Air Fryer Frozen Fish: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking frozen fish in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a delicious meal. The air fryer's ability to cook fish from frozen is a game-changer for those seeking a convenient and tasty dish without the need for thawing. The cooking time for frozen fish in an air fryer typically ranges from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the type and thickness of the fish, with thinner fillets like tilapia cooking faster than thicker cuts of cod or halibut. Preheating the air fryer and flipping the fillets halfway through are crucial steps to ensure even cooking and the desired crispy texture.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a critical step in the cooking process. It ensures your fish cooks evenly and achieves a desirable crispy exterior. Here are some detailed instructions on preheating your air fryer for cooking frozen fish:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F. The specific temperature setting will depend on the model of your air fryer and the type of fish you are cooking. For example, if you are cooking a thicker fillet of fish, you may need to preheat your air fryer to a higher temperature within this range.

As a general rule, preheat your air fryer for about 3 to 5 minutes before adding your fish. This ensures that your fish starts cooking immediately upon entering the basket, which is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy finish.

If you are cooking frozen fish, it is recommended to place the fish directly into the air fryer basket without rinsing off any ice crystals or ice glaze. This helps maintain the best texture. Be sure to spray the inside of your air fryer basket generously with cooking spray before adding the fish to prevent sticking.

For optimal cooking, arrange the fish fillets 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.

By following these instructions on preheating your air fryer, you will be well on your way to cooking frozen fish that is crispy, juicy, and flaky every time.

Cooking spray

Avoid using non-stick cooking sprays like PAM, as these often contain soy lecithin, an emulsifier that can break down at high temperatures and gunk up your equipment. Instead, opt for a non-aerosol pump-style oil spray that has no propellant and is safe to use in the air fryer. For example, choose an avocado oil spray with a high smoke point of 500°F (260°C) and no added chemicals or emulsifiers. You can also buy a refillable oil sprayer or mister and fill it with a high smoke point oil of your choice.

When using cooking spray in your air fryer, a little goes a long way. Lightly coat the air fryer basket or liner with the spray, using a paper towel or silicone brush to ensure an even coating. If needed, you can also spray the food itself before placing it in the air fryer, especially if it has a skin that tends to stick, like salmon.

If you don't want to use cooking spray, there are a few other options to prevent sticking:

• Use air fryer liners made from disposable parchment paper or reusable silicone.
• Try metal racks or trays that elevate your food slightly, allowing even cooking and preventing direct contact with the basket.
• Make a foil packet by arranging your food inside a piece of aluminium foil and rolling up the sides, ensuring air can still circulate.
• Oil your food by tossing it in a light coating of a high smoke point oil, such as canola or sunflower, before placing it in the air fryer.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Fish in an Air Fryer

When cooking frozen fish in an air fryer, it's important to preheat the appliance to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (177-204°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. The ideal cooking time for frozen fish fillets is usually between 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness and type of fish. For example, thin tilapia fillets may cook faster than thicker cuts of cod or halibut. Be sure to flip your fish halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Don't defrost the fish

You might be surprised to learn that you don't need to defrost your fish before putting it in the air fryer. In fact, cooking it straight from frozen is a real time-saver and can deliver delicious, healthy results.

The Benefits of Frozen Fish

Frozen fish is a convenient option, and choosing a frozen product means you're opting for fish that's been locked in at peak freshness. This process preserves flavour and nutrients, ensuring you're getting the best quality.

Cooking from Frozen

There's no need to spend time defrosting your fish fillets. Simply preheat your air fryer and place the frozen fillets inside. The fish will defrost and cook through while the outside gets crispy.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Fish

• Preheat your air fryer to around 350-400°F.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the fillets in a single layer with space between them to allow for proper air circulation.
• Flip the fillets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Check the fish is cooked by looking for an opaque and flaky texture. You can also use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached 140-145°F.
• For an extra crispy coating, brush the fillets with olive oil and season before placing in the air fryer.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for frozen fish in an air fryer will depend on the type and thickness of the fish, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Most sources recommend cooking frozen fish fillets at a temperature between 350-400°F (176-204°C) for 12-20 minutes. However, thicker fillets may require a higher temperature and/or longer cooking time to reach the ideal internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C).

For example, thin tilapia fillets may cook faster than thicker cuts of cod or halibut. Rockfish, Pacific cod, and similar types of fish are smaller and will take less time to cook, typically around 8-13 minutes. On the other hand, coho or sockeye salmon and Pacific halibut are larger and will take longer, around 12-15 minutes.

It is important to preheat your air fryer before adding the fish, as this ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior. Preheat your air fryer for about 3-5 minutes, or according to the manufacturer's instructions, to a temperature of 350-400°F (176-204°C).

When cooking frozen fish in an air fryer, it is not necessary to defrost the fish first. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it is important to keep an eye on the fish to avoid overcooking. Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish, which should reach 140-145°F (60-63°C) when it is fully cooked.

Flipping the fish

Depending on the desired crispness and your specific air fryer model, you should then cook the fish for an additional 2-4 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on the fish to prevent overcooking.

It is also important to ensure that the fish fillets are not overlapping in the air fryer basket. They should be arranged in a single layer with enough space between each fillet to allow for proper air circulation. This spacing is crucial for achieving an even cook and the desired crispiness on all sides of the fillets.

Additionally, remember to preheat your air fryer before adding the fish. This will ensure that the fish starts cooking immediately and helps to achieve that desirable crispy exterior.

Frequently asked questions