Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Battered Fish, Perfectly Cooked

Cooking frozen battered fish in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a meal, offering several benefits over traditional frying methods. Air fryers are user-friendly, requiring minimal preparation and supervision. They also heat up rapidly, reducing the overall cooking time and energy consumption. When it comes to cooking frozen battered fish, the air fryer delivers a crispy exterior and moist interior, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a healthier alternative without compromising on taste and texture. The type of fish and brand can elevate your air-frying experience, with white fish varieties like tilapia, cod, and haddock being popular choices.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is not always necessary when cooking frozen battered fish, but it can reduce the actual cook time by a minute or so. If your air fryer has a preheat button, use that to preheat the air fryer before putting in the food. Set the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and let the air fryer heat up for about five minutes.

If your air fryer does not have a preheat button, you can turn it on and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding the fish. You can also adjust the temperature to 180°C (350°F) manually.

It is important to note that the temperature and timing may vary depending on the type and size of your air fryer. As such, it is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidelines on preheating your air fryer.

Additionally, when preheating and cooking, ensure that the air fryer basket is not overcrowded. Leave some space between the fish fillets to allow for proper air circulation, which helps achieve the desired crispiness.

Oil the fish

Oiling the fish is an optional step when cooking frozen battered fish in an air fryer, but it is recommended as it helps the batter get crisp. You can use a cooking spray, or brush or drizzle oil on the fish. Olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil are good choices. The oil will act as a glue for your breadcrumbs, so if you're adding breadcrumbs to your frozen fish, oil is a good idea.

If you want to add breadcrumbs, start by coating the fish with a thin layer of oil, then spoon on the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them stick. You can then transfer the fish to the air fryer basket.

If you're not adding breadcrumbs, you can simply spray or brush the fish with oil, or drizzle oil on it, and then place it in the air fryer basket.

It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will affect the cooking. Make sure to cook the fish in a single layer, leaving some room around the fillets for the air to circulate and crisp them up.

Cook for 12-15 minutes

Cooking battered fish in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a meal. It typically takes 12-15 minutes to cook frozen battered fish in an air fryer. The air fryer's rapid heat reduces the overall cooking time and it also consumes less energy compared to conventional ovens.

When cooking, it's important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is some room left around the fish fillets for the air to circulate and crisp them up, and always cook in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches.

The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fish fillets. For larger or smaller pieces of fish, adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you want to be safe, check the fish at the eight-minute mark, then check it every four minutes.

While cooking, you can lightly coat the fish with some oil using a cooking spray. This will help the batter get crisp. You can also drizzle some melted butter on the fish in the last two or three minutes and pump the temperature up to the highest setting, flipping the fish halfway through.

Flip halfway through

Flipping your battered fish halfway through the cooking process is an important step in achieving the perfect level of crispiness. While air fryers are excellent for creating a crispy exterior, you still need to be mindful of a few things.

Firstly, ensure you do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leaving some room around the fish fillets allows the hot air to circulate and crisp up the batter effectively. Always cook the fish in a single layer. This is also important for food safety, as the hot air needs to reach all pieces of fish to cook them thoroughly.

Secondly, the type of fish and the thickness of the fillets will impact the cooking time and temperature settings. For example, fattier fish like salmon may require a slightly different cooking time compared to leaner white fish. Therefore, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your fish as it cooks and adjust the settings as needed.

When it comes time to flip your fish, use a spatula to carefully turn the fillets over. This helps to ensure even cooking on both sides. After flipping, continue cooking for the remaining time, or until the fish is crispy and golden.

As a final note, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check whether the fish is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure it is safe to consume.

Check internal temperature

Checking the internal temperature of your frozen battered fish is a crucial step in ensuring that it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Here are some detailed instructions on how to check the internal temperature:

Firstly, it is important to note that the recommended internal temperature for fully cooked fish is at least 145°F (63°C) to 160°F (72°C). This ensures that any harmful bacteria have been eliminated. To accurately measure the internal temperature, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fish fillet, making sure not to touch any bones, as they can give a false reading.

If you don't have a meat thermometer, there are a few alternative methods to check the doneness of your fish. One method is to carefully cut into the thickest part of the fillet and check that the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You can also look for any signs of translucency, as undercooked fish will appear more translucent, while cooked fish will be opaque and white.

Additionally, the amount of time your fish spends in the air fryer will impact its internal temperature. For example, cooking your fish for 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) should result in a fully cooked product. However, it is always a good idea to check the internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure doneness, especially if you are cooking thicker fillets or larger batches.

Remember, it is essential to ensure that your frozen battered fish has reached the recommended internal temperature before consuming it. By following these instructions, you can be confident that your fish is cooked properly and safe to enjoy!

Frequently asked questions