If you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy fish fillets without the added fat, an air fryer is just what you need. This method of cooking is not only quick and easy, but it’s also one of the healthiest ways to cook frozen fish fillets. With an air fryer, your fish will come out crispy and golden without the use of a deep fryer. Plus, you’ll save on added fats by not having to use any oil or very little compared to deep frying. If you want a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal in no time, cooking Air fryer frozen fish fillets is the way to go. So, grab an air fryer and follow these simple instructions to serve up delicious fish fillets any day of the week!
Why Cook Frozen Fish Fillets in an Air Fryer?
Cooking frozen fish fillets in an air fryer can yield superior results than using an oven. It’s due to the hot air circulation that the air fryer provides! Let me walk you through why I love using my air fryer for frozen fish fillets:
- Lightning-quick: Your fillets will be done in no time. The air fryer takes less time than an oven to preheat.
- Healthier meal: Most fillets have already been pre-cooked, meaning deep-frying requires adding more calories. On the other hand, an air fryer doesn’t require any oil, resulting in fewer calories and much healthier fish.
- No fuss: There is no need to measure, chop, or shop for a long list of ingredients when cooking frozen fish fillets in an air fryer. All you need is a box of breaded or battered fish fillets and your preferred garnishes.
- Ideal for newbie cooks: If you’re new to cooking and looking for easy-to-prep dishes, an air fryer will be your new best friend. It’s a cinch to use and results in mouth-watering meals.
- Convenient: Using the air fryer to cook food is practically hassle-free, requiring only a shake or flip halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Is Cooking Frozen Fish Fillets in an Air Fryer Healthy?
Frozen fish fillets are a convenient and nutritious standby for a quick and easy meal. But with the risk of high sodium and fat in crumbed, battered, or flavored fillets, choosing the right kind is crucial for a healthier option. Opt for uncoated frozen fillets instead.
However, is cooking frozen fish fillets in an air fryer a healthy choice? Unlike deep-frying, the air fryer doesn’t require oil to make the fish crispy and golden. It’s the perfect way to maintain the potentially beneficial nutrients in frozen fish fillets while keeping them delicious and healthy.
How Long to Cook Frozen Fish Fillets in an Air Fryer
Typically, it takes around 12 minutes to cook time at 350 F, but there are a few factors to consider.
Different air fryers and frozen fish fillet brands can affect your cook time due to variable hot air circulation and thickness. To ensure your fillets are cooked through and have reached a safe serving temperature, use a meat thermometer. If the internal temperature of your fish reaches 145 F, your fillets are ready to go.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on your fish fillets during cooking to avoid overcooking.
What Is The Best Fish To Cook In An Air Fryer
When it comes to cooking fish in an Air Fryer, cod is always a solid choice. With a grill pan, you can make perfectly grilled fish out of a variety of options. Marinate your fish before tossing it in the Air Fryer. Bread it for a crispy finish.
Here are just a few of the fish you can cook to perfection in your Air Fryer:
- Moist and flavorful Tuna
- Buttery Salmon
- Delicate and delicious Tilapia
- Meaty Panga fillet
- Sweet and mild Bass
- Snapper with its firm texture
- Grouper for something a little heartier
- And even flaky Haddock!
How to Make Keto Frozen Fish in an Air Fryer
Preparing keto frozen fish in an air fryer is easy and delicious! For fish that’s crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
- Choose your favorite plain frozen fish fillets that fit your keto dietary requirements. Popular options include cod, salmon, halibut, or tilapia.
- Dip each fillet in beaten egg or mayonnaise, then coat it in a low-carb breading mixture of almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or both, with your desired herbs and spices.
- Place the coated fish fillets in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches, taking care not to overlap.
- Cook the fish in the air fryer for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets and the type of fish but look for an opaque and flaky texture.
- Serve your air-fried fish with a side of low-carb veggies, a salad, or your favorite keto-friendly sauce or dip.
Maintain this improved speed and performance over time by incorporating strength training into your running routine.
How to air fry frozen fish fillets in a Ninja Foodi?
With a Ninja Foodi and these simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish in a snap.
- First, preheat your Ninja Foodi to 400°F (200°C) by selecting the Air Crisp function. This should take a couple of minutes.
- Next, take the frozen fish fillets out of their packaging and gently pat dry with a paper towel to avoid sogginess. Then, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or use some perforated parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Now, it’s time to arrange the fillets, but make sure to do so in a single layer, or the fish will not cook evenly.
- Select the Air Crisp function again and set a timer for 8-12 minutes based on the fish type and the thickness of your fillets. Halfway through, use tongs or a spatula to flip the fish.
- By the time the fish is brown and crispy, you’ll be drooling. But try to be patient and give it a few minutes to rest. Once you’ve reached that point, take the fillets out of the basket.
Some veggies, salad, or keto-friendly sauces, perhaps?
How to air fry frozen fish sandwich fillets?
For a delicious air-fried fish sandwich, follow these easy steps:
- First up, preheat your air fryer to a toasty 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, gently remove the frozen fish sandwich fillets from the packaging.
- To prevent sticking, lightly spray or brush oil onto the air fryer basket. Alternatively, line the basket with perforated parchment paper.
- Now pop those tasty fish fillets into the prepared basket, ensuring they’re evenly spaced and not too crowded. This way, they’ll cook evenly and come out perfect!
- Close the air fryer and let it work its magic. After about 5-6 minutes, flip the fillets over to get them golden brown on both sides. Depending on the fillets’ size and thickness, they may take 10-12 minutes to cook to perfection.
- Now it’s time to get your buns ready. Toast them lightly for extra flavor and texture.
- Once the fillets are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Place them between the toasted buns and add any toppings you like – lettuce, tomato, pickles, tartar sauce.
- Your air-fried fish sandwich is ready to be served and savored.
How to Make Gluten-Free Frozen Fish Fillets in an Air Fryer
To make gluten-free frozen fish fillets in an air fryer, follow these steps:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
- Choose frozen fish fillets that are either plain or breaded with a gluten-free coating. Look for brands such as Starfish or Ian’s, which offer gluten-free frozen breaded fish options. You can find these brands on Amazon or in specialty grocery stores.
- If using plain frozen fish fillets, ensure they are gluten-free and not coated with any breading or seasonings containing gluten.
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can use perforated parchment paper to line the basket.
- Place the frozen fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overlapping them. If using breaded fillets, there is no need to add any additional coating.
- Close the air fryer and cook the fish fillets for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the type of fish.
- Check for doneness by ensuring the fish is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for cooked fish.
- Once the fish fillets are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the coating to crisp up further.
- Serve the gluten-free air-fried fish fillets with a side of gluten-free vegetables, salad, or any desired gluten-free sauces or dips.
It’s important to carefully read the labels and ingredients of the frozen fish fillets you choose to ensure they are truly gluten-free and suitable for your dietary needs.
Air Fryer Frozen Fish Fillet Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen breaded fish fillets (I used Trader Joe’s Frozen Breaded Cod Fillets)
- 1 medium lemon, quartered
- Tartar sauce, optional
Air Fryer Frozen Fish Fillet Instructions
Here’s how to air fry your frozen fish fillets to perfection:
- Place your fish fillets in a single layer on the air fryer tray. You won’t need to use any oil spray as the breaded fillets already have a sufficient amount of fat. So skip the cooking spray!
- Put the air fryer tray in the top rack position, which is the closest spot to the heating element.
- Air fry your frozen breaded fish fillets for 5 minutes at 350 F.
- Once the timer goes off, flip the fillets over and place the tray back in the top position. Air fry the fish for another 7 minutes at the same temperature.
- Towards the end of cooking, grab a kitchen thermometer and check the fish’s internal temperature. The minimum safe temperature to eat fish is 145 F. If it’s not there yet, keep cooking.
- Once it’s ready, remove the fish and squeeze some lemon over it. Serve it with tartar sauce on the side for some extra zing!
Recipe Tips
- For the best results, remember to avoid overcrowding the basket and cook the fish in one layer. If needed, cook the fillets in batches.
- And while this recipe doesn’t use oil spray, you can add some if you prefer crispier fish.
- The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it in the last few minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Different frozen fish fillet brands may require oil spray to prevent drying out.
- For even cooking, make sure you shake the air fryer basket halfway through and use tongs to flip the fish fillets.
How to know if fish is fully cooked?
Here are some reliable ways to tell whether your fish is fully cooked:
- First, let’s talk about visual cues. Cooked fish will typically turn opaque, and the flesh should be able to separate easily into flakes. If the fish still looks translucent or semi-transparent, it needs more time to cook.
- The texture is another essential factor to consider. When cooked, fish should be firm with slight resistance when pressed with a fork, and it should also quickly flake apart. Overcooking fish can make it dry and tough, so be mindful of that.
- In terms of internal temperature, always use a food thermometer. Fully cooked fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), which you should measure in the thickest part of the fish.
- Lastly, consider the cooking time. Depending on the thickness and type of fish, as well as the cooking method, cooking time can vary. As a general rule of thumb, fish typically takes about 10 minutes per inch (2.5 cm) of thickness to cook through when baked, broiled, grilled, or pan-fried. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, depending on the specific recipe and thickness of the fish fillets.
Storing & Reheating Leftover Air Fryer Fish Fillets
Follow these simple steps for storing your leftover fish, either in the fridge for a few days or in the freezer for longer shelf life.
- To store fish fillets in the fridge, place them in a shallow, airtight container, and let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating. They should keep well for 2-3 days if stored properly.
- For longer storage, store your cooked fish fillets in the freezer by letting them cool to room temperature and then placing them in an airtight container. With proper storage, your fish fillets should keep well in the freezer for up to a month.
When it’s time to reheat your fish fillets in the air fryer, follow these simple steps for a quick and delicious meal:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 F for about 5 minutes.
- Spray your fillets with oil before placing them in the air fryer basket.
- If the fillets are frozen, there’s no need to defrost them.
- Cook the fillets for 3-5 minutes, until they’re heated through and crispy.
What to Serve with Fish Fillets
Here are some ideas that will make your taste buds sing:
- For a burst of freshness and nutrition, add a side of grilled or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Craving carbs: Pair your fish fillets with a side of pasta. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine with a light sauce or olive oil and herbs can create a perfect match.
- If you’re in the mood for something crisp and refreshing, opt for a mixed green salad, Caesar salad, or cucumber and tomato salad, and add a burst of freshness to your meal.
- Get your crunch on with a classic fish and chips combination by serving your fish fillets with a side of crispy potato chips or homemade French fries.
- For a healthy alternative, try cooked quinoa. It provides a light and nutritious complement to the dish.
- As a keto-friendly substitute for potatoes, try making rutabaga fries – slice rutabaga into thin strips, toss them with oil and seasoning, and bake or air fry until crispy.
- Instead of tartar sauce, explore other sauce options to accompany your fish fillets. Yum Yum Sauce, Masago Sauce, Alfredo Sauce, or a Mediterranean-style sauce can provide additional flavor.
- If you enjoy a British twist, serve your fish fillets with a side of mushy peas – these cooked and mashed peas provide a unique and tasty accompaniment.
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 10g (16%)
- Cholesterol: 40mg (14%)
- Sodium: 650mg (28%)
- Potassium: 393mg (12%)
- Total Carbohydrate: 31g ( 11%)
- Fiber: 1g (4%)
- Protein: 17g (34%)
- Calcium: 26%
FAQs of air fryer frozen fish fillets
How long do you cook frozen fish fillets in an air fryer?
The cooking time for frozen fish fillets in an air fryer will depend on the size and thickness of the fillet. Generally, cook time is between 6 to 10 minutes at 375°F.
What temperature and how long do you air fry frozen fish fillets?
Depending on the size and thickness of the fish fillets, cook time can range from 6 to 10 minutes at 375°F.
How long does it take to cook frozen fish fillets?
Cook time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the fillets. Generally, cook time is between 6 to 10 minutes at 375°F.
Why is the fish sticking to the air fryer tray?
If the fish is sticking to the air fryer tray, it may not have been sprayed with oil or cooking spray before cooking. Be sure to lightly coat the fillets with an oil of choice and spread them evenly before adding them to the air fryer basket. This will help prevent sticking.
Is all fish gluten-free?
Most fish is gluten-free, however, some prepared and processed fish products may contain wheat and other forms of gluten. Be sure to check the package and label for any ingredients or allergens.
How long to cook frozen battered fish in the air fryer?
Cook time for frozen battered fish in an air fryer will depend on the size and thickness of the fillet. Generally, cook time is between 6 to 10 minutes at 375°F.
Can you reheat frozen fish in an air fryer?
Yes, frozen fish can be reheated in an air fryer. Be sure to spray the fillets with oil or cooking spray before adding them to the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 6-10 minutes.
Can you cook frozen fish in the air fryer with no breading?
Yes, you can cook frozen fish with no breading in an air fryer. Be sure to spray the fillets with oil or cooking spray before adding them to the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 6-10 minutes.
How long do you cook Gorton’s frozen fish in the air fryer?
Cook time for Gorton’s frozen fish fillets in an air fryer will depend on the size and thickness of the fillet. Generally, cook time is between 6 to 10 minutes at 375°F.
What’s the best way to serve fish fillets?
Fish fillets can be served in a variety of ways. Grilling, baking, sautéing, and air frying are all popular cooking methods for fish fillets. Serve with your favorite accompaniments such as roasted potatoes or vegetables, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for extra flavor.
What kind of fish fillets do you recommend?
The type of fish fillets you choose is up to personal preference. Popular options include cod, tilapia, salmon, and halibut. For best results, look for fresh or frozen wild-caught fish fillets that are sustainably sourced from a trusted source.
What if I want to use fresh fish fillets?
If you opt for fresh fish fillets, be sure to check the package and label for any allergens or ingredients. Fresh fish should also be cooked within two hours of purchase for best results.
Note: To cook in an air fryer, lightly coat the fillets with oil or cooking spray before adding them to the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 6-10 minutes.
Should you thaw the frozen fish fillets before air frying?
No, frozen fish fillets do not need to be thawed before air frying.
Can You Cook Frozen Fish Fillets in an Air Fryer?
Yes, frozen fish fillets can be cooked in an air fryer.
Can You Cook Uncoated Frozen Fish in the Air Fryer?
Yes, uncoated frozen fish can be cooked in the air fryer.
Can You Make Fish Fillets Ahead?
Yes, you can make fish fillets ahead. Simply prepare the fillets according to the instructions, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying. When ready to cook, lightly coat the fillets with oil or cooking spray before adding them to the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 6-10 minutes.
Conclusion: air fryer frozen fish fillets
From the information presented about air fryer frozen fish fillets, it is clear that pre-purposing food for air frying has many benefits over traditional cooking methods. Not only does it save time but it’s also more energy efficient and can help you cut back on fat and calories. Air Fryers offer a low-hassle convenience to cook frozen foods healthily and make them look and taste amazing. Be sure to choose the best air fryer according to your needs and start on your very own healthier cooking journey. With air fryers around, there is no excuse not to enjoy meals bursting with flavor without worrying about unnecessary fats or calories.
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I'm Osbert Presley – an enthusiastic chef passionate about culinary exploration. Since childhood, cooking has brought me immense delight, and it's been my mission to share the joys of food and drinks with everyone around me.
