How to Store Leftover French Fries to Keep Them Fresh For Longer

There is nothing better than a fresh, hot French fry—specifically, a fry that you eat from the bag right as you leave the drive-thru. 

But with high reward comes high costs: There also is nothing worse than a cold, leftover French fry. Not only that, when you try to reheat them, they typically are just not the same. 

What if I told you that you don’t need to be disappointed by reheated fries anymore? There are plenty of different methods out there to get your French fry as hot and crispy as possible.

But, before you get to reheating your French fries to their former glory, there is an important step you have to start with: storing them properly.

How to Store Leftover French Fries

While leftover French fries can be hard to come by, they do exist. Maybe you have a whole bouquet of French fries like Simone Biles did after the 2024 Olympics, or maybe you just want to save a little snack for later. Regardless, once you have these precious leftovers, you need to make sure they are stored correctly. Not only will this keep the delicious vibes going, but it will also keep you safe.

When you find yourself ready to save some fries, your first step is to let them cool completely. While instinct might tell you to keep them in a closed container as they cool, doing so will get them soggy. Instead, it is important to make sure any steam from the cooling fries can escape, keeping your fries as crispy as possible. 

However, don’t let your fries cool for too long. To prevent bacteria growth, make sure you don’t leave them at room temperature for more than two hours. This is the timeframe the USDA recommends to ensure food stays safe. 

Once they are cool, this is where the airtight container comes in. Toss your fries into a sealed container or bag and remove as much air as possible. To soak up any extra moisture, be sure to add a paper towel. It's as easy as that! Now, you are ready to keep your fries in the fridge for two to three days.

Freezing is the same process, however, you can keep them for up to six months. One added step to consider before freezing your fries is freezing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet first so they preserve their shape and don’t stick together. 

How to Reheat French Fries

Once you are ready to enjoy your fries again, we have you covered with the best ways to reheat them. While refrying them will yield the best results, we also have methods for cooking them in the oven or stove. Just be sure to avoid the microwave! 

Gone are the days of sad, soggy fries. There might never be anything as good as a fresh fry, but now, your leftover fries will be a close second.