How To Reheat Donuts

Donuts are a popular treat that many people enjoy, whether as a breakfast pastry or a sweet snack. However, when you have leftover donuts that have gone stale or have been stored in the refrigerator, it can be disappointing to bite into a cold and tough pastry. Fortunately, there are ways to reheat donuts to restore their softness and deliciousness. In this article, we will explore various methods of reheating donuts and provide you with some tips on how to achieve the best results. So if you’re wondering how to reheat donuts, read on to find out!

Donuts

How to make Donuts

To make donuts, start with the donut dough. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Heat milk, water, butter, and egg yolks together until warm, then add to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until combined, then beat at high speed for about 3 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.

Once risen, punch down the dough. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two different sized cutters to cut out donut shapes. Place cut out donuts and donut holes on a greased baking sheet, cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.

Heat several inches of vegetable or canola oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350-375 F. Fry donuts in batches without crowding – turn only once, frying about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly, then dredge in sugar, cinnamon sugar, or your favorite icing or glaze.

For extra decadence, you can fill injected donuts after frying. Let the donuts cool completely, then use a skewer or syringe to inject filling into the side of each donut. Fillings include jelly, custard, cream, or nutella. Dust with powdered sugar or top with your favorite drizzle.

Overall, the keys to light and fluffy donuts are: letting the yeast dough rise sufficiently, not over-rolling or handling the dough, allowing cut out donuts to rise again before frying, and frying at the proper oil temperature. Done properly, you’ll have hot, fresh donuts that rival any bakery! You can also get creative with different flavors and toppings to make your perfect donuts. Enjoy!

How To Make Donuts

Can you reheat donuts?

Yes, you can definitely reheat donuts! In fact, reheating donuts can help restore their texture and flavor if they have gone stale or have been stored in the refrigerator. There are several methods you can use to reheat donuts, including using an oven, microwave, or skillet. The key is to be careful not to overheat the donuts, which can make them dry or rubbery. With the right technique, you can enjoy warm and delicious donuts anytime, even if they were originally purchased or made a few days ago.

How To Reheat Donuts – The best ways

There are several ways to reheat donuts, and each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few options you can try:

How to reheat donuts in an oven?

Reheating donuts in an oven is a great way to restore their texture and crispness. Here are the steps to follow:

Start by placing the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Do not cover the donuts, as trapped moisture will make them soggy. For most donuts, bake in a preheated 300 F oven for 5 to 8 minutes, depending on donut type, until warmed through. 

Check on the donuts about halfway through to see if they are softening and warming, and rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees for even heating. Donuts may need up to 10 minutes total reheating time. To check if donuts are ready, gently squeeze the side of one donut – it should feel warm all the way through with no cold or hard center left.

Let the reheated donuts stand for 1 to 2 minutes before serving or topping. The standing period helps the donuts firm up slightly as they cool – they will be very soft immediately after reheating but will still be warm when served.

Be very careful removing the baking sheet from the oven, as the sheet and donuts will be extremely hot. Oven mitts are recommended. Ensure donuts are not left in the oven for too long, as they can become dried out. It is best to under-bake donuts slightly, as they can continue reheating for a minute after removal from the oven.

Donuts reheated in the oven will be warm all the way through with a texture similar to freshly baked donuts. The donuts may develop a slightly firmer crust on the outside and bottom compared to freshly fried donuts. Split or filled donuts may leak filling during reheating – piping in new filling after reheating is recommended. Let your reheated donuts stand for at least 30 seconds before topping or filling to allow the temperature to stabilize and avoid melting icing or fillings.

Reheating donuts in an oven?

How to reheat donuts in a microwave?

To reheat donuts in the microwave, start by placing one or two donuts on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer. Do not stack the donuts on top of each other. Heat the donuts in short 30 second bursts, flipping them over in between, until they are warmed through. This usually takes 1 to 2 minutes total for most donuts. Microwave ovens vary in power, so keep a close eye on the donuts.

Check the donuts frequently while reheating. Gently squeeze the side of one donut to check if it feels soft all the way to the center with no hard or cold spots remaining. Be very careful removing the plate from the microwave, as the plate will be extremely hot. Wear oven mitts and remove slowly.

Let the reheated donuts stand for 30 to 60 seconds before serving or topping. The standing time allows the temperature to stabilize and helps the donuts firm up slightly, as they will be very soft immediately after microwaving. Microwaved donuts may develop a slightly tough or chewy texture, especially if overheated. It is best to under-heat donuts slightly, as they will continue reheating for a short time after removal from the microwave.

Split or filled donuts may leak filling during reheating in the microwave. Check the donuts frequently and puncture or vent the donuts before microwaving to allow steam to release, then pipe in new filling after reheating. Icing, glazes or candy decorations may melt during microwaving – re-apply or change toppings before serving reheated donuts.

Microwaving donuts is quick but can produce variable results. For the best quality, use the oven reheating method whenever possible. Only use the microwave to reheat donuts in a pinch. Enjoy your reheated donuts!

Reheating donuts in a microwave

How to reheat donuts in an air fryer?

To reheat donuts in an air fryer, start by placing one or two donuts in the air fryer basket in a single layer without crowding. Do not stack donuts on top of each other. Spray the basket with cooking oil or mist and slide the basket into the air fryer.

Air fry donuts at 350-375 F for 3 to 5 minutes, shaking the basket once during cooking, until the donuts are warmed through. Check on the donuts frequently while reheating – they can become dried out quickly in the air fryer. Gently squeeze one donut to check that it feels soft in the center with no cold spots. Carefully pull out the air fryer basket to check donuts – hot air will release, so wear oven mitts.

Remove donuts immediately once warmed and let stand for 30-60 seconds before serving or topping. The standing time allows the internal temperature to stabilize and helps the donuts firm up slightly. Air fryer reheated donuts will be crisp on the outside but still soft and warm on the inside. Split or filled donuts may leak filling during air frying – fill after reheating.

Air frying is a quick method to reheat donuts and produces donuts with a texture similar to freshly fried. However, the intense heat can cause donuts to dry out fast. Check donuts frequently and remove as soon as warmed. Only reheat unfilled donuts in the air fryer. For filled or topped donuts, use the oven reheating method.

Reheating donut in an air fryer

How to reheat donuts in a pan?

To reheat donuts in a pan, start by placing one or two donuts in a skillet, sauté pan or griddle over low heat. Do not crowd the pan with too many donuts at once which will cause them to steam rather than reheat evenly. Melt about 1 teaspoon of butter or heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in the pan before adding donuts. 

Cook donuts until warmed through, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Flip donuts only once while reheating. Check the underside of one donut – it should be evenly browned and softening before flipping. The donut should feel soft all over with no hard or cold spots remaining once reheated.

Let the reheated donuts stand in the pan off the heat for 30 to 60 seconds before transferring to a plate or rack. The standing time helps the internal temperature stabilize and the donuts firm up slightly. Be very carefully removing the donuts from the pan, as the pan and donuts will be extremely hot. Wear oven mitts or use tongs to transfer donuts.

Pan reheating donuts results in a crisp, golden crust similar to freshly fried donuts. However, the donuts can become greasy if too much butter or oil is used. Gently blot reheated donuts with paper towels before serving. Only reheat unfilled donuts in the pan – use another method for split or filled donuts.

Reheating donuts in a pan

How to reheat donuts in a toaster oven

To reheat donuts in a toaster oven, start by placing one or two donuts on the rack in a single layer without crowding. Do not stack donuts on top of each other. Set the toaster oven to bake at 300-350 F. For most donuts, 3 to 5 minutes of reheating time is needed. Keep a close eye on the donuts to avoid overbaking.

Check on the donuts frequently while reheating. Gently squeeze one donut to check that it feels soft all the way through with no hard or cold spots in the center. The donut is ready when it is warmed completely and starts to become slightly firm to the touch. Carefully slide out the toaster oven rack to check on the donuts. Wear oven mitts, as the rack and donuts will be extremely hot.

Remove the donuts immediately once warmed and let stand for 1 minute before serving or topping. The short standing time helps the internal temperature stabilize and the donuts firm up slightly. Toaster oven reheat donuts will be crisp on the outside but still soft and warm on the inside. Split or filled donuts may leak filling during reheating – fill after warming.

Be very careful when handling the hot rack and donuts. Toaster ovens vary in power, so keep a close eye on the donuts as they can become dried out quickly. It is best to under-bake donuts slightly. Only reheat unfilled donuts in the toaster oven – use another method for filled donuts.

Reheating donuts in a toaster oven

How to store donuts

To store donuts, start by waiting for freshly baked donuts to cool completely after frying or baking. Warm donuts do not store well and can become soggy in an airtight container or bag. For whole donuts, place in a single layer without crowding or stacking on top of each other in an airtight container, plastic ziplock bags or wrap tightly in plastic wrap, foil or wax paper.  

For the best quality, store donuts for up to 3 days at room temperature. Keep away from direct heat and light. Before eating, simply reheat individual donuts for 5-10 seconds in the microwave using short bursts or heat in a 300 F oven for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

For longer storage up to 1 week, store donuts in an airtight container or sealed bags and keep refrigerated. When ready to eat, reheat donuts thoroughly by microwaving in short 30 second bursts or heating in a 300 F preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 165 F to ensure safety and quality. Do not store frosted or filled donuts in the refrigerator which can cause condensation and make the donuts soggy.

To freeze donuts for longer than 1 week, place cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or vacuum seal bags. Properly wrapped and frozen, donuts can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw donuts completely on the counter and reheat before eating as directed. Do not thaw and refreeze donuts which can lead to foodborne illness. 

When reheating donuts, check that they are warmed all the way through with no cold spots. Let stand for 1 minute before serving to allow the temperature to equalize and the donuts to firm up. Be very careful when handling reheated donuts and containers which will be extremely hot. Enjoy your stored donuts! Let me know if you have any other questions about properly storing different types of donuts

How long can you store donuts?

Freshly baked or fried donuts will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly at room temperature. Keep donuts in an airtight container or sealed plastic bags away from heat and light. Before eating after 2 days, check that the donuts smell and look normal – there should be no mold, unpleasant odors or slimy textures which indicate spoilage. It is best to avoid eating donuts more than 3 days after baking or frying for quality and safety.

When refrigerated, most donuts will last for up to 1 week. Place donuts in an airtight container or sealed bags and store in the refrigerator within 2 hours of baking or frying. Remove donuts from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before eating to take the chill off. Before eating, reheat refrigerated donuts thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165 F. Do not store frosted or filled donuts in the refrigerator where condensation can form.

Donuts will last up to 3 months when properly frozen. To freeze donuts, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or vacuum seal bags. When ready to eat, thaw donuts completely at room temperature before reheating as directed. Do not thaw and refreeze donuts.   

The key factor for maximizing donut shelf life is moisture – the less moisture donuts are exposed to, the longer they will last. An airtight container, plastic wrap, ziplock bags or vacuum sealing prevents excess moisture from reaching the donuts which can cause mold or spoilage. Prevent condensation which forms when items are improperly sealed or stored. Always check that donuts smell and look normal before eating when stored for longer periods. 

Reheated leftover donuts may not have the same texture as fresh donuts but when stored and reheated properly, leftover donuts can still be enjoyed within recommended timeframes. However, for food safety reasons do not keep or eat donuts longer than 3 days at room temperature, 1 week refrigerated or 3 months frozen. It is best to enjoy your donuts fresh whenever possible!

How to Keep Your Donuts Fresh Overnight?

To keep donuts fresh overnight, start by waiting for donuts to cool completely after baking or frying before storing. Warm donuts will not stay fresh overnight and can become soggy. Place cooled donuts in an airtight container or seal tightly in plastic wrap, foil, wax paper or ziplock bags. Make sure the container or bags are properly sealed to keep air out.

Store donuts at room temperature away from heat and light. Do not refrigerate donuts overnight which can cause condensation and make them soggy. Before eating, simply reheat individual donuts for 5-10 seconds in the microwave using short bursts or heat in a 300 F oven for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy donuts within 12 hours of storing for best quality and freshness.

For yeast-leavened donuts like raised glazed donuts, keeping them out at room temperature overnight allows the yeast to continue to gently raise the donuts. Donuts may look slightly larger the next day but will still taste fresh when warmed before eating. Cake donuts also stay well when left at room temperature overnight. However, specialized donuts with perishable fillings or toppings are best eaten within 8 hours.

When properly stored in an airtight container or sealed wrap, most basic donuts will taste close to fresh for up to 12 hours after baking or frying. However, for the best taste and texture, donuts are best enjoyed the same day whenever possible. Do not keep any leftover donuts to eat the next day more than once – make a fresh batch and do not continue storing donuts for days. 

For donuts with a fried crust like old fashioned cake donuts, the crust may soften slightly overnight but will still be good when reheated before eating the next day. The key is keeping air and moisture exposure to a minimum.

How to reheat donuts

How to reheat frozen donuts?

To reheat frozen donuts, start by thawing the donuts completely in the refrigerator overnight. Make sure donuts are in an airtight container or sealed bag while thawing. Do not thaw donuts on the counter which can cause bacterial growth. Thawed donuts will last up to 3 days refrigerated – discard any leftover donuts. Do not refreeze thawed donuts.

Once thawed, remove donuts from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before reheating to take the chill off. Reheat thawed donuts in a 300 F preheated oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 F. Check on donuts frequently while reheating and flip over halfway through. Donuts are ready when warmed all the way through with no cold spots.

You can also reheat thawed donuts briefly in the microwave using 30 second bursts, flipping each time, until heated through. However, the oven method provides more even results. Be extremely careful when removing donuts from the oven or microwave as containers will be very hot.

Let the reheated donuts stand for 1 to 2 minutes before serving or topping. The standing time allows the temperature to stabilize and helps the donuts firm up slightly. Frozen donuts reheated properly can taste nearly fresh, however, the texture may be slightly different from fresh donuts.

Only reheat thawed donuts once after the initial thawing. Do not re-freeze reheated donuts. For food safety, discard any donuts left after 2 to 3 days refrigerated or 12 hours at room temperature. When thawing and reheating frozen donuts, it is important to follow proper procedures to ensure they are safe to eat before enjoying.

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/scillsgrill/

Website: https://scillsgrill.com/