How To Reheat Fish and Chips – The 4 Best Ways

Fish and Chips is a delectable traditional British dish. However, many individuals feel that the portions of takeaway fish and chips are too large for them.

When it comes to this iconic dish, it is completely unacceptable to waste leftovers when you can reheat them to taste just as delicious. That is precisely why we have prepared this comprehensive guide for you.

What is the most effective method to reheat fish and chips? The best way to reheat fish and chips is by using an air fryer. Alternatively, you can skillet-fry your leftovers or place them in the oven after lightly drizzling them with oil. Using a microwave should be your last resort, as the results will not be as impressive.

The Best Ways to Reheat Fish and Chips

Fish and chips is a popular and delicious dish, but if you can't finish your meal, you don't have to throw it away.

To preserve the quality of your fish and chips, allow them to cool down and store them in an open container initially to prevent condensation from forming. Afterwards, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container, which can keep them fresh for up to 4 days.

When it's time to reheat your fish and chips, ensure they have cooled off and use a paper towel to pat them dry, removing excess moisture.

If you plan to store your leftovers in the freezer, the fish can last for up to 1 month, while the chips can remain good for a year.

Now that your fish and chips are ready, it's time to reheat your leftovers. Here are the four best methods for reheating fish and chips.

Method 1: Air Fryer

Using an air fryer is perhaps the most effective way to reheat takeaway or leftover homemade fried fish and chips.

The main reason why reheated fish and chips become soggy is due to moisture. Deep-frying is an effective method of allowing moisture to escape while maintaining the crispiness of the dish.

An air fryer can achieve this result, and if you're looking to reduce your oil consumption, it is the best option. It keeps the crust crispy while using a healthier cooking method for reheating fried food.

To begin, arrange your fish and chips in the air fryer basket and lightly spray a small amount of oil. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, eliminating moisture and preventing sogginess. Simultaneously, the oil helps maintain the crunchiness and flavor of the crust.

It's important to flip the fish to ensure both sides become crispy. Once the fish is done, you can reheat the chips using a higher setting. The air fryer will already be hot, effectively removing moisture from the chips as well.

Here are the Steps to Reheat Fish and Chips in an Air Fryer

1. Take the fish and chips out of the freezer or fridge.
2. Use paper towels to dry them.
3. Arrange the fish in the air fryer.
4. Spray a little amount of extra virgin olive or sunflower oil to both sides of the fish.
5. Set the air fryer to medium heat or 320°F and turn it on for 4 minutes.
6. Stop the air fryer, and turn your fish to the other side.
7. Continue for another 3 minutes.
8. Remove the fish and arrange the chips in a single layer.
9. Set the temperature at 360°F timer for up to 6 minutes, depending on how crunchy you want your chips to be.
10. After 3 minutes, shake or stir the chips.
11. Continue for another 3 minutes.

One drawback of reheating fish and chips in the air fryer is the need to use different settings for each component.

Using high heat to reheat fish can result in a rubbery or chewy texture. On the other hand, increasing the time to about 6 minutes when reheating chips will make them crispier and more flavorful.

Another consideration is the convenience factor, especially when reheating food for a large family. The air fryer may not be as practical in such situations. For instance, if you're reheating fish and chips for four people, you'll likely have to do it in multiple batches.

How to Reheat Fish and Chips on a Skillet

If you don't have an air fryer, reheating fish and chips on a skillet is the next best option. This method effectively removes moisture and works well for reheating both small and large batches without resulting in a soggy mess.

Using a skillet is akin to giving your fish and chips another round of deep frying, but with just a small amount of oil. It ensures that the inside of the fish remains hot and juicy, while the crust stays delightfully crunchy. This method also works wonders for chips that would otherwise turn soggy.

Another advantage of using a skillet is its quickness; it takes only a few minutes to reheat your meal.

However, it's important to note that once the batter comes off, there's no way to fix it. That's why we recommend using a non-stick skillet for reheating your fish and chips, as it helps prevent the batter from sticking and ensures a smoother reheating process.

Here are the steps for reheating fish and chips on a skillet.

1. Defrost or thaw your fish and chips in advance.
2. Add a little vegetable oil to your skillet and allow it to heat.
3. Add the chips first and toss them a little. Be careful not to break them while stirring.
4. Remove the chips after 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Place your fish in the hot oil for about 3 minutes.
6. Turn the fish to the other side using a pair of long tongs. Be careful to keep the crust intact.
7. Remove the fish from the skillet when each side is golden.

One drawback of this method is that it requires your continuous presence throughout the entire process; otherwise, there is a risk of burning the food.

Additionally, if you find the smell of fish unpleasant, you may not enjoy using this method. However, despite that, it remains one of the most suitable ways to quickly reheat takeaway fish and chips.

How to Reheat Fish and Chips in the Oven

If you have some extra time on your hands, reheating your fish and chips in the oven is a great option. It allows the moisture to escape and ensures even reheating of your dish.

This method works best when reheating large to medium-sized fried fish pieces, as smaller pieces may risk getting burned. It's also an excellent way to reheat a large batch of fries and chips for the whole family.

Using a convection oven is recommended, as it allows hot air to circulate, ensuring even reheating and minimizing cold spots.

For optimal results, let the fish cool down on the counter while you prepare the oven. This ensures that all the pieces have the same internal temperature. Additionally, remember to preheat the oven before reheating your fish and chips leftovers.

Here are the steps to reheat fish and chips in the oven.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F while letting your fish and chips defrost or thaw to reach room temperature.
2. Place your fried fish on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish.
3. Allow the fish to reheat between 10 and 15 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces and the type of your oven. A convection oven can take less time than a regular one.
4. Make sure that all the pieces are reheated all the way through the center, then remove.
5. Increase the temperature of the oven to 400°F or 450°F.
6. Spread your chips in a single well-spaced layer on a baking sheet or an oven-safe dish, and reheat for 10 to 15 minutes.

One drawback of reheating fish and chips in the oven is that it requires more time compared to other methods. However, if you have around 30 minutes to spare before your meal, it can be an excellent way to enjoy delicious and crispy fish and chips.

Reheating fish and chips in the microwave should be considered as a last resort. However, it might be the only option available if you're in a rush or reheating your leftovers in a dorm room or office break room.

Using a modern microwave with a reheat option can make your reheated fish slightly tastier. You can also utilize the potatoes option to reheat your chips.

Here are the steps to reheat fish and chips in the microwave.

1. Allow the fish and chips to reach room temperature, and use paper towels to pat the food.
2. Place your fish in a microwave-safe dish.
3. Set the microwave to reheat or choose a low heat setting and activate it for about 3 minutes.
4. Remove the fish and add the chips.
5. Keep the heat low, or use the built-in potatoes option for up to 3 minutes.

When compared to other methods, reheating fish and chips in the microwave tends to yield less satisfying results. Microwave cooking is known for retaining moisture, which can make your fish and chips become soggy. Furthermore, increasing the time or temperature in the microwave can lead to overcooking the dish.

However, if your microwave has a reheat option, the results might be slightly better. Some microwaves even have built-in sensors designed to reheat food without overcooking the ingredients.

Can You Reheat Fish and Chips?

Absolutely! In fact, there are multiple options available to reheat your fish and chips leftovers without letting them go to waste.

If you want your fish and chips to taste just as good as when you first had them, the air fryer is a fantastic choice. This method ensures your fish doesn't get overcooked while maintaining the crispy texture of the crust and chips, all without using excessive oil.

Using a skillet is another successful method, although it requires some care when flipping the fish. If you have a large batch of fish and chips to reheat, the oven can be a suitable option. Just be cautious not to set the temperature too high, as it may result in dry fish.

As a last resort, you can use the microwave to reheat your fish and chips, but we recommend it only for emergencies or when reheating in a dorm room or office break room. It is our least preferred method due to the potential for sogginess.

By following our step-by-step guide, you can enjoy delicious and crispy fish and chips even several days after their initial preparation.

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