Recreating the first fresh bite of a donut doesn’t have to be challenging. You can easily reheat your leftover donuts using several methods and enjoy them once more.
Some of the methods include using the microwave, oven, air fryer, steamer, or pan. Each method will produce different results, from a crispier finish using an oven to a more pillowy texture with a steamer.
Stick around to learn more about how to reheat donuts.
Are Donuts Better Hot or Cold?
While this varies depending on personal preferences, most people can agree that donuts are better hot.
There’s a reason donut shops are busier in the morning. That’s when donuts are made fresh and ready to be an appetizing, sweet breakfast for their customers.
Overall, I don’t think the vast majority of donut lovers will pass on a warm, glaze-melting pastry for a cold one instead.
Can We Heat Donuts In the Microwave?
Using a microwave is one of the quickest and most convenient methods to reheat your donut. Here’s how to go about it.
- Put your donut on a microwave-safe plate.
- Place a damp towel over the donut if it’s stale or hard.
- Allow the donut to microwave for 10 to 20 seconds.
- Take it out and let it rest for an additional 10 seconds before serving.
Some donuts may take longer than others to heat and vice versa. Plus, microwaves all have different settings.
For this reason, I suggest checking in on your donut after ten seconds. If you microwave it for too long, it can dry out.
I once made the mistake of leaving the donut to cool too long after microwaving, and it tasted stale and hard.
I tried eating it right after heating it, but it burned my tongue from the scalding filling. Moral of the story: leave the donut to cool for about 10 to 20 seconds before eating it!
Can You Reheat Donuts in an Oven?
While an oven is effective at reheating donuts, it’s not ideal for creamy toppings and sprinkles. They’ll likely melt and make a mess on your baking sheet.
However, you can still use the oven for glazed or plain donuts. Here’s how:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or prepare a wire rack.
- Place your donuts on top of them.
- Pop them in the oven for about five to six minutes.
- Take out and serve.
If your donuts are on the dryer side, you can pour a few drops of water onto them and wrap them in foil.
Be cautious with this method if the donut is topped with icing since it could stick to the foil wrapping.
Can You Eat Cold Donuts?
You might’ve needed to store your donuts for more than a couple of days or had to refrigerate them. Now, you’re wondering if you can eat the donuts straight from the fridge.
Well, it won’t cause any health concerns, but after being left for prolonged periods, the pastry will likely become stale and won’t hold its original fluffy texture.
If it has icing on it, it’ll likely be dried and cracked by then. Sprinkles will also taste stale, so it’s generally better to reheat a donut before eating it.
Can You Pan-Fry Donuts?
Yes, you can pan-fry donuts. You’ll only need a non-stick pan and some butter. Here’s a simple step-by-step.
- Heat the pan over medium-high heat.
- Swirl a tiny piece of butter in the pan until it melts.
- Place the donut on the pan and fry it for a minute or two on each side.
- Add a few drops of water and cover the pan if the donut is dry.
Pan-frying the donut will produce one of the crispiest results while maintaining a soft interior. Besides, you can get creative with this method!
I once had a couple of leftover bare donuts and decided to create a melted cheese donut sandwich using them.
You only need to cut the donut in half, add cheese, and fry away!
Start by pan-frying one half of the donut. Then, place the cheese-side half on the pan with the cheese facing up. Cover it and allow it to melt. When it’s done, close your donut sandwich with the other piece.
You can add other ingredients to make a hearty breakfast, like bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns.
Can You Reheat Donuts in the Air Fryer?
You can reheat your donuts in the air fryer—all it takes is one to two minutes. You’ll restore the donut’s crisp outer layer and soft, pillowy interior. Here’s what you need to do:
- Place parchment paper over your air fryer basket.
- Preheat it to 350°F.
- Put the donuts in the air fryer basket.
- Allow them to heat for one to two minutes.
- Take them out and serve.
Can You Steam Donuts?
Steaming might not have been the first method to cross your mind, but it can still produce fluffy results because it’ll bring back the stale donut’s lost moisture.
All you have to do is leave the donuts in the steamer for about two to three minutes. Then, leave them to rest for 30 seconds before serving.
Some methods tend to dry the cream or jelly out, but steaming will keep them creamy and soft.
What Is the Best Way to Store Donuts?
You wouldn’t want your leftover donuts to turn out stale or crusty the next day. Luckily, there are several ways you can store your donut to get the best-reheated results.
I prefer putting mine in an airtight container and placing it in the fridge. They’ll last for a week and won’t dry out on you.
Another good method is keeping them in a paper bag and storing it in another plastic bag. If you use this method, you can leave the bag at room temperature. However, that only works if you’re eating the donuts the next day. Otherwise, they’ll go stale.
If you’re storing your donuts for longer than a week, you can toss them in the freezer. They can last up to three months when sealed in a zip-lock or freezer bag. However, you’ll have to thaw them before serving.
Can You Reuse Leftover Donuts?
You could have a dozen leftover donuts from a previous get-together lying in your fridge. The problem is, you might not be in the mood to eat the leftover goods.
Fortunately, you don’t have to toss them. Instead, you can create a variety of other sweet delights that you might be more in the mood for. Some of those include:
- Waffle: Create the perfect breakfast by waffling a couple of donuts and using them as bread for a mouthwatering bacon and cheese or ice cream sandwich.
- Bread Pudding: Brush your donuts with a thick butter and egg layer, sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon, and enjoy the heartwarming quick dessert.
- French Toast: Dunk your leftover sugary delights into an egg mixture, pan-fry them on medium heat, and serve with a generous helping of maple syrup and fresh fruits.
Final Thoughts
How can you reheat donuts? Well, there’s more than one way. You can opt for a crunchy result by using an oven or a microwave to get a mushier texture.
Either way, each method will reap the same outcome: salvaging your leftover donuts.
If you don’t want the donuts, you can always get creative and create other flavorful desserts using the leftovers, like bread pudding and French toast.
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.