Can I Cook Frozen Fish Fillets in the Air Fryer Fast and Easy

Yes, you can cook frozen fish fillets in the air fryer quickly and easily—no thawing required. With just a few minutes of prep and 10–15 minutes of cooking, the air fryer delivers crispy, flaky results using minimal oil, making it a healthy, time-saving alternative to baking or frying. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

Key Takeaways

• Cook frozen fillets directly: No thawing needed—air fry from frozen for convenience.
• Preheat for crispiness: Always preheat air fryer to ensure even, crispy results.
• Use minimal oil: Light spray of oil enhances texture without sogginess.
• Adjust time and temp: 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.
• Check internal temp: Ensure fish reaches 145°F for food safety.
• Season after cooking: Add salt and spices post-fry to avoid moisture issues.

Can I Cook Frozen Fish Fillets in the Air Fryer Fast and Easy

Let’s face it: life gets busy. Between work, family, and everything in between, the idea of cooking a meal from scratch can feel overwhelming. That’s why frozen fish fillets are such a game-changer. They’re quick, convenient, and—when cooked right—can taste just as good as fresh. But here’s the real question on your mind: *can I cook frozen fish fillets in the air fryer?* The answer is a resounding yes—and it’s one of the best ways to get crispy, flaky fish without the hassle of thawing or messy oil.

I remember the first time I tried cooking frozen fish in my air fryer. I was skeptical. Would it be dry? Undercooked? Soggy? But after one bite, I was hooked. Not only did it cook faster than in the oven, but the texture was perfect—golden on the outside, tender on the inside. Since then, I’ve experimented with different types of frozen fish, seasonings, and techniques. And today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned so you can skip the guesswork and enjoy a fast, delicious meal.

Why the Air Fryer Is Perfect for Frozen Fish Fillets

The air fryer has become a kitchen staple for a reason: it’s fast, energy-efficient, and delivers crispy results without the need for deep frying. But when it comes to frozen fish fillets, it’s a total game-changer. Here’s why:

Even Cooking Without Thawing

One of the biggest concerns with frozen fish is uneven cooking. The outside can overcook while the inside stays icy. But the air fryer’s rapid circulation of hot air (around 400°F) ensures heat reaches every part of the fillet. No need to thaw—just pop it in and let the machine do its magic.

Healthier Than Deep Frying

Traditional fried fish is delicious, but it’s loaded with oil and calories. The air fryer uses little to no oil (just a light spray or brush), cutting down on fat while still giving you that satisfying crunch. For example, a 4-ounce breaded cod fillet cooked in an air fryer has about 180 calories and 6g of fat, compared to 300+ calories and 15g of fat when deep-fried.

Less Mess, Less Stress

No splattering oil, no smoky kitchen, no waiting for the oven to preheat. Just place the fillet in the basket, set the timer, and walk away. Cleanup is as simple as wiping down the basket—no scrubbing pans or dealing with greasy residue.

Pro Tip: If your fillets are stuck together, don’t force them apart. Instead, cook them in a single layer with space between each piece. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping.

What Types of Frozen Fish Work Best?

Not all frozen fish fillets are created equal. Some hold up better in the air fryer than others. Here’s a breakdown of the best options and what to look for:

Breaded or Battered Fillets

These are the easiest to cook and often come in familiar forms like fish sticks, breaded cod, or fish fingers. The coating crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. Brands like Gorton’s and Van de Kamp’s are reliable choices. Just avoid overcooking—breading can burn if left too long.

Uncoated or Lightly Breaded Fillets

For a healthier option, go for plain frozen fillets like salmon, tilapia, or haddock. These cook well but benefit from a quick brush of oil or cooking spray to prevent dryness. A light sprinkle of salt, pepper, and lemon juice adds flavor without extra calories.

Premium or Wild-Caught Options

If you’re willing to splurge, look for wild-caught salmon or cod fillets. These often come individually vacuum-sealed and freeze well. They’re pricier but worth it for special meals. Just check the packaging—some premium brands are pre-seasoned, which can burn in the air fryer.

What to Avoid

• Thick or dense fillets (like swordfish or tuna steaks)—they may cook unevenly.
• Overly processed “imitation” fish (like surimi)—it can turn rubbery.
• Fillets with heavy sauces or glazes—they may drip and smoke.

Real-Life Example: I once tried cooking a frozen salmon fillet with a honey-mustard glaze. The sugar in the glaze caramelized too quickly, leaving a sticky mess. Lesson learned: save the glaze for after cooking!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Fish in the Air Fryer

Ready to try it yourself? Here’s a foolproof method for perfect results every time. The key is simplicity: no thawing, minimal prep, and maximum flavor.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F–400°F (depending on the model) for 3–5 minutes. This ensures the fish starts cooking immediately, preventing a soggy texture. Not all models have a preheat setting, but running it empty for a few minutes works just as well.

Step 2: Prepare the Fillets

• If the fillets are stuck together, separate them carefully.
• For uncoated fillets, lightly brush or spray both sides with oil (olive, avocado, or canola work well).
• Add seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
• For breaded fillets, no oil is needed—the breading already contains fat.

Step 3: Arrange in the Basket

Place the fillets in a single layer with space between each one. If your basket is small, cook in batches. Overcrowding = steaming, not crisping.

Step 4: Cook and Flip

• Breaded fillets: 10–12 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway.
• Uncoated fillets: 12–15 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway.
• Use tongs to flip gently—wet fillets can stick.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. For uncoated fillets, the internal temperature should be 145°F. Breaded fillets should be golden and crispy. If unsure, cut into the thickest part—no ice crystals or raw spots should remain.

Pro Tip: If the top is browning too fast, reduce the temperature to 350°F for the last few minutes.

Timing and Temperature Cheat Sheet

Not all air fryers are the same. Some run hotter, others slower. Use this table as a starting point, but always check your fish early to avoid overcooking.

Fish Type	Thickness	Temperature	Cooking Time	Notes
Breaded Cod/Fish Sticks	1/2 inch	375°F	10–12 minutes	Flip halfway
Uncoated Tilapia	3/4 inch	400°F	12–14 minutes	Brush with oil
Salmon Fillet	1 inch	400°F	14–16 minutes	Check internal temp
Battered Haddock	1 inch	375°F	12–15 minutes	May need extra spray
Fish Fingers	1/2 inch	375°F	8–10 minutes	Shake basket once

Important: These times are for frozen fillets. If thawed, reduce cooking time by 2–3 minutes. Always adjust for your air fryer’s quirks—mine runs hot, so I usually set it 25°F lower than recipes suggest.

Pro Tips for Crispy, Juicy Results

Even with the right timing, small tweaks can make your fish go from “good” to “great.” Here are my top tips:

Don’t Skip the Flip

Flipping ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides. For uncoated fillets, this also helps retain moisture. Use tongs—not a spatula—to avoid breaking delicate fish.

Use Parchment Liners (But Not Always)

Pre-cut parchment liners keep the basket clean and prevent sticking. However, they can block airflow, leading to softer results. For maximum crispiness, skip the liner and just wipe the basket after cooking.

Add Flavor Without Fuss

• Before cooking: Brush with melted butter or olive oil, then season.
• During cooking: Spray lightly with oil halfway through for extra crunch.
• After cooking: Squeeze fresh lemon juice or drizzle with tartar sauce.

Rest Before Eating

Let the fish sit for 1–2 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, preventing dryness. Think of it like letting a steak rest—it makes a difference!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Too dry? The fillet may have been too thin, or the temperature was too high. Next time, reduce heat by 25°F or cook for less time.
• Soggy coating? The basket was overcrowded, or the air fryer wasn’t preheated. Ensure space between fillets and preheat for 5 minutes.
• Burnt edges? The fish had sugar (like a glaze) or was cooked at too high a temp. Try 350°F and monitor closely.

Real-Life Example: My friend Lisa tried cooking frozen salmon at 400°F without preheating. The result? A dry, rubbery mess. After preheating and reducing the temp to 375°F, her next batch was perfectly flaky.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Now that you’ve nailed the cooking, what to serve with your air-fried fish? Here are some quick, crowd-pleasing ideas:

Classic Sides

• Air fryer fries: Toss frozen fries with oil and salt, cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
• Steamed veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus—toss with a little butter and lemon.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing contrast to rich, crispy fish.

Global Flavors

• Asian-inspired: Serve with rice, soy sauce, and stir-fried bok choy.
• Mediterranean: Add a Greek salad with olives, feta, and cucumber.
• Mexican: Top with avocado, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.

Kid-Friendly Meals

• Fish tacos: Flake the fish and serve in soft tortillas with shredded cheese and sour cream.
• Fish and chips: Pair with homemade tartar sauce (mayo + pickles + lemon).
• Fish sandwiches: Use a toasted bun, lettuce, and tartar sauce.

Pro Tip: For a one-pan meal, cook the fish first, then add chopped veggies to the basket for the last 5 minutes. Less cleanup, more flavor!

So, can you cook frozen fish fillets in the air fryer? Absolutely—and it’s one of the fastest, easiest ways to get a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for meal prep, or just craving crispy fish without the guilt, the air fryer delivers. With the right technique, a little oil (or none at all), and a few simple seasonings, you’ll have flaky, flavorful fish in under 15 minutes. No thawing, no mess, no stress. Just pop it in, set the timer, and enjoy. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked fish any other way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen fish fillets in the air fryer without thawing?

Yes, you can cook frozen fish fillets in the air fryer directly—no thawing needed. This method saves time and delivers crispy, evenly cooked results with minimal prep.

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

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F–400°F, lightly spray the basket with oil, and cook the fillets for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway. Adjust time based on thickness for perfect doneness.

Do I need to add oil to frozen fish fillets in the air fryer?

A light spray of oil helps achieve a crispier texture, but it’s optional. Some frozen fillets already have a coating or marinade that crisps up well without extra oil.

How long does it take to cook frozen fish fillets in an air fryer?

Most frozen fish fillets take 10–15 minutes at 375°F–400°F. Thicker fillets may need an extra 2–3 minutes—check for flaky, opaque flesh to ensure they’re done.

Can I cook breaded frozen fish fillets in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Breaded frozen fish fillets turn out extra crispy in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once, for restaurant-quality crunch without the oil.

Are air fryer frozen fish fillets healthier than pan-fried?

Yes, air fryer cooking uses little to no oil, reducing fat and calories compared to pan-frying. The air fryer also locks in moisture, keeping the fillets tender and flaky.