Knowing how to reheat fish can mean the difference between wasting food and enjoying every single morsel. Luckily, you don’t need to throw out the leftovers from last night’s delicious dinner if you know a couple of simple tricks.

The best way to reheat fish is either with an oven or air fryer. Certain fish also taste great cold, and you can create a whole new meal out of the leftovers. Microwaving fish is one of the worst options, but it does do the job if you’re in a hurry. Obstacles to overcome when reheating fish include a fishy smell, dry out, and knowing if the fish is still safe to eat. Thankfully, you have a few days to figure out how you want to finish enjoying that mouthwatering meal.

Nuking In The Microwave Is A No-No

If it is at all possible, avoid using the microwave. This method produces high heat for a short period of time. Because of this, you will end up with overcooked edges and a cold center.

As a result of the fast-acting heatwave, the fish will dry out. This makes it taste rubbery. It can also give it an unpleasant fishy smell because of how the fatty oils break down. Salmon and trout, which have a higher fat content, are the biggest culprits. You may be able to get away with microwaving seafood with a lower fat content, like scallops, shrimp, and tilapia. However, it is still better to err on the side of caution and use the oven to reheat fish.

Reheat Fish In The Oven

The best method to reheat fish is in the oven. Simply set it to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is preheating, lightly grease a casserole dish or baking sheet. Place your leftover fish in the dish, splash with water and cover with tin foil. If you prefer, butter can be used in place of water. In either case, the point is to reintroduce moisture to the meat so it does not dry out. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 125-130 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful to avoid steam burn when you peel back the foil.

Because of the slow, even heating process, your kitchen will start to smell as delicious as it did when you originally made the dish. The fragrant aromas will circulate making you drool with sweet anticipation. Heating fish in the oven will not break down the fatty oils as a microwave will. The outcome is a perfectly cooked fish filet.

Reheat Fish In An Air Fryer

Today, most households come equipped with an air fryer. This is a great way to reheat fish. It is fast, easy, and tastes amazing.

As a matter of fact, using an air fryer is a great choice when reheating breaded or battered fish. It will help to keep the crispiness of the breading or batter without turning it into a soggy mess.

To begin, put your leftover fish in the air fryer basket. Spray it lightly with extra virgin olive oil. The oil helps to bring the crispiness back to your fillet. Set the heat to 320 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for four minutes. Then, flip the fillet, increase the heat to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional two minutes. Increasing the temperature for the last two minutes also helps to bring back the crispiness.

That’s it. It’s that simple. You now have a delicious dinner. Pair with some quick and easy-to-make couscous with a side of vegetables, and boom. You have a hot and delicious meal in under ten minutes.

Make A New Meal

The fourth and final option to reheat fish is to make it into a new meal. Some dishes, like gumbo, taste even better the next day. There is no need to do anything to this meal. The spices have had time to marry together creating a party in your mouth with each bite.

However, other kinds of seafood can be used to create a yummy feast of fish cakes, crab cakes, soups, and chowders. Other types of fish, such as salmon and tuna, are great served cold. These can be shredded or flaked and placed on top of a bed of your favorite greens. Or, keep the fillet whole and place the entire chunk of meat on top of a delicious Greek salad with a savory lemon basil dressing (click here to get the recipe).

A great way to enjoy cold, leftover tuna is to mix it with some mayonnaise, capers, and lemon juice. Stir it all together for a delectable tuna salad.

That’s A Wrap

Now that you know the best way to reheat fish, your imagination is your only limitation. Use the microwave only if you have to, or if you are reheating seafood with a low fat content like shrimp and tilapia. The best way to reheat fish is in the oven. An air fryer is great for maintaining the crispiness of breaded or battered fish. If you’re looking to spice things up a little bit, then making a new meal with it can be fun too. Whichever method you choose to use, I hope it’s delicious!

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