Are you wondering how to reheat a burger to enjoy its delicious flavors even after it has been sitting in the fridge? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the best methods to reheat a burger while keeping it juicy and flavorful. Whether you have leftover burgers from last night’s barbecue or you want to revive a cold burger from your favorite fast food restaurant, we’ve got you covered.

Air fryer hamburger on a grey plate with fries.

โค๏ธ Why you will love this post

Quick and Easy: Discover simple techniques to reheat burgers effectively, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.

Tastes Great: Learn how to preserve the flavors and textures of your burger, ensuring it remains delicious and satisfying.

Reduce Food Waste: Instead of throwing away leftover burgers, learn how to transform them into a delectable meal, reducing food waste.

Various Reheating Methods: Explore different methods such as microwave, oven, air fryer, grill, toaster oven, and stovetop, allowing you to choose the most suitable option based on your preferences and available resources.

Troubleshooting Tips: Overcome common problems like dryness, uneven reheating, or loss of juiciness with expert troubleshooting advice.

Elevate Your Burger Experience: Turn lackluster leftovers into mouthwatering meals that will leave you wanting more, giving you a newfound appreciation for reheated burgers.

๐Ÿซ™ How to store leftover hamburgers properly for later

When it comes to reheating burgers, ensuring proper food safety is critical. It begins with handling and storing leftover burgers safely from the moment they’re cooked. Always remember the following tips:

  • Don’t leave it too long: Refrigerate or freeze extra burgers within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Leaving them at room temperature for too long can lead to foodborne illnesses.
  • Proper storage containers: Place the beef burgers in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps maintain freshness and prevents cross-contamination in the refrigerator or freezer.
  • Label and date: If you’re storing burgers for more than a day, it’s a good practice to label the containers with the date to ensure you consume them before they spoil. We use a whiteboard marker on glass containers which is easy to wipe clean later.

Fancy making and freezing hamburgers for later? Check out my post on How to Freeze Hamburgers (Raw or Cooked).

Storing hamburger patties.

๐Ÿค” 4 Things to Keep in Mind When Reheating Burgers

If you don’t reheat burgers properly, you may cause food safety risks which may lead to illnesses. These risks primarily arise from undercooking or uneven heating. Insufficient reheating may not kill harmful bacteria, such as E. coli or Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. Additionally, uneven heating can result in some parts of the burger being hot while others remain cold, increasing the risk of consuming bacteria or even just the taste and texture being unenjoyable.

To ensure your safety and the quality of reheated burgers, consider the following tips for the best results:

  1. Thawing frozen burgers: If reheating frozen burgers, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth. You can also cook them straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
  2. Reheat to the right temperature: Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the reheated burger reaches 165°F (74°C). This temperature kills bacteria and ensures food safety.
  3. Avoid repeated reheating: While it may be tempting to reheat a burger a second time, doing so increases the risk of bacterial growth. Only reheat the portion you plan to consume to maintain quality and safety.
  4. Use caution with toppings: If your burger has additional toppings like lettuce, fresh slices of tomatoes, or sauces, I recommend removing them before reheating and then adding them after to maintain their freshness and prevent texture changes. For things like lettuce, if it’s a bit brown and floppy I just replace it with fresh greens. 

๐Ÿ”ฅ 6 Ways to Reheat a Burger

When it comes to reheating a burger, there are 6 easy ways that I’ve tried and they all work pretty well. Let’s explore each method in detail to help you choose the one that suits you best.

Microwave Reheating

If you’re looking for a quick and easy method, reheating a burger in the microwave is a great choice. Follow these steps for microwave reheating:

  1. Place the burger on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the burger with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe dish. You can also just drape a damp paper towel over the patty.
  3. Microwave the burger on medium-high heat for about 30 seconds at a time.
  4. After each interval, check the burger’s internal temperature by using a meat thermometer until it reaches the desired temperature which is 165°F (74°C).
  5. Once reheated, let the burger sit for a minute or two before digging in.

Reheating in the Oven

The oven is a reliable and consistent way to reheat burgers. Follow these steps for optimal results:

  1. Preheat the oven to a temperature of 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the burger on a baking pan or sheet.
  3. Have a whole burger to reheat? You can also place the buns on the baking sheet to crisp them back up. No one likes soggy buns! If you have leftover fries, pop them in the same pan too.
  4. Cover the burger with aluminum foil to retain its moisture.
  5. Bake the hamburger patty or patties for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches the desired temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Once reheated, remove the burger patties from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before enjoying it.

If you’re a fan of oven-baked burgers, check out How to Cook Frozen Burgers Perfectly in the Oven.

Cooked burgers on a wire rack over aluminum foil on a baking sheet.

Using a Toaster Oven

A toaster oven is a great way to reheat your burger as an alternative to a regular oven. Follow the same steps mentioned above, adjusting the cooking time as per your toaster oven’s specifications. Here’s what I did:

  1. Preheat your Toaster Oven by setting it to the recommended temperature, typically around 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the hamburger patty on a baking sheet or directly on the metal rack. Reheat the burger for approximately 10-15 minutes, flipping it halfway through for even heating.
  3. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the burger is thoroughly reheated. Adjust the time based on the size and thickness of the burger and the specific model of your Toaster Oven.

Reheat a burger on the grill

Grilling is a fantastic method for reheating burgers, offering a distinct smoky flavor and a charred exterior. Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly reheated burger on the grill, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature while creating those delightful grill marks. Enjoy the unique taste and texture that grilling brings to your leftover burger.

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C), and make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the burger from sticking.
  2. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, flipping the burger once, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  3. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the burger is thoroughly reheated. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the burger and your desired level of doneness.
Reheating a burger on the grill.

Reheat burgers on the Stovetop

If you prefer a quick and hands-on approach, reheating a burger on the stovetop is an excellent choice. Here’s how to reheat burger:

  1. Heat a frying pan (e.g. a non-stick pan or cast iron skillet) over medium heat.
  2. Place the burger in the frying pan and cover it with a lid to retain moisture.
  3. Cook the hamburger patty for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches the desired temperature.
  4. Once heated through, remove the burger from the pan and let it rest for a moment before devouring.

Reheat burgers in the Air Fryer (easiest way!)

Air fryers are known for their ability to provide crispy results, even when reheating food. For me, this is the best way to reheat burger patties. It is always my go-to. To reheat a burger in an air fryer, follow these steps:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to around 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the meat burger or burgers in the air fryer basket.
  3. If desired, you can add cheese or other toppings like Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor.
  4. Cook the burger for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until it reaches the desired temperature. Tip: flip the burger over halfway through so that the patty evenly heats through.
  5. Once reheated, remove the burger from the air fryer and let it cool briefly before digging in.

For more tips and tricks, check out my post on How to Reheat a Burger in the Air Fryer!

Reheating burgers in an air fryer.

๐Ÿง€ Reheating Methods for Different Preferences

Reheating for a Juicy Burger

To avoid a dry burger and make sure your reheated burger remains juicy, follow these tips:

  1. Use a microwave-safe dish with a lid.
  2. Place a slightly damp paper towel on top of the burger before covering it with the lid.
  3. Microwave the burger on medium-high heat in 30-second intervals, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer until it reaches the desired temperature.

Reheating for a Crispy Exterior

If you prefer a burger with a crispy exterior, try these methods:

  1. Reheat the burger in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the burger in the skillet and cook it for a few minutes on each side until it reaches the desired crispness.
  3. Alternatively, another easy way is to reheat the burger on a grill preheated to medium-high heat. Place it directly on the grill rack and cook it for a few minutes on each side.

Reheating with Added Cheese

If you want to enjoy a melted cheese topping on your reheated burger, follow these steps:

  1. Reheat the burger using your preferred method until it’s almost done.
  2. Add cheese slices on top of the burger and cover it to let the cheese melt.
  3. Continue reheating for a short time until the slice of cheese melts perfectly (up to one minute works for me!).
Cheese slices on hamburgers in an air fryer.

Reheat with Seasoning or Sauce

Adding seasoning or sauces to a burger before reheating really boosts the flavor. Here are a couple of tips to try:

  1. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce or your favorite seasoning on the burger before reheating to infuse it with additional flavor.
  2. Marinate the burger patty in a sauce for 30 minutes before reheating it.
  3. Sprinkle your favorite seasoning over the patties before reheating. I love taco seasoning for a Mexican twist.

If you’re looking for more ways to season burger patties, chicken out my post on 21 Ways to Season Frozen Hamburgers. It works with unfrozen burgers too!

Frozen hamburgers sprinkled with seasoning next to a pinch bowl of seasoning with a spoon.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ How to Serve the Reheated Burger

Adding Flavor to Reheated Burgers

Once the burger is thoroughly reheated, it’s time to add back the burger components like delicious toppings and condiments. Layer the leftover hamburgers with fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, pickles, onions, cheese, and your favorite sauces like Ketchup, BBQ Sauce, Ranch, Mayo, and Spicy Mayo to enhance their flavor and texture. It’s important to add these after reheating to maintain their freshness and flavor.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your reheated burger. Try adding additional ingredients such as avocado, bacon, caramelized onions, or different types of cheeses. Experiment with a variety of sauces and spreads to personalize your burger and elevate its flavors. My favorite flavor combo at the moment is chili jam, blue cheese, and bacon. Amazing!

For an extra touch of deliciousness, consider toasting the burger buns. Place the bun halves in a toaster, air fryer, or under the broiler for a few minutes until they become slightly crisp and golden. This step adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall taste experience.

Sides

Some sides I serve with burgers are the classics: French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Curly Fries, Healthy Coleslaw, Sauerkraut, and Pickled Beet Salad.

๐Ÿ” Best Burger Recipe

If you’re looking for the most amazing burger recipe to cook from scratch, my Best Burger Recipe with Worcestershire Sauce is not just a name. It truly is the best! Super juicy, and packed with flavor, it’ll become your go-to hamburger recipe for grilling, air fryer, oven, or stove-top cooking.

๐Ÿ’ญ Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You now know how to reheat a burger and enjoy it as if it were freshly cooked. Remember, whether you choose the oven, toaster oven, stovetop, microwave, grill, or air fryer, the key is to maintain the delicious burger’s moisture and prevent it from drying out. Experiment with different methods to find your favorite way of reheating a burger. So go ahead, bring your leftover burger back to life, and indulge in its deliciousness!

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reheat a burger in a regular oven?

Absolutely! Reheating a burger in a regular oven is a great method. Just follow the steps mentioned earlier to achieve tasty results.

Should I bring the burger to room temperature before reheating it?

It’s not necessary, but allowing the burger to sit at room temperature for a few minutes can help it heat more evenly.

How can I prevent the buns from becoming soggy when reheating?

To prevent soggy buns, place a baking sheet underneath the burger buns in the oven or toaster oven. The heat from the baking sheet will help the buns crisp back up nicely. You can also pop them in the air fryer. The circulating air acts just like the oven resulting in perfectly reheated buns.

What’s the best way to reheat a McDonald’s cheeseburger?

For me, the best way to reheat a McDonald’s burger is the air fryer. Place the hamburger patty, and the top and bottom of the buns in a single layer. You can also add the fries in if there is enough space. Air fry for about 5 minutes, until heated though. Add fresh toppings on and enjoy!

Air Fryer Hamburger on a grey plate with fries.

๐Ÿ˜‹ More easy recipes you will love

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