Can you reheat chips?
CHIPS are one of the UK’s favourite foods, and have even been named as the snack that makes Brits the happiest.
The crispy, salty treats, made from potatoes, are extremely versatile, and are a staple of many fast food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC, but what happens if we make too many or can’t finish them all in one go?
Can you reheat chips?
Yes, chips can safely be reheated.
Reheating chips is just like cooking them again – and can make them even more delicious.
To ensure they are warmed up safely, leftover chips should be cooled as quickly as possible after being cooked for the first time.
While other leftovers like egg fried rice or porridge are advised to then be placed in an air-tight container, chips should be placed the fridge under a loose cover.
This is because sealing leftover potatoes or chips completely can cause bacteria growth.
Bacteria can then lead to food poisoning.
Chips will be safe to eat from the fridge for three to five days but, if you want them to last longer, they can freeze for two to three months.
What is the best way to reheat chips?
The best way to reheat chips is to deep fry them, as this makes them extra crispy and delicious.
This isn’t the easiest or most time-efficient method, however, and definitely is not an option if you are using your chips for meal prep.
Chips can be reheated in the microwave but they can end up soggy.
Heating them in the oven for three to five minutes retains their crispness – and you don’t even need to add any oil.
Frying them on a stove top is also an option.
For this method, it is recommended you use a small amount of oil and a very hot pan.
Be sure to move the chips regularly so they don’t burn.
Once they’re hot, your chips can be served however you like them.
Popular sauces include ketchup, BBQ sauce and mayonnaise.
Salt and pepper can also be added to your liking.
Of course, one of the most common accompaniments to chips is fish.
In the UK, there are a huge number of fish and chip shops serving the popular dish.
How many times can you reheat chips?
As is the advice for most foods, chips should only be reheated once.
This is to prevent the risk of food poisoning that can be caused when bacteria multiplies.
Bacteria spreads each time food cools down so any additional reheating increases the amount of potential bacteria ingested.
Each year, around one million people in the UK get sick with food poisoning.
One of the main causes is Campylobacter, a bacteria which is transmitted to humans from animal products, while others include listeria and salmonella.