Air Fryer Frozen Fish: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook frozen food without the need for a deep fryer and extra oil. You can cook frozen fish in an air fryer, and it will turn out flaky and juicy on the inside and golden brown with crispy edges on the outside. There is no need to defrost the fish first, and the whole process can take as little as 15 minutes.

No need to defrost

The beauty of cooking frozen fish in an air fryer is that you can skip the defrosting process. You can take your fish fillets straight from the freezer to the air fryer basket. This means you can have a delicious meal on your plate in under 15 minutes!

When it comes to preparing your frozen fish, it's best to pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture from ice or frost. This will help ensure that your fish doesn't end up waterlogged. You can also coat your fish with a thin layer of olive oil, which will act as a "glue" for any breadcrumbs or seasonings you want to add.

To ensure even cooking, it's important to place the fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and leave space between them. This allows the hot circulating air to reach all surfaces of the fish. Depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your fish fillets, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Some recipes suggest preheating your air fryer to its highest setting (usually around 400°F) before adding the fish. Others recommend setting the temperature to 370°F or 380°F. It's generally agreed that cooking times can range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the type and thickness of the fish.

For breaded frozen fish fillets, the standard dredging process in eggs and breadcrumbs might not work due to the hard surface of the frozen fish. Instead, you can coat the fish with olive oil, which will act as a sticky base for your breadcrumbs. Then, gently press the breadcrumbs onto the fish before placing it in the air fryer.

So, whether you're using an air fryer for the first time or you're a seasoned pro, there's no need to defrost your frozen fish beforehand. Simply follow the tips mentioned above, and you'll be on your way to enjoying a delicious and convenient meal in no time!

Best types of fish to use

There are several types of fish that are suitable for air frying, with many sources recommending white fish fillets such as cod, haddock, halibut, tilapia, pollock, and catfish. Thinner, flakier fish are better suited to this cooking method, as thicker fillets like tuna or swordfish will take longer to cook.

Frozen fish can be cooked straight from frozen in an air fryer, although some recipes suggest defrosting the fish first to prevent moisture escaping during the cooking process. Frozen fish can be coated in breadcrumbs, which will stick to the fish if a layer of olive oil is applied first.

How to season frozen fish

Yes, you can put frozen fish in an air fryer. In fact, cooking protein from frozen is a handy skill to have. It saves you time and effort, and it can be just as tasty as defrosted fish.

• Prepare the fish: Take your desired amount of frozen fish fillets out of the freezer. You can use any variety of white fish fillets, such as tilapia, pollock, haddock, halibut, or cod.
• Coat the fish with oil: Brush each fillet with a thin layer of olive oil or use an olive oil mister. The oil will help the breadcrumbs stick to the fish and create a crispy texture.
• Season the fish: In a small bowl, mix together your desired seasonings. A simple and tasty option is to use panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and garlic powder. You can also experiment with other seasonings like Old Bay Seasoning or cornmeal. Sprinkle or spoon the seasoning mixture over the oiled fish, covering as much of the fillet as possible. Gently press the seasoning onto the fish to help it stick.
• Preheat the air fryer: While you are seasoning the fish, preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F. Different air fryer models may have varying preheat functions, so refer to your product manual for specific instructions.
• Place the fish in the air fryer: Carefully transfer the seasoned fish fillets to the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer, skin-side down if applicable, leaving a little space between each fillet for even cooking.
• Cook the fish: Air fry the fish for 6 minutes initially. Then, spray the tops of the fillets with more olive oil to help the seasoning toast and cook further. Continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The fish is ready when it is piping hot, golden brown, and has an internal temperature of 125-130°F for most varieties of fish.
• Rest and serve: Allow the fish to rest in the air fryer for about a minute before removing it. Serve with your favorite sides and sauces, such as tartar sauce, basil pesto, or lemon wedges.

By following these steps, you can easily season and cook frozen fish in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy, tasty dish that goes from your freezer to your plate in under 20 minutes!

How long to cook for

The cooking time for frozen fish in an air fryer depends on the type of fish, the specific model of the air fryer, and the desired level of crispness. Most sources recommend cooking frozen fish fillets at a temperature between 350-400°F (176-204°C) for 12-20 minutes.

For example, thin tilapia fillets may cook faster than thicker cuts of cod or halibut. The thickness of the fillets will impact the cooking time, with thicker fillets requiring more time to reach the ideal internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C).

It is also important to note that not all air fryers cook the same. The heating elements and cooking capacities of different models, such as the 5.8qt Cosori or the Ninja Foodi, may require slight adjustments to the cooking time.

When cooking frozen fish in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature before adding the fish. This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior. Additionally, it is important to flip the fish fillets halfway through the cooking process to promote even cooking and doneness.

• Pacific Cod: 11-13 minutes at 350-400°F (176-204°C)
• Rockfish: 8-10 minutes at 350-400°F (176-204°C)
• Pacific Halibut: 12-14 minutes at 350-400°F (176-204°C)
• Coho or Sockeye: 13-15 minutes at 350-400°F (176-204°C)

What to serve it with

There are many side dishes that can complement your air-fried fish. Here are some suggestions:

• Roasted vegetables — You can serve your fish with roasted vegetables such as green beans, potatoes, carrots, zucchini fries, purple mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, sweet potato rounds, or crispy potato wedges.
• Salads — Try pairing your fish 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.
• Pasta and grains — Buckwheat groats, beetroot pasta, fennel risotto, or millet can also be great accompaniments to your fish.
• Starch — Pairing your fish with a starch like quinoa or brown rice ensures you get a variety of nutrients and a satisfying meal.
• Sauces and condiments — Enhance the flavour of your fish with sauces and condiments. A squeeze of lemon juice, a dollop of tartar sauce, or a spicy kick of sriracha mayo can all add something special.
• Healthy alternatives — For a health-conscious meal, consider serving your fish with roasted or grilled vegetables, such as Greek salad, green beans, or cauliflower rice.

Frequently asked questions