What Temperature Should You Use To Reheat Fried Fish In An Air Fryer For Maximum Crispiness?

Fried fish is a classic dish that many people love. The crispy, golden exterior surrounding the moist, flaky fish inside is hard to resist. However, reheating fried fish can be tricky. Using the wrong reheating method often leaves you with a soggy, mushy mess rather than the crispy treat you crave.

Luckily, air fryers have revolutionized the way we reheat fried foods. Air fryers use rapid air circulation to mimic the crispiness of deep frying without all the oil. This makes them the perfect appliance for reheating fried fish without compromising on texture.

But what temperature should you use to reheat fried fish in an air fryer? Finding the right balance is key to achieving maximum crispiness when reheating this delicate dish.

Understanding Air Fryer Temperatures

Air fryers allow you to manually set the temperature just like a traditional oven. Most models have a temperature range between 170°F (77°C) and 400°F (205°C).

Lower temperatures around 250-300°F (120-150°C) are ideal for dehydrating fruits or making jerky. For all other cooking purposes like frying, roasting or baking, you’ll want to use temperatures between 300-400°F (150-205°C).

When air frying foods like french fries, chicken wings or veggies 390-400°F (200-205°C) is commonly used. However fried fish is more delicate and prone to drying out.

This means you’ll want to use a slightly lower air fryer temperature when reheating it. Let’s look at the ideal range in more detail.

Best Air Fryer Temperature For Reheating Fried Fish

The optimum air fryer temperature for reheating fried fish is between 350-375°F (175-190°C).

At lower temperatures, the fish won’t become hot enough in the center and won’t develop the desired crispiness on the outside.

Temperatures higher than 375°F (190°C) also don’t work well, as the fish dries out quickly and the coating can burn.

The 350-375°F (175-190°C) range allows the fried fish to reheat evenly throughout while crisping up the exterior coating.

Monitor the fish closely and adjust the temperature as needed based on factors like thickness and oiliness of the fish.

Here are a few tips to get the temperature just right when reheating fried fish in an air fryer:

• For thin or extra delicate fish, start on the lower end around 350°F (175°C).

• For thicker fish or oilier coatings, use 375°F (190°C).

• Check the fish regularly as it reheats and lower the temp if it browns too quickly.

• If the fish needs more time to crisp up, bump the temp up in 25°F (15°C) increments.

• Let the air fryer fully preheat before adding the fish to maintain even heating.

Other Tips For Reheating Fried Fish In An Air Fryer

Reheating fried fish in an air fryer takes some finesse. Follow these tips for the best results:

• Use a light coating of oil – Brush both sides of the fish lightly with oil before reheating. This helps restore crispy texture.

• Don’t overcrowd – Leave space between pieces so air can circulate properly. Reheat in batches if needed.

• Flip halfway – Flip fish over during reheating to ensure even cooking on both sides.

• Pat off excess moisture – Gently pat fish dry before reheating to prevent sogginess.

• Add a few minutes – Fried fish may take a few minutes longer than other fried foods to reheat. Add time if needed.

• Check internal temp – Use a meat thermometer to verify fish reaches 145°F (63°C) for food safety.

How Long Does It Take to Reheat Fried Fish In An Air Fryer?

Reheating times for fried fish in an air fryer depend on the size and thickness of the fish, along with the food’s initial temperature. Here are some general guidelines:

• Small, thin fillets or nuggets: 3-5 minutes

• Medium fillets, 1⁄2 to 1 inch thick: 5-7 minutes

• Large fillets or whole fish: 8-10 minutes

• Frozen fish: Add 3-5 extra minutes

Monitor cooking time closely and adjust as needed. The fish is ready when the crust is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

For food safety, fried fish should not sit in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F (4-60°C) for more than 2 hours when reheating.

Getting The Best Results Reheating Fried Fish

Follow these best practices when reheating fried fish in an air fryer:

• Use a light breading – Heavy, doughy breadings don’t reheat as well. Opt for light Japanese panko or cornmeal breading.

• Avoid soggy toppings – Skip wet toppings like tartar sauce when reheating. Add them after air frying instead.

• Brush off crumbs – Gently brush off any loose breading crumbs before reheating to prevent burning.

• Let it rest – Allow fish to rest 1-2 minutes out of the air fryer before serving.

• Serve it hot – Fried foods lose crispiness quickly. Enjoy immediately for that fresh-from-the-fryer taste and texture.

Alternative Ways To Reheat Fried Fish

While air fryers are the best method, you can also reheat fried fish using:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) on a lightly greased pan for 10-15 minutes.

• Skillet: Heat oiled skillet to medium and cook 2-3 minutes per side.

• Microwave: Microwave in 30 second intervals, checking often to avoid sogginess.

No matter the reheating method, handle fried fish gently and reheat it thoroughly for food safety.

Get That Satisfying Crisp Back

Perfectly crispy fried fish is hard to beat. With the right air fryer temperature and a few simple tips, you can revive the appetizing crunch of your leftover fried fish. Heating fried fish between 350-375°F (175-190°C) allows you to achieve ideal texture and flavor.

Follow these air fryer reheating guidelines and you’ll be enjoying your favorite fried fish with maximum crispiness in no time. The next time you have leftovers, turn to your air fryer to bring this delicious dish back to life.