How to Reheat Fish in an Air Fryer for Crispy Results

Reheating fried fish in an air fryer is one of the best ways to bring leftovers back to life. It outperforms the oven—especially in warm weather—because it doesn’t heat up the entire house. The air fryer crisps the coating and restores that fresh-from-the-fryer texture. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be surprised how good leftovers can taste.

Why I Love It

• Quick. You can reheat fried fish in under 8 minutes. The air fryer is the fastest way to restore leftover deep-fried fish to its crispy best.
• Easy. Whether it’s takeout or homemade, leftover fish reheats beautifully in the air fryer, coming out crispy and tasting freshly made in just a few simple steps.

You wouldn’t guess this was reheated. The air fryer keeps the coating crisp while warming the fish through without drying it out.

If you enjoy fish recipes, try other air fryer favorites like fried fish, salmon, tilapia, or tuna steaks for quick, flavorful meals.

Air frying saves time: you can cook fish one day and reheat the next with excellent results. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for an easy printable version.

Why This Works

The air fryer combines strong heat and rapid air circulation to crisp the exterior while gently reheating the interior. That vortex of hot air restores crunchy coatings and keeps the fish moist inside. Compared with other methods, air frying is usually the quickest way to regain that original texture and flavor.

Why The Air Fryer

• Microwave. Microwaving warms food but often leaves fried coatings soggy and fillings dry. It’s not the best choice when you want crispy reheated fish.
• Oven. The oven works but takes longer. If you want reheated fish quickly, the air fryer is the faster option.

What You Need

• Air fryer
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Tongs
• Preferred sauces and side dishes

Ingredients

• Leftover fish fillets. Any fried fish—store-bought, restaurant takeout, or homemade—works well with this method.

How to Reheat Fish in the Air Fryer

Step 1
Remove the fish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to take the chill off.

Step 2
Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket so hot air can circulate around each piece.

Step 3
Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 6–8 minutes, or until heated through. Check with a digital thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 145°F.

Step 4
Serve the reheated fish with your favorite sauces and sides while it’s hot and crispy.

Note: Different air fryer models vary. You may need to adjust times slightly depending on brand and basket size.

Servings/Pairings

Fried fish pairs well with many sides. Try combinations like:

• Salad
• French fries
• Coleslaw
• Grilled vegetables

Favorite dipping sauces:

• Garlic butter
• Remoulade
• Tartar sauce
• Lemon butter

Storage/Reheating

• Store. Keep leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating. Use the air fryer for best texture; see the instructions above for timing. If using an oven, microwave, or toaster oven, adjust times and monitor closely to avoid overcooking.

Tips

• Don’t reheat fish more than twice to avoid dryness and quality loss.
• Preheating isn’t necessary for reheating, though some people prefer a short preheat for faster results.
• You don’t need extra oil, but a light spray of olive oil can boost crispness—blot excess oil if necessary.
• Use parchment paper designed for air fryers to make cleanup easier.

FAQs

Does the brand of air fryer matter when reheating foods?

The brand itself isn’t critical, but models cook differently. Check the food a minute or two before the suggested time ends so you can adjust for your particular unit. Some machines run hotter or cooler and may need slightly more or less time.

How long does it take to reheat fish?

Reheat time depends on fillet thickness and appliance:

• Air Fryer: Typically 6–8 minutes for fried fillets, depending on size and number.
• Conventional Oven: 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 145°F.
• Microwave: Heat in 1–2 minute bursts, covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture; watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
• Toaster Oven: 350°F for 8–10 minutes on a foil-lined sheet for easy cleanup.

How many times can I reheat fish?

Limit reheating to two times. Repeated reheating degrades texture and moisture, and seafood quality declines after multiple reheats.

This method delivers golden-brown, crispy results quickly and with less fuss than other reheating methods. The air fryer consistently brings fried fish back to life without making it soggy.

More Air Fryer Recipes to Reheat

Dinner

Reheat Burger in Air Fryer

Appetizers

Reheating Wings in the Air Fryer

Dinner

Reheat Pizza in an Air Fryer

Appetizers

Reheat Fries in Air Fryer

Are you new to air fryers? Learn the basics of what an air fryer can do, how to use it, and what accessories work best for your machine.

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