Reheating Fish Pie: Air Fryer Time And Tips

Fish pie is a traditional British dish that combines flaky fish, creamy sauce, and a golden-brown potato crust. It is a comforting and harmonious blend of flavours and textures. Reheating fish pie can be tricky, as the delicate filling can dry out or become soggy if not done properly. However, an air fryer can be a great solution for this, as it provides even and efficient heating, helping to maintain the crispiness of the pie crust.

Step 1: Prepare the Fish Pie

- Start by allowing any frozen fish pie to thaw properly.

- If you are reheating a fish pie with egg, ensure that both the fish and egg are at room temperature before proceeding.

- Remove the fish pie from its packaging and place it in an air fryer-safe dish or basket.

- If desired, cover the fish pie with aluminium foil to prevent the top from burning and to help retain moisture. However, ensure that the foil does not touch the heating element of the air fryer.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

- Set the air fryer to a temperature between 180°C and 200°C. The ideal temperature may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of your fish pie.

- Allow the air fryer to preheat to the desired temperature before placing the fish pie inside.

Step 3: Reheat the Fish Pie

- Place the fish pie in the air fryer basket and set the timer.

- For a single slice of fish pie, reheat for 5-7 minutes.

- For a whole fish pie, reheat for 15-20 minutes.

- Check the fish pie halfway through the reheating process to ensure even cooking and to prevent overcooking.

- Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish pie. It should reach at least 63°C to be safe to eat.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

- Once the fish pie is reheated to the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately.

- Pair it with your favourite sides, such as vegetables, bread and butter, or a light salad.

- Remember to consume the reheated fish pie within 1-2 days for the best quality and do not reheat it more than once.

What temperature to reheat fish pie in an air fryer

Reheating a fish pie in an air fryer is a quick and convenient method that promotes crispiness without compromising moisture. The circulating hot air in the air fryer ensures that the top of the pie crisps up nicely, resembling a freshly baked texture.

To reheat your fish pie in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to between 300°F and 350°F (150°C to 180°C). Place the fish pie slice in the air fryer basket, ensuring that pieces do not overlap. Reheat for a few minutes and monitor the warmth and crispness halfway through. Adjust the time as needed to avoid overcooking.

For a whole fish pie, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook for 30-40 minutes. If you're cooking a single slice, 10-15 minutes should be sufficient.

It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the fish pie reaches at least 165°F (75°C) to prevent food poisoning. Using a food thermometer is a good way to accurately check the temperature.

How long to reheat a frozen fish pie in an air fryer

Reheating a frozen fish pie in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this classic dish. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your fish pie is heated thoroughly and safely:

Step 1: Prepare the Fish Pie

Start by removing the fish pie from its packaging and placing it in an air fryer-safe dish. Most frozen fish pies come in cartons that can be placed directly into the air fryer basket. If you're using a homemade frozen fish pie, transfer it to a suitable container.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the air fry setting at around 200°C (390°F). Allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure consistent cooking. The preheating time may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Step 3: Cook the Fish Pie

Place the fish pie in the air fryer basket and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and depth of your fish pie, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. For deeper and thinner pies, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Step 4: Check the Temperature

Before serving, it's crucial to ensure that your fish pie has reached a safe internal temperature. Use a temperature probe or food thermometer to check that the pie has reached at least 75°C (165°F). This is important to prevent food poisoning. Insert the probe into the centre of the pie to get an accurate reading.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your fish pie has reached the safe temperature, it's ready to be served! Enjoy it as a comforting and tasty meal. Fish pie pairs well with a variety of sides, such as spring greens, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips and Considerations:

• Avoid reheating frozen fish pie multiple times. It's best to reheat it only once to reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
• If you're reheating a homemade frozen fish pie, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes, especially if your pie is deeper or has a lot of filling.
• Keep in mind that different air fryer models may have varying cooking times and temperatures, so adjust accordingly based on your air fryer's instructions.
• For the best food safety practices, it's recommended not to refreeze a fish pie after it has been defrosted.

How to stop fish pie from drying out in an air fryer

Fish pie is a delicious and comforting dish, but reheating it without drying it out can be a challenge. Here are some tips to ensure your fish pie stays moist and tasty when using an air fryer:

Choose the Right Container

Use a deep baking dish or basket that fits comfortably in your air fryer. A silicone basket is a good option, as it has long handles and a firm base, making it easy to move without spilling. Alternatively, you can use a casserole dish or a baking dish with a loose bottom that fits in your air fryer.

Prepare the Fish Pie

Before placing the fish pie in the air fryer, bring it to room temperature to ensure even heating. This will help prevent the edges and top from overcooking while the centre remains cold.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to a moderate temperature, usually between 300-350°F (150-180°C). Preheating ensures that the fish pie will cook evenly and helps to create a crispy texture.

Cover the Fish Pie

Use aluminium foil to cover the fish pie loosely. This will help to keep the top from drying out and prevent it from burning. However, make sure the foil is tightly wrapped if using it in an air fryer, as the circulating hot air can blow it off.

Reheat in Short Bursts

Check the fish pie frequently to prevent overcooking. Reheat in short bursts, adjusting the time as needed. The goal is to heat the fish pie without drying it out.

Check the Internal Temperature

To ensure food safety, use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the fish pie reaches at least 165°F (75°C). This is crucial to prevent food poisoning.

Avoid Multiple Reheats

Reheat the fish pie only once. Multiple reheating cycles can increase the risk of bacterial growth, making it unsafe to eat.

Cool and Refrigerate Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cool them quickly by removing them from the cooking dish and placing them in a clean container. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a delicious and moist fish pie without worrying about it drying out in the air fryer!

What to serve with fish pie

Fish pie is a hearty and comforting dish, often served as a satisfying meal during colder months. It is typically made with flaked fish, a creamy sauce, and a topping of mashed potatoes or pastry. While it can be enjoyed on its own, there are several side dishes that can enhance your dining experience. Here are some suggestions on what to serve with fish pie:

• Vegetables: Peas, carrots, and green beans are excellent choices to accompany fish pie. They can be steamed, roasted, or sautéed, adding both flavour and nutrition to the meal. Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets offer a natural sweetness and earthy flavour that pairs well with the pie.
• Salads: A mixed green salad with leafy greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a refreshing crunch to your meal. Alternatively, a tomato and onion salad provides a tangy and sharp contrast to the creamy fish pie.
• Bread: A fresh crusty loaf or some garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce of the fish pie.
• Crab cakes or fried shrimp: These seafood additions bring a unique flavour profile and texture to your plate, complementing the fish pie.
• Spinach: Sautéed spinach is a nutritious and tasty side dish, rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Cabbage and bacon: This combination creates a savoury and delicious contrast to the fish pie, with the smoky flavour of bacon and the crunch of cabbage.
• Broccoli: Whether it's Tenderstem® broccoli or its traditional counterpart, broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be steamed, roasted, or sautéed, adding flavour and nutrition to your fish pie meal.
• Sweetcorn: Sweet and crunchy sweetcorn complements the rich and creamy texture of the fish pie, adding a splash of colour to the dish.

Remember, fish pie is a versatile dish, and you can always mix and match different sides to suit your taste preferences and create a well-rounded dining experience.

How to make a fish pie in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Potatoes (Maris Pipers are recommended)
• Salt and Pepper
• Butter
• Milk
• Fish (e.g. smoked haddock, salmon, cod)
• Prawns (cooked or uncooked, peeled and prepared)
• Grated Cheddar Cheese
• Eggs
• Spring onions
• Dill
• Flour
• Dijon Mustard
• Peas

Utensils:

• Three flameproof pans (one for the eggs, one for the mash, and one for the fish pie filling)
• A sharp knife and chopping board
• A baking dish that fits comfortably in your air fryer (silicone baskets with long handles and a firm base are a good option)
• Food thermometer

Method:

• Add four eggs to boiling water, reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until hard-boiled. Drain and soak in cold water.
• Peel and chop the potatoes into 2-3cm chunks.
• Boil the potatoes in lightly salted water for about 20 minutes until softened.
• Drain the potatoes thoroughly, return to the pan and place over a very low heat for 2 minutes to dry them out.
• Add milk, butter and a little salt and pepper to the potatoes. Remove from the heat and mash well. Set aside.
• In a large saucepan or other flameproof dish, warm butter, flour, spring onions, and dill over medium heat, stirring often, until the butter has melted.
• Cook for a further two minutes, stirring often.
• Add milk bit by bit, whisking thoroughly as you go.
• Simmer for 5 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens.
• Remove from the heat and stir through some Dijon mustard and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Add the fish and peas and stir well, breaking up some of the fish.
• Tip the mixture into a deep baking dish or basket that fits comfortably in your air fryer.
• Preheat your air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius and set for 35 minutes.
• Peel and slice the hard-boiled eggs, then layer these on top of the fish.
• Top with mashed potato and sprinkle over cheddar cheese.
• Bake for 15 minutes.
• Reduce the temperature to 160 degrees Celsius and bake for a further 20 minutes.
• Check occasionally and cover tightly with foil if the top starts to burn.
• Check that the fish is piping hot (use a food thermometer – it should be 63 degrees Celsius or above) and cook for longer if necessary.

Tips:

• If you don't have a food thermometer, dig a little fish out of the middle and make sure it’s absolutely piping hot.
• If your air fryer is a different size, or the cooking dish you use is a different size, your cooking time may vary.
• If it looks like the top will burn, wrap it in foil. However, the air fryer circulates hot air, so you will need to scrunch the foil tightly to stop it from blowing off.
• This recipe serves as a filling family dinner on its own, but you could serve it with some bread and butter and/or boiled or steamed vegetables.
• You can skip the prawns and eggs, or add extra cheese, if you prefer.
• If your fish pie is watery, your mash may be too runny. Make sure you drain your potatoes thoroughly and mash them a little thicker than usual. Also, make sure you drain frozen fish thoroughly before adding to your white sauce, as it may have excess water from thawing.

Frequently asked questions