It’s possible to cook fish from frozen. This post will show you how to do it. There are two ways to do it: one is simple, and the other is for breaded fish.
Things go crazy when you forget to get something from the freezer for dinner. What do you do? You’re on your way home from work or picking up the kids when you remember you don’t have any plans for dinner. You quickly change your mind and decide to go to the store to get something quick and easy to cook. After waiting in line to pay, you get back in your car and drive home.
And you still have to actually *make* dinner. But you know what? This doesn’t happen to me anymore. Not since I learned how to cook fish from frozen. (You can also make air fryer frozen fish. ).
To find out more about how it all works, scroll down or click here. Now you can go straight to the recipe.
Cooking frozen battered fish can seem intimidating. How long should you cook it and at what temperature to achieve a light, golden brown crust and a moist, flaky interior? Follow this complete guide to get perfectly cooked frozen battered fish every time.
Why Proper Cooking is Essential
Cooking frozen battered fish properly is key for both food safety and optimal texture. Undercooked fish can harbor harmful bacteria. Overcooked fish tends to be dry and tough. The goal is to heat the fish thoroughly while keeping it tender and juicy inside its crispy coating.
Factors that Impact Cooking Time
Frozen battered fish can differ in size thickness type of fish, batter ingredients, etc. These factors all impact the cooking time. Here are some key considerations
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Thickness – Thicker fillets take longer to cook through to the center. A thin, delicate fillet may only need 7-10 minutes while a thick cod fillet may require 15-18 minutes.
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Type of Fish – Lean fish like tilapia and cod cook faster than fattier salmon or catfish Fattier fish can handle slightly higher heat without drying out.
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Batter – Thick beer batter or panko crusts take longer to crisp up than thin tempura batters. Lighter batters cook faster.
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Appliance Variability – Every oven and air fryer heats a bit differently, even when set to the same temperature. Get to know your appliance.
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Quantity – Cooking multiple pieces together increases overall cooking time. Don’t overcrowd.
Recommended Cooking Times and Temperatures
Keep these general guidelines in mind for frozen battered fish:
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Oven: Cook at 400°F – 425°F for 14-18 minutes based on thickness. Conventional oven or convection setting.
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Air Fryer: Cook at 370°F – 400°F, flipping halfway, for 10-15 minutes based on thickness.
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Deep Frying: Fry small batches at 350°F – 375°F for 2-5 minutes until golden brown.
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Grilling: Medium heat. Grill skin-side down first. Cook 4-7 minutes per side based on thickness.
Tips for Maximizing Both Crispness and Moistness
Achieving the ideal balance of a crisp, golden exterior and a moist interior when cooking frozen battered fish can require a few special strategies:
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Let the fish sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. This helps the batter crisp up better in the oven.
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Brush the fish lightly with oil before baking or air frying to promote browning of the batter.
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Preheat oven or air fryer fully before cooking. Proper preheating prevents batter sogginess.
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Use a wire rack when baking or air frying so air can circulate under the fish as well as over top.
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Resist the urge to flip or move the fish too soon. Let the first side crisp up properly before flipping.
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Check for doneness early and continue cooking if needed. Better to go slightly longer than pull it out underdone.
How to Tell When Frozen Battered Fish is Done
It can be hard to judge doneness, especially with the crusty coating. Here are tips for ensuring it’s fully cooked:
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Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temp. Fish is safely cooked at 145°F.
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The coating should be evenly golden brown all over.
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The fish should flake easily in the thickest part when poked with a fork.
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Cut into a piece at the minimum suggested cook time to double check the interior. It should be just opaque throughout.
Serving Suggestions for Hot and Crispy Fish
Your crispy battered fish is ready to enjoy! Here are some tasty ways to serve it up hot and fresh:
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Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce or remoulade for classic flavor combos.
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Make fish tacos or sandwiches with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo and chipotle crema.
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Fry some thick-cut fries or potato wedges to serve alongside the fish.
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Toss together a fresh veggie salad with vinaigrette to balance the crispy fish.
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Whip up homemade coleslaw with mayo, vinegar and shredded cabbage for a classic fish fry side.
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Roast sliced potatoes and veggies drizzled in oil and herbs to complement the fish.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Frozen Battered Fish
Have leftover fried fish? Here are some tips for storage and reheating:
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Let cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container up to 3-4 days.
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To reheat, place on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
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Or reheat in the air fryer at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
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Microwave is not recommended as it makes the crust soggy.
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Eat reheated leftover fish within a few days for maximum freshness and flavor.
Common Problems and Easy Solutions
Having trouble getting perfect results with your frozen battered fish? Here are some common problems and easy troubleshooting tips:
Problem: Batter won’t get crispy or is soggy.
Solution: Make sure oil and appliance are fully preheated. Use a rack so air circulates. Brush with oil before cooking.
Problem: Fish is overcooked and dry.
Solution: Don’t overcrowd pieces in the oven or fryer. Check for doneness early.
Problem: Raw inside but burnt outside.
Solution: Use lower temp and cook longer. Thicker fillets need more time.
Problem: Batter falls off fish during cooking.
Solution: Make sure fish is dried well and batter adheres before cooking.
Problem: Fish sticks to pan or falls apart.
Solution: Use nonstick pan or lining. Gently flip away from you.
Cooking Frozen Battered Fish to Perfection
While cooking frozen battered fish may require some trial and error based on the specifics of your fish and appliances, following these tips should help you achieve the ideal crispy golden coating and moist, flaky fish inside every time. With the proper technique, you can enjoy restaurant-quality fish in your own kitchen. Crispy, crunchy fish ready in under 20 minutes makes a quick, easy, and tasty meal any night of the week.
Video: How To Cook Fish From Frozen
The recipe below is just for cooking fish without a breading. But if you want it breaded like in the picture, here’s what you do.
I lightly oiled cod portions and put them on a heavy-duty baking sheet that can withstand a high temperature then baked at 450°F until nearly cooked through (about 10 minutes).
Meanwhile, mix together 2 tablespoons of milk with 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Set it aside.
In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup panko bread crumbs,1 tsp. olive oil, ⅛ tsp. salt, ⅛ tsp. black pepper, ¼ tsp. garlic powder. Keep stirring for a bit until all crumbs are moistened. Then, toast them for a few minutes over medium heat in a skillet or on a sheet pan in a 450F oven for three to five minutes (be careful and stir them once). No matter how you cook them, take the crumbs out of the pan or skillet right away so they don’t keep cooking.
Then I took the fish out of the oven and lightly brushed the tops of the fillets with the Dijon-milk mixture. I then sprinkled the toasted breadcrumbs on top of the fillets.
The cod goes back into the oven until the fish registers 145°F on an instant-read thermometer and was flaky in the middle. Easy, right? I hope you love this easy and convenient way to cook fish! -Christine xo
More Cooking From Frozen Guides
You can find all sorts of instructions and tips for cooking from frozen on my site. Here’s some you’ll definitely want to check out.
How to Cook Gorton’s Frozen Fish in an Air Fryer
FAQ
How Long Does Frozen battered fish take to cook?
How to bake frozen battered cod?
How long to pan fry frozen breaded fish?
How long does it take to cook frozen fish?
If you are cooking something smaller like how to cook frozen mussels you’re looking at 10-12 min. For fillets; 20 to 25 minutes if rock hard vs. 15 minutes for fresh fish if it were defrosted. Remember that it is delicate and should NOT be baked too long so it turns grey.
How can I prepare fish for kids?
This is really dependent on the personal preference of your children. Some children will eat fish the same way adults do for others you may need to make this more interesting by creating things like homemade fishcakes, fish burger patties, fish balls or by adding this to toast or even pasta. Involving your children in the preparation and cooking process can also encourage them to consume the fish.
How do you cook frozen breaded fish?
Preheating your oven is essential for cooking frozen breaded fish to perfection. Start by preheating your oven to the temperature specified on the packaging. This will help achieve a crispy and evenly cooked fish fillet. While the oven is preheating, prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
How do you cook frozen fish in the oven?
Preheat oven to 450°F. Remove frozen fish from all packaging and rinse under cold running water to remove any ice crystals. Arrange fish in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with oil on all sides. Bake for 4-5 minutes. Remove from the oven and add seasonings or sauce.