Air Fryer Cod: How Long To Fry Frozen Fish?

Cooking frozen cod in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, healthy meal. It's also versatile, as you can use any type of frozen cod, from lightly breaded to seasoned, and there are gluten-free options available too. You don't need to thaw the fish first, simply place it straight into the air fryer basket and it will be ready to eat in less than 20 minutes.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time for frozen cod in an air fryer varies depending on the thickness of the fillets and the temperature you set your air fryer to. It is recommended that you cook frozen cod fillets at a temperature between 350 and 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 20 minutes.

Some recipes suggest cooking frozen cod at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through. Another recipe recommends cooking the cod at 355 degrees Celsius for three minutes, then reducing the temperature to 370 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius for 18 minutes, again flipping the fillets halfway through.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of air fryer you have and the thickness of your cod fillets. It is recommended that you use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the fillet has reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are using a pre-breaded frozen cod fillet, you may need to adjust the cooking time. One recipe recommends cooking pre-breaded fillets at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes in a cold air fryer. However, it is important to monitor the fillets closely as cooking times may vary.

For thicker fillets, you may need to increase the cooking time. One recipe suggests that larger cod fillets can take up to 13 minutes to air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is also recommended that you do not overlap the fillets in the air fryer basket and that you leave space between them to allow for even cooking and heat circulation.

How to prevent sticking

To prevent your frozen cod from sticking to the air fryer, there are several measures you can take. Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer to a high enough temperature. Sources suggest preheating to between 355°C and 390°F.

Secondly, you can spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or grapeseed oil spray. This will help to prevent the fish from sticking to the basket. You can also spray the cod fillets themselves with a little oil, which will help to prevent them from drying out.

To further prevent sticking, you can use parchment paper, silicone liners, or non-stick spray.

Finally, it is important to cook the cod for long enough. Cod fillets should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. This will ensure the fish is cooked properly and reduce the risk of sticking.

How to serve

Air fryer frozen cod is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways and paired with numerous sides. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Vegetable Sides: Serve your air fryer cod with healthy vegetable sides such as air fryer broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, or asparagus. These options will add some extra nutrients and flavour to your meal.
• Potato Side Dishes: Consider pairing the cod with potato cauliflower mash, roasted potatoes and zucchini, or celeriac and sweet potato mash. Potatoes are a classic side dish and can complement the flavour of the cod nicely.
• Rice, Quinoa or Couscous: Choose one of these grains as a side to accompany your cod. They can help to bulk up the meal and provide a nice texture contrast to the fish.
• Salads: A fresh salad can be a great way to round out your meal. Try a mixed greens salad or a creamy coleslaw, which would pair well with the flavour of the cod.
• Fries: For a heartier meal, serve your cod with a side of fries. This could be traditional French fries or something more unique like air fryer tater tots. It is a good way to add some crunch and a different texture to your dish.
• Bread: Don't forget the bread! Texas Toast or another type of garlic bread can be a delicious accompaniment to your fish.

When it comes to serving air fryer frozen cod, the possibilities are endless. Get creative and experiment with different sides and pairings to find your favourite combinations. Enjoy!

Using frozen vs fresh cod

Frozen and fresh cod can both be cooked in an air fryer, but there are some differences to be aware of. Fresh cod will always taste better, but frozen cod is more convenient and can be a good option when you're short on time. Here's a detailed look at the differences between using frozen and fresh cod in an air fryer:

• Preparation: With fresh cod, you'll need to pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before cooking. Frozen cod can be cooked straight from the freezer, and there's no need to thaw it first. However, it's important to use fillets that are around six ounces and less than one inch thick to ensure even cooking.
• Cooking time and temperature: Fresh cod cooks faster than frozen. Fresh cod fillets take about 8 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit in the air fryer, while frozen cod fillets will take around 14-15 minutes at two different temperatures (4 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then 10-12 minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Flavor and seasoning: Both frozen and fresh cod benefit from seasoning. For frozen cod, a flavorful sauce, breading, or a simple sprinkle of herbs can enhance the taste. Fresh cod can be tossed with olive oil and lemon juice, and then seasoned before air frying.
• Texture: To prevent frozen cod from drying out, it's important to spray the air fryer basket and the fillets with olive oil. Fresh cod, on the other hand, should not be flipped during the cooking process as it may stick to the basket.
• Doneness: For both frozen and fresh cod, it's important to ensure the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The cod should be opaque white and flake easily when pressed with a fork. Overcooking can lead to rubbery or dry fish.
• Storage: Fresh cod can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, while leftover cooked frozen cod can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating tips

To reheat your cod, I recommend using an air fryer set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for around 5 minutes. This will ensure your cod retains its texture and flavour. If you don't have an air fryer, you can also use an oven, but this will take longer, around 20 to 25 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

To prevent your cod from drying out, make sure you coat it in oil, butter, or ghee before reheating. You can also use cooking spray oil to achieve the same effect.

It's important to ensure your cod reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be measured using a food thermometer. Overcooking your cod will result in a tough and dry texture, as more moisture will evaporate from the fish as its internal temperature rises.

If you're reheating leftover cod, it's best to consume it within three days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to reheat and consume it.

Additionally, when cooking frozen cod in an air fryer, avoid the temptation to cook at a higher temperature for a shorter time. This can lead to the cod drying out at the edges. It's better to cook at a lower temperature for a slightly longer duration to ensure even cooking and moist fish.

Frequently asked questions