I’ve realized one thing. When reheating fish, it’s so easy to keep repeating the same “reheating mistakes” over and over again. Why?
Because fish is prone to drying out easily which is why you need to do a few adjustments when reheating it. Worry not, I won’t beat around the bush.
I’ll show you how to get the best results every time by using different reheating methods. Let’s dive in and discover how to reheat fish for maximum flavor and crispiness!
NOTE: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fish (or any other leftovers) should be reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
1. Stovetop Or Skillet
Some people can’t stand that fishy smell when reheating fish, but this has never been a problem for me. If you’re on the same page, then the stovetop or skillet reheating method is for you.
Additionally, the stovetop reheating method is a great option if you’re short on time or don’t want to use the oven or microwave. Here’s how to reheat fish on the stovetop in a way that preserves their crispiness and delicious flavor:
• Step 1: Take the fish out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Doing this will help fish heat more evenly when you cook them.
• Step 2: Heat a skillet over low heat. Add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet and let it heat up.
• Step 3: Add the fish to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, (or until they’re heated). If you want to add extra flavor, then add some garlic, herbs, or spices to the skillet.
Pro tip #1: Avoid flipping too much so that the fish doesn’t flake.
Pro tip #2: Heat fish slowly and at a low temperature to avoid drying out or overcooking them.
2. Oven
Good old oven! One can never go wrong with reheating food using an oven because this is one of the best and fastest ways of doing so. I prefer reheating pork chops in the oven as well because this helps them stay moist.
STEPS:
• Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Step 2: Take the fish out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
• Step 3: Place the fish in an oven-safe dish and cover the dish with foil.
• Step 4: Put the dish in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Flip the fish every 5 minutes.
Pro tip: Sprinkle the fish with some lemon for extra flavor.
3. Air Fryer
I prefer reheating seafood boil or fish in an air fryer when I can’t or don’t want to use an oven or stove. Also, an air fryer is a healthier alternative to other methods because it provides a crispy texture without using oil.
The best of all is that the process of reheating the fish in an air fryer is simple, and it doesn’t take much time to complete:
STEPS:
• Step 1: Take the fish out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
• Step 2: Lightly coat the fish with cooking spray or oil. This will help to prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.
• Step 3: Place the fish in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overlapping. If you’re reheating multiple fish, you may need to do this in batches.
• Step 4: Reheat the fish in an air fryer at 320°F for around 4 minutes. (NOTE: Don’t preheat the air fryer.)
• Step 5: Increase the heat to 360°F and continue reheating for 2 more minutes.
4. Toaster Oven
Reheating fish in a toaster oven will result in even and gradual heating which is exactly what the fish needs. Here’s how you’ll do it:
STEPS:
• Step 1: Take the fish out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
• Step 2: Preheat the oven between 275°F to 350°F.
• Step 3: Cover the fish with foil and then place it in the toaster oven.
• Step 3: Check every few minutes if it is heated. Quick reminder: Fish (or any other leftovers) should be reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
5. Frying Pan
Extra crispiness + extra flavor = reheating using a frying pan. Needless to say that this is one of my favorite fish reheating methods and I’m sure it will be yours, too.
STEPS:
• Step 1: Take the fish out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
• Step 2: Heat the frying pan over low-medium heat. Add oil to the frying pan and let it heat up.
• Step 3: Shallow fry the fish for around 1 to 2 minutes on each side.
• Step 4: When done, place the fish on a kitchen towel to absorb the excess oil.
6. Microwave
Yes, you can use your microwave to reheat fish, but keep in mind that microwaves aren’t really the best way to reheat fish. Why?
It’s a great option if you’re short on time or don’t want to use the oven, but keep in mind that reheating using the microwave may not result in the same crispy texture as other reheating methods. Also, there’s a high risk of drying the fish out.
Still, if you choose the microwave method, make sure you select the very low setting and use a microwave-safe cover. Here’s how to reheat fish in the microwave:
STEPS:
• Step 1: Place the fish on a microwave-safe paper plate or a container, and cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or with a damp paper towel. This will help to trap moisture and prevent the fish or any other food from drying out, as stated by the USDA.
• Step 2: Set the microwave to 30% – 40% power. Cooking the fish at a lower power level will help to ensure that they heat evenly and do not become overcooked.
• Step 3: Microwave the fish for 1-2 minutes, then check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Reminder: Reheated fish should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. If the fish is not fully heated, continue microwaving it in 30-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.
• Step 4: Once the fish is fully heated, remove it from the microwave and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How To Reheat Fried, Breaded, Or Battered Fish In The Oven
Reheating fried, breaded or battered fish can also be done using all of the above methods, but according to my personal experience, the oven is the best option.
STEPS:
• Step 1: Take the fish out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
• Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Step 3: Place the fried fish on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Drizzle the fish with a bit of oil.
• Step 4: Reheat the fish for 10 – 15 minutes. Flip it every 5 minutes. Make sure that the internal temperature of the fish has reached 165°F.
5 Tips To Remember When Reheating Fish
1. Let the fish sit at room temperature for a few minutes before preheating it. Also, allow it to thaw on the counter if it were kept in the freezer.
2. Always drizzle the fish with a bit of oil to preserve its moisture. I prefer using olive oil.
3. The reheating time greatly depends on the thickness of the fish. That’s why it’s important to check the fish every 10 minutes during the reheating process.
4. Fried, breaded, or battered fish needs more time to reheat.
5. Season the fish with spices or sprinkle with lemon juice or soy sauce to jazz up its flavor.
Pro tip: Worry not, reheating fish is not rocket science. If you follow all the mentioned steps and tips, there’s nothing you should worry about. Enjoy your meal! 😊
