Learn how to cook perfectly crispy breaded fish in your air fryer, straight from frozen. All done in under 15 minutes without any greasy mess! The perfect shortcut to making fish and chips at home, and a treat for the whole family.
Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Fish
Equipment
- Air fryer
Instructions
- Place fish fillets in the air fryer basket and air fry 8 minutes at 400 °F.2 frozen breaded fish fillets
- Flip and air fry 4-7 minutes more, until crispy, golden, and heated to at least 160 °F.
Notes
What to Do with Leftovers:
Breaded fish is best eaten right after cooking/heating but you can also save leftovers for later.- Storing: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Do not freeze leftovers.
- Reheating in the air fryer: Reheat at 400℉ (200℃) for 3-5 minutes, until heated through.
Tips For The Crispiest Fish
- Do not thaw the fish before air frying. The beauty of using an air fryer is that you can cook food straight from frozen, and it actually gives a better result than thawing first.
- Cooking time will vary with the thickness of your fish fillets. Thicker fillets will require more time while thinner ones will cook faster. Always make sure they're cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 °F (72 °C).
- Don't use oil. When cooking breaded fish, oil usually just makes it soggy rather than crispy.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is some room left around the fish fillets for the air to circulate and crisp them up, and always cook in a single layer.
- Check the temperature to make sure the fish is heated through. The internal temperature should reach at least 160℉ (72℃) before consuming.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions for your crispy fish fillets:
- Fish and chips. An age-old favorite. Serve your breaded fish with a side of golden, crispy fries. The soft inside and crunchy outside of the fries make them a perfect partner for your breaded fish.
- Lemon and tartar sauce. A classic pairing for breaded fish. The tartar sauce's creaminess balances out the crispy fish, while the lemon adds a burst of freshness. Squeeze a lemon wedge over your fish before you take a bite and dip it in tartar sauce for a delicious combination.
- Fish tacos. Add your breaded fish to a soft taco shell, adorned with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of creamy sauce. This transforms your breaded fish into a hearty meal that offers a variety of textures and flavors.
- Fish burger. Place your breaded fish between two buns, and add some lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy sauce. This makes for a delicious and filling fish burger that's a fun twist on the traditional beef version.
- Fish salad. If you're looking for a lighter option, serve your breaded fish atop a bed of mixed greens tossed with a light vinaigrette. The contrast between the warm, crispy fish and the cool, crisp salad is delightfully satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you can cook frozen breaded fish directly from frozen in the air fryer.
Yes, from cod to haddock, you can cook any type of breaded fish in an air fryer.
No, the air fryer uses hot air to cook the food, so there is no need for additional oil.
It typically takes about 12-15 minutes to cook frozen breaded fish in an air fryer.
This is up to you. You don't necessarily need to preheat the air fryer when cooking frozen food, but it can reduce the actual cook time by a minute or so.
The fish should reach an internal temperature of (160°F) 72°C to be fully cooked.
There you have it - perfectly cooked, crispy and delicious breaded fish cooked in your air fryer. Give it a try and let us know how yours comes out!
Paul Johnson
Hope it's worth the score!