Can I Cook Frozen Fish in My Air Fryer Here Is How

Yes, you can cook frozen fish in your air fryer—no thawing needed—for a quick, crispy, and healthy meal. With minimal prep and cook times under 15 minutes, air frying frozen fish delivers restaurant-quality results with less oil and maximum convenience. Just season, place in the basket, and let the air fryer work its magic!

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can cook frozen fish in an air fryer—no thawing needed for quick, crispy results.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and perfect texture every time.
• Use a light oil spray to enhance crispiness without making the fish greasy.
• Cook in a single layer to avoid overcrowding and ensure thorough cooking.
• Adjust time and temperature based on fish thickness for optimal doneness.
• Flip halfway through for evenly crisped, golden-brown fish fillets.

Can I Cook Frozen Fish in My Air Fryer? Here’s How

Picture this: You’re standing in front of your fridge, realizing you forgot to thaw the fish for dinner. The clock is ticking, and your stomach is growling. But before you reach for takeout, there’s a kitchen gadget that might just save your evening—your air fryer. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I cook frozen fish in my air fryer?”, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to get crispy, flaky, and delicious fish without the hassle of defrosting or messy oil.

Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason. They use rapid hot air circulation to mimic the results of deep frying, but with far less oil and cleanup. Whether you’re using store-bought frozen breaded fillets or raw frozen fish, your air fryer can turn them into a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. But there are a few tricks to getting it right. Overcooking, soggy breading, or uneven texture can ruin an otherwise great dish. The good news? With the right technique, you can achieve restaurant-quality results in under 20 minutes. Let’s dive into the how, why, and what you need to know to make frozen fish in your air fryer a success.

Why Cooking Frozen Fish in an Air Fryer Works So Well

You might be skeptical—how can something frozen go straight into an air fryer and come out crispy, juicy, and perfectly cooked? The secret lies in the air fryer’s design and the science of how it cooks food.

The Science Behind Air Frying Frozen Fish

Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speeds around the food, creating a convection effect. This rapid airflow crisps the outside while sealing in moisture on the inside. When you cook frozen fish, the outer layer thaws and begins to crisp almost immediately, while the cold core slowly heats through. This means you get a golden-brown crust (especially with breaded or battered fish) without overcooking the center. Unlike a microwave, which heats from the inside out and often leads to rubbery texture, or a stovetop, which can cause sticking and uneven browning, the air fryer delivers consistent results.

Benefits Over Other Cooking Methods

• Speed: No thawing required. Most frozen fish cooks in 10–15 minutes.
• Convenience: Minimal prep—just open the package and place in the basket.
• Health: Uses little to no oil compared to deep frying (saves 70–80% calories from fat).
• Texture: Crispy outside, tender inside—especially with breaded varieties.
• Energy Efficient: Air fryers use less electricity than ovens and preheat faster.

One friend of mine, Sarah, swears by her air fryer for weeknight dinners. “I used to dread cooking fish because I’d always forget to thaw it,” she told me. “Now, I keep a few frozen fillets on hand. I pop them in the air fryer, and 12 minutes later, dinner’s ready. My kids actually eat it—and ask for seconds!”

What Types of Frozen Fish Work Best?

Not all frozen fish is created equal, but here’s a quick guide to what works well:

• Breaded or battered fillets: (e.g., fish sticks, fish patties, panko-coated cod) – Excellent. Crisps beautifully.
• Raw frozen fillets: (e.g., salmon, cod, tilapia, haddock) – Works great, especially with a light oil spray.
• Frozen fish with sauce or marinade: (e.g., teriyaki salmon, garlic butter cod) – Use caution. Excess liquid can drip and smoke. Pat dry before cooking.
• Frozen fish portions with skin: – Great! Skin helps retain moisture and adds crispiness.
• Frozen fish with bones: – Possible, but check internal temp to ensure thorough cooking.

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

Now that you’re convinced it’s possible, let’s walk through the exact steps to cook frozen fish perfectly—every time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer (Yes, Really!)

While not all air fryers require preheating, most benefit from it—especially when cooking frozen food. Preheating ensures even cooking from the start and helps the fish begin crisping immediately. Set your air fryer to **375°F (190°C)** and let it run for 3–5 minutes. If your model doesn’t have a preheat function, just run it empty at the desired temperature.

Pro Tip: Use an oven-safe thermometer to verify the internal temperature. Some budget models heat unevenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

Remove the frozen fish from its packaging. If it’s breaded, leave it as-is. For raw fillets, you have two options:

• Spray lightly with cooking oil: Use avocado, canola, or olive oil spray. This helps crisp the surface and prevent drying.
• Brush with oil or melted butter: Adds flavor and richness, especially for lean fish like cod or tilapia.

Do not thaw—cooking from frozen is key to texture. Thawing first can lead to overcooked edges and undercooked centers.

Step 3: Arrange in the Basket

Place the fish in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Overcrowding blocks airflow and leads to steaming instead of crisping. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. For fillets, place skin-side down (if applicable) to protect the delicate flesh.

Example: For two frozen salmon fillets, leave at least 1 inch between them. For 6 fish sticks, arrange in a circular pattern to maximize space.

Step 4: Set the Time and Temperature

Here’s a general guideline based on fish type and thickness:

Fish Type	Thickness	Temperature	Cook Time	Flip?
Breaded fillets (e.g., cod, haddock)	0.5–1 inch	375°F (190°C)	10–12 minutes	Yes, at 6 minutes
Raw salmon fillet	1 inch	400°F (205°C)	12–15 minutes	Yes, at 7 minutes
Fish sticks (frozen)	0.5 inch	380°F (193°C)	8–10 minutes	No (unless very thick)
Tilapia fillet	0.75 inch	375°F (190°C)	11–13 minutes	Yes, at 6 minutes
Fish patty (e.g., crab cake)	1 inch	375°F (190°C)	12–14 minutes	Yes, at 7 minutes

Note: These times are for frozen fish. Adjust up by 2–3 minutes for extra-thick fillets or lower-quality air fryers.

Step 5: Flip and Check for Doneness

At the halfway point, carefully flip the fish using tongs or a spatula. This ensures even browning. For breaded fish, the coating should be golden and crisp. For raw fillets, the surface should be opaque, and the center should flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach **145°F (63°C)**—use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

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

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the fish rest for 1–2 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, preventing a dry bite. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite sides.

Expert Tips for Crispy, Flaky, and Flavorful Results

Even with the right steps, small details can make or break your air-fried frozen fish. Here are the insider tricks I’ve learned from years of testing and real-world feedback.

1. Don’t Skip the Oil Spray (for Raw Fish)

Raw frozen fish, especially lean varieties like cod or tilapia, can dry out in the air fryer. A quick spray of oil adds moisture and helps the surface crisp. But don’t overdo it—too much oil can cause smoke or splatter. I use a light mist, just enough to coat the surface.

My trick: Hold the spray bottle 12 inches away and use a sweeping motion. One pass is enough.

2. Use Parchment Paper or Air Fryer Liners

For breaded fish, crumbs can fall through the basket and burn, creating smoke and a mess. A reusable silicone liner or parchment paper with holes poked for airflow prevents this. Just make sure it’s air fryer-safe (not wax paper or regular paper).

Real-life example: My neighbor Lisa tried cooking fish sticks without a liner. The crumbs smoked up her kitchen and set off the alarm. “Never again,” she said. “Now I use a silicone mat—no mess, no smoke.”

3. Shake the Basket (for Fish Sticks and Nuggets)

If you’re cooking smaller pieces, give the basket a gentle shake at the halfway point. This ensures even crisping on all sides. For fillets, flipping is better than shaking.

4. Add Flavor with Seasonings (After Cooking)

Since frozen fish is often pre-seasoned, I recommend adding bold flavors after cooking to avoid burning. Try:

• Lemon zest + fresh parsley
• Smoked paprika + garlic powder
• Chili flakes + lime juice
• Dill + capers (for a Scandinavian twist)

Sprinkle just before serving for maximum aroma and flavor.

5. Adjust for Air Fryer Type

Not all air fryers cook the same. Here’s how to adapt:

• Basket-style (e.g., Philips, Ninja): Preheat and flip for even results.
• Oven-style (e.g., Instant Vortex, Cosori): Use the rotisserie tray for even airflow.
• Small models (2–3 qt): Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Large models (6+ qt): You can cook more at once, but still leave space.

6. Rescue Overcooked or Soggy Fish

Made a mistake? Here’s how to fix it:

• Soggy breading? Cook 2–3 minutes longer at 400°F to crisp up.
• Burnt edges? Trim the charred bits. The center is likely still good.
• Undercooked inside? Slice the fillet in half and cook 2–3 minutes more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)

Even experienced air fryer users make mistakes. Here are the top pitfalls—and how to avoid them.

1. Cooking Too Much at Once

Overcrowding is the #1 mistake. It blocks airflow, leading to steaming instead of crisping. The result? Soggy, rubbery fish. Solution: Cook in batches. It’s faster than you think—just 10 minutes per batch.

2. Not Preheating

Skipping preheat means the fish starts cooking in a cold basket. The outer layer may burn before the center thaws. Solution: Always preheat for 3–5 minutes. Your fish will cook faster and more evenly.

3. Using Too Much Oil

While a light spray helps, drenching the fish can cause smoke, splatter, and greasy texture. Solution: Use a high-smoke-point oil (avocado, canola) and spray lightly. One pass is enough.

4. Forgetting to Flip

Fish cooks faster on the side closest to the heat element. Without flipping, one side may be overcooked while the other is still frozen. Solution: Flip at the halfway point. Use tongs to avoid breaking delicate fillets.

5. Ignoring the Internal Temperature

Color isn’t always a reliable indicator of doneness. A fillet may look golden but still be raw inside. Solution: Use a meat thermometer. 145°F is the safe minimum for most fish.

6. Using the Wrong Temperature

Too high? Burnt edges. Too low? Soggy, undercooked fish. Solution: Start with the recommended temp (375–400°F) and adjust based on your air fryer’s performance. Smaller models may need a lower temp.

Delicious Serving Ideas and Pairings

Air-fried frozen fish isn’t just a quick fix—it can be the star of a gourmet meal. Here are my favorite ways to serve it.

1. Classic Fish and Chips

Pair breaded cod or haddock with air-fried sweet potato fries and tartar sauce. Add a side of coleslaw for crunch. Pro tip: Toss fries with a little paprika for extra flavor.

2. Fish Tacos

Break up cooked tilapia or salmon into small pieces. Serve in warm corn tortillas with avocado, pickled onions, and chipotle mayo. Add lime juice for brightness.

3. Mediterranean Bowl

Top a bed of quinoa or couscous with flaked salmon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta. Drizzle with lemon-herb dressing.

4. Lemon-Dill Salmon Platter

Serve a whole salmon fillet with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, and a lemon wedge. Sprinkle with fresh dill and capers.

5. Kids’ Favorite: Fish Stick “Nachos”

Arrange crispy fish sticks on a baking sheet. Top with shredded cheese, salsa, and black beans. Melt under the air fryer for 2 minutes. Serve with sour cream.

6. Low-Carb Option: Zucchini Noodles with Cod

Serve flaky cod over spiralized zucchini, sautéed in garlic and olive oil. Top with cherry tomatoes and basil.

My go-to weeknight combo? Air-fried salmon with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts (tossed in olive oil and garlic). I cook both in the air fryer—fish on one tray, sprouts on another. Dinner in 15 minutes, and cleanup is a breeze.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can—And Should—Cook Frozen Fish in Your Air Fryer

So, can you cook frozen fish in your air fryer? Absolutely. It’s fast, healthy, and delivers delicious results when done right. Whether you’re using breaded fillets for a quick dinner or raw salmon for a weeknight feast, your air fryer is a game-changer. No more waiting for thawing, no more greasy stovetop mess—just crispy, flaky fish in minutes.

The key is to follow a few simple rules: preheat, don’t overcrowd, flip halfway, and check the internal temperature. With practice, you’ll learn how your specific air fryer performs and adjust accordingly. And the best part? You can keep a stash of frozen fish in your freezer, ready for those “I forgot to plan dinner” moments.

As my friend Sarah put it, “I used to think air fryers were just a trend. Now, I use mine almost every day. Cooking frozen fish is one of the easiest, most satisfying things I’ve learned.” So go ahead—grab that frozen fillet, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy a meal that’s as quick as it is delicious. Your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen fish in my air fryer without thawing?

Yes, you can cook frozen fish directly in your air fryer without thawing. This method saves time and ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flaky.

What temperature should I use to cook frozen fish in an air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F–400°F (190°C–200°C) for most frozen fish fillets. Cooking at this range ensures even browning and thorough cooking in 10–15 minutes, depending on thickness.

Do I need to add oil when cooking frozen fish in my air fryer?

Lightly spraying or brushing the fish with oil enhances crispiness, especially for breaded or battered varieties. However, oil isn’t strictly necessary since many frozen fish products already contain some fat or coatings that crisp up well during air frying.

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

Most frozen fish fillets take 10–15 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 375°F–400°F. Flip the fish halfway through for even browning and check that it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I cook breaded frozen fish in my air fryer?

Absolutely! Breaded frozen fish, like fish sticks or battered fillets, cooks perfectly in an air fryer. Arrange pieces in a single layer, spray lightly with oil, and cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for a golden, crunchy texture.

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

Yes, using an air fryer to cook frozen fish is much healthier than deep frying. It requires little to no oil, reducing calories and fat while still delivering a crispy, delicious result.