Crispy Frozen Fish Fillets in the Air Fryer
Introduction:
Cooking frozen fish fillets in the air fryer is one of the easiest ways to get a crispy, golden crust without deep-frying or preheating your oven. Whether you’re using breaded, battered, or plain frozen fillets, the air fryer ensures an even cook with a satisfying crunch and juicy interior.
Great for:
Quick weeknight meals
Fish sandwiches or tacos
Kid-friendly dinners
Ingredients
2–4 frozen fish fillets (e.g., cod, pollock, tilapia, or haddock—breaded or battered)
Optional: Lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce
No need to thaw the fish—cook straight from frozen!
Air Fryer Cooking Instructions
Settings:
Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
Cook Time: 10–13 minutes
Flip: After 5–7 minutes
Steps:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for best crispiness (if your model requires preheating).
Place frozen fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap.
Air fry for 10–13 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Breaded fillets: closer to 12–13 minutes
Thinner or unbreaded fillets: around 10–11 minutes
Check doneness: Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Optional: Spray lightly with cooking spray at the halfway point for extra crispness.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with lemon wedges, coleslaw, and fries for a classic fish & chips experience
Make fish tacos with shredded cabbage, crema, and lime
Add to a bun with tartar sauce and lettuce for a crispy fish sandwich
Best Frozen Fish Brands (Optional Suggestions):
Gorton’s Crunchy Breaded Fillets
Trident Seafoods
SeaPak
Costco/Kirkland Frozen Tilapia or Cod
Tips for Best Results:
Don’t overcrowd the basket—leave space for air circulation.
No oil is necessary, but a light spray can help browning.
For extra crisping, cook 1–2 extra minutes if needed.
For unbreaded frozen fish, season after cooking or brush with melted garlic butter.
Final Thoughts:
Air frying frozen fish fillets gives you a golden, crispy meal in minutes—without heating the oven or frying in oil. It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy fish, whether you’re going simple or turning it into something fancy like tacos or sandwiches.