Air Fryer Frozen Fish Balls: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Fish balls are a versatile food that can be cooked in an air fryer, deep fryer, wok, or boiling water. When cooking frozen fish balls in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F (180°C) for 3-5 minutes. The cooking time for the fish balls will depend on their size and the model of the air fryer. Small fish balls can be cooked in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes at 360°F (180°C), while larger ones may take up to 15-20 minutes. It is important to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for air-frying frozen fish balls vary depending on the specific model of your air fryer and the size of the fish balls.

As a general guideline, it is recommended to set your air fryer to a temperature between 350-400°F (180°C) for 12 to 20 minutes. For example, thinner fish balls may cook faster than thicker ones. It is also important to ensure proper spacing between the fish balls in the air fryer basket to achieve even cooking and the desired crispiness.

Some sources suggest air frying frozen fish balls at 360°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Another source suggests cooking at 360°F for 5-6 minutes with a spritz of oil.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may also depend on whether you choose to thaw the fish balls before air frying. If you decide to thaw them, a quick method is to soak the frozen fish balls in water for 5-10 minutes before air frying.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a critical step in the cooking process. It ensures that your fish cooks evenly and achieves a desirable crispy exterior. The ideal temperature range for cooking most frozen fish fillets is between 350-400°F (176-204°C). Therefore, you should preheat your air fryer to somewhere within this range, depending on the type of fish you're preparing. Aim for the higher end of the range for thicker fillets or those with a hearty breading.

Preheat your air fryer for about 3 to 5 minutes before adding your fish. This will ensure that your fish starts cooking immediately upon entering the basket, which is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy finish.

If your air fryer has a preheat button, use it to preheat the appliance before putting in the food. This will ensure that the fish becomes nice and crispy. If not, manually preheat the air fryer for the suggested time.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to arrange the fish fillets. Place them in a single layer with enough space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. This spacing is essential for achieving an even cook and the desired crispiness on all sides of the fillets.

Additionally, it's important to spray the inside of your air fryer basket generously with cooking spray before adding the fish. This will prevent the fish from sticking to the basket and ensure it releases easily once cooked.

How to defrost fish balls

There are several ways to defrost fish balls. One way is to place them in a plastic zipper bag and run cool water through it to melt the ice. You can also defrost fish balls in the oven for 15 to 20 seconds, but be careful not to exceed this time, as it may cause the fish balls to start cooking. Another option is to place the fish balls in a water basin and heat them on high power for 2 minutes or until hot.

If you're looking for a more gradual defrosting method, you can place the fish balls in the refrigerator overnight. This will keep the temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring safety. Alternatively, you can defrost the fish balls under cold running water. This method is faster than defrosting in the refrigerator, as water is a better conductor of heat than air. Make sure the water is running regularly, and if you're not going to cook the fish balls immediately, return them to the refrigerator after defrosting.

Once your fish balls are defrosted, you can cook them in an air fryer, deep fryer, wok, or boiling water. For air frying, spritz the fish balls with oil and cook at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 6 minutes. You can also boil the fish balls for 3 to 5 minutes or fry them in a wok for 5 to 7 minutes.

How to tell when fish balls are done

Fish balls can be cooked in an air fryer straight from frozen, and it only takes a few minutes! But how can you tell when they're done?

Firstly, it's important to note that fish balls bought from a store are usually pre-cooked, so you're simply reheating them. When cooking, you want to aim for a plump, glossy, and translucent finish. They should be tender and pillowy, with a soft, juicy interior.

There are a few ways to test if your fish balls are cooked:

• Cut one open: If your fish balls are done, the inside should be almost opaque, not translucent like raw fish.
• Poke them: If cooked, they should have a similar amount of give to the tip of your nose when pressed gently with your index finger.
• Flake test: Insert the tines of a fork into the fish ball at a 45-degree angle and gently twist and pull. If the fish is cooked, it will flake easily.

If your fish balls pass these tests, they're ready to be enjoyed!

How to cook frozen fish fillets

Cooking frozen fish fillets in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious dish with minimal effort. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfect results:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Fish Fillets

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 370-380°F/193°C. While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare your frozen fish fillets. There is no need to thaw the fish beforehand, as cooking from frozen yields excellent results. Simply take the desired number of fillets out of the freezer and set them aside.

Step 2: Coat the Fish Fillets (Optional)

If you prefer your fish fillets breaded, this is the step for you! Start by coating the frozen fillets with a thin layer of olive oil. This step is crucial as it helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the fish. You can brush on the oil or use an olive oil mister. Once the fillets are coated in oil, sprinkle one tablespoon of seasoned breadcrumbs over each fillet. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the fish to ensure they stick.

Step 3: Place the Fish Fillets in the Air Fryer

Carefully transfer the frozen fish fillets into the air fryer basket. Ensure that the fillets are placed in a single layer and not overlapping. This is important to allow for even cooking. If you are cooking multiple fillets, you may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 4: Air Fry the Fish Fillets

With the fillets placed in the air fryer, it's time to start cooking! Air fry the fish for 12-14 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. For breaded fillets, this cooking time will result in piping hot fish with a golden brown, crispy coating. If you are cooking unbreaded fillets, keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

Step 5: Flip and Cook for a Few More Minutes

Once the initial cooking time is up, carefully flip the fish fillets. This step ensures even cooking and browning on both sides. After flipping, cook the fillets for an additional 2-4 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your air-fried frozen fish fillets are now ready to be served! Carefully remove them from the air fryer and plate them with your favourite sides. These fillets go well with a variety of dishes, such as homemade french fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple side of tartar sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges for a touch of freshness.

Tips and Tricks

• Not all air fryers cook the same way, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your specific air fryer model.
• If you are cooking multiple batches, keep the cooked fish warm in an oven set to 250°F while the rest of the fillets cook.
• For unbreaded fillets, you can spritz or brush them with olive oil before air frying to promote browning and crispness.
• When cooking fish, it is always important to ensure it is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check that the centre of the fillets has reached 145°F.

Frequently asked questions