Pupusas are one of those magical foods that taste incredible hot off the comal—but what if you have leftovers? Or you’ve stored frozen pupusas for later? The good news is: yes, pupusas can be reheated—and with the right technique, they can taste almost as good (or better!) than when freshly made.
In this guide, we’ll show you the best ways to reheat pupusas using different kitchen appliances—from the comal and skillet to the oven, toaster, microwave, and air fryer. We’ll also reveal the mistakes to avoid and how to revive texture and flavor like a pro.
Yes, You Can Reheat Pupusas—Here’s What You Need to Know
Pupusas reheat beautifully if you treat them right. Whether you’ve got refrigerated leftovers or frozen ones, your goal is to restore:
- That crispy, golden exterior
- The gooey, melted interior
- And the soul-satisfying warmth that makes pupusas irresistible
But not all reheating methods are created equal. Let’s rank them.
Best Way to Reheat Pupusas: The Comal or Skillet Method
Why it’s best:
This method mimics the original cooking process and brings back the perfect crust.
How to do it:
- Preheat a nonstick skillet or comal over medium heat.
- Place the pupusa directly on the pan (no oil needed unless it’s very dry).
- Heat for 2–4 minutes per side, flipping occasionally.
- Press gently with a spatula to ensure even heat and crispiness.
Pro Tip:
If your pupusa is a bit dry, cover with a lid for 1 minute at the end to steam it slightly without losing the crunch.
Second Best: Toaster Oven or Conventional Oven
Great for reheating several pupusas at once without drying them out.
How to reheat in the oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wrap pupusas in foil (optional: sprinkle a few drops of water inside for moisture).
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, then unwrap and broil for 2 minutes if you want extra crisp.
Microwave Method: Fast but Risky
Use this method only if you’re short on time. Microwaving can make pupusas soft or soggy—especially the outer crust—but with a little finesse, it works.
How to microwave pupusas:
- Wrap in a slightly damp paper towel.
- Microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes.
- Let it sit for 30 seconds before eating.
Avoid:
- Overheating (it turns the dough rubbery)
- Microwaving without any moisture (it’ll get hard)
Best for Crispiness: Air Fryer
If you want that crispy golden exterior without turning on the stove, the air fryer is a game changer.
How to use an air fryer:
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place pupusa in basket (don’t overcrowd).
- Heat for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Bonus:
This method revives frozen cooked pupusas straight from the freezer too!
How to Reheat Frozen Pupusas (Cooked or Raw)
If you’ve frozen your pupusas, the reheating method depends on whether they were cooked first or frozen raw.
For Cooked & Frozen Pupusas:
- Use oven, skillet, or air fryer
- Reheat directly from frozen
- Add 2–4 extra minutes to total time
For Raw & Frozen Pupusas:
- Do not thaw!
- Cook directly on comal over medium-low heat
- 6–8 minutes per side, until cooked through
Want more tips on freezing? Read: Can Pupusas Be Frozen? Full Guide
Quick Comparison Table: Best Ways to Reheat Pupusas
| Method | Texture | Time | Effort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comal/Skillet | Crispy + gooey | 5–8 min | Medium | Best overall texture |
| Oven | Even + soft crust | 10–15 min | Medium | Multiple pupusas |
| Air Fryer | Crispy edges | 6–8 min | Easy | Small batches, crispiness |
| Microwave | Soft + fast | 2 min | Easy | Quick solo snack |
What About Reheating Pupusas de Arroz?
Pupusas made with rice flour reheat just as well—but they tend to be more delicate, especially in the microwave.
Best methods:
- Skillet or comal
- Oven or air fryer (with foil)
Avoid over-handling rice pupusas while hot—they can crack more easily than corn pupusas.
Can Reheated Pupusas Taste as Good as Fresh?
Absolutely! Many Salvadorans reheat pupusas daily—and often prefer them slightly crispy from a second pass on the comal. The key is even heat, no rushing, and never using high direct flame.
Some people even claim day-old pupusas that have been reheated properly are crispier and more flavorful, as the dough has had time to firm up.
What About the Curtido and Salsa?
Curtido (pickled cabbage slaw) and salsa roja are best served cold or at room temperature.
But if you stored them in the fridge:
- Salsa roja: Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warm (not boiling)
- Curtido: NEVER microwave—just let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving
Common Mistakes When Reheating Pupusas
Avoid these reheating sins:
- Using high heat: Burns outside, leaves inside cold.
- Skipping the flip: Causes uneven texture.
- Microwaving without moisture: Leads to dry, tough dough.
- Not sealing in heat (in oven): Results in dry, cracked pupusas.
- Thawing raw pupusas before cooking: They’ll fall apart!
Can I Meal Prep with Pupusas?
Definitely! Pupusas are one of the most meal-prep-friendly foods in Latin American cuisine.
Meal prep tips:
- Make a batch of raw pupusas and freeze individually.
- Cook pupusas and refrigerate for 3–4 days.
- Store curtido in a sealed jar for up to 2 weeks.
Just reheat as needed and enjoy a Salvadoran feast on demand.
Summary
Yes, pupusas can absolutely be reheated—and taste amazing with the right method. For best results, use a comal or skillet. Air fryers work wonders for crispiness. Ovens are great for reheating several at once. Microwaves are fine in a pinch, but not ideal. Whether they’re corn, rice, or flour-based, your pupusas can go from fridge or freezer back to delicious in minutes.
