Because we vacuum-pack our fish, the freshness is preserved at its best. We also use ice packs for deliveries, which keeps the fish fresh and prevents damage during transport.
Fried fish is a delicious meal that you don’t always get to finish in one sitting. Rather than letting the leftovers go bad, you can freeze fried fish to lock in freshness and flavor.
Freezing fried fish is easy to do at home with just a few simple steps. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about properly freezing leftover fried fish so you can enjoy it later.
Can You Freeze Fried Fish?
The good news is that yes, you can absolutely freeze fried fish that has been cooked! Freezing is a safe method for storing cooked fried fish for later use
As long as fried fish is handled properly and frozen soon after cooking, it can maintain quality and taste for 1-2 months in the freezer.
Freezing prevents bacterial growth that could cause fried fish to spoil quickly at fridge temperatures It pauses the food’s deterioration until you’re ready to thaw and eat it,
Tips for Freezing Fried Fish
Follow these tips for safely freezing fried fish:
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Allow fried fish to cool completely after cooking, for about 30 minutes. Don’t let it sit out for more than 2 hours
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Place fried fish in a shallow, air-tight container in a single layer. Glass or plastic freezer-safe containers work well.
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Cover container tightly. Seal out all air to prevent freezer burn.
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Label container with contents and freeze-by date (1-2 months).
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Freeze fried fish right away, within 2 hours of cooking.
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Store frozen fried fish at 0°F or below. Constant freezing temp prevents spoilage.
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Once thawed, eat refrigerated fried fish within 3-4 days. Don’t re-freeze thawed fried fish.
How to Thaw Frozen Fried Fish
When ready to eat your frozen fried fish, use one of these safe thawing methods:
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Fridge thawing: Place frozen fried fish in the fridge. Allow 12-24 hours for thawing.
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Cold water thaw: Seal fried fish in a plastic bag submerged in cold water. Change water every 30 mins until thawed, about 1 hour.
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Microwave thawing: Microwave fried fish on defrost setting based on quantity. Then let sit 5 mins to finish thawing.
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Cook without thawing: Fried fish can cook from frozen in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through 165°F.
Avoid thawing fried fish on the counter or in hot water, which allows bacteria to multiply quickly.
Tips for Reheating Frozen Fried Fish
Once thawed, use these methods to safely reheat fried fish:
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Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until hot, 165°F. Use a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment.
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Skillet: Heat a bit of oil or butter in a nonstick skillet. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side.
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Microwave: Microwave frozen fried fish on high for 2-3 minutes. Check for 165°F internal temperature.
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Air fryer: Air fry thawed fish at 380°F for 4-8 minutes until hot and crispy.
Avoid reheating more than once. Reheated fried fish is best consumed immediately rather than saved again.
Storing Thawed Fried Fish
Handle thawed, cooked fried fish properly for food safety:
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Only thaw the amount needing to be eaten within 3-4 days.
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Keep thawed fried fish refrigerated at 40°F or below.
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Discard fried fish if left at room temperature for 2+ hours after cooking or thawing.
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When reheating, cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Following safe food handling guidelines prevents the growth of bacteria that could make fried fish unsafe to eat.
Freezing Fried Fish Safely
Be sure to handle and freeze fried fish properly to preserve quality and prevent foodborne illness:
✔️ Allow fried fish to cool completely after cooking, about 30 minutes.
✔️ Freeze fried fish in airtight packaging within 2 hours of cooking.
✔️ Label frozen packages with contents and freeze-by date.
✔️ Store frozen fried fish at 0°F or below.
✔️ Thaw in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave until ready to eat.
✔️ Refrigerate thawed fish for up to 3-4 days.
✔️ Reheat thoroughly to 165°F before serving.
Enjoying Fried Fish Anytime
Freezing lets you safely store leftover fried fish or prepare a batch in advance for quick weeknight meals later.
With proper freezing, thawing, and reheating, fried fish retains its flavorful crispiness and texture. Keep your favorite fried fish on hand whenever the craving strikes!
How long can cooked fish be kept in the fridge?
Cooked fish can be kept a bit longer than raw fish – 3 or 4 days maximum. This could work if you want to cook ahead of time or buy extra time because you won’t be eating the fish within two days.
How long can raw fish be kept in the fridge?
In general, raw fish should be kept in the fridge 1 or 2 days maximum. If you are not going to eat the fish immediately, you can freeze it. It is best to freeze fish immediately to preserve freshness.