Already have an account?
Get back to the
Food & Recipes

Have Leftover Fried Fish? Here’s How to Reheat It to Crispy, Golden Perfection

These genius tips make it easy to reheat fried fish so it's savory — not soggy.

Fish and chips, fried catfish, and fish tacos are favorites for a reason: They all boast flavorful, tender seafood in a crunchy coating that’s absolutely irresistible. And since these dishes are so delicious, you’re sure to want to reheat any leftovers the next day. The snag? Reheating fried fish can seem daunting as it could turn into a soggy mess if done incorrectly. However, learning how to reheat fried fish is simpler than you think! Here’s a guide showing the five best methods for reheating leftover fried fish so it turns out nicely golden and crispy.

How to Reheat Fried Fish in the Oven

If you have 15 to 20 minutes to spare, then the oven is the way to go. Since the oven can heat the fish evenly, it’s the best way to reheat fried fish. Not sure where to start? No problem! First for Women Food Director Julie Miltenberger shares the tricks she’s learned overseeing all the recipes in our test kitchen. Here are the steps she follows to reheat fried fish and keep it crispy. 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Take the fried fish out of the refrigerator and set on the counter while the oven preheats. This will allow all of the pieces to reach a similar internal temperature.
  3. Place the fried fish on an oven-safe baking sheet or oven-safe dish lined with aluminum foil. 
  4. Place the fried fish in the oven on the center rack for about 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Your leftover fried fish will be ready to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. 

How to Reheat Fried Fish in a Toaster Oven

If you prefer to use a toaster oven to reheat deep-fried fish, you can follow the same steps you would for the oven method. This method works great if you only have a few smaller pieces of fish to heat. “Plus, it keeps the kitchen cooler, and it’s super quick since the heat is concentrated in a smaller place,” says Julie. Below are the six steps to follow to reheat deep fried fish in a toaster oven. 

  1. Set the toaster oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat for a few minutes.
  2. Line the baking sheet from your toaster oven with aluminum foil. 
  3. Place the fish on the baking sheet.
  4. Stick the baking sheet in the toaster oven for about eight to 10 minutes. 
  5. Your leftover fried fish will be ready to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  6. Let the fried fish cool for a few minutes before eating it. 

How to Reheat Fried Fish in a Skillet

As long as you don’t mind a fishy smell in your house, the skillet is also a good way to reheat deep fried fish. Julie says the important thing to remember when you reheat fried fish in a skillet is to keep an eye on it. This method heats leftovers in a matter of minutes, so don’t walk away and leave your food to fry on its own! Here are the steps to follow if you want to know how to reheat deep fried fish in a skillet. 

  1. Heat the skillet on the stove on high. 
  2. Add oil and then the fried fish.
  3. Reheat the fish for two to three minutes, being sure to toss a few times to get all both sides covered.
  4. Your leftover fried fish will be ready to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  5. Let them cool.
  6. Serve and enjoy.

How to Reheat Fried Fish in a Broiler

If you’re wondering how to reheat fried fish and keep it crispy in under five minutes, then you might want to give the broiler method a try. The broiler setting on your oven heats the fish at a high temperature, which allows you to reheat deep fried fish in a matter of minutes and still have crispy, delicious leftovers. 

  1. Line the baking sheet from your toaster oven with aluminum foil. You can also drizzle a small amount of oil or spray cooking spray on the foil before putting your fish on it. 
  2. Turn your oven to the broiler setting.
  3. Put the fried fish in the oven and broil for one to three minutes on each side. Make sure to watch the fish as it heats. You don’t want to burn the outside before the inside is thoroughly reheated. 
  4. Your leftover fried fish will be ready to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  5. Let the fried fish cool for a few minutes before eating it. 

How to Reheat Fish in the Air Fryer

For a mess-free way of reheating fried fish, place the fillet in an air fryer. This appliance circulates hot air around the fish so it cooks thoroughly and evenly while maintaining its crunchy exterior. Julie suggests following these five steps to achieve best results when reheating fried fish.

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Place fish in single layer in the basket.
  3. Place basket in the air fryer and air fry for 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Carefully flip fish over and cook 3 to 4 minutes more, or until the fish is thoroughly heated. 
  5. Cool for 2 to 3 minutes and enjoy.

Reheating Fried Fish in the Microwave

When your stomach calls out for food, it might be tempting to use the microwave to reheat fried catfish. But unless you want to bite into soggy leftover fried fish, we recommend you stay away from the microwave. The problem with this method is the high heat causes your food to heat quickly without crisping it, which creates the soggy mess you get when you take your plate out of the microwave. 

Food Safety Tips for Handling Frozen Fried Fish

If your leftover fried fish is in the freezer, your first step is to thaw it gradually by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re short on time and need to thaw your fish quickly, the FDA says to seal frozen seafood in a plastic bag and immerse it in cold water. Or, if you plan on reheating the fish immediately, you can microwave it on the “defrost” setting and end the defrost cycle while the fish is still icy but flexible.

Now that you know how to reheat fried fish and keep it crispy, it’s time to pair your leftovers with a tasty side or two. To turn your leftover fried fish into a meal, consider serving it with a side of french fries or some warm, delicious biscuits. A family favorite guaranteed to satisfy!

Looking for a fried fish recipe that cooks up a big batch that you can enjoy as leftovers? We love this fish and chips recipe from TikTok sensation Babs Costello.

Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items. Use right arrow key to move into submenus. Use escape to exit the menu. Use up and down arrow keys to explore. Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list.