Cooking frozen fish fillets in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. The best part is that you can cook the fish straight from frozen, without having to defrost it first. This method produces tender and juicy fish with a golden, crispy exterior in under 20 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the type of fish and the size of the fillets, but generally, it should take between 12 and 20 minutes to cook frozen fish fillets in an air fryer.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Air Fryer Temperature | 370-400°F |
Cooking Time | 10-20 minutes |
Preparation | Pat dry, brush with oil, season |
Flipping | Yes, after 10 minutes |
Serving Suggestions | Tartar sauce, fries, lemon wedges, fish tacos |
What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F/193°C
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in ensuring your frozen fish fillets come out crispy and golden brown. Here are some detailed instructions to help you preheat your air fryer to the ideal temperature range of 380-400°F/193°C:
- Plug in your air fryer and ensure it is clean and ready for use.
- Turn on your air fryer. If your air fryer has a preheat button, simply press it, set the temperature to 380-400°F/193°C, and wait for the preheat light to go off.
- If your air fryer does not have a preheat button, manually set the temperature to 380-400°F/193°C and let it heat up for 3 to 5 minutes. This will ensure the hot air is circulating before you add your frozen fish fillets.
- While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your frozen fish fillets. Place them on a plate and pat them dry with a paper towel, especially if there is any ice or frost on the fillets.
- After the air fryer has preheated, it's time to cook your frozen fish fillets. Place them directly into the air fryer basket in a single layer, with a little space between each fillet to allow for even cooking. No thawing is needed.
- Air fry the fish fillets for 10 minutes, then carefully flip them over and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness.
- Your frozen fish fillets are ready when they are golden brown and cooked through. Serve them with your favourite sides, such as fries, hushpuppies, or a side of tartar sauce.
Remember, the exact cooking time may vary depending on the type and thickness of your fish fillets, as well as the brand and model of your air fryer. Always refer to your air fryer's instruction manual for specific guidelines on preheating and cooking.
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Prepare the basket with oil, foil, paper or spray
To prepare the basket of your air fryer, you can use olive oil, aluminum foil, parchment paper, or a non-stick cooking spray. If you are using foil or paper, poke a few holes in it to allow the hot air to circulate.
Using olive oil is a good option as it adds a nice flavor to the fish. You can brush it on or use an olive oil mister. The oil will help any seasonings you use stick to the fish. Alternatively, a non-stick cooking spray will also work well and is a healthier option if you don't want the extra calories.
If you are using a non-stick basket, you may not need to use any oil or spray at all. However, if you find that your fish is sticking, you can use a small amount of spray oil or line the basket with foil or paper.
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Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for 2-4 minutes
Cooking frozen fish fillets in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, crispy fish dish on the table in under 20 minutes.
Once your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature, it's time to cook your fish. Place your frozen fillets into the fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. No thawing is required.
Air fry the fish for 10 minutes, then carefully flip the fillets over and cook for a further 2-4 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. The fish is ready when it is golden brown and cooked through.
It's important to note that not all air fryers cook the same way, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the brand and model of your air fryer.
This cooking method is versatile and works with any type of fish fillet, such as sockeye salmon, cod, tilapia, or haddock. You can also use breaded frozen fillets, which are often made from pollock.
So, if you're looking for a convenient and tasty way to cook fish, give this air fryer method a try! You'll be enjoying a delicious and healthy meal in no time.
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Check the fish is cooked through and golden brown
Checking that your fish is cooked through and golden brown is an important step in the cooking process. You should always check that your fish is cooked before serving it.
To check if your fish is cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can also check if the fish is cooked by seeing if it flakes easily with a fork. If the fish is undercooked, turn it over and add an additional 2 minutes to the cooking time.
If you want crispier fish, increase the temperature to 400°F and air fry for 2 minutes.
It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of fish and the thickness of the fillets. For example, if you're cooking frozen tilapia fillets, the cooking time will be different from cooking frozen salmon fillets.
Additionally, different brands of air fryers may also require slight adjustments to the cooking time. It's always a good idea to monitor the fish while it's cooking and adjust the timing as needed.
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Serve with fries, hushpuppies, lemon wedges and tartar sauce
Air fryer frozen fish fillets are a quick and easy meal to make, and they go perfectly with fries, hushpuppies, lemon wedges, and tartar sauce.
To make the fish fillets, first, preheat your air fryer to 380-390°F/193°C. You can prepare the air fryer basket with olive oil, aluminium foil, or parchment paper, but this is optional. Place the frozen fish fillets into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between them. No thawing is required.
Air fry the fish for 10-12 minutes, then carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. The fish is ready when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
Now, for the sides. Fries are a classic pairing with fish, and you can make them right in your air fryer. Cut some potatoes into fries, and air fry them until crispy. Hushpuppies are another delicious side dish that can be made in the air fryer. You can find recipes for air fryer hushpuppies online.
To complete the meal, serve your fish and fries with lemon wedges and tartar sauce. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 12 and 20 minutes to cook frozen fish fillets in an air fryer.
No, you can cook the fish straight from frozen.
White fish fillets such as tilapia, pollock, haddock, halibut, or cod work well. Salmon can also be cooked in an air fryer but may require a different recipe.
You can season the fish with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. You can also coat the fish with breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
Preheat your air fryer to between 370 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.