What Temp to Reheat Fried Fish in an Air Fryer | So It Stays Crispy, Not Dry

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Reheating fried fish is one of those everyday kitchen tasks that sounds simple, until you end up with rubbery fish, soggy breading, or that unpleasant reheated oil smell. In real home kitchens, this happens all the time, especially when leftovers come straight from the fridge into an air fryer set too hot or too cold.

If you’re wondering what temp to reheat fried fish in an air fryer, the short answer is 350°F (175°C), but the why and the how matter just as much as the number.

After reheating fried fish dozens of times (everything from battered cod to breaded tilapia and fried catfish), this method consistently gives the best balance of crispy coating, moist fish, and food safety, without guesswork.

Why 350°F Is the Best Temperature to Reheat Fried Fish in an Air Fryer

In practical terms, reheating fried fish is a balancing act between three things:

• Re-crisping the coating
• Warming the fish through without drying it out
• Avoiding burnt breading or cold centers

Here’s what’s happening in the air fryer:

• Fried fish already contains cooked protein and set batter.
• Too much heat too fast (375–400°F) dries out the fish before the inside warms.
• Too little heat (below 325°F) warms the fish but leaves the coating soft and oily.

350°F hits the sweet spot:

• Hot enough to evaporate surface moisture and re-crisp breading
• Gentle enough to protect the delicate fish inside
• Fast enough to be safe and efficient for leftovers

In everyday kitchen testing, this temperature works reliably across:

• Beer-battered fish
• Panko- or breadcrumb-coated fish
• Cornmeal-fried fish
• Store-bought fried fish fillets

Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need

Ingredients

• Leftover fried fish (fully cooked)
• Optional: light oil spray (avocado, canola, or olive oil)

Tools

• Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
• Tongs or spatula
• Paper towel (for excess oil, if needed)

Budget & Kitchen Notes

• No oil spray? You can skip it. Most fried fish already has enough surface fat.
• This method works in basic air fryers, no presets required.

How to Reheat Fried Fish in an Air Fryer

Step 1: Let the Fish Lose the Chill

Remove the fried fish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes.

Why this matters: Cold fish straight into hot air tends to dry on the outside before the center warms.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for 3–5 minutes.

You’ll get better, more even crisping than starting cold.

Step 3: Arrange the Fish Properly

• Place fish in a single layer
• Leave space between pieces
• Do not stack or overlap

If the basket is crowded, the coating steams instead of crisping.

Step 4: Reheat at 350°F

Reheat for:

• 3–4 minutes for thin fillets
• 4–6 minutes for thicker pieces

Halfway through:

• Flip gently using tongs
• Check the underside for color and firmness

Step 5: Check Doneness

Your fish is ready when:

• Coating feels crisp when tapped
• Fish flakes easily but is still moist
• Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety

If needed, add 1 more minute—but avoid overdoing it.

Pro Tips & Best Practices (From Real Kitchens)

• Don’t crank the heat. Most beginners assume hotter = crispier. With fish, it usually means dry.
• Skip foil or parchment. These trap steam and soften the coating.
• Use oil spray only if needed. A very light mist can help revive dry breading—but too much makes it greasy.
• Smell test matters. Reheated fish should smell clean and savory, not overly oily or “fishy.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Reheating at 400°F (burns coating before center heats)
• Overcrowding the basket
• Reheating fish more than once (texture and safety suffer)

FAQ: Reheating Fried Fish in an Air Fryer

What temp to reheat fried fish in air fryer for best crispiness?

350°F gives the best balance of crispy coating and moist fish without scorching.

How long should I reheat fried fish in an air fryer?

Usually 4–6 minutes, depending on thickness. Thin fillets need less time.

Can I reheat battered fish and breaded fish the same way?

Yes. Both work well at 350°F. Battered fish may need an extra minute to firm up.

Why did my reheated fried fish turn out dry?

Most often due to:

• Temperature too high
• Reheating too long
• Fish going in ice-cold

Lower heat and shorter time solve this.

Is it safe to reheat fried fish in an air fryer?

Yes, as long as:

• The fish was refrigerated promptly
• You reheat it to 165°F
• It’s reheated only once

Should I cover fish when reheating in an air fryer?

No. Covering traps moisture and softens the coating.

When NOT to Use This Method

Avoid reheating fried fish in an air fryer if:

• The fish is already very dry or overcooked
• The coating is heavily sauce-coated (it will burn)
• The fish has been left unrefrigerated too long (food safety risk)

Better Alternatives

• Low oven (325°F) for large quantities
• Skillet with lid slightly ajar for sauced fish

Alternative Reheating Methods (Quick Comparison)

Air Fryer (Best Overall)

Crispy Fast Minimal oil

Oven

Even heating Slower Less crisp unless preheated well

Skillet

Good for small portions Easy to overcook Requires attention

Microwave

Soft coating Uneven heating Only for emergencies

Conclusion: The Right Temp Makes All the Difference

If you remember one thing, remember this: the best temperature to reheat fried fish in an air fryer is 350°F. It’s the most reliable setting for restoring crispiness while keeping the fish inside tender and safe to eat.

With a little spacing, moderate heat, and careful timing, reheated fried fish can be genuinely enjoyable—not just “good enough.” Cook calmly, trust your senses, and don’t rush the process. That’s how consistent results happen in real kitchens.