Air-Fryer Frozen Fish Fillets

Even those who claim they don’t like seafood will enjoy these perfectly crispy, golden Air-Fryer Frozen Fish Fillets.

If there’s a new seafood restaurant opening in town, you can bet I’ll be the first to snag a reservation. For me, nothing beats a seaside getaway or a charming stay in a fishing village, where the catch of the day is still the highlight everyone looks forward to. My love for seafood is no secret. Set me in front of a seafood platter overflowing with shrimp, oysters, mussels, and lobster, and I’m in heaven.

My husband, however, isn’t quite as enthusiastic, which means my seafood indulgences are often limited to restaurants. That is, unless I whip up something irresistibly golden, crispy, and simple—like these air-fryer fish fillets.

Many people assume frozen fish can’t compare to fresh, but that’s not necessarily true. With just a few pantry staples, you can transform frozen fish into a healthy, delicious meal—even for those who claim they’re not seafood fans.

Making air-fryer fish fillets couldn’t be easier. A sprinkle of sea salt, a dash of garlic powder, and a coating of breadcrumbs are all it takes to make them taste great. Pair the crispy fillets with a fresh green salad, a squeeze of lemon, and maybe a glass of wine, and you’ve got the perfect meal.

Are Air-Fryer Frozen Fish Fillets Healthy?

Depending on the type of fish you choose, frozen fish fillets can be a healthy option, offering a good source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients like vitamin D and B12. It’s important to select fish that is sustainable and free from high levels of mercury. Varieties like cod, pollock, haddock, and tilapia are good choices. Cooking with an air fryer is a smart way to prepare your fish, as it reduces the amount of oil needed, helping to cut down on calories while preserving the natural flavors and nutrients of the fish.

Bring on the flavor!

Why not experiment with different ingredients to make these simple fish fillets really stand out? Instead of whole-wheat breadcrumbs, try panko, which is popular in Japanese cuisine and made from crustless bread processed into larger flakes. Panko absorbs less oil, resulting in an irresistibly crispy crust. With panko as a base, you can get creative with herb and spice combinations, like dried dill and Old Bay seasoning, dried Italian herbs and grated Parmesan, or garlic powder and lemon pepper. It all depends on what you like and the type of fish you’re using.

Serving Suggestions

As with any fish dish, a side of fries is always a good fit. Serve these fish fillets with Homemade French Fries or perhaps Keto French fries, depending on your dietary needs. You can even go a little above and beyond by making Steak Fries or even using your air fryer again to make sweet potato fries. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with preferring vegetables over fries as the side dish for fish. In that case, I’d recommend Lemon-Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts or honey-glazed carrots.

Recipe