In short, there are three ways to reheat donuts: using a microwave, using an air fryer, and using an oven. Each way has different steps and heating times, depending on the freshness and type of donuts.
Donuts are perfect as a dessert, breakfast, or simply a snack when you get hungry. They are quite filling and perfect at the same time, so they’re an ideal solution. Yet, we all know that donuts are delicious only when they are fresh and warm.
As soon as they cool, the fat takes on a dominant flavor, and donuts aren’t so desirable, especially if they have stood the whole day at a kitchen counter. But there is a solution. You can reheat the donuts and give them back that fine crispy flavor that makes you adore them. Even if you have glazed donuts, it will work fine.
Reheating Donuts In A Microwave
It may surprise you, but a microwave is a best way to reheat donuts. Besides being an extremely fast method, the result will delight you. In addition, you can reheat one or two donuts as much as you need, and another one later when you feel like it. You can follow these steps for homemade donuts or store-bought ones such as Krispy Kreme donuts.
Step 1: Put a Damp Paper on the Donuts if They have Gone Stale
Donuts don’t take much time to cool down, so if it’s only been an hour or two, they’re probably still fresh enough, and you just need to reheat them a bit.
In this case, skip the use of damp paper towel. But if the donuts had stood for a long time, they must have become a little harder and gone stale. To restore their softness, moisten a kitchen paper towel and place over the donuts. Arrange donuts on a microwave safe plate.
Step 2: Heat in Very Short Intervals
It is very important to keep the warm-up intervals short so as not to burn the donuts. They’re not good when they are too hot, either.
So, turn the microwave on for 20 seconds, then check the condition of the donuts. Heat for an additional 10 seconds and so on, if necessary. Let the microwave be at the medium intensity program, rather than at the strongest.
Warming Up Donuts In An Air Fryer
In addition to the microwave, the air fryer is another quick heating method that immediately gives excellent crispy, and tasty results.
With the hot air from the fryer, the inner dough could be softer and more fluffy. Here are the easy steps you need to take.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Turn on the air fryer to fully heat up to medium heat of 350 degrees. During this time, you can arrange the donuts in the basket.
Step 2: Place the Leftover Donuts in a Basket
Depending on how big they are, you will probably be able to fit several fried donuts at once. You can certainly stack them upright but never squeeze them close to each other.
Let there be a little space between each one. This way, the hot air will circulate better and make the texture crispier. You can line parchment paper if you want, but it’s not necessary.
If you have too many pieces, separate the heating into two or three cycles. Although you won’t be able to heat ten or more donuts at once, like in the case of a toaster oven, you will still be able to heat more donuts than in a microwave. Probably at least five donuts will fit nicely in the air fryer basket.
Step 3: Heat for About 3 Minutes
The cooking time will be approximately 3 minutes. If you have arranged the donuts well so that there is space between them, turning them halfway is unnecessary.
If you only have one delicious donut that you have laid, it is good to flip it in the middle of the heating to make it reheat evenly.
How To Reheat Stale Donuts In An Oven
If, by some chance, you don’t have a microwave or an air fryer on hand, don’t worry, you can also use the oven. Truth is, it will take a bit longer, but the reheated donuts will be great. Besides, this way, you can reheat ten donuts at once, or as much as you can fit on the baking tray.
It can be useful if you have guests and do not want to spend the whole day warming up one donut at a time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven to 350 °F
First, turn on the oven to heat well. Set it to a temperature of 350 degrees F. During this time, you can prepare donuts for warming up.
Step 2: Wrap each Donut in a Foil
It is necessary to wrap each donut in an aluminum foil separately. One layer of foil will suffice. After that, arrange them nicely on a baking tray.
Step 3: Bake for 5 Minutes and Check
When the oven is fully heated, put the donuts inside and heat for 5 minutes. Take them out and unwrap one donut to make sure it is warm enough. If it is, then the warm-up is over. If not, return them for another minute or two as estimated.
FAQs
Can I keep donuts at room temperature?
The donuts will last one day, and they will not spoil at room temperature. However, do not store donuts exposed to the sun directly and put them in a bag or cover them so that insects do not contaminate your donuts.
Can I place donuts in a fridge?
Sure, placing donuts in a fridge is a good idea, and they will last for two days or so. Keep in mind that their texture will diminish significantly over time, so even if they are not spoiled, they might be uneatable.
Can I freeze donuts?
If you want to keep donuts for a longer time, freezing is an excellent option. Just put them in a freezing bag and store. You might want to consider placing each separately so you can thaw the number of donuts you want in the future. Also, since donuts take quite some time to prepare, you can make more in advance with freezing. They will last several months frozen. You can reheat frozen donuts the same way as fresh ones.
How do you freshen up donuts?
To freshen up donuts, place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them for a few seconds to warm them slightly. Alternatively, you can place them in an oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until they become warm and regain some of their original texture. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become dry.
Conclusion
Reheating the donuts is super easy and will restore the perfect taste and texture they had initially. The microwave or an air fryer will be your best friends for reheating stale donuts, but the oven will also serve great if you don’t have previous two appliances nearby or if you want to reheat multiple pieces at once without being in the kitchen all the time.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
