Air Fryer Frozen Fish: Is It Possible?

Cooking frozen fish in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. It is possible to cook frozen fish in an air fryer, and doing so produces a juicy fish fillet with crispy edges. The air fryer also frees up your stovetop to work on delicious sauce pairings and sides.

The beauty of this method is that you don't need to defrost the frozen fish fillet first. Simply coat the fillets with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and any other desired spices, and place them in a preheated air fryer for around 10–15 minutes, depending on the type of fish and the size of the fillet.

Some recipes suggest rinsing off any ice crystals or ice glaze from the fish before cooking, but this can result in a more waterlogged texture. Instead, place the frozen fish directly into the air fryer basket, being sure to spray the basket generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

No need to defrost

It is possible to cook frozen fish in an air fryer without defrosting it first. This method of cooking fish is a game-changer, as it produces crispy, perfectly cooked fish in under 15 minutes without the need for deep frying.

When using an air fryer, it is not necessary to defrost the fish beforehand. In fact, doing so may result in a waterlogged texture. Simply place the frozen fish fillets directly into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook for 12-14 minutes at 370-400°F, or until piping hot and golden brown.

To achieve a crispy texture, coat the fish with a thin layer of olive oil before cooking. This will act as a glue for the breadcrumbs, ensuring they stick to the fish. You can also season the fish with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice.

By cooking frozen fish in an air fryer, you can enjoy a quick, healthy, and delicious meal with minimal effort and preparation time.

Breaded fish fillets

Once your fillets are prepared, carefully place them into the basket of your air fryer. You don't need to add any extra oil, as this can make the breading soggy. Depending on the thickness of your fillets, cook them for 12-15 minutes at 370°F (or 390°F, according to another source). Flip the fillets halfway through cooking, and continue cooking until the fish is piping hot, cooked through, and the breading is golden brown.

Your air fryer basket should not be overcrowded, as this will prevent the fish from crisping up. Make sure there is some room around each fillet for the air to circulate. Always cook in a single layer, and if you need to cook more fillets, keep the cooked ones warm in an oven while you cook the rest.

Oil and seasonings

The oil and seasonings you use will depend on your personal preference, but here are some options to consider:

• Olive oil: This is a popular choice for fish as it adds a nice flavour. Other options include avocado oil or vegetable oil.
• Lemon juice: Adding a squeeze of lemon juice to your oil mixture can brighten the flavour of the dish.
• Salt: A couple of sprinkles of salt on each fillet will bring out the flavour of the fish.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic or garlic powder will give the fish a great flavour.
• Spices: Feel free to use onion powder, red pepper flakes, or any other spices you enjoy. Dried herbs such as parsley, thyme, or oregano would also pair well with fish.
• Black pepper: Add a sprinkle of black pepper to taste.

• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (190-204°C).
• In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, dried herbs, garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Remove the frozen fish fillets from their packaging and pat them dry with a paper towel.
• Generously brush or rub the oil and seasoning mixture all over the frozen fish.
• Place the seasoned fish in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each fillet.
• Cook for 12-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and the power of your air fryer.
• Check the temperature of the fish with a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of at least 140-145°F (63°C).
• If desired, drizzle the cooked fish with any remaining garlic oil or serve with lemon wedges.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking frozen fish in an air fryer depend on the type and thickness of the fillet, as well as the model of the air fryer.

For most frozen fish fillets, a temperature range of 350-400°F is recommended. The ideal cooking time usually falls between 12 to 20 minutes. For example, thin tilapia fillets may cook faster than thicker cuts of cod or halibut. It's important to adjust the temperature and time based on the specific type of fish and the model of the air fryer. Thicker fillets or those with a hearty breading may require a higher temperature and longer cooking time.

When cooking frozen fish, it is generally recommended to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. Preheating for about 3 to 5 minutes before adding the fish is usually sufficient.

To ensure the fish is cooked properly, it should have an opaque and flaky texture, with an internal temperature of 140-145°F. A digital thermometer can be helpful to check the doneness of the fish.

When arranging the fish fillets in the air fryer, it is important to place them in a single layer with enough space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. This ensures even cooking and the desired crispiness on all sides. It is also important to flip the fillets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.

• Pacific Cod: 11 to 13 minutes at 400°F
• Rockfish: 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F
• Pacific Halibut: 12 to 14 minutes at 400°F
• Cohoe or Sockeye: 13 to 15 minutes at 400°F

Serving suggestions

Frozen fish cooked in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Fish and Chips: Serve the crispy air-fried fish fillets with a side of french fries, steak fries, sweet potato fries, or tater tots. Don't forget the tartar sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice for that extra tang!
• Fish Sandwiches: Use the air-fried fish as a sandwich filling. You can also add some tartar sauce, coleslaw, or your favourite condiments to enhance the flavour.
• Fish Tacos: This is a popular choice for those who like a bit of variety. Assemble tacos with corn or flour tortillas, fill them with the air-fried fish, and top with coleslaw, jalapeno or sriracha mayo, and a squeeze of lime. You can also add some sliced cabbage, cilantro, and pickled red onions for an extra crunch.
• Salads: Fish pairs well with a variety of salads, such as arugula, goat cheese, and beet salad; creamy carrot with raisin salad; purple cabbage coleslaw; or grated raw beet salad. The combination of flavours and textures will delight your taste buds.
• Vegetables: Air fryer fish goes well with a variety of vegetables, such as roasted green beans and potatoes, zucchini fries, purple mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, or crispy potato wedges. You can cook these in your air fryer as well for a complete meal.
• Pasta and Grains: For a more filling option, serve the fish with buckwheat groats, beetroot pasta, fennel risotto, or millet. These hearty options will satisfy your hunger and provide a well-rounded meal.
• Appetizers and Sides: If you're looking for something smaller, try serving butternut squash, fried feta and strawberry salad, or rosemary Parmesan bread as an appetizer or side dish. These options will impress your guests and add a touch of sophistication to your meal.
• Drinks: Don't forget to pair your meal with a refreshing drink! A spicy mango margarita or a dry white wine, such as Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Viognier, will complement the flavours of the fish nicely.

Remember, the beauty of cooking frozen fish in an air fryer is its simplicity and convenience. You can easily customise these serving suggestions to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Get creative and enjoy your delicious, healthy meal!

Frequently asked questions