What can be more tempting than a fresh, warm donut paired with a cup of hot coffee? That is undoubtedly a very ideal scenario.
But, sometimes things don’t go as planned, and the sweet treat is now cold. Not to mention some leftovers from yesterday’s party. So, can you reheat donuts? How do you revive hard, stale donuts?
Perhaps, you can’t have the luxury of getting freshly baked ones every morning. In that case, you might choose to make or buy in bulk and freeze them for a perfect warm breakfast or just whenever your sugar cravings strike.
Either way, you must want to know the easy but proper way to reheat donuts to preserve their delicate texture and flavors we all adore.
So keep reading to find all you need to know about reheating methods to moisten stale donuts and make them soft again.
How to Warm Up Donuts in A Microwave
When it comes to reheating leftovers, your microwave is usually your first option. Well, fortunately, this appliance makes a great friend to your leftover donuts. A short time in the microwave is perfect for reviving the cold, stale fried dough.
You can use this straightforward method to warm up homemade pieces or store-bought ones from Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ Donuts, or any of your favorite artisanal bakeries. Here is how to do it.
1. Place donut(s) in a microwave-safe container. For reheating one piece, put it in the center of the plate.
2. Optional: cover with a damp paper towel if the donut looks dry and stale. By covering the baked good as it reheats, it helps to moisten and restore the softness. Skip this step if the sweet treat has only been out for an hour or two. This one should still be fresh enough. It only needs a quick reheating.
3. Reheat for 15 to 30 seconds on medium heat.
4. After that, check to see whether it is thoroughly reheated through the center. If not, continue reheating with shorter intervals of 5 to 10 seconds to avoid overheating it.
How to Heat Up Donuts in An Oven
If by any chance, you don’t have a microwave, you can reheat doughnuts in the oven. Plus, it is an efficient solution if you have to warm up many of them.
To reheat frozen donuts, thaw them in advance. You can simply let them rest on the counter while waiting for the oven to heat up. For custard and cream-filled donuts, they should be defrosted in the refrigerator.
Here is the detailed instruction for reheating donuts in the oven.
1. Preheat your oven to 350 to 400 F.
2. While the oven is heating up, wrap the donuts individually in aluminum foil.
3. Arrange them evenly in a baking tray without stacking them on top of each other.
4. Bake for about 5 to 10 minutes.
5. After this 5-minute mark, carefully take out one piece. Unwrap it and check whether it is nice and thoroughly warmed up. If not, return to the oven and continue reheating a little longer.
6. Once ready, remove immediately from the oven. Be careful when unwrapping the foil.
7. Serve while still warm and fresh!
How to Reheat Donuts in an Air Fryer
Another quick way to warm up donuts is by using an air fryer. Here are the simple steps to follow:
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
Place the donuts in for 2-4 minutes depending on the crispness you desire. You can also use parchment paper to place the donuts on.
Remove from the basket and serve immediately.
FAQs
Should donuts be refrigerated?
Yes and no. If they contain cream and dairy-based fillings, such as cream custard and Boston cream, they must be refrigerated within two hours. Meanwhile, plain, glazed, sugared, or any variants without dairy can be stored at room temperature for 1 to 2 days.
How long do donuts last?
Freshly baked donuts without cream fillings can last 1 to 2 days at room temperature. Properly refrigerated, they last up to a week. Meanwhile, cream-filled ones can last for up to 3 to 4 days if properly refrigerated.
Can I freeze donuts?
Yes. Plain, unglazed, and unfilled ones are the best candidates for freezing. Cream and custard fillings tend to separate and become lumpy after freezing and thawing. To freeze donuts, start with flash-freezing them until frozen solid. Next, pop them into a freezer bag in a single layer, separate with parchment paper to pack two layers or more. Finally, press out excess air, seal well, and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months.
How long does donut batter last in the fridge?
Donut dough or batter typically lasts for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. For long-term storage, you can freeze the dough for up to 1 month.
In A Nutshell
If you make too many donuts, you can store donuts in an airtight container and place them in the fridge. You might ask, can doughnuts be frozen? The answer is yes. You can freeze them for later use.
Reheating day old donuts is surprisingly more straightforward than you can imagine. You can revive them quickly in the microwave or oven. Your microwave works incredibly well to bring back the soft, fluffy texture of the baked goods.
Meanwhile, your oven is an excellent choice to warm up many pieces at the same time.
There you go, three quick methods to reheat doughnuts that you can follow to bring back their delicate texture and delightful flavors.
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
