Air-Frying Pollock: The Perfect Timing For A Delicious Dish

Pollock is a delicious, economical, and versatile fish that can be cooked in an air fryer in a variety of ways. From fillets to nuggets, and even beer-battered, air-fried pollock is a quick and healthy alternative to traditional fried fish. In this article, we will explore different ways to cook pollock in an air fryer, including cooking times, temperatures, and serving suggestions, so you can enjoy perfectly cooked pollock that is crispy on the outside and soft and flaky on the inside.

Cooking Pollock in an Air Fryer

Cooking times for pollock fillets

When cooking pollock fillets in an air fryer, there are a few factors that will affect the cooking time, including the weight of the fillets, whether they are fresh or frozen, and the temperature of the air fryer.

If you are cooking frozen pollock fillets, it is recommended to thaw them overnight in the fridge before air frying. This will ensure that the fish cooks more evenly and yields moist and tender meat. However, some sources suggest that you can cook frozen pollock fillets directly in the air fryer without defrosting them first, which will only take a few minutes longer than cooking thawed fillets.

For fresh or thawed pollock fillets, the cooking time will depend on the weight and thickness of the fillets. Small fillets weighing around 70g each can be cooked in an air fryer at 360°F for a total of 8 minutes. Larger fillets may take up to 12-15 minutes to cook at 390°F, flipping them halfway through.

If you are cooking breaded pollock fillets, the cooking time may be longer, up to 20 minutes at 390°F. It is important to coat the fillets with oil or butter before breading to ensure that the breading adheres properly.

When cooking pollock fillets in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to preheat the air fryer and leave a little space between each fillet to allow for proper air circulation.

Preparing pollock fillets for the air fryer

Once your fillets are prepared, you can brush them with butter or oil and season as desired. For a delicious garlic lemon flavour, melt a tablespoon of salted butter and brush it onto the fillets, then sprinkle with sea salt flakes. You can also crush the flakes between your fingers for an even thinner coating. Place the fillets into the air fryer, butter or skin-side down, leaving a little space between each for the air to circulate.

If you're breading your pollock fillets, you'll need to coat them in flour, then beaten egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Make sure to remove any excess breading before placing them in the air fryer. You can also spray the fillets with a light coating of oil to help the breading crisp up.

Now you're ready to cook your pollock fillets! Depending on their size and the desired level of doneness, cook them in the air fryer for 4-15 minutes at 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit. For smaller fillets, 4 minutes should be enough, while larger ones may need up to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The fish is ready when it's easily flaked with a fork and the breading is golden brown.

Air-frying pollock from frozen

Firstly, it is recommended that you thaw frozen pollock fillets overnight in the fridge before cooking. This will ensure more even cooking and a tender, moist texture. However, if you are short on time, you can cook pollock fillets directly from frozen, and they will still turn out delicious.

If cooking from frozen, give the fillets a gentle rinse under the tap to remove any ice crystals, then thoroughly dry them. You can then brush the fillets with butter and season as desired. If you are making a breaded version, you can coat the fillets in breadcrumbs and seasonings before placing them in the air fryer.

Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each to allow the air to circulate. For breaded fillets, spray the fillets with a light coating of oil to help them crisp up.

Cooking times will vary depending on the size and thickness of the fillets, but as a guide, small pollock fillets (around 70g/2.5oz) will take approximately 4 minutes at 360°F in a preheated air fryer. For larger fillets, you may need to cook for up to 12-15 minutes at 390°F, flipping them halfway through.

You can serve your air-fried pollock with a variety of sides, such as rice, grilled vegetables, salad, or mashed or roasted potatoes. Don't forget to add a wedge of lemon and some tartar sauce for a truly delicious meal!

Making garlic lemon compound butter

To cook pollock in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the fryer and cook the fillets for 4 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using frozen pollock, it is best to thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Now, for the star of the show—making garlic lemon compound butter! This flavoured butter is a delightful change from plain butter and can be used to sauté vegetables, added to meats and fishes, or used as a spread. Here's how you can make it:

Ingredients:

• Butter (softened/room temperature)
• Garlic (fresh/minced)
• Lemon (zest and juice)
• Salt
• Pepper (optional)
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Method:

• Place the softened butter in a small bowl. You can use a microwave to soften the butter if needed.
• Add the garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper (if using) to the bowl.
• Use a fork to combine the mixture loosely. You can also use a whisk to beat the ingredients until blended.
• (Optional) Transfer the mixture to a small food processor and blend until smooth.
• (Optional) Take some plastic wrap and place a dollop of the butter towards one end. Roll it up and secure the ends with rubber bands or twist ties.
• Refrigerate the butter for an hour or a few hours until chilled and slightly hardened.
• Remove from the fridge, unwrap, and slice the butter.
• Serve immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and ingredients to create your own unique compound butter!

Serving suggestions for air-fried pollock

Air-fried pollock is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious and quick-cooking fish:

• Rice and Vegetables: Serve the pollock with a bowl of hot rice, either white, brown, or wild. Accompany this with grilled, roasted, or steamed vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant, cauliflower, or broccoli.
• Green Salad: Prepare a refreshing green salad by mixing arugula, spinach, or romaine lettuce with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and cucumbers. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar on top and serve it alongside the pollock.
• Starch and Potatoes: For a heartier meal, consider making mashed or roasted potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or couscous. These options will add a filling element to your meal and complement the flaky texture of the pollock.
• Fries and Tartar Sauce: For a classic combination, serve the air-fried pollock with a side of crispy, golden fries. Don't forget the tartar sauce! You can even make your own by whisking together egg yolks, mustard, vinegar, and oil, then seasoning with salt, pepper, and chopped pickles and onions.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavor of the pollock. Consider serving the fish with lemon wedges, allowing each person to add a burst of citrus to their taste.

Remember, pollock is an excellent source of protein and a great alternative to other white fish like cod or haddock. These serving suggestions will elevate your air-fried pollock and make your meal even more enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions