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 fish in the oven is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to enjoy delicious, flaky fish any night of the week. But exactly how long does it take to cook frozen fish in the oven? This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to perfectly bake frozen fish fillets right in your own oven.
Why Cook Frozen Fish In The Oven?
There are a few reasons why cooking frozen fish in the oven is such a great option:
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Convenience – No need to thaw. You can go straight from freezer to oven.
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Quick prep – Just a quick rinse, pat dry, brush with oil or rub with seasoning is all you need.
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Versatility – Most fish varieties work great baked from frozen. Salmon, cod, tilapia, haddock etc.
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Delicious results – Baking brings out the mild, delicate flavor of fish. The oven seals in moisture and prevents drying out.
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Easy cleanup – Just a baking sheet and your oven. Minimal dishes to wash later!
How Long Does It Take To Cook Frozen Fish In The Oven?
The exact baking time will vary depending on a few factors:
Type and thickness of fish
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Thinner white fish fillets like tilapia and cod will cook faster than thicker fattier salmon steaks.
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Fish portions under 1 inch thick will take 10-15 minutes.
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Larger 1-inch thick fillets or steaks may need 15-20 minutes.
Oven temperature
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The general rule of thumb is to bake at 400°F – 450°F.
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Higher heat = faster cooking time. Lower temp = slower cooking.
Preparation method
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Breaded fish will take a few extra minutes compared to plain.
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Frozen fish coated in sauce may require longer time.
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Frozen fish baked in foil or parchment will cook slightly slower.
Step-By-Step Guide
Follow this simple step-by-step guide for perfectly cooked frozen fish fillets every time.
1. Choose Your Fish
Opt for thinner, delicate white fish that hold up well to freezing and baking like:
- Cod
- Tilapia
- Flounder
- Sole
- Haddock
- Halibut
- Snapper
2. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F-450°F. Be sure to fully preheat before baking.
3. Prepare Baking Sheet
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. You can also lightly grease the pan with oil.
4. Rinse and Pat Dry Fish
Remove fish from packaging and rinse under cool water to remove any ice crystals. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
5. Brush with Oil or Seasoning
Drizzle fish lightly with oil or melted butter and rub to coat. Sprinkle with desired seasonings if not using a wet marinade-style coating.
6. Bake Frozen Fish
Place fish fillets or steaks in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 6-8 minutes at 450°F. Then check frequently until fish flakes easily and is opaque throughout, about 8-12 more minutes depending on thickness.
7. Rest and Serve
Let fish rest 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh herbs or sauce.
Cooking Frozen Breaded Fish
For crispy, crunchy breaded fish follow this easy method:
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Bake plain frozen fish about 5 minutes at 450°F.
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Remove pan, brush with mustard/milk mixture.
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Sprinkle with panko crumbs, return to oven.
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Bake another 10-15 minutes until 145°F.
Helpful Tips
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Brush fish lightly with oil or melted butter before baking for extra moisture and flavor.
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Elevate the fish on a wire rack set on the baking sheet for crispier crust when baking breaded varieties.
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Cook times are shorter at higher oven temperatures like 450°F vs. 400°F.
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Check for doneness early and frequently to avoid overcooking. Fish is done when opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
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Let baked fish rest 2-3 minutes before serving for juicier, more tender results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What oven temperature should I use?
Between 400-450°F is ideal. Higher heat cooks fish faster but watch closely to avoid burning or overcooking.
Should I flip the fish halfway through?
Flipping is optional. Thinner fish cooks fine unflipped. For thicker steaks or fillets, you can flip halfway through for even cooking.
Can I season the fish before baking?
Yes! Rubbing fish with olive oil, spices, herbs or dry seasoning blends before freezing or baking adds lots of flavor.
How do I know when it’s done?
Check for opaque, flaky flesh throughout and 145°F internal temperature when cooking thicker fish steaks and fillets.
Can I wrap in foil or use a pan with a lid?
It’s best to bake fish uncovered directly on the pan to promote browning and crispiness. You can loosely tent with foil at the end to prevent over-browning if needed.
So that covers everything you need to know to bake up tender, flaky frozen fish fillets in your oven! With this handy guide, you’ll be enjoying gourmet seafood meals on a busy weeknight in no time.
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.
Can You Cook Fish From Frozen?
Yes! Since I learned how to cook fish from frozen, I don’t get so stressed out trying to decide what to make for dinner. I make sure to always have fish fillets or portions in the freezer so I can quickly put them in the oven now that I know how to do it. There’s no better time to enjoy cod, salmon, and other fish! Also, if you’re interested, you can cook shrimp from frozen. Now onto the fish fillets….