat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets?
Reheating McDonald’s chicken nuggets is absolutely safe and ok. But to take full advantage of reheating chicken nuggets, refrigerate them as soon as possible to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
If you are wondering how to reheat your leftovers the next day to relish them hot and crispy, there are many ways to do so.
The FDA recommends heating the chicken nuggets to a safe internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C), with whatever heating method you may choose.
McDonald’s nuggets have long been one of the most popular takeaway dishes. You can order them as a meal or bring a sharing box home.
But the nuggets do not taste the same the next day as they lose their crunchiness. To solve this, check out all the reheating methods mentioned below.
I’m sure you have been a big McDonald’s chicken nuggets fan since you have been here. While you are looking at the best ways to eat your beloved chicken nuggets, I’m sure you must be interested to know how healthy McDonald’s chicken nuggets are.
To do so, check out our exclusive article on McDonald’s chicken nuggets here to know what’s inside them.
5 Best Ways To Reheat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets
There are several ways to reheat McDonald’s chicken nuggets. Some popular heating methods use appliances like an air-fryer, microwave, oven, grill, and stove.
Let’s take a look at how to heat the leftover chicken nuggets using all these methods.
How To Reheat McDonald’s Nuggets In Oven?
The best way to reheat leftover McDonald’s chicken nuggets is in the oven. This method ensures they turn crispy like before. Here’s what you need to do:
- Switch on your oven and preheat it to 350F or 180C.
- Line an oven-proof tray with parchment paper and lay your nuggets on the tray.
- Place your tray with nuggets in the center of the oven for ten minutes.
- Check the internal temperature of your nuggets using a meat thermometer. It should read 75C or 165F before serving.
- Serve and enjoy.
How To Reheat McDonald’s Nuggets In An Air Fryer?
Air Fryer is another great method to reheat leftover chicken nuggets. This also ensures that any excess oil is drained out. To air-fry the nuggets, follow the steps below.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 F or 180 C.
- Drop your chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket and return to the fryer.
- Allow your McNuggets to reheat in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
How To Reheat McDonald’s Nuggets On Grill?
If you don’t have an oven or air fryer, you can also take the help of a grill by following the step below.
- To reheat McNuggets on the grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook for 4-6 minutes.
- Place the McNuggets on a wire rack.
- Turn them once halfway through grilling.
- You can spray the McNuggets with oil before grilling to enhance their taste and texture.
How To Reheat McDonald’s Nuggets In Microwave?
Microwave is the easiest way to reheat any leftover food. Therefore, you can also use it to reheat McDonald’s chicken nuggets. While this isn’t the best method, you can reheat your nuggets by following these steps:
- Remove the McNuggets from the fridge and allow them to sit at room temperature for thirty minutes. This helps them to reheat evenly in the microwave.
- Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a paper towel.
- Reheat the chicken nuggets on full power in thirty-second intervals until heated to a desirable temperature.
- Serve and enjoy.
How To Reheat McDonald’s Nuggets On A Stove?
You can reheat the chicken nuggets on a stove using a skillet. To do so, follow the steps below.
- Fill a skillet with 1 inch of oil or less if you want to flash fry.
- Heat oil to 350°F (180°C) or until you see bubbles form.
- Carefully place the nuggets into the oil. Make sure not to crowd the pan.
- Cook the nuggets on each side for approximately 20-30 seconds by flipping them once.
- Remove the nuggets from the oil. Allow them to cool on a paper towel for at least a minute.
How To Store McDonald’s Nuggets Properly After Reheating Them?
If you bought a 50-piece McDonald’s chicken nuggets pack, chances are you may still have leftovers even after having them reheated for the second time. Your love for them will not let you discard them.
Therefore, you can enjoy them once again by storing McDonald’s chicken nuggets properly, even after reheating them for the second time!
McNuggets can be stored by wrapping them individually in tin foil and placing them in an airtight container. They can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator if stored this way.
Additionally, you can also freeze McNuggets for longer-term storage. They can stay in good shape for up to 2 months in the freezer using the same storage method of foil and airtight container. But make sure the nuggets are completely cool before you wrap them to prevent them from turning soggy due to condensation.
Is Reheating McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets At Home Worth It?
Nothing compares to the texture and flavor of freshly first-fried McDonald’s chicken nuggets. But you can always be left with leftovers that can be devoured the next day.
While reheating McDonald’s chicken nuggets at home is possible using different appliances, reheating them at home is worth it using all the above-mentioned techniques.
The best and the nearest intact texture of McDonald’s chicken nuggets reheated at home can be achieved by heating them in the oven or air fryer. You can enjoy the same crispy bite as a freshly ordered batch.
Reheating McDonald’s chicken nuggets using the deep-frying method or the grill also restores their crunchy exterior and retains their moist center.
If you don’t have access to any of these appliances, then using a microwave to heat the chicken nuggets is an option. But this method should be a last resort.
While you can be assured of having hot chicken nuggets by reheating them in the microwave, they will turn soggy and chewy. The best part about McDonald’s chicken nuggets is their crispy exterior. However, this quality gets lost in the microwave.
Conclusion
If you ordered a big batch of McDonald’s chicken nuggets for yourself, you know all the ways to reheat them in the best way possible with the methods mentioned above. Try them out and tell me what worked best for you in the comments section below or if you have any other easy hack.
Just like the chicken nuggets, you can also reheat McDonald’s fries or McDonald’s burgers. To find those ways, you don’t need to go anywhere else. We have a proper guide on how to reheat McDonald’s fries or McDonald’s burgers.
Recipe Card
How To Reheat McDonald’s Nuggets | 5 Best Ways
Equipment
- Oven
- Air Fryer
- Microwave
- Stove
- Grill
- Parchment Paper
- Skillet
- Frying Spatula
Instructions
Heating Chicken Nuggets In Oven
- Switch on your oven and preheat it to 350F or 180C.
- Line an oven-proof tray with parchment paper and lay your nuggets on the tray.
- Place your tray with nuggets in the center of the oven for ten minutes.
- Check the internal temperature of your nuggets using a meat thermometer. It should read 75C or 165F before serving.
- Serve and enjoy.
Heating Chicken Nuggets In Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 350F or 180C.
- Drop your chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket and return to the fryer.
- Allow your McNuggets to reheat in the air fryer for 6-8 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy.
Heating Chicken Nuggets In Grill
- To reheat McNuggets on the grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook for 4-6 minutes.
- Place the McNuggets on a wire rack.
- Turn them once halfway through grilling.
- You can spray the McNuggets with oil before grilling to enhance their taste and texture.
Heating Chicken Nuggets In Microwave
- Remove the McNuggets from the fridge and allow them to sit at room temperature for thirty minutes. This helps them to reheat evenly in the microwave.
- Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a paper towel.
- Reheat the chicken nuggets on full power in thirty-second intervals until heated to a desirable temperature.
- Serve and enjoy.
Heating Chicken Nuggets On Stove
- Fill a skillet with 1 inch of oil or less if you want to flash fry.
- Heat oil to 350°F (180°C) or until you see bubbles form.
- Carefully place the nuggets into the oil. Make sure not to crowd the pan.
- Cook the nuggets on each side for approximately 20-30 seconds by flipping them once.
- Remove the nuggets from the oil. Allow them to cool on a paper towel for at least a minute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can we reheat McDonald’s chicken nuggets?
Yes, McDonald’s chicken nuggets can be reheated.
What are the best ways to reheat McDonald’s chicken nuggets?
The best ways of reheating McDonald’s chicken nuggets are by using an oven, air fryer, and grill.
Can we microwave McDonald’s chicken nuggets to reheat them?
McDonald’s chicken nuggets can be reheated in the microwave, but they turn soggy.
How to store McDonald’s chicken nuggets?
McDonald’s chicken nuggets can be wrapped in tin foil individually and stored in an airtight container.
For how long can we store McDonald’s chicken nuggets?
McDonald’s chicken nuggets can be stored for four days in the refrigerator and for up to two months in the freezer.
Can I eat leftover chicken nuggets cold?
Cooked chicken nuggets that have been properly refrigerated are safe to eat cold.