How to Reheat Fish and Chips in an Air Fryer | So It’s Crispy, Not Soggy

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Reheating fish and chips can feel like a gamble. One wrong move and you’re left with rubbery fish, soggy batter, and limp fries. The good news? Learning how to reheat fish and chips in an air fryer is the most reliable, beginner-friendly way to bring them back to life, crispy on the outside, tender inside, and evenly heated.

This guide is written for home cooks who want practical, no-fuss instructions that actually work. Whether your leftovers are from last night’s takeaway or a homemade batch, this method is fast, energy-efficient, and consistently delivers the best results.

Why Reheating Fish and Chips in an Air Fryer Works

An air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation, which is ideal for foods with a crispy coating.

Here’s why this method beats the microwave or oven:

• Restores crispiness without added oil
• Even heat distribution prevents cold centers
• Short reheating time (5–10 minutes)
• No sogginess from trapped steam

Unlike microwaves, which heat from the inside out and create moisture, an air fryer mimics deep-frying, without actually frying again. That’s why it’s the best way to reheat battered fish and chips at home.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following:

Essential Tools

• Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
• Tongs or a spatula
• Paper towel (optional)

Optional Extras

• Parchment paper (air fryer–safe)
• Cooking spray or a light brush of oil (optional, not required)
• Instant-read thermometer (for food safety, optional)

Good to know: You do not need foil. Foil blocks airflow and can make food unevenly heated.

How to Reheat Fish and Chips in an Air Fryer

This method works for battered fish, breaded fish, and thick-cut chips.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C)
• Preheat for 3–5 minutes

Why it matters: Preheating helps the batter crisp immediately instead of steaming.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish and Chips

• Remove leftovers from the fridge
• Let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes
• Lightly blot excess moisture with a paper towel if needed

Do not stack the fish or chips. Airflow is key.

Step 3: Arrange in the Basket

• Place fish in a single layer
• Add chips beside or in a separate batch
• Leave small gaps between pieces

If reheating a large portion, work in batches for best results.

Step 4: Reheat

• Cook at 350°F (175°C) for:
  • Fish: 6–8 minutes
  • Chips: 4–6 minutes

Halfway through:

• Flip the fish carefully
• Shake or toss the chips

Step 5: Check for Doneness

• Fish should be:
  • Hot all the way through
  • Crispy on the outside
  • Flaky inside

If needed, add 1–2 extra minutes.

Food safety tip: Fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Pro Tips & Best Practices (From the Test Kitchen)

These small adjustments make a big difference:

Separate Fish and Chips When Possible

They reheat at slightly different speeds. If your air fryer is small, do them one at a time.

Skip Extra Oil (Most of the Time)

• Well-battered fish usually doesn’t need oil
• If the coating looks dry, use a light mist, not a drizzle

Don’t Overcrowd

Overcrowding = trapped steam = soggy batter.

Use a Lower Temperature for Thick Fish

For very thick fillets:

• Start at 325°F (165°C) for 3 minutes
• Then raise to 350°F to finish

Eat Immediately

Reheated fish and chips are best right out of the air fryer. Waiting too long lets steam soften the coating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cooks make these mistakes:

• Using the microwave first “to warm it up”
• Reheating straight from the fridge without preheating
• Stacking fish on top of chips
• Wrapping food in foil
• Reheating more than once

Rule of thumb: Reheat once, and only what you plan to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can you reheat fish and chips in an air fryer without drying them out?

Yes. The key is using moderate heat (350°F) and not overcooking. Air fryers reheat quickly, so less time is better.

2. How long does it take to reheat fish and chips in an air fryer?

Most portions take 6–10 minutes total, depending on thickness and quantity.

3. Should I reheat fish and chips together or separately?

If space allows, reheat them separately. Chips usually need less time and benefit from more airflow.

4. Can you reheat frozen fish and chips in an air fryer?

This method is best for leftover cooked fish and chips. For frozen, follow package instructions instead.

5. Is reheating fish in an air fryer safe?

Yes, as long as:

• The fish was properly stored
• It’s reheated to 145°F (63°C)
• It’s not reheated more than once

6. What about reheating fish with sauce or mushy peas?

Remove sauces before reheating. Reheat sauces separately on the stovetop or microwave, then add after.

7. When NOT to Use This Method

The air fryer is excellent, but not always ideal.

Avoid this method if:

• The fish is already very dry or overcooked
• The batter is soaked in sauce
• The fish has been reheated once already
• The coating is extremely delicate (tempura-style)

In these cases, gentle oven reheating may be better.

Alternative Methods (Quick Comparison)

Oven Reheating

• Good for large batches
• Slower (15–20 minutes)
• Less crispy than air fryer

Skillet Reheating

• Can restore crispness
• Requires oil
• Risk of uneven heating

Microwave

• Fast
• Soggy batter
• Uneven texture

Best Overall: Air fryer for speed, texture, and ease.

Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Reheat Fish and Chips

If you’ve ever wondered how to reheat fish and chips in an air fryer without ruining them, now you know the exact method professionals use at home.

Quick Recap

• Preheat to 350°F
• Arrange in a single layer
• Reheat for 6–8 minutes
• Flip halfway
• Eat immediately for best texture

This approach is time-saving, energy-efficient, and beginner-proof, perfect for busy weeknights or next-day leftovers. With the right technique, fish and chips don’t have to be a one-night-only meal.