Reheating Baked Fish: Air Fryer Safe?

Baked fish is a delicious dish, but what happens when you have leftovers? Can you reheat baked fish in an air fryer and achieve that coveted crispy texture without sacrificing taste? The answer is yes! Reheating fish in an air fryer is a convenient and effective way to enjoy your leftovers without compromising on quality. Say goodbye to soggy fish and hello to a crispy exterior and a warm, tender interior.

How to prepare the fish for reheating

Preparing your fish for reheating is a simple process. Firstly, it is important to note that you should only reheat fish in the air fryer once, so make sure you have a good amount of leftovers to enjoy!

To prepare the fish, start by removing it from the refrigerator and letting it sit at room temperature for around 5 minutes. This will help the fish reheat more evenly. Then, use paper towels to gently pat the fish dry, removing any excess moisture to prevent sogginess during the reheating process.

If you're reheating battered or breaded fish, the next step is to lightly brush or spray the fish with a small amount of oil. This will enhance the crispy texture of the batter or breading. However, if the coating is already oily, you can skip this step.

Now your fish is ready to be placed in the air fryer! Arrange the fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between them to ensure proper air circulation. If you have a large quantity of fish, you may need to reheat in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect crispiness.

Finally, if you're reheating fish with a drier coating, you can spritz it with a little cooking oil to add some needed moisture and help it crisp up.

Your fish is now ready to be reheated in the air fryer!

Air fryer temperature and duration

The ideal temperature and duration for reheating baked fish in an air fryer will depend on the type of fish and whether it is breaded or not.

For non-breaded fish, preheat your air fryer to around 350-370°F (180-190°C). Lay the fish in the air fryer in a single layer, leaving space between each filet to ensure proper air circulation. Reheat for 3-5 minutes, gently flipping the filets halfway through.

For breaded fish, preheat your air fryer to around 380-400°F (190-200°C). Again, lay the fish in a single layer, leaving space for air circulation. Reheat for 3-4 minutes, or until the outside is crispy, flipping halfway through.

The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of the filets and the model of your air fryer, so it is important to monitor the fish closely to prevent overcooking.

How to serve the reheated fish

Now that you've successfully reheated your baked fish in the air fryer, it's time to serve it! Here are some tips and suggestions to make your meal delicious and enjoyable:

• Temperature and Timing: Ensure that your reheated fish is served immediately. It's best enjoyed right after cooking to savor the crispy and flavorful outcome without delay.
• Sides and Accompaniments: Pair your reheated fish with your favorite sides, sauces, or salads to make it a complete meal. Some suggested sides include air fryer green beans, instant pot glazed carrots, or roasted carrots and asparagus. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce such as mango salsa or a zesty lemon juice drizzle.
• Salads and Pasta: If you want to incorporate the leftover fish into a new dish, consider adding it to a salad or pasta dish. This can be a great way to give your leftovers a fresh twist.
• Flavor Enhancements: To boost the flavor of your reheated fish, consider adding extra sauce or seasonings. The sauce can even turn into a sticky glaze! You can also add a touch of spice with chili flakes or cayenne pepper before reheating.
• Nutritional Considerations: Keep in mind that reheating fish in an air fryer preserves nutrients and flavor due to the controlled cooking environment. This makes it a healthier option compared to traditional reheating methods.
• Leftover Storage: If you have any leftovers after serving, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it's recommended not to reheat fish more than twice, as it may become dry.

Remember, when serving reheated fish, it may not taste exactly as it did when freshly cooked. Adjust your expectations, and feel free to get creative with your sides and accompaniments to enhance the overall dining experience.

How to store leftover fish

Leftover fish should be consumed within two to four days to avoid the risk of food poisoning. However, it is best to eat it by the next day for the best taste. If you don't get to eat it, place it in the freezer in an airtight container.

• Wrapping: Keep fresh fish on ice. Although a freezer is too cold for fresh fish, a refrigerator is often too warm. Place your fish on ice (directly or while still wrapped) inside the fridge. As the ice melts, drain the water.
• Containers: Seal your storage containers. Once your fish has been wrapped and covered in ice, seal the container. This maintains freshness and discourages bacterial growth.
• Temperature: Cooked fish should be handled carefully and should not be left out for more than two hours after cooking. Store it in a shallow covered container in the refrigerator at 40°F or less.
• Separation: Store seafood separately from other foods. Fish dries out and goes rancid faster than most other foods.
• Time: Ideally, consume leftover fish within one to two days. Any longer, and it may become dry or develop a slimy covering.

Other ways to reheat fish

Yes, you can reheat baked fish in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Remove the fish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
• Set the air fryer temperature to 320 degrees Fahrenheit/160 degrees Celsius.
• Place the fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Reheat the fish for 6-8 minutes, or until heated through.
• Serve the reheated fish with your choice of sides and sauces.

Now, let's explore some other ways to reheat fish besides using an air fryer:

Oven

Preheat your oven to 275–350 °F (135–177 °C). Cover the fish with foil and place it in the oven for 15 minutes. If your fish is breaded or battered, leave it uncovered to restore crispiness, but be aware that this may cause it to dry out.

Toaster Oven

Toaster ovens are great for reheating breaded and fried fish. Preheat your toaster oven to 275–350 °F (135–177 °C) and cover the fish with foil. Reheat for around 15 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

Stovetop or Skillet

If you're reheating fried fish, a stovetop or skillet can be a good option. Heat a skillet on low, add some oil, and then add the fish. Cover and check every three minutes to prevent overcooking. Flip the fish as little as possible to keep it from flaking.

Microwave

While not ideal, you can use a microwave to reheat fish. Set it to a very low power mode (30–40% power) and reheat in short 30-second bursts, flipping the fish every 30 seconds for even heating.

Remember, when reheating fish, it's important to take a gentle and slow approach to avoid overcooking and drying out the delicate meat.

Frequently asked questions