Air-Frying Fish Fillets: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryer fish fillets are a quick and easy meal option, taking as little as 12 minutes to cook. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets, the size of your air fryer, and whether you are cooking from frozen. You can cook the fillets from frozen, but you will need to add an additional 5-8 minutes to the cooking time. For a crispy finish, spritz or brush the fillets with olive oil before cooking.

Cooking times for frozen fish fillets

The cooking time for frozen fish fillets in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the fillets, the size of your air fryer, and the model of your air fryer. It's recommended that you cook the fillets at 200°C (390°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through at 8-10 minutes. However, if your fillets are on the thinner side, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For example, one source suggests cooking the fillets for 6 minutes, spraying them with olive oil, and then cooking for another 6-8 minutes. Another source suggests adding an additional 5-8 minutes to the cooking time if cooking from frozen.

It's important to note that you should not overcrowd your air fryer basket as this will prevent the fish from crisping. You may also need to adjust the cooking time depending on the kind of fish you're using. For smaller pieces of fish, you can try an air fryer fish sticks recipe.

Cooking times for fresh fish fillets

The cooking time for fresh fish fillets in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the size of your air fryer. It's recommended that you cook the fillets at 200°C (390°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through at 8-10 minutes. You may need to adjust the cooking times depending on the kind of fish you're using and the model of your air fryer. For smaller pieces of fish, you could try an air fryer fish sticks recipe.

If you're cooking breaded fish fillets, place them breaded-side up in the air fryer and cook for 6 minutes. Then, spray the tops with olive oil spray to help the crumbs toast and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until piping hot and golden brown.

If you're cooking frozen fish fillets, you'll need to add an additional 5-8 minutes to the cooking time.

How to get a crispy finish

To get a crispy finish, you'll want to cook your fish fillets at a high temperature. One source recommends cooking at 200°C (390°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through at 8-10 minutes. Another source recommends cooking at 370°F for 6 minutes, then spraying the tops with olive oil and cooking for another 6-8 minutes.

The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fish fillets and the size of your air fryer. If you're cooking from frozen, you'll need to add an additional 5-8 minutes. Make sure your air fryer basket isn't overcrowded, as this will prevent the fish from crisping. You might also want to try using perforated parchment sheets under the fish to prevent sticking.

What to serve with fish fillets

Fish fillets cooked in an air fryer are ready in around 12-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the temperature of the air fryer. If you're cooking from frozen, you'll need to add an extra 5-8 minutes.

Now, what to serve with those fish fillets? There are plenty of options, from simple steamed vegetables to creative salads. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, zucchini, or green beans add a light, healthy touch to your meal. Their natural sweetness and tender-crisp texture pair well with fish.
• Roasted chickpeas: These offer a surprising yet satisfying side dish. Crispy and savory, they provide a crunchy contrast to the soft, flaky fish.
• Pilau rice: Fragrant with spices and studded with colourful vegetables, this rice dish makes a flavorful and satisfying side.
• Parmesan potatoes: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these potatoes are a fantastic pairing for fish fillets. Tossed with olive oil, parmesan cheese, and herbs, they offer a hearty and savory side dish.
• Pineapple salsa: With its mix of sweet pineapple, tangy lime juice, and spicy jalapenos, pineapple salsa can add a bright, tropical touch to your meal.
• Mashed potatoes: A classic side dish that pairs beautifully with fish fillets. Creamy and buttery, they complement the delicate flavour of the fish.
• Blistered tomatoes: These quickly seared tomatoes offer a burst of bright, fresh flavour. Their sweet, tangy juices enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while adding a hint of smokiness.
• Quinoa salad: A nutritious and flavorful option, quinoa salad complements the delicate nature of fish fillets. Quinoa, with its slightly nutty flavor and health benefits, serves as a hearty base.

How to prepare the air fryer basket

To prepare the air fryer basket, you'll need to ensure it's not overcrowded, as this will prevent the fish from crisping. For bucket-style air fryers, place the fish directly into the non-stick basket. If you have an oven-style air fryer with racks or trays, place the fish on the tray, but use perforated parchment sheets underneath to prevent sticking.

For breaded fish, place the fillets breaded-side up in the basket. Spritz or brush each fillet with olive oil to help the crumbs toast, and then cook for 6 minutes. Flip the fish and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and piping hot.

If you're cooking from frozen, add an extra 5-8 minutes to the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and the size of your air fryer, so you may need to adjust the timing after your first attempt.

For smaller pieces of fish, you may want to try an air fryer fish sticks recipe instead.

Frequently asked questions