Learn how to cook frozen fish fillets in the air fryer for a dinner-time game changer. You can use these simple steps for air-fried fish with any frozen fillets of lean white fish and have a quick meal ready to serve in just 15 minutes! Healthy meals like this are perfect for busy weeknights. Serve with tarter sauce and lemon wedges to please even your picky eaters!
Frozen tilapia, cod, pollock, halibut or any other variety can be air-fried to perfection before being served alongside a flavor-packed side dish. Our recipe uses minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time to exceed all your expectations!

Preparing the fish straight from frozen saves time as there is no need to wait for fish to thaw before cooking. Learn the quick method to prepare fish fillets in this step-by-step guide. This frozen fish recipe is one you can use time and time again.
For more recipes featuring fish, check out Cod Fish Tacos, Gluten Free Salmon Cakes, Salmon Buddha Bowl and Shrimp Foil Packets in the Oven.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds frozen white fish fillets ✅
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 medium lime
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
How To Make
Start the cooking process by prepping the frozen fish by brushing the fish with some type of cooking oil such as olive oil or vegetable oil. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Place the fish in a single layer so the hot air can circulate properly.
Turn the air fryer to 400°F then cook in the preheated air-fryer for 10-12 minutes or until the fish flakes easily and is golden brown. Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice on top and serve hot. Air fryer cook times should be adjusted for the thickness of fish.
How To Serve Fish Fillets
Cooking fish in our Ninja Foodi air fryer has saved our family so much time and effort while ensuring we can have a nutritious yet easy meal on the table during the week.
The fillets can be served plain along with any vegetable side dish such as Gluten Free Scalloped Potatoes, Roasted Frozen Vegetables, or Baked Sweet Potato Slices.
Consider adding the fish to a corn tortilla then topped with your favorite taco toppings or make fish sandwiches by placing the fillets on a bun with tarter sauce and a slice of cheese. Serve as fish and chips by pairing with Gluten Free Sweet Potato Fries.
Recipe Tips
Quality of Fish: Whenever possible, opt for high-quality frozen fish fillets. Look for options that are individually quick frozen (IQF) to ensure freshness and minimal ice formation. You can also use fresh fish as well, just cut the time to about 10-12 minutes.
Enhancing Flavor: If you want to add more depth of flavor, marinate the fish fillets in a small bowl in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and your favorite herbs for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
Breading: For breaded fish fillets, consider lightly breading the fish fillets before air frying. Dip them in beaten egg and then coat with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Non-stick Spray: To prevent sticking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray before adding the fish fillets.
Checking for Doneness: To ensure that the fish is cooked through, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 145°F.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep a close eye on the fish towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming dry. Overcooked fish can become tough and lose its delicate flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fish should be white and flaky. You can also test the internal temperature, which should be 145°F.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheat in the air fryer by preheating to 400°F then adding the fillets to the air fryer for 5 minutes or until hot.
You likely did not brush enough olive oil onto the fish before cooking. White fish is very lean (or has minimal fat) and the olive oil helps to coat the fish to make it easier to remove from the tray.
You will find that majority of fish fillets are gluten free; however, you will want to check the package each time to prevent purchasing a brand with additives.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- You do not need to spray the fillets with nonstick cooking spray before cooking, only brush with olive oil.
- Use oven mitts to remove the fish from the air fryer, the tray will be hot!
- Serve with tartar sauce, your favorite dipping sauce or incorporate into a recipe.
More Gluten Free Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
- Crispy Fish Fillets
- Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato
- Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks
- Chicken Cutlet Sandwich
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Frozen Fish Fillets in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds frozen white fish fillets ✅
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 medium lime
Instructions
- Prep the frozen fish. Brush the fish with olive oil. Season both sides with salt and pepper.1-2 pounds frozen white fish fillets, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- ⭐️Cook. Turn the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the fish flakes easily. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top and serve hot.1 medium lime
Notes
- Fish will be white, flaky and have an internal temperature of 145°F when fully cooked.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for 5 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition
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Susan Chiappini says
Loved it, easy crispy yumminess!