This Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Cod is a great thing to make for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It requires just one ingredient, and its ready in no time for a delicious and satisfying meal.
If you want a quick and easy weeknight dinner that will please both kids and picky eaters, this Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Fish is a great choice. The fish fillets come out crunchy and flaky, and the outside is golden brown and crispy, just like when they’re deep-fried. Whats more, preparing it is incredibly simple. You only need to put the frozen breaded fish straight from the package into the air fryer. There’s no need to do any other work.
Another good thing about air frying is that it doesn’t need oil, which makes it a healthier choice than other ways of frying. This not only cuts down on calories but also minimizes any greasiness.
Air fryers have become an increasingly popular kitchen appliance for their ability to make meals that are crunchy and crisp on the outside while keeping ingredients tender on the inside. This makes them a great option for cooking frozen battered fish fillets to crispy, golden perfection. But can you really cook frozen battered fish in an air fryer?
The short answer is yes – air fryers can cook frozen battered fish very well. The circulating hot air quickly crisps up the batter coating while gently cooking the fish inside. Follow this guide to learn how to cook frozen battered fish fillets in an air fryer for delicious, mess-free results every time.
Benefits of Cooking Frozen Battered Fish in an Air Fryer
There are several advantages to using an air fryer instead of oven baking when preparing frozen battered fish:
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Quick cooking time – Air fryers cook much faster than a traditional oven Battered fish can be ready in 15 minutes or less,
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Crispy batter – The batter gets uniformly crisp and crunchy all over Ovens can lead to soft spots
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Less oil – Only a spritz of oil is needed in an air fryer vs. deep frying. The battered coating still gets perfectly fried.
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Easy flipping – The compact basket makes flipping fillets halfway through easy. No spatulas needed.
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Mess containment – Any drips are caught in the basket vs. a baking sheet. Clean up is simple.
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Consistent results – Hot circulating air ensures even cooking every time. No rotating pans required.
How to Cook Frozen Battered Fish in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for foolproof air fried battered fish:
Ingredients
- Frozen battered fish fillets, like cod, haddock or pollock
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil for the air fryer basket
Directions
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Remove fish fillets from packaging. Check for any ice crystals and thaw slightly if needed.
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Coat air fryer basket with spray. A light coating prevents sticking.
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Place fillets in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overcrowd.
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Set air fryer temperature to 390°F. This high heat crisps the batter.
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Cook for 7-8 minutes. Timer depends on thickness.
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Flip fillets and cook 7-8 minutes more. Use tongs or your hands.
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Check batter consistency and cook longer if needed. Cook up to 2-3 more minutes.
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Let cool slightly before serving. Caution – the batter will be very hot!
Tips
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Use cooking times on packaging as a guide, reducing by 2-3 minutes.
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Brush fish with oil or spray before air frying for extra crispness.
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Add a squeeze of lemon and tarter sauce for a classic fish and chips taste.
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Try different seasonings on the batter like cajun or lemon-pepper.
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For a healthier meal, coat fish in breadcrumbs or panko instead of batter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook frozen battered fish in an air fryer?
Most frozen battered fish fillets will take 14-16 minutes in an air fryer cooked at 390°F. Cook for 7-8 minutes on each side. Thicker fillets may take up to 18-20 minutes.
What temperature should you cook frozen battered fish at in an air fryer?
390°F is ideal for getting the battered coating crispy and browned without burning it. Some recipes call for 365-375°F but 390°F gives the best texture.
Should you flip frozen battered fish when air frying?
Yes, flipping halfway through is recommended so both sides of the batter cook evenly. The fish inside is very delicate so carefully flip using tongs or a spatula.
Is air fried frozen battered fish healthy?
Air frying is healthier than deep frying since little oil is used. But battered fish isn’t the healthiest option. For a lighter meal, try breadcrumb coated fillets. Or serve fish and chips as an occasional treat.
Can you put frozen battered fish straight into an air fryer?
It’s best to let frozen battered fish thaw for 5-10 minutes before air frying so the batter doesn’t split. But you can cook some thin frozen fillets straight from frozen. Just extend cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
Enjoy Restaurant-Quality Fish and Chips at Home
Crispy battered fish is hard to resist, and air fryers let you enjoy this treat anytime with no fuss. Follow this guide for tender fish encased in a deliciously golden and crunchy exterior. Play around with seasonings or swap in healthier breadcrumb coatings too.
Be sure to pair your air fried battered fish with thick cut fries and get ready to enjoy your very own tasty fish and chips on the table in under 30 minutes. Let us know how your air fried battered fish creations turn out!
How to air fry breaded frozen fish
Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!
- Warm up the air fryer and add the frozen fish that has been breaded (photo 1).
- Cook until done and the crust is browned (photo 2).
With fresh parsley and lemon wedges on top, these air fryer frozen breaded fish fillets taste great. These sides will go great with them too:
Once cooked, you can cut the fillets into pieces and make crispy fish tacos!
Yes, if its frozen. You can follow the same cooking time and directions of this recipe.
No, you dont need to. Simply put the fish in the air fryer basket straight from freezer.
The breading will turn golden brown on the outside, and the fish should be warm to the touch when it’s done.
Freshly cooked, air-fried cod fillets taste best right away. If you have extras, put them in the fridge in a closed container or wrap them up and put them there for up to two days.
Reheat for 5 minutes in the air fryer at 360F / 180C. I recommend only reheating them once for the best result.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Before putting the food in the air fryer, heat it up for the best results. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, set it to 400F/200C for 5 minutes before you put the food in it.
- Cook the fish in a single layer. You can keep the cooked ones in a warm oven until you’re ready to serve them if you need to cook them in more than one batch.
- The cooking time is just a suggestion because every air fryer is different. Check for doneness after about 15 minutes.
If you want an easy and quick dinner during the week, this Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Fish is the best choice. You can make a filling meal in no time with just one ingredient, making it the best choice for busy evenings.