Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Fish fillets are so simple to make using your favorite store-bought frozen brand. There is no better (or easier) way to cook up some crispy breaded cod or haddock pieces than by air frying it.
You will never want to bake them in the oven again since cooking them in the air fryer makes them crispier. One bite and you will hear the crunch and be so happy. Plus these cook faster & less mess or greasiness!
Like Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp, crispy seafood bites are irresistible. Serve these fish filets made in the air fryer with air-fried radishes for a healthy meal.
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Best Frozen Fish for Air Frying
All you need for this recipe is the frozen breaded or battered fish. Most brands include "oil" in the ingredients which makes browning easy without any added avocado spray.
Popular ready-made fish fillet brands such as Gorton's, Wal-Mart, Trader Joe's, Van de Kamps, or Trident all cook great in the air fryer.
- Breaded Frozen Fish - most brands are cod or haddock but any whitefish will cook up similarly in the air fryer.
Discover What's the Dish with Whitefish and all the types that fall in that category and are commonly used in frozen breaded fish products. See the recipe card below for full time & temperature.
Time & Temperature
To make air fryer frozen breaded fish, simply add the fillet pieces to your air fryer basket or tray. Make sure they are in a single layer.
It is also best to not overcrowd the basket or tray when air frying so the hot air circulates.
Set it to air fry at 400°. Then set it for 18 minutes. NO PREHEATING NEEDED!
They are done when they are golden brown and hot in the center. Cook for longer if you like extra crispy - we do!
Once the timer is complete, carefully remove the tray or basket from the air fryer with an oven mitt. Using tongs, plate them for eating.
Enjoy them with Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle Fries, in a tortilla for a fish taco, or on a bun for a sandwich.
FAQ & Tips
The main difference between them is how big the breaded whitefish pieces are. Fillets tend to be square or rectangular in shape and about 4 ounces in size.
On the other hand, fish sticks or nuggets are narrow long rectangles or square and about ¼ the size. If you prefer fish sticks you can also enjoy them crispy with AIR FRYER FROZEN FISH STICKS.
Enjoy with tartar sauce, ketchup, or malt vinegar (my fav!) Or try a yummy homemade recipe below:
Homemade Ranch Dressing without Mayo
Hot Honey
Pineapple Dipping Sauce
Yes, there are several brands out there for celiacs and those gluten-sensitive. Check your local store or try finding a brand like Aqua Star Alaskan Cod which is gluten-free & great air fried.
Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Fish
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 4 frozen breaded fish fillets
Instructions
- Add frozen fish to your air fryer basket or tray. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket or tray, add only as many as will fit without overcrowding. Be sure to leave some space between each piece and that they are in a single layer.
- There is no need to preheat. Once the fish is in the air fryer, set it to cook. Set to air fryer at 400°. Next set the timer for 18 minutes. For extra crispy, set it for 20+ minutes.
- When they are done cooking, carefully remove them from the oven and plate. Serve with your favorite dip or on a bun as a sandwich. Enjoy!
Notes
What to Serve with Air Fryer Frozen Fish
These great recipes go well as a side dish for lunch or dinner. Try one or more of these ideas the next time you air fry some cod.
Justin says
This is the right amount of time and heat. I tried another recipe off a box and it was a bit soggy and cold in the middle. This worked much better. I did not think of making them into sandwiches but now that you mentioned it we will try that next time.