Craving crispy, golden-brown fish that tastes like it came from a restaurant, but without all the mess and oil? Your air fryer is about to become your new best friend! Frozen fish fillets are a weeknight dinner savior, offering convenience and a healthy dose of protein. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best frozen fish fillets for air fryer cooking?
Don’t sweat it! We’ve rounded up our top picks that promise a delicious, perfectly cooked meal every time. Forget soggy, greasy fish; these options are designed to get super crispy in your air fryer, making mealtime a breeze. Let’s dive in and find your new go-to.
1. Gorton’s, Crunchy Breaded Fish Fillets, 19 oz (Frozen)
Gorton’s has been a household name for seafood lovers for generations, and their Crunchy Breaded Fish Fillets uphold that legacy. Made from high-quality, wild-caught Alaskan Pollock, these fillets are flash-frozen at peak freshness to lock in nutrition and flavor. What truly sets them apart is their satisfyingly crunchy panko breadcrumb coating, which transforms into a golden, irresistible crust in the air fryer, making them one of the best frozen fish fillets for air fryer enthusiasts looking for that classic crunch.
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Key Features:
- Made from high-quality, wild-caught Alaskan Pollock.
- Flash-frozen for optimal freshness and nutrition.
- Coated with crispy panko breadcrumbs for an unmatched crunch.
- No fillers, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or hydrogenated oils.
- Natural source of Omega-3s and protein.
- Prep-free, mess-free, and stress-free cooking.
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Pros:
- Exceptional crunch from panko breading.
- High-quality, wild-caught fish.
- Free from undesirable additives.
- Good source of Omega-3s and protein.
- Very easy and quick to prepare.
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Cons:
- Breaded products can be higher in sodium.
- May not suit those avoiding gluten.
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User Impressions: Customers consistently praise these fillets for their incredible crunch and delicious flavor, noting how well they crisp up in the air fryer. They’re a popular choice for quick family dinners, especially loved by kids for their texture.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Van de Kamp’s Beer Battered 100% Whole Fish Fillets
For a true taste of classic fish and chips, Van de Kamp’s Beer Battered 100% Whole Fish Fillets are a fantastic choice. These fillets deliver a deliciously crispy exterior thanks to their rich, savory beer batter, and a flaky, tender fish inside. They’re perfect for recreating your favorite pub-style meal at home with minimal effort, making them a top contender for those seeking battered options among the best frozen fish fillets for air fryer.
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Key Features:
- Features 100% whole fish fillets.
- Coated in a flavorful beer batter for a crispy texture.
- Provides 7 grams of protein per serving.
- Convenient for quick and easy meals.
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Pros:
- Authentic beer-battered taste and texture.
- Made with 100% real fish, no mystery meat.
- Good source of protein.
- Ideal for a classic fish and chips experience.
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Cons:
- Beer batter can be heavier and higher in calories than lighter breadings.
- May contain allergens related to beer ingredients.
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User Impressions: Reviewers often highlight the excellent flavor of the beer batter and how well these fillets crisp up in the air fryer. They’re a go-to for a satisfying, indulgent fish meal that’s surprisingly easy to make.
- See it on Amazon here
3. 365 Everyday Value Wild Caught Breaded Fish Fillets
Whole Foods Market’s 365 Everyday Value brand offers a solid, wholesome option with their Wild Caught Breaded Fish Fillets. These fillets are made from sustainably sourced, wild-caught Pollock from the USA, emphasizing quality and environmental responsibility. They provide a good amount of Omega-3s and are perfect for those looking for a reliable, breaded fish fillet that aligns with conscious consumption and performs great in an air fryer.
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Key Features:
- Wild caught Pollock from the USA.
- Sustainably sourced and Certified Sustainable Seafood.
- Contains 185mg Omega-3 per serving.
- Part of the trusted 365 Everyday Value line from Whole Foods Market.
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Pros:
- Commitment to sustainable and wild-caught sourcing.
- Good source of beneficial Omega-3s.
- Reliable quality from a well-regarded brand.
- Crisps up nicely in an air fryer.
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Cons:
- May be less widely available outside of Whole Foods Market stores.
- Flavor might be plainer compared to heavily seasoned options, requiring extra condiments.
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the natural taste and ethical sourcing of these fillets. They’re often chosen by those seeking a cleaner, more sustainable breaded fish option that still delivers on air fryer crispiness and convenience.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Gorton’s, Crispy Battered Fish Fillets, 19 oz (Frozen)
Another excellent offering from Gorton’s, their Crispy Battered Fish Fillets focus on that delightful, golden-brown batter that air fryers excel at. These fillets feature flaky, whole white fish in a simple yet flavorful batter, providing a classic fish texture. Like their breaded counterparts, they are made with 100% real fish and contain no fillers, MSG, artificial colors, or flavors, making them a dependable choice when searching for the best frozen fish fillets for air fryer cooking.
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Key Features:
- Flaky, whole white fish fillets.
- Delicious crispy batter.
- 100% real fish, no fillers.
- No MSG, artificial colors, or flavors.
- Natural source of Omega-3.
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Pros:
- Delivers a satisfying, crispy battered texture.
- Uses real, whole fish for better quality.
- Free from common artificial additives.
- Quick and easy for any meal.
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Cons:
- Battered products can be higher in calories and fat.
- The batter might not be as universally appealing as a lighter breading for some.
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User Impressions: These fillets are praised for their reliably crispy crust and tender fish inside. Users find them to be a fantastic, convenient option for a traditional battered fish experience, especially when cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
- See it on Amazon here
5. 365 Everyday Value Wild Caught Breaded Fish Squares
For a slightly different take, the 365 Everyday Value Wild Caught Breaded Fish Squares from Whole Foods Market offer the same commitment to quality and sustainability in a more bite-sized format. These squares are perfect for kid-friendly meals, tacos, or even as a protein addition to salads. Made from sustainably sourced Pollock and offering Omega-3s, they provide a convenient and nutritious option that gets wonderfully crispy in the air fryer.
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Key Features:
- Made from wild-caught Pollock from the USA.
- Sustainably sourced and Certified Sustainable Seafood.
- Contains 130mg Omega-3 per serving.
- Convenient square shape for versatility.
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Pros:
- Ethically sourced and sustainable.
- Great bite-sized portions, ideal for children or specific dishes.
- Good source of Omega-3s.
- Crisps up well and quickly in an air fryer.
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Cons:
- Smaller portion size may mean needing more for a full adult meal.
- Again, limited availability to Whole Foods Market.
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User Impressions: Many parents love these fish squares for their ease of preparation and appeal to kids. They appreciate the sustainable sourcing and the reliable crispness achieved through air frying, making them a popular, guilt-free snack or meal component.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Gorton’s, Crispy Battered Fish Portions, 24.5 oz (Frozen)
Gorton’s again, but this time with Crispy Battered Fish Portions in a larger pack size, perfect for families or those who want to stock up. These portions feature flaky, white fish in their signature crispy batter, ensuring a consistent and delicious outcome. Like other Gorton’s products, they boast 100% real fish with no fillers, MSG, or artificial additives, making them another reliable, family-friendly choice among the best frozen fish fillets for air fryer preparation.
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Key Features:
- Flaky, white fish portions.
- Delicious crispy batter.
- 100% real fish, no fillers.
- No MSG, artificial colors, or flavors.
- Natural source of Omega-3.
- Larger 24.5 oz pack size.
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Pros:
- Generous portion size for families or multiple meals.
- Consistent quality and crispness.
- Free from unwanted artificial ingredients.
- Quick and easy to cook.
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Cons:
- Similar to other battered options, potentially higher in fat/sodium.
- Portions might be too large for very small children, though easily cut.
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User Impressions: Customers love the value of the larger pack and the consistent, delicious results. They’re a go-to for busy weeknights, offering a convenient and satisfying meal that always comes out perfectly crispy in the air fryer.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Amazon Fresh Brand, Tilapia Skinless Fillets Value Pack
If you’re looking for a plain, unbreaded, and versatile option, the Amazon Fresh Brand Tilapia Skinless Fillets Value Pack is a fantastic choice. These 2-pound bags contain individually vacuum-sealed fillets, ensuring freshness and minimizing waste. Tilapia is a light, nutritious fish, and this responsibly sourced option (4-Star Certified by Best Aquaculture Practices) allows you to customize your seasoning and breading, offering ultimate flexibility for your air fryer creations. While not pre-breaded, these are the best frozen fish fillets for air fryer if you want to control ingredients or prefer unbreaded fish.
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Key Features:
- 2-pound resealable bag of skinless tilapia fillets.
- Individually vacuum sealed for freshness and convenience.
- Responsibly Sourced: 4-Star Certified by Best Aquaculture Practices.
- Phosphate Free.
- Light, nutritious fish.
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Pros:
- Unbreaded, allowing for full control over seasoning and coating.
- Individually sealed portions prevent freezer burn and waste.
- Highly versatile for various recipes (tacos, salads, plain).
- Responsibly sourced.
- Excellent value.
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Cons:
- Requires seasoning or breading before cooking, adding a small amount of prep time.
- Lacks the pre-prepared crispiness of breaded/battered options.
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User Impressions: Customers appreciate the convenience of the individually wrapped fillets and the mild flavor of the tilapia, which serves as a perfect canvas for various seasonings. They are highly rated for their freshness and versatility in air fryer recipes, especially for those looking for a healthier, unbreaded fish option.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does it take to cook frozen fish fillets in an air fryer?
A1: Generally, frozen breaded or battered fish fillets take about 12-18 minutes in an air fryer at 380-400°F (190-200°C). Thicker fillets might take a bit longer. Always flip them halfway through for even cooking and crispiness. Unbreaded fillets might cook a bit faster, around 10-15 minutes, depending on thickness.
Q2: Do I need to preheat my air fryer for frozen fish?
A2: While not always strictly necessary, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the fish can help achieve a crispier exterior and more even cooking. It brings the cooking chamber to the desired temperature quickly.
Q3: Can I cook unbreaded frozen fish fillets in an air fryer?
A3: Absolutely! Unbreaded frozen fish fillets cook wonderfully in an air fryer. For best results, pat them dry, lightly brush with oil (like olive or avocado oil), and season them generously before air frying. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
Q4: How do I get my frozen fish extra crispy in the air fryer?
A4: For maximum crispiness:
* Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in a single layer if possible.
* Flip the fish halfway through cooking.
* A light spray of cooking oil (especially on unbreaded fish or for extra crispness on breaded) can help.
* Ensure your air fryer is preheated.
Q5: Is air-fried frozen fish healthier than deep-fried?
A5: Yes, generally. Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, resulting in fish that is lower in fat and calories while still achieving a similar crispy texture. It’s a great way to enjoy your favorite fish fillets with less guilt.
Q6: Do I need to thaw frozen fish before putting it in the air fryer?
A6: No, you don’t need to thaw frozen fish before air frying. In fact, cooking from frozen often yields better results, as it helps the breading or batter crisp up more effectively while the fish cooks through.
Q7: What temperature is best for air frying frozen fish fillets?
A7: Most frozen fish fillets cook best in an air fryer at temperatures between 380°F (190°C) and 400°F (200°C). Always check the specific cooking instructions on the product packaging, as temperatures and times can vary slightly.
Choosing the best frozen fish fillets for air fryer cooking truly transforms your mealtime. Whether you love a classic breaded crunch, a rich beer-battered coating, or prefer to season your own, there’s an option here to make your next dinner delicious, quick, and effortless. Happy air frying!