Air-Fryer Magic: Frozen Fish, Delicious Results

Yes, you can cook frozen fish in an air fryer. It's a convenient way to prepare a tasty meal with minimal effort and clean-up. The air fryer cooks the fish evenly, resulting in a flaky and juicy interior with golden brown, crispy edges. You can use a variety of fish types, such as salmon, cod, tilapia, and haddock, and the cooking time is generally around 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

No need to defrost

There are many benefits to cooking frozen fish in an air fryer. For one, it's simple and quick. You can have a delicious main dish ready in just 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness and type of fish. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or when you're looking for a simple dinner with minimal cleanup.

Another advantage is that you don't need to defrost the fish first. This means you can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer, saving you time and effort. The air fryer cooks the fish evenly, resulting in a juicy fillet with crispy edges.

To ensure the best results when cooking frozen fish in an air fryer, follow these steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F. Preheating is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy exterior.
• Prepare the fish by patting it dry with a paper towel if there is any ice or frost on it.
• Brush the fish with olive oil or avocado oil, or vegetable oil. This will help the seasonings stick better and promote a crispier texture.
• Season the fish with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and other herbs and spices of your choice. You can also coat the fish with breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
• Place the fish in the air fryer basket, making sure there is enough space between each fillet to allow for proper air circulation.
• Cook for 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness and type of fish. For example, thin tilapia fillets may cook faster than thicker cuts of cod or halibut.
• Flip the fish halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Use a digital thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the fish has reached a safe 140-145°F.
• Pair your air-fried frozen fish with air-fried veggies, salads, pasta, grains, or sauces like tartar sauce.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process. It ensures that your fish starts cooking immediately when placed in the basket, which is essential for achieving that desirable crispy finish. The ideal temperature range for preheating your air fryer is between 350°F and 400°F, depending on the model and type of fish. Aim for the highest setting, which is usually around 400°F. Preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes to achieve the best results.

During the preheating process, it's important to prepare your fish fillets. Remove them from their packaging and place them on a plate. If there is ice or frost on the fillets, use a paper towel to pat them dry and remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving the best texture and preventing the fish from becoming waterlogged.

After preheating, the next step is to spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray. This step is essential to prevent the fish from sticking to the basket and ensure smooth cooking. You can use cooking spray or brush the basket with olive oil.

Once your air fryer is preheated and prepared, you can add the fish fillets. It is recommended to place them in a single layer, ensuring proper spacing between each fillet to allow for adequate air circulation. This spacing is crucial for achieving even cooking and the desired crispiness on all sides of the fillets.

In summary, preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature for the specific type of fish you are cooking is essential for achieving the best results. Don't forget to pat your fish fillets dry and spray the air fryer basket before adding the fish. By following these steps, you'll be on your way to cooking delicious and crispy frozen fish in your air fryer.

Use cooking spray to prevent sticking

Using cooking spray is an important step when cooking frozen fish in an air fryer, as it helps to prevent the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket. This allows you to achieve that desired crispy exterior without your fish falling apart.

To use cooking spray effectively, first, preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F. Then, generously coat the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Be sure to get all the areas that will come into contact with the fish. This will create a non-stick surface that prevents the fish from adhering to the basket.

Once you've sprayed the basket, you can proceed to add your frozen fish fillets. It's best to place them in a single layer, ensuring there is enough space between each fillet for proper air circulation. This spacing is crucial for achieving an even cook and the desired crispiness on all sides of the fillets.

After arranging your fillets, brush them with olive oil or another type of oil and season with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. You can also experiment with different coatings and seasonings to create a variety of flavours and textures.

Finally, cook your fish according to the recommended time and temperature guidelines for your specific type of fish and air fryer model. Don't forget to flip the fillets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Don't rinse the ice glaze off

When cooking frozen fish in an air fryer, it is best not to rinse off the ice glaze or ice crystals from the fish. This is because the ice exterior helps the fish retain its texture during the cooking process. Rinsing the ice off the fish can result in a more waterlogged texture once the fish is cooked.

The ice glaze on frozen fish is not just frost but is added intentionally during the freezing process to preserve the original flavour and texture of the fish. It also serves as protection against freezer burn and dehydration. The ice essentially works as a preservative.

The ice-glazing process involves pretreating the fish with either ascorbic acid or brine, depending on the type of fish. The fish is then placed unwrapped in the freezer until frozen solid, after which it is dipped into a bowl of ice water and frozen again. This process is repeated until a visible sheet of ice encapsulates the fish.

Therefore, when cooking frozen fish in an air fryer, it is best to place the fish directly into the air fryer basket in its frozen state without rinsing off the ice glaze.

Cooking time and temperature

Preheating:

Preheating your air fryer is essential. It ensures that your fish cooks evenly, and you get that desirable crispy exterior. Preheat your air fryer for about 3 to 5 minutes before adding the fish. The ideal temperature range for preheating is between 350-400°F.

Cooking Time:

The cooking time will depend on the thickness and type of fish. As a general rule, thinner fillets like tilapia will cook faster (around 12-15 minutes) than thicker cuts of fish like cod or halibut (12-20 minutes). It's important to note that the specific model of your air fryer can also impact cooking time.

Temperature:

For most frozen fish fillets, a temperature range of 350-400°F is recommended. This range allows the fish to cook through while achieving a crispy exterior. However, thicker fillets or those with a breaded coating may require a higher temperature of around 400°F.

Visual Cues and Internal Temperature:

To check if your fish is done, look for an opaque and flaky texture. You can also use a digital thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe internal temperature. The ideal internal temperature for cooked fish is 140-145°F.

Flipping:

Don't forget to flip your fish fillets halfway through the cooking process. This ensures even cooking on both sides and prevents your fish from drying out.

Oil and Seasonings:

Before placing the fish in the air fryer, coat it with a thin layer of oil, such as olive oil. This helps the seasonings stick to the fish and promotes a crispier texture. You can also use cooking spray to prevent the fish from sticking to the air fryer basket. For seasonings, a simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder works well. You can also experiment with herbs like oregano or thyme.

Arranging the Fish:

When placing the fish in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer with enough space between each fillet. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures even cooking.

Side Dishes and Accompaniments:

Frozen fish in an air fryer pairs well with various side dishes and accompaniments. Try serving it with air-fried vegetables like sweet potato fries, zucchini coins, or roasted Brussels sprouts. You can also enhance the flavour with condiments like tartar sauce, lemon juice, or sriracha mayo.

Frequently asked questions