Best Air Fryer Frozen Fish Fillets Recipe

When you’re in a rush or didn’t plan dinner in advance, frozen fish fillets are a lifesaver. And when you cook them in an air fryer, they turn out perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—without all the oil used in traditional frying. If you’ve been wondering how to make air fryer frozen fish fillets, you’re in the right place! This easy, 15-minute recipe will have dinner on the table in no time.

The beauty of this recipe is that it skips the thawing step entirely—these fillets go straight from the freezer to the air fryer. Let’s dive into how you can make this simple yet delicious dish.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Frozen Fish Fillets?

The air fryer is one of the most efficient and convenient ways to cook frozen fish fillets. Here’s why:

• Speed: Cooking frozen fish fillets in the air fryer takes less time than traditional frying or baking.

• Healthier Option: You can achieve a crispy crust with very little oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying.

• Convenience: There’s no need to wait for the fish to thaw. Just pop it in the air fryer, and you’re good to go!

• Crispy and Tender: The circulating hot air gives the fish a perfect golden brown crust while keeping the inside moist and flaky.

With the air fryer, you get the best of both worlds: crispy fish fillets without the hassle and mess of frying.

What Kind of Frozen Fish Fillets Can Be Cooked in the Air Fryer?

One of the best aspects of cooking frozen fish fillets in the air fryer is the flexibility in terms of the type of fish you can use. Most white fish fillets will work perfectly in the air fryer. Some popular options include:

1. Tilapia

• Flavor: Mild, slightly sweet flavor.

• Texture: Delicate, flaky texture.

• Best for: A light meal with a crisp texture.

2. Cod

• Flavor: Mild and slightly sweet, similar to tilapia.

• Texture: Firm, flaky fillets.

• Best for: Classic fish and chips, or paired with tangy sides like coleslaw.

3. Pollock

• Flavor: Mild, slightly fishy flavor.

• Texture: Firm and flaky.

• Best for: Fish tacos, sandwiches, or breaded fillets.

4. Haddock

• Flavor: Slightly sweet, mild fish.

• Texture: Flaky and delicate.

• Best for: Fish and chips or as a lighter fried option.

5. Halibut

• Flavor: Mild and slightly sweet with a richer texture.

• Texture: Firm but flaky, holds up well in the air fryer.

• Best for: A heartier, more filling meal.

You can even cook salmon in the air fryer, though the skin won’t crisp the same way it would for white fish fillets. Always check the specific instructions for the type of fish you’re using to ensure the best results.

How to Cook Air Fryer Frozen Fish Fillets

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits and types of fish, let’s jump into how to cook your frozen fish fillets in the air fryer. It’s super easy and only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients:

• 2 frozen fish fillets (tilapia, cod, haddock, or your preferred choice)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray)

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for a crispy coating)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

• Tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the fish cooks evenly and achieves a crispy exterior.

2. Prepare the Fish:

   • Take the frozen fish fillets out of the packaging. You don’t need to thaw them beforehand—just place them directly into the air fryer basket.

   • Lightly spray the fish with olive oil or brush it on with a pastry brush. The oil helps the breadcrumbs stick to the fish and creates a golden, crispy coating when cooked.

3. Coat the Fish:

   • In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt and pepper. Mix well.

   • Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each fillet. Gently press the breadcrumbs down to ensure they stick. You don’t need to coat the entire fish; just focus on the top portion to create a crispy crust.

4. Cook the Fish:

   • Carefully place the breaded fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overlapping. This ensures that the fish cooks evenly and gets crispy on all sides.

   • Air fry at 370°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. After 6-7 minutes, flip the fish over, spritz the other side with a bit more oil, and cook for the remaining time. You’ll know the fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has a golden, crispy exterior.

5. Serve:

   • Once the fish is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping. If you prefer, you can also serve the fish with sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or fries.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Frozen Fish Fillets

To make sure your frozen fish fillets in the air fryer turn out perfectly every time, here are some tips:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket:

• It’s tempting to cook multiple fillets at once, but for the crispiest result, make sure there’s enough space between the fish fillets. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the fish from getting crispy.

2. Adjust Cooking Time Based on Thickness:

• The thickness of your fillets will impact cooking time. Thicker fillets may need a bit more time (up to 15 minutes), while thinner fillets will cook faster (around 10-12 minutes). Always check the fish after about 10 minutes to see how it’s doing.

3. Customize the Breading:

• Feel free to play around with the breading. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture. Adding herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme can enhance the flavor of the fish. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumbs.

4. No Need to Thaw:

• The best part about this recipe is that you don’t need to thaw your fish fillets beforehand. Just cook them straight from frozen for convenience and ease. This method works well for store-bought frozen fillets that are already breaded or seasoned.

5. Use a Light Coat of Oil:

• Spraying or brushing a light coat of oil on the fish is essential for achieving a crispy texture. If you skip this step, the fish may come out soggy instead of crispy.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Frozen Fish Fillets

Now that your crispy, delicious air fryer frozen fish fillets are ready, it’s time to think about what to serve with them. Here are some great side options to complement the fish:

1. Air Fryer Fries or Potato Wedges:

• Classic crispy fries or wedges are a perfect match for fish fillets. Season them with your favorite spices (like paprika or garlic powder) and cook them in the air fryer at the same time as the fish.

2. Coleslaw:

• The creamy crunch of coleslaw is a great side dish to balance the crispiness of the fish. You can make a classic creamy coleslaw or opt for a lighter vinegar-based slaw for a tangy touch.

3. Roasted Vegetables:

• Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and flavorful side. You can cook these in the air fryer too, or simply roast them in the oven while the fish is cooking.

4. Rice or Quinoa:

• For a more filling side, serve the fish with a side of steamed rice or quinoa. You can even mix in some herbs or a bit of lemon zest to enhance the flavor.

5. Simple Green Salad:

• A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette will add a refreshing element to the meal.

Health Benefits of Air Fryer Frozen Fish Fillets

Not only is air frying frozen fish fillets a quick and delicious way to enjoy a meal, but it’s also a healthy option. Here’s a breakdown of some of the health benefits of this dish:

1. Low in Calories:

• Since the air fryer uses very little oil compared to traditional deep frying, this method keeps the calorie count low. You’ll get all the crispy, crunchy goodness without the added fat and calories from deep-frying.

2. High in Protein:

• Fish, particularly white fish like cod, tilapia, and haddock, are excellent sources of lean protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body health. By adding frozen fish fillets to your diet, you’re incorporating a nutritious protein source that’s low in fat.

3. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

• Fish like cod and salmon (if you use it for air frying) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve overall cardiovascular health.

4. Quick and Convenient:

• One of the key benefits of this recipe is convenience. By using frozen fish, you can enjoy a healthy, well-balanced meal with minimal prep time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to thaw ingredients or wait for long cooking times.

5. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals:

• Fish is a great source of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining strong bones, healthy red blood cells, and a well-functioning immune system.

Air Fryer Frozen Fish Fillets Recipe Card

Ingredients:

• 2 frozen fish fillets (tilapia, cod, haddock, or your choice)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray)

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for a crispy coating)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

• Tartar sauce or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

2. Prepare the fish by patting the frozen fillets dry. Lightly coat each fillet with olive oil (spray or brush).

3. Coat the fillets by mixing panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Spoon and press the breadcrumb mixture onto the fish, ensuring the top is evenly coated.

4. Air fry the fish: Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 370°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through. The fillets should be golden and crispy on the outside, and flake easily with a fork.

5. Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce (optional).

Notes:

• No thawing required: This recipe works great for cooking fish directly from frozen.

• Adjust the cooking time: Thicker fillets may require a bit more time (up to 15 minutes).

• Customize the breading: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices like parsley, dill, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.

• Avoid overcrowding: Ensure that the fish fillets are spaced evenly in the air fryer for a crispy result.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 153 kcal

• Protein: 21g

• Fat: 3g

• Carbohydrates: 11g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

• Sodium: 269mg

• Cholesterol: 50mg

• Potassium: 302mg

• Vitamin A: 70 IU

• Vitamin C: 2.7mg

• Calcium: 10mg

• Iron: 1.5mg

Recipe Details:

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 12-14 minutes

• Total time: 17-19 minutes

• Method: Air Frying

• Cuisine: American

• Servings: 2

• Calories: 153 per serving

• Yield: 2 servings