Skip The Microwave: How To Reheat Pastries The Right Way - Tasting Table

"Microwaves heat the water molecules inside of food rather than the air around it. This starts from the middle of the food, rather than the outside. As the water molecules are drawn out, steam is created, and since the air in the microwave isn't hot, it doesn't have a chance to evaporate. Instead, that steam will condense on the surface of the food, transforming a once beautiful, flaky croissant, into a soggy, limp mess."

"Meanwhile ovens create dry heat, which will keep pastries crisp and protect the structure of the inside layers. The standard advice is to aim for about five minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Something like a savory breakfast quiche might need a minute or two longer. Once you take the pastries out of the oven, let them rest for a few minutes before eating."

"Reheating pastries in a toaster oven isn't advisable as the heat won't be distributed evenly but you can use an air fryer if you're really in a rush. Just make sure the pastry is heavy enough to weigh itself down, as it could fly all over the place otherwise, and don't cook it for more than two minutes."

"At the bakery, we don't advise reheating anything with a cream-based filling and you'll need to remove any frostings too. You can always just put them back on after the pas"

Microwaves should not be used to reheat pastries because they heat water molecules inside the food, creating steam that condenses on the surface. Since the microwave air is not hot, moisture cannot evaporate, which softens and ruins flaky textures. Ovens provide dry heat that helps preserve crispness and the structure of layered interiors. A common guideline is about five minutes at 350°F, with some items like savory quiche needing one or two extra minutes. After reheating, pastries should rest for a few minutes before eating. Toaster ovens may heat unevenly, while air fryers can work in a rush for no more than two minutes, with the pastry weighted down. Cream-filled pastries and frosted items should not be reheated; remove frosting and add it afterward.

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