Emilie Meyer
Cooking fish from frozen in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal with minimal cleanup. The air fryer's hot air circulation cooks the food, so there's no need for additional oil, making it a healthier option. You can cook frozen fish fillets straight from the freezer, without defrosting, in under 20 minutes. This method works for a variety of fish types, including cod, haddock, tilapia, and pollock. With a simple preparation process and short cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a tasty and nutritious dinner on the table in no time.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Fish from Frozen in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fish Type | White fish fillets, such as cod, haddock, tilapia, pollock, halibut, or wild cod |
| Preparation | Coat air fryer basket with oil, place frozen fish inside, add toppings/seasonings, and cook |
| Toppings/Seasonings | Olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, dried oregano, or breadcrumbs |
| Temperature | 390-400°F |
| Cooking Time | 10-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets |
| Internal Temperature | 145-160°F |
| Serving Suggestions | Tartar sauce, vegetables, salads, pasta, grains, or french fries |
| Leftovers | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for frozen fish
The cooking time for frozen fish in an air fryer will depend on the type of fish, the presence of breading, and the thickness of the fillets.
For frozen cod fillets without breading, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. Remove the frozen fish fillet from the packaging, place it on a plate, and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Brush the fillet with olive oil and season with lemon juice, salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper. Place the fish in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each fillet. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish is white and flaky throughout. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F.
For frozen cod fillets with breading, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or coat with grapeseed oil spray. Coat the frozen fish fillets with a thin layer of olive oil, then dredge in eggs and breadcrumbs. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 12–14 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the breading is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F.
For other types of frozen breaded fish fillets, such as haddock, pollock, or halibut, the cooking time will be similar to that of breaded cod, around 12–15 minutes at 400°F.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the temperature of your air fryer. Always check the fish for doneness before serving, as overcooking can dry out the fish.
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Using breadcrumbs
To start, you can use any type of frozen breaded fish fillet, such as cod, haddock, halibut, or tilapia. The standard process of dredging the fish in eggs and breadcrumbs doesn't work with frozen fillets, so instead, coat the fish with a thin layer of olive oil. You can brush it on or use an olive oil mister. The oil will act as a glue for your breadcrumbs.
Next, prepare your breadcrumbs. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, salt, and garlic powder, or any other seasonings of your choice. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs. Then, spoon one tablespoon of seasoned breadcrumbs over the top of each fillet, covering as much of the fish as you can. Gently press the breading to help it stick.
Finally, place the breaded fish fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Air fry at 380°F/193°C for 12 minutes. Then, flip the fish fillets over and air fry for another 2-4 minutes, or until the coating is crispy and golden brown. The internal temperature of the fish should reach at least 160°F (72°C) before consuming.
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Oil types and application
When it comes to cooking fish in an air fryer, the type of oil you use is important. The right oil can elevate the flavour of the fish and alter the way it cooks.
For frozen fish fillets, olive oil is a good option. You can brush it on or use an olive oil mister to coat the fish with a thin layer of oil. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the fish and prevent it from drying out.
If you're cooking breaded fish, you don't need to add any additional oil to the air fryer. However, if you're cooking plain fish fillets, spraying the air fryer basket and the fish with a little olive oil can help prevent sticking.
In general, when frying fish, it's best to use oils with higher smoke points. This is because frying requires high heat, and if the oil doesn't have a high enough smoke point, it can burn and impart a bitter taste to the fish. Oils with high smoke points include avocado oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, and canola oil. Canola oil, in particular, is a good choice for frying fish because it has a neutral flavour and is inexpensive. Other oils commonly used for frying fish include vegetable oil, coconut oil, and olive oil (light or refined).
It's also important to note that some fish are naturally oily, such as salmon, trout, and tuna. When cooking these fish, use just enough oil to keep them moist and prevent them from sticking to the pan. For delicate fillets, use oil sparingly to avoid the fish falling apart during cooking.
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Serving suggestions
The great thing about cooking fish in an air fryer is that it's versatile and can be served in many ways. You can serve your air-fried fish with a side of golden, crispy fries and tartar sauce or malt vinegar and ketchup. Lemon wedges are also a great addition, adding a fresh and bright taste to the dish.
If you're looking for something lighter, serve your breaded fish on a bed of mixed greens tossed with a light vinaigrette. The warm, crispy fish and cool, crisp salad make for a delightfully satisfying contrast.
You can also use your air-fried fish fillets as a shortcut in a variety of recipes. For a fish and chips meal, serve them with French fries, steak fries, sweet potato fries, or tater tots. You can also use the fillets in fish sandwiches or fish tacos, adding toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, creamy sauce, or salsa for a variety of textures and flavors.
For a more substantial meal, place your breaded fish between two buns with lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy sauce for a delicious and filling fish burger.
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Reheating and storing
Air fryers are a great way to reheat fish, as they can retain the crispy texture of the fish and prevent it from becoming soggy, which often happens with other reheating methods like microwaves or ovens. The rapid air circulation in an air fryer evenly distributes heat, ensuring each part of the fish fillet is heated uniformly, resulting in a consistent texture and flavor. This method also minimizes the loss of nutrients and flavors, preserving the natural taste and nutritional value of the fish.
When reheating fish in an air fryer, there is no need to add additional oil. However, if you want your fish extra crispy, you can spray a small amount of olive oil on top. Blot any excess oil with a paper towel. Additionally, placing parchment paper in the basket of the air fryer can help with cleanup.
The ideal temperature for reheating fish in an air fryer is 320 degrees Fahrenheit or 160 degrees Celsius. Reheat the fish for 6 to 8 minutes, or until it is heated through. It is important to note that you should not reheat fish more than twice.
Leftover fish should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no longer than 3 days. Do not refreeze leftover fish that has already been cooked.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can cook frozen fish directly from frozen in the air fryer.
You can cook any type of frozen breaded fish in an air fryer, from cod to haddock.
It typically takes about 12-15 minutes to cook frozen breaded fish in an air fryer. For frozen fish without breading, it takes 15-20 minutes.
The internal temperature of the fish should reach at least 145°F (63°C).
