Air Fryer Frozen Fish Fillets: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Cooking frozen fish fillets in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. The best part? You can cook the fish straight from frozen, with no need for defrosting. This method produces crispy, evenly cooked fish that can be used in a variety of dishes, from fish and chips to tacos.

The key to success is ensuring the fish fillets aren't overcrowded in the air fryer basket, allowing the hot air to circulate and cook the fish perfectly. A light spray of oil can help achieve that extra crispy texture, and the addition of seasonings or a breadcrumb coating takes things to the next level.

Choosing the right fish fillets

Variety of Fish:

• White fish fillets, such as pollock, haddock, halibut, cod, tilapia, or catfish, are excellent choices for air frying. They have a mild flavour and a flaky texture that works well with breading.
• Salmon is another option, but it has a stronger flavour and a higher fat content, which may affect cooking time and texture.
• Frozen fish sticks or nuggets, often made from pollock, can also be cooked in the air fryer, but they require a slightly different approach with higher temperatures and shorter cooking times.

Source and Quality:

• Opt for high-quality frozen fish fillets from a trusted brand or your local grocery store. Some popular brands include Gorton's, Van de Kamp, Trader Joe's, and generic grocery store brands.
• If you have access to a local fish market or a trusted fishmonger, you may be able to find fresh fish that you can freeze yourself. This ensures you know exactly where your fish is coming from.
• When buying frozen fish, look for packages that aren't excessively icy or frosty, as this can affect the cooking process and indicate that the fish has been thawed and refrozen.

Size and Thickness:

• For the best results, choose fillets that are of similar size and thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents smaller pieces from overcooking or larger pieces from remaining undercooked.
• Avoid fillets that are too thin, as they may not hold up well during cooking and can fall apart. Thicker fillets are generally better suited for air frying.

Breaded or Unbreaded:

• Frozen fish fillets come in two main varieties: breaded and unbreaded. Breaded fillets have a crispy coating and often include seasonings, while unbreaded fillets allow you to add your own seasonings and breading.
• Breaded fillets are convenient and usually require less preparation, but unbreaded fillets give you more control over the ingredients and flavours.

Personal Preference:

• Consider your taste preferences when selecting fish fillets. If you have a favourite type of fish, start with that. You can always experiment with different varieties to find the ones that suit your palate.
• Think about the final dish you want to create. For example, if you're making fish tacos, you might prefer a milder-tasting fish like cod or tilapia, while for a heartier dish, you might opt for salmon.

Preparing the air fryer basket

Firstly, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit for around 4-5 minutes. Preheating will ensure your fish fillets cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

Next, prepare the basket by coating it with a light layer of oil or cooking spray. You can use grapeseed oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil. This step will help prevent sticking and promote a crispy finish. If you prefer, you can line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper, poking a few holes to allow air circulation.

Now, it's time to arrange your frozen fish fillets in the basket. Place them in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each fillet for the hot air to circulate. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect the cooking process and the crispiness of your fillets. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the fillets in multiple batches.

Once your fillets are in the basket, you can proceed to season them or add breading, if desired. You can brush or drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings like salt, garlic powder, black pepper, or dried oregano. You can also coat the fillets with breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.

Finally, before placing the basket in the air fryer, ensure there is no ice or frost on the fillets. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help ensure even cooking and a crispy finish.

Now your air fryer basket is ready, and you can proceed to cook your delicious frozen fish fillets!

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for frozen fish fillets in an air fryer will depend on the type of fish, the size of the fillets, and your preferred level of crispness.

For thin fillets of white fish, such as tilapia, cod, pollock, or haddock, cook at 370°F to 390°F for 10 to 14 minutes. For thicker fillets, or for a crispier texture, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for up to 20 minutes.

If you are cooking breaded fillets, you may want to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispness. For unbreaded fillets, it is best not to flip them, as they may fall apart.

It is important to note that not all air fryers cook the same way, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly to suit your particular air fryer. Additionally, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145°F before serving.

Flipping the fillets

When flipping your fillets, it is important to exercise caution as the fish can be delicate and may break apart easily. It is recommended to use a non-stick spatula to carefully turn the fish, rather than tongs or a metal spatula.

The cooking time will vary depending on the type of fish, the thickness of the fillets, and the model of your air fryer. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your fish as it cooks and adjust the timing as needed. For example, if your fish is thinner than the recommended size, it may cook faster, so you should check on it a few minutes early.

Additionally, different air fryer models may cook at different intensities, so it is important to refer to your air fryer's instructions and adjust the timing accordingly. As a general rule of thumb, most recipes recommend cooking frozen fish fillets in the air fryer for a total of 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

It is also worth noting that if you are cooking breaded fish fillets, flipping them is crucial to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides. However, for unbreaded fish fillets, some sources suggest that flipping is not necessary and may even risk the fillet falling apart. In this case, you can simply cook the fillets without flipping and achieve a perfectly cooked dish with crispy edges.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried fish fillets are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Fish and Chips: Pair your air-fried fish with french fries, steak fries, sweet potato fries, or tater tots for a classic fish and chips meal. Don't forget the tartar sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice!
• Fish Sandwiches: Use the fish fillets as a sandwich filling. Try it with some tartar sauce, coleslaw, and a squeeze of lime for a delicious, tangy bite.
• Fish Tacos: This is a great option if you're looking for something a little different. Use corn or flour tortillas and fill them with the fish, coleslaw, and a zesty jalapeno or sriracha mayo.
• Salads: Fish fillets can be a great addition to a salad. Try pairing them with arugula, goat cheese, and beetroot, or a creamy carrot and raisin salad.
• Vegetables: There are endless options when it comes to vegetables. Try roasted green beans and potatoes, air fryer zucchini fries, sweet potato fries, or crispy potato wedges.
• Pasta and Grains: For a heartier meal, serve your fish with buckwheat groats, beetroot pasta, fennel risotto, or millet.
• Sides: If you're looking for some extra sides to accompany your fish, try air fryer asparagus and mushrooms, oven-baked fries, or cheesy mashed potato cakes.
• Sauces: Don't forget the sauces! Tartar sauce and hot sauce are always great options, but you can also experiment with different dips and condiments.
• Leftovers: If you have any leftover fish, you can store it in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat it in the microwave or the air fryer at a lower temperature to retain its crispy texture.

Frequently asked questions