Can I Cook Fish from Frozen in an Air Fryer A Complete Guide

Yes, you can cook fish from frozen in an air fryer—it’s a fast, convenient method that delivers crispy, evenly cooked results without thawing. Simply adjust cooking time by 50% longer than fresh fillets, preheat the air fryer, and use a light oil spray to enhance texture while avoiding overcrowding for optimal air circulation.

Key Takeaways

• Cook from frozen: Air fryers safely cook frozen fish without thawing.
• Adjust cooking time: Add 3-5 minutes for even, thorough cooking.
• Preheat for crispiness: Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) first.
• Use oil sparingly: Lightly spray fish to enhance texture and browning.
• Flip halfway: Flip fish for uniform cooking and crispiness.
• Check internal temp: Ensure fish reaches 145°F (63°C) for safety.
• Season after cooking: Add delicate herbs post-cook to preserve flavor.

Why Cooking Frozen Fish in an Air Fryer Makes Life Easier

Let’s be honest: life gets busy. Between work, family, and everything else, who has time to thaw fish for dinner? I’ve been there—standing in front of the freezer at 6 PM, realizing I forgot to take the fish out to defrost. That’s when I discovered the magic of cooking frozen fish in an air fryer. It’s not just a time-saver; it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves seafood but hates the prep work.

Air fryers have become kitchen staples for their speed, convenience, and ability to deliver crispy, delicious results with minimal oil. But can you really cook fish from frozen in one? The short answer: yes! But there’s more to it than just tossing frozen fillets into the basket. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right fish to nailing the perfect cook every time. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep enthusiast, or just someone who hates waiting for things to thaw, this is for you.

How Air Fryers Work (And Why They’re Perfect for Frozen Fish)

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about the science behind air fryers. Understanding how they work will help you cook your frozen fish more effectively and avoid common mistakes.

Air Fryer Mechanics: Crispy Results, No Thawing Required

An air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation—essentially a mini convection oven—to cook food. The fan blows hot air around the food, creating a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender. This is why air fryers excel at cooking frozen foods like fish, chicken tenders, or fries. The intense heat penetrates the ice layer quickly, so you don’t have to thaw first.

For frozen fish, this means you can go straight from freezer to fryer. No waiting, no mess, no soggy results. The key is managing the temperature and time to ensure even cooking. Too hot, and the outside burns while the inside stays icy. Too low, and you end up with rubbery fish. We’ll cover the sweet spot later.

Benefits of Cooking Frozen Fish in an Air Fryer

• No defrosting needed: Saves time and prevents food waste (no more forgotten thawing).
• Healthier: Uses less oil than traditional frying—great for heart-healthy diets.
• Consistent results: Air fryers circulate heat evenly, so your fish cooks uniformly.
• Easy cleanup: Most baskets are nonstick and dishwasher-safe.

One thing I love is that frozen fish fillets (like cod, tilapia, or salmon) often come individually wrapped, making portion control effortless. Just grab what you need and cook!

Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking Frozen Fish in an Air Fryer

Ready to try it yourself? Here’s a foolproof method to cook frozen fish in your air fryer, with tips to avoid common pitfalls.

Step 1: Choose the Right Fish

Not all fish are created equal when it comes to frozen cooking. Stick to thick, firm fillets that hold their shape. Here are some top picks:

• Cod: Mild flavor, flaky texture. Great for fish tacos or fish sticks.
• Tilapia: Affordable, neutral taste. Perfect for beginners.
• Salmon: Rich in omega-3s. Cook from frozen for a quick weeknight dinner.
• Haddock: Slightly sweet, delicate. Pairs well with lemon and herbs.

Avoid thin or flaky fish like sole or flounder—they can dry out or cook unevenly.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating is crucial for even cooking. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it run for 3–5 minutes. This mimics an oven’s preheat and ensures the fish starts cooking immediately. No preheat? You risk uneven results (icy centers, burnt edges).

Step 3: Prep the Fish

You don’t need to thaw, but you do need to prep:

• Pat dry: Remove any excess ice or frost with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick and prevents steaming.
• Lightly oil: Brush the fish with olive oil or avocado oil. This promotes browning and keeps the skin crispy.
• Season: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite spices. Avoid wet marinades—they can make the fish soggy.

Pro tip: If your fish has a breaded coating (like frozen fish sticks), no oil is needed. The coating will crisp up on its own.

Step 4: Arrange in the Basket

Place the fish in a single layer with space between each piece. Overcrowding blocks airflow and leads to uneven cooking. If you’re cooking multiple fillets, work in batches. I’ve learned this the hard way—trying to cook four salmon fillets at once once left me with two perfect ones and two half-raw disasters.

Step 5: Cook and Check

Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook:

• Breaded fish (e.g., fish sticks): 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Unbreaded fillets (e.g., cod, salmon): 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, insert a fork—the fish should flake easily. For thicker fillets (like salmon), add 2–3 minutes.

Bonus tip: For extra crispiness, spray the fish with oil after flipping. I do this with breaded fish sticks—it makes them taste just like the deep-fried version!

Tips for Perfect Results (From Trial and Error)

After years of experimenting, I’ve gathered some hard-earned tips to help you avoid the mistakes I made early on.

Don’t Skip the Flip

Flipping halfway ensures even cooking. The bottom of the fish cooks faster due to direct contact with the basket. I once forgot to flip my salmon fillets, and the bottom was overcooked while the top was still icy. Now, I set a timer to remind myself.

Adjust for Thickness

Thicker fillets need more time. For every ½ inch of thickness, add 2–3 minutes. A 1-inch salmon fillet might need 18 minutes, while a ½-inch cod fillet could be done in 12. When in doubt, use a thermometer.

Use Parchment Paper Liners (But Be Careful)

Liners make cleanup easier, but they can block airflow. If you use them, make sure they don’t cover the entire basket. I like to cut them to fit just the bottom, leaving space around the edges for air circulation.

Season After Cooking (Sometimes)

For delicate fish like tilapia, seasoning before cooking can draw out moisture. Try seasoning after cooking instead—it keeps the fillets juicy. I discovered this when my tilapia turned out dry and crumbly after heavy pre-cooking seasoning.

Let It Rest

Just like with grilled or baked fish, let your air-fried fish rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute, so you don’t lose moisture when you cut into it.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even experienced cooks make mistakes. Here are the most common issues I’ve faced—and how to avoid them.

Soggy Fish

Cause: Too much moisture (from not patting dry, overcrowding, or wet seasonings).
Fix: Dry the fish thoroughly, leave space in the basket, and avoid wet marinades. For breaded fish, spray with oil before cooking to enhance crispiness.

Burnt Exterior, Raw Interior

Cause: Cooking at too high a temperature or not flipping.
Fix: Lower the temperature to 360°F (182°C) for thicker fillets, and always flip halfway. If the outside browns too quickly, reduce the heat by 10–15°F and add 2–3 minutes.

Fish Sticking to the Basket

Cause: Not enough oil or a dirty basket.
Fix: Lightly oil the fish and basket before cooking. Clean the basket thoroughly after each use—baked-on residue can cause sticking.

Uneven Cooking

Cause: Overcrowding or inconsistent thickness.
Fix: Cook in batches and group similar-sized fillets together. If one fillet is much thicker, cut it in half to match the others.

Best Frozen Fish to Cook in an Air Fryer (With Cooking Times)

Not all frozen fish brands perform the same. Here’s a table of my favorite picks, along with cooking times and tips for each.

Fish Type	Brand/Type	Cooking Time (375°F)	Notes
Breaded Cod	Gorton’s Fish Sticks	10–12 minutes	Flip halfway. Spray with oil for extra crispiness.
Unbreaded Salmon	Kirkland Signature Wild-Caught	12–15 minutes	Season with lemon pepper. Check internal temp (145°F).
Tilapia Fillets	Sea Cuisine Individually Wrapped	12–14 minutes	Lightly oil. Season after cooking to retain moisture.
Haddock	Trader Joe’s Frozen	10–12 minutes	Perfect for fish tacos. Pair with cajun seasoning.
Shrimp	SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp	8–10 minutes	No flip needed. Shake the basket halfway.

Note: Cooking times are for standard air fryer models (4–6 quarts). Larger or smaller fryers may require adjustments.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Ways to Use Air-Fried Frozen Fish

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative. Here are some of my favorite ways to turn air-fried frozen fish into delicious meals.

Fish Tacos

Air-fry breaded cod or haddock for 10 minutes. Slice into strips and serve in warm tortillas with cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, and lime crema. I love this for Taco Tuesdays—it’s faster than frying and just as crispy!

Salmon Bowls

Cook salmon fillets from frozen, then flake them into bowls with quinoa, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of teriyaki or miso sauce. Top with sesame seeds and scallions. This is my go-to meal prep hack.

Fish Sandwiches

Air-fry tilapia or cod, then sandwich between toasted buns with tartar sauce, lettuce, and pickles. For a lighter option, use lettuce wraps instead of bread.

Fish and Chips

Pair air-fried fish sticks with air-fried potato wedges. Toss the wedges in oil, salt, and paprika, then cook at 400°F (205°C) for 15 minutes. Serve with malt vinegar or ketchup.

Fish Cakes

Flake leftover air-fried fish, mix with mashed potatoes, egg, and herbs, then form into patties. Pan-fry or air-fry for 3–4 minutes per side. A great way to use leftovers!

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

So, can you cook fish from frozen in an air fryer? Absolutely—and it’s one of the best ways to do it. Not only does it save time, but it also delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. I’ve gone from stressing about last-minute dinners to having a freezer full of ready-to-cook fish that’s on the table in under 20 minutes.

That said, it’s not *perfect*. You’ll need to pay attention to thickness, temperature, and flipping to avoid common issues. But once you get the hang of it, the convenience and flavor are unbeatable. Whether you’re cooking breaded fish sticks for the kids or a fancy salmon fillet for a date night, your air fryer has you covered.

My advice? Start simple. Try one of the brands from the table above, follow the steps, and tweak as needed. Before you know it, you’ll be a frozen fish air-frying pro—and you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook fish from frozen in an air fryer without thawing?

Yes, you can cook fish from frozen in an air fryer directly—no thawing required. Just adjust the cooking time by adding 3–5 minutes and ensure even placement for consistent results.

What’s the best way to cook frozen fish in an air fryer?

For best results, preheat the air fryer, lightly coat the fish with oil, and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. This ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.

Do I need to adjust air fryer settings for frozen fish?

Yes, when cooking fish from frozen in an air fryer, increase the time by 25–50% and use a slightly lower temperature (350–375°F) to prevent overcooking the outside before the center thaws.

Can I cook battered frozen fish in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Battered frozen fish works well in an air fryer. Spritz the basket with oil to prevent sticking and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping once for even crispiness.

Is cooking frozen fish in an air fryer healthier than frying?

Yes, using an air fryer to cook frozen fish requires little to no oil, reducing fat and calories compared to deep frying. It’s a healthier way to enjoy crispy fish with minimal effort.

How do I prevent frozen fish from drying out in the air fryer?

To avoid dryness, avoid overcrowding the basket, flip the fish halfway, and brush with a light oil or marinade before cooking. This keeps the fish tender and flavorful when cooking from frozen.