Fish and chips are a beloved dish worldwide but can be tricky to reheat. When you have leftovers of this British staple, you want them to retain that signature crunch and flavor.
Thankfully, with the right techniques, you can revive your fish and chips to taste like they have just been fried.
Store Fish And Chips Properly Before Reheating
Before reheating your fish and chips, storing them properly after the initial meal is important.
Here are some tips for storing fish and chip leftovers:
- Allow to cool fully before storing. This prevents moisture from building up.
- Place fish and chips in separate airtight containers. The fish releases moisture that can make the chips soggy.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Leaving fish and chips at room temperature for too long allows bacteria to grow.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days; after that, quality and safety decline.
- When ready to reheat, let the fish and chips sit out for 10 minutes. This helps them come to room temperature before cooking.
Proper storage sets you up for success when reheating fish and chips later on.
Reheat Fish And Chips In The Oven
The oven is the best method for evenly reheating fish and chips.
Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Arrange fish and chips separately on the baking sheet. Don't overcrowd—space them out.
- Lightly spray or drizzle fish and chips with oil. This prevents drying out.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until hot and crispy.
- Check the internal temperature of fish reaches 145°F for food safety.
The even dry heat from your oven will make the batter crispy and keep the fish moist inside. Just be careful not to overcook.
Use A Skillet To Reheat Fish And Chips
Reheating fish and chips in a skillet on the stovetop quickly and easily. Here's how:
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil.
- Carefully add fish fillets and fries. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, flipping once.
- If needed, finish in a 375°F oven for a few minutes to re-crisp.
- Keep an eye on food to prevent burning.
The hot surface helps revive the crispy texture of the batter coating. Be sure to use tongs to gently flip the fillets intact.
Reheat Fish And Chips In An Air Fryer
An air fryer is an excellent small appliance for reheating fish and chips. Follow these directions:
- Preheating air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Mist the basket with cooking spray or brush with oil.
- Place fish and chips in a basket, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy.
The circulating hot air rapidly reheats the fish and chips while crisping up the outside. Cook fish and chips separately if needed.
Microwave Fish And Chips Carefully
It's best to avoid the microwave when reheating fish and chips, as it often leaves food soggy. However, in a pinch, you can microwave them carefully:
- Place fish and chips on a microwave-safe plate. Don't over pile.
- Cover with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
- Microwave on HIGH in 30-second intervals until just heated through.
- Let stand for 2 minutes before eating.
The microwave can make the batter soft, so only reheat this way if necessary. Watch closely to prevent overcooking.
Deep Fry Leftover Fish And Chips
For delicious results reminiscent of fresh from the chip shop, you can reuse your deep fryer or pot of oil to reheat fish and chips. Here's how:
- Heat frying oil to 350-375°F on a deep fry or candy thermometer. Use enough oil to submerge food.
- Carefully add fish fillets and fries back into the hot oil. Fry just until heated through and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with salt.
The hot oil will re-crisp the batter beautifully. Don't overcrowd the oil or overfry.
How To Crisp Up Fish And Chips Before Serving
If your reheated fish and chips need a little help in the crispy texture department, use one of these tricks:
- Place in a hot broiler for 2-3 minutes to crisp batter exteriors. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Quickly pan fry in a little oil over high heat for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Finish in the air fryer at 400°F for 3-5 minutes to add crunch.
- Mist with oil and grill for 2-3 minutes for a crisp, char-grilled effect.
Don't skip this important step if your fish and chips need it. A short crisping session makes a big difference.
Serve Reheated Fish And Chips With Condiments
Once you've successfully reheated crunchy, flaky fish and chips, it's time to serve! Have fun pairing your fish and chips with:
- Tartar sauce - The tangy, creamy sauce complements the fried food.
- Malt vinegar - The classic British condiment adds welcome acidity.
- Lemon wedges - Brightens up the flavor and cuts richness.
- Cocktail or curry sauce - Savory-sweet options pair nicely.
- Salt and pepper - Finish with these tabletop staples.
With the right condiments, your reheated fish and chips will taste like you just brought them home fresh from the chippy!
Storing And Freezing Leftover Fish And Chips
When you aren't eating your fish and chips within 3-4 days, freezing is the best method for preserving them long-term:
- Allow fish and chips to cool fully after cooking.
- Place in airtight containers or bags. Exclude as much air as possible.
- Label the package with contents and freeze-by date.
- For best quality, use frozen fish and chips within 2-3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Freezing locks in freshness and keeps your fish and chips tasting great when you get the craving weeks later.
FAQs
How can I revive soggy leftover fish and chips?
If your fish and chips have already become soggy, you can revive them by reheating them in the oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes to re-crisp the batter. Mist with oil first for added moisture protection. You can also finish them in the air fryer or skillet for 3-5 minutes to add crunch. Avoid microwaving soggy fish and chips, as it will worsen the texture.
What is the best way to reheat a frozen fish and chips meal?
For frozen fish and chips, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The oven or air fryer works best for evenly reheating thawed frozen fish and chips without drying them out. Add 1-2 extra minutes to the suggested cooking times. Reheating from frozen in the microwave risks very uneven cooking.
How can I reheat fish and chips without a microwave or oven?
If you don't have a microwave or oven available, focus on stovetop methods. Use a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil, then cook the fish for 4-5 minutes per side. For the chips, stir frequently until heated through and slightly crisped, about 6-8 minutes. A grill pan also works to add grill marks and crunch.
What are the best dipping sauces for reheated fish and chips?
Some delicious dipping sauces for reheated fish and chips include tartar sauce, curry sauce, garlic aioli, barbecue sauce, honey mustard sauce, buffalo sauce, and chimichurri. Get creative with your favorite sauces for dunking your hot crispy fish and chips.
Should I sprinkle extra salt on reheated fish and chips?
It's not strictly necessary to add more salt when reheating fish and chips, but a light sprinkle can help enhance the flavors. Use a delicate hand, as they likely still have residual salt from the initial cooking. Cider vinegar or malt vinegar is also great seasoning options without over-salting.
Conclusion
Reheating fish and chips may take some finesse, but the payoff is well worth it. With proper storage, strategic reheating methods, and key serving suggestions, you can easily achieve hot, crispy, flaky fish and chips time and time again.
Keep this advice in mind, and don't be intimidated by leftovers. Just follow the techniques outlined here for oven-fresh results.