How to Reheat Fish in Air Fryer (and Make it Actually Crispy)!

Reheating fish can be a tricky task, often resulting in a loss of its crispy texture. Fortunately, the rise of air fryers has provided a solution to this dilemma faced by home cooks. These versatile kitchen appliances are known for their ability to mimic the effects of deep frying while using significantly less oil. A win for those of us who are health-conscious or incorporate oil-free recipes.

At NC Seafood Restaurant, we understand firsthand how a fish with a crispy exterior and a flaky center creates a delightful play of textures and flavors in every bite. That’s why our fresh fish experts are walking you through the steps to perfectly reheat fish in air fryer appliances, ensuring it retains its mouthwatering crispiness without losing its savory taste.

Why Choose an Air Fryer for Reheating Fish? 

Retains Crispiness

One of the biggest challenges when choosing to reheat fish is maintaining its crispy texture. Air fryers excel at recreating that coveted crispiness, as they use rapid air circulation to evenly distribute heat. When you reheat fish in air fryer, it prevents the fish from becoming soggy, which can often happen when using a microwave or oven.

Efficient Heating

Air fryers heat up quickly and cook food evenly. When you reheat fish in air fryer, the hot air circulation ensures that each part of the filet is heated uniformly. This results in a consistent texture and flavor throughout the fish, without any unevenly reheated spots.

Healthier Option

Air fryers require minimal oil to achieve that crispy texture, making them a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. This is particularly advantageous when you reheat fish in air fryer, as it preserves the fish’s natural flavors without adding unnecessary calories from excess oil.

Versatility

While primarily known for their frying capabilities, air fryers are versatile appliances that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks. This versatility extends to reheating fish and other dishes, offering you an all-in-one solution in the kitchen.

Speed

Air fryers reheat food faster than traditional ovens, making them a convenient choice for busy individuals. With a shorter reheating time, you can enjoy your meal sooner without sacrificing its quality. Additionally, with this appliance on for a shorter amount of time compared to your oven, you’re sure to save on your energy bill and avoid overheating your home in the midst of summertime.

No Risk of Overcooking

Unlike a microwave, which can easily lead to overcooked or unevenly reheated fish, air fryers provide better control over the cooking process. When you reheat fish in air fryer, you can monitor the fish closely and stop the reheating process at the perfect moment to avoid overcooking.

Preserves Nutrients and Flavor

Air frying minimizes the loss of nutrients and flavors that can occur during reheating. The controlled cooking environment helps retain the natural taste and nutritional value of the fish.

Easy to Use

Air fryers are user-friendly appliances. They often come with preset settings for different types of food, including reheating options. This simplifies the process and ensures consistent results.

Environmentally Friendly

When cooks choose to reheat fish in air fryer appliances, less energy is consumed compared to using a conventional oven, making it an environmentally conscious choice.

What is the Best Type of Fish to Reheat in an Air Fryer? 

Not all types of fish are suitable for reheating, even when using an air fryer. Opt for thicker and flakier varieties when you reheat fish in air fryer, as they tend to hold up better during the reheating process. 

Here are some fish types that prove to reheat well in an air fryer:

• Salmon: Salmon is known for its rich flavor and hearty texture, making it a great candidate for reheating. Its high-fat content helps keep it moist during the process. We recommend pairing salmon with refreshing summer mango salsa.
• Trout: Like salmon, trout is rich in flavor and offers a flaky texture that reheats well in an air fryer.
• Cod: Cod’s firm flesh makes it a suitable choice for reheating, as it’s less likely to become overly dry. We highly recommend making baked cod with parmesan crust that comes together in 10 minutes from start to finish.
• Haddock: With its mild flavor and tender texture, haddock is another fish that responds well to reheating in an air fryer. Haddock is a flaky white fish that is easily adaptable for keto-friendly meals.

Avoid reheating delicate fish such as sole or flounder, as they are more prone to overcooking and becoming dry. Whether you are looking to reheat fish in air fryer or properly reheat fried seafood, your outcome will be substantially better than when choosing the microwave or oven. 

Steps to Reheat Fish in Air Fryer

Reheating fish can be a tricky endeavor, as maintaining its crispy exterior and flaky interior can be quite a challenge. However, the advent of air fryers has revolutionized the way we reheat food, offering a solution that combines convenience and culinary finesse. 

Whether you’re aiming to reheat leftover salmon or bring your fish and chips back to life, these steps will ensure that your reheated fish tastes as delightful as the day it was cooked.

Step 1: Preparing the Fish 

Start by gently patting dry the leftover fish using paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture that could lead to sogginess during reheating. If desired, lightly brush or spray the fish with a small amount of oil to enhance its crispy texture.

Step 2: Preheating the Air Fryer 

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (180°C). Preheating ensures that the fish will cook evenly and develop that desired crispiness. Allow the air fryer to reach the set temperature before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Arranging the Fish

Lay the fish filets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between the filets to ensure proper air circulation. If you’re reheating a larger quantity of fish, consider reheating them in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect the crispiness.

Step 4: Reheating Process 

Place the basket with the fish into the preheated air fryer. Set the timer for a short duration, typically around 3-5 minutes. The exact time may vary based on your air fryer’s model and the thickness of the filets. The goal is to reheat the fish without overcooking it.

Step 5: Monitoring and Flipping 

While the fish reheats, keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking or burning. If your air fryer doesn’t have a feature to automatically rotate the food, consider flipping the fish filets halfway through the reheating time. This ensures even crispiness on both sides.

Step 6: Testing for Crispiness 

After the reheating time is up, carefully remove one filet and test its texture. The exterior should be golden-brown and crispy, while the interior should remain flaky and tender. If you find that the crispiness isn’t quite to your liking, you can return the fish to the air fryer for an additional minute or two.

Step 7: Serving and Enjoying

Once the fish is reheated to perfection, serve it immediately. Pair it with your favorite sides, sauces, or salads for a complete meal. Remember that reheated fish is best enjoyed right after cooking, so savor the crispy and flavorful outcome without delay.

Visit NC Seafood Restaurant for Fresh Fish in Raleigh NC

Reheating fish to achieve that coveted crispy texture doesn’t have to be a challenge. With an air fryer, you can enjoy your leftovers with the same satisfaction as the original meal. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can reheat fish in air fryer and be able to transform your reheated fish into a crispy and delicious culinary delight. 

If you are looking for perfectly flaky, flavorful, and crispy fish and seafood in North Carolina, look no further than NC Seafood Restaurant in Raleigh NC. 

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