How to Store Leftover French Fries and Keep Them Fresh for Longer

There’s nothing quite like a piping-hot French fry—especially the ones you grab straight from the bag as you pull away from the drive-thru.

But with great satisfaction comes great disappointment: There’s nothing worse than a cold, soggy leftover fry. And when you try to reheat them, they rarely live up to their former crispy glory.

What if I told you that reheating your fries doesn’t have to be a letdown? There are several methods to bring your fries back to life—crispy and hot, just like the first bite.

Before you start reheating those fries, though, there’s one crucial step you need to take: storing them the right way to keep them fresh for longer.

How to Properly Store Leftover French Fries

While leftover French fries aren’t always a given, they do happen. Perhaps you’ve got a whole mountain of fries like Simone Biles after the 2024 Olympics, or maybe you’re just trying to save a snack for later. Whatever the case, when you do have leftovers, proper storage is key. Not only does it preserve the flavor, but it also ensures you’re keeping them safe.

When you’re ready to save your fries, the first thing to do is let them cool completely. It might seem natural to toss them into a sealed container, but that can turn them soggy. Instead, let the steam escape while they cool to maintain that perfect crispiness.

However, don’t let your fries sit out too long. To avoid bacterial growth, make sure they don’t stay at room temperature for more than two hours. The USDA recommends this timeframe to keep food safe.

Once your fries have cooled, it’s time for the airtight container. Place your fries in a sealed container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. For extra freshness, add a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Simple, right? Now you can store them in the fridge for up to two to three days.

The process for freezing is the same, but you can store them for up to six months. One extra step to consider when freezing fries is to place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet first. This helps them keep their shape and prevents them from sticking together.

The Best Ways to Reheat French Fries

When you're ready to savor those fries again, we’ve got the best methods for reheating them. Refrying delivers the crispiest results, but if that’s not an option, we’ve got tips for using the oven or stove. Just make sure to skip the microwave!

Gone are the days of disappointing, soggy fries. While nothing beats a fresh fry, your leftover fries will now come close to tasting just as good.