Tiffany Haney
Cooking frozen fish patties in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy, golden-brown finish without the need for deep-frying. The air fryer's hot circulating air cooks the fish fillets evenly, and you can have a delicious, healthy meal on your table in under 15 minutes.
Cooking Frozen Fish Patties in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat Air Fryer | Yes, 3-5 minutes at 375°F/190°C. |
| Oil the Basket | Use grapeseed oil spray or a silicone pastry brush with vegetable or olive oil. |
| Oil the Fish | Optional, but will make the fish extra crispy. |
| Temperature | 375°F/190°C or 380°F/193°C or 390°F. |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes. |
| Flip | Halfway through cooking time. |
| Internal Temperature | Minimum of 145°F. |
| Serve With | Tartar sauce, lemon juice, coleslaw, jalapeno or sriracha mayo, and a squeeze of lime. |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is not always necessary when cooking frozen fish patties, but it is highly recommended for optimum results. Preheating your air fryer will give your fish that extra crispiness. The Cosori air fryer, for example, has a preheat button that allows you to preheat the air fryer before putting in the food.
If you want to preheat your air fryer, set it to 375°F/190°C for 3-5 minutes. You can also set it to 390°F if your air fryer does not have the 375°F option. Some air fryers have a preheat button, but if yours does not, simply set the temperature and let it run for a few minutes before putting in your frozen fish patties.
While preheating, you can coat your air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. You can use grapeseed oil spray, olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil. A light coating of oil will help prevent sticking and help your fish crisp up nicely.
Once your air fryer is preheated, you can put your frozen fish patties into the basket. Make sure to place them in a single layer, leaving a little bit of space between each patty to allow the hot air to circulate.
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Oil the air fryer basket
Oiling the air fryer basket is not always necessary when cooking frozen fish patties. Some sources recommend cooking spray, while others suggest using a brush to apply oil. The type of oil used can vary, with suggestions including grapeseed oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil.
If you decide to use cooking spray, it is recommended to use a grapeseed oil spray or another type of oil spray. You can also use olive oil spray, but it is not recommended to use cooking spray if your air fryer has a non-stick coating, as it may damage it over time. If you don't have a spray, you can also use an olive oil mister.
If you prefer to use a brush, lightly coat the air fryer basket with vegetable or olive oil. This will give your fish patties a more deep-fried texture.
When oiling the air fryer basket, it is important to ensure that the oil does not pool in the basket, as this can create a mess and affect the cooking process. It is also important to note that some air fryer baskets may not require any oil at all, depending on the non-stick coating.
In addition to oiling the air fryer basket, you can also add a little bit of oil to the frozen fish patties themselves. This will help to ensure that they have a crispy texture after cooking.
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Place frozen fish patties in the basket
Place the frozen fish patties in the basket of your air fryer, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them for the hot air to circulate. Do not overcrowd the basket. You can spray the basket with grapeseed oil or another cooking oil spray to prevent sticking and help the fish crisp up, but this is not necessary. Some sources recommend brushing the fish with olive oil before cooking to mimic the deep-frying experience, but again, this is optional.
The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fish patties, but most sources recommend cooking at around 375°F–390°F (190°C–193°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. You may then need to cook for an additional 2–5 minutes, depending on the type of fish and coating. The fish is done when it is piping hot and cooked through, with a golden brown coating. The internal temperature of the fish should be at least 145°F.
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Cook for 10-12 minutes
After placing the frozen fish patties in the air fryer basket, you can set the timer for 10-12 minutes. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fish fillets, the type of breading, and the model of your air fryer. For example, thicker fillets may need a longer cooking time, and different air fryer models may cook at different speeds.
During the cooking process, you can shake the basket periodically to prevent the fish from sticking and to ensure even cooking. It is also important to ensure that the fillets are arranged in a single layer with some space between them, as overcrowding the basket can affect the cooking results.
Additionally, some recipes recommend flipping the fillets halfway through the cooking time, which is around the 5-minute mark for a 10-minute cooking time or the 6-minute mark for a 12-minute cooking time. This helps to ensure even cooking on both sides of the fillets.
After the initial 10-12 minutes of cooking, you can check the fish for doneness. The fish should be fully cooked, with a crispy coating, and piping hot throughout. The internal temperature should reach a minimum of 145°F to ensure food safety. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. If the fish is not fully cooked or has not reached the desired level of crispness, you can continue cooking in 2-minute increments until it is done to your liking.
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Serve with tartar sauce
When it comes to serving your fish patties with tartar sauce, there are several side dishes that can complement the meal. Tartar sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment that goes well with fried fish and seafood. Here are some ideas for sides to serve with tartar sauce:
Fish and Chips: For a classic fish and chips meal, serve your air-fried fish patties with a side of crispy french fries, steak fries, sweet potato fries, or tater tots. Don't forget the tartar sauce for dipping! This combination is a popular choice and can be found in many restaurants.
Fish Sandwiches: Create a delicious fish sandwich by placing the fish patty on a soft roll or bun, topped with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and, of course, a generous amount of tartar sauce. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
Fish Tacos: For a fun twist, serve your fish patties in corn or flour tortillas with taco toppings such as coleslaw, jalapenos, and a squeeze of lime. Tartar sauce can be offered as an additional condiment for those who want a creamier option.
Sides and Vegetables: If you're looking for a lighter option, serve your fish patties with sauteed green peas, potato wedges, or a simple side salad. You can also offer lemon wedges to squeeze over the fish, adding a refreshing acidic touch that pairs well with the tartar sauce.
When serving tartar sauce, you can elevate the presentation by garnishing it with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or dill, adding a pop of color and a fresh herbal note to the dish. Remember to adjust the portion sizes and sides based on your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your delicious air-fried fish patties with tartar sauce!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 10-15 minutes to cook frozen fish patties in an air fryer.
The temperature varies depending on the source, but it should be set to somewhere between 375°F and 400°F.
No, it is recommended to cook the fish patties directly from frozen.
