How Long to Air Fry Frozen Battered Fish for Perfectly Crispy Results

Air frying is a quick and easy way to cook frozen battered fish fillets that are crispy on the outside and tender and flaky on the inside. With the right timing and a few simple tips you can achieve fish as delicious as deep-fried with just your air fryer. Here is a complete guide to how long to air fry frozen battered fish.

Benefits of Air Frying Frozen Battered Fish

Air frying is an ideal cooking method for frozen battered fish fillets Here’s why it’s a great choice

• Achieves a crispy. crunchy coating without needing to deep fry in oil

• Cooks the fish thoroughly while keeping the interior moist and juicy

• Adds little to no extra fat or calories versus deep frying

• Quick and easy cleanup with minimal added oil or grease

• Allows cooking straight from frozen for convenience

• Retains much of the flavor, texture, and appearance of deep fried fish

With air frying, you can enjoy all of the crispy, fried fish flavor without the excess grease of deep frying.

Factors that Affect Cook Time

When air frying frozen fish fillets, the necessary cook time can vary based on:

• Thickness and size of fillets
• Amount of fish in the air fryer basket
• Density and type of batter coating
• Wattage or power of the air fryer
• Personal taste for level of crispiness

Larger, thicker fillets and a crowded air fryer basket will necessitate longer cook times. Lighter batters may cook faster than heavier batters. And higher wattage air fryers will cook quicker than lower wattage models.

Recommended Cook Times

For average frozen battered fish fillets about 1/2 inch thick, these are the approximate air fry times:

• 12-14 minutes at 380°F for 1-2 fillets
• 15-18 minutes at 380°F for 3-4 fillets
• 18-22 minutes at 380°F for 5 or more fillets

The cook time consists of an initial cooking period of 12-15 minutes depending on amount, then flipping, and finishing for 2-7 additional minutes after flipping.

Always check internal temperature and visually inspect the coating for doneness rather than relying solely on cook times.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect air fried frozen fish fillets:

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F.

2. Pat fillets dry with paper towel. Arrange in single layer in basket, not overlapping.

3. Cook 12-15 minutes until golden brown on underside.

4. Carefully flip fillets over with tongs.

5. Cook 2-7 minutes more until coating is crispy and fish flakes easily.

6. Check internal temperature with instant read thermometer to ensure fish is cooked through. Fish should reach 145°F.

7. Remove fillets to plate and season or top as desired. Enjoy immediately.

Checking temperature confirms the fish is fully cooked, and visually inspecting doneness prevents overcooking.

Helpful Tips and Suggestions

Follow these tips for the very best results when air frying frozen battered fish:

• Defrosting first is not necessary but does shorten cook time slightly.

• Patting fillets dry prevents excess steam formation for crisper coating.

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches for even cooking.

• Use nonstick spray or brush basket with oil to prevent sticking if needed.

• Flip fillets gently with tongs rather than fork to keep coating intact.

• Open air fryer periodically to check progress and flip as needed.

• Add Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or other spice blends before cooking for extra flavor.

• Pair air fried fish with potato wedges, coleslaw, and tartar sauce for classic fish and chips.

What About Thicker Frozen Fish Fillets?

For best results, select frozen battered fillets around 1/2 inch thick. But if you have slightly thicker fillets up to 3/4 inch, increase cook times by 2-3 minutes per side. Cook until the thickest portion of fish reaches 145°F internally.

Thick fillets may benefit from an extra misting of oil spray on the surface before cooking for added browning and crisping.

Making Your Own Air Fried Fish and Chips

You can easily make your own homemade fish and chips with air fried fish fillets. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare thick-cut fries according to package instructions. Air fry until crispy.

2. Pat fish fillets dry. Dip in egg, then dredge in flour or panko breadcrumbs. Air fry as above.

3. Fry frozen French fries in batches based on package directions, until golden brown.

4. Serve crunchy fries and fish immediately with malt vinegar, tartar sauce, and lemon wedges.

With homemade breading and from-scratch fries, you can elevate basic frozen fish to restaurant-quality fish and chips all from your air fryer.

Air Fried Fish Comes Out Perfectly Crispy Every Time

Your air fryer lets you achieve delightful crispy, crunchy fish without deep frying. Follow the guidelines above for how long to cook frozen battered fish fillets, and you’ll enjoy fabulous fish and chips or fish tacos in minutes. Ditch the deep fryer and unleash the possibilities with your air fryer instead!