The main reason why air fryers are hotter is that they are healthier, which is why no family can cook without them. However, there are more categories of air fryers on the market, and many people are at a loss as to what kind of air fryer to choose, so in this review, we find you the air fryer that best meets your cooking needs.
Why Choose Frozen Fish for Air Fryers?
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a quick and healthier way to achieve crispy, golden results without the mess of deep frying. Frozen fish fillets are a perfect match for this appliance, providing convenience, consistent quality, and delicious outcomes. Whether you’re craving fish and chips, fish tacos, or a simple breaded fillet, air fryers deliver a restaurant-quality texture in minutes. Frozen fish is often flash-frozen at peak freshness, locking in flavor and nutrients, making it a practical choice for busy households. Plus, with no need to thaw, you can go from freezer to plate in under 15 minutes, saving time without sacrificing taste.
The key to success lies in choosing high-quality frozen fish that holds up to the air fryer’s rapid, high-heat cooking. Factors like breading type, fish variety, and portion size matter when aiming for that perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior. In this guide, we’ll explore the six best frozen fish products for air fryers in 2025, based on taste, texture, ease of preparation, and consumer feedback. We’ll also provide a detailed buying guide to help you select the right option for your needs.
Top 6 Frozen Fish for Air Fryers in 2025
After researching consumer reviews, taste tests, and air fryer performance, we’ve curated a list of the top six frozen fish products that shine in an air fryer. Each product has been evaluated for flavor, crispiness, ease of cooking, and overall value.
Gorton’s Beer Battered Fish Fillets
Gorton’s Beer Battered Fish Fillets are a standout for air fryer enthusiasts, offering a crispy, pub-style batter that mimics deep-fried fish without the oil. Made with wild-caught Alaskan pollock, these fillets deliver a mild, clean flavor and flaky texture. They cook in about 10-12 minutes at 400°F, with no preheating required, making them ideal for quick meals.
Consumer Review: “I could not tell the difference between air fried at home or deep fried from a restaurant in my fish sandwich. In just a few minutes with store-bought ingredients, you can be serving yourself and your family fish and chips, fish sandwiches or fish tacos.” – Foodtastic Mom
Why We Love It: The beer batter crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, and the fillets are sized perfectly for sandwiches or fish and chips. They’re also widely available and budget-friendly.
Where to Buy: Gorton’s Beer Battered Fish Fillets on Amazon
Trader Joe’s Battered Halibut
Trader Joe’s Battered Halibut brings a premium touch to frozen fish, with thick, meaty fillets coated in a light, crispy batter. These are perfect for those seeking a more upscale fish and chips experience. At 400°F, they cook in about 12-14 minutes, with a flip halfway through to ensure even browning.
Consumer Review: “The batter layer is just right, not too thick and not too thin. Similar to Trident’s Battered Cod, it also has more of a muted crunch—with the exception of a spot on its backside where it was lying in the air fryer.” – Eat This, Not That!
Why We Love It: The halibut’s firm texture holds up well in the air fryer, and the batter adds a subtle crunch without overpowering the fish’s natural flavor.
Where to Buy: Trader Joe’s Battered Halibut on Amazon
Van de Kamp’s Crispy Battered Fillets
Van de Kamp’s Crispy Battered Fillets are a classic choice, made with wild-caught pollock and a crunchy batter that air fries to perfection. These fillets are versatile, working well for fish tacos or as a standalone dish with tartar sauce. Cook at 380°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Consumer Review: “Have you ever had beer battered fish that actually tasted like beer? I hadn’t until I tried these frozen fish fillets. And I loved it. The battered crust is the hero here.” – Sporked
Why We Love It: The bold beer-battered flavor and consistent crispiness make these a crowd-pleaser, especially for family dinners.
Where to Buy: Van de Kamp’s Crispy Battered Fillets on Amazon
Gorton’s Air Fried Garlic & Herb Fish Fillets
Specifically designed for air fryers, Gorton’s Air Fried Garlic & Herb Fish Fillets feature a light, crispy breading infused with garlic and herbs for extra flavor. Made with pollock, they cook in just 10 minutes at 400°F, with no flipping needed.
Consumer Review: “The savory smell of both batter and fish filled the air as these finished up in the air fryer, making my mouth water.” – Eat This, Not That!
Why We Love It: The pre-seasoned breading saves time on seasoning, and the air fryer-specific design ensures consistent results.
Where to Buy: Gorton’s Air Fried Garlic & Herb Fish Fillets on Amazon
Aqua Star Gluten-Free Crispy Breaded Cod
Aqua Star’s Gluten-Free Crispy Breaded Cod is a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions. The gluten-free coating crisps up nicely in the air fryer, and the cod offers a mild, flaky texture. Cook at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping once.
Consumer Review: “As a gluten-eater, I admit, I never considered frozen fish fillets as being something gluten free folks might be missing out on. But I’m glad to announce that now they don’t have to. Because these gluten free frozen fish fillets are so delectably crispy.” – Sporked
Why We Love It: This product caters to gluten-free diets without compromising on taste or texture, making it inclusive and delicious.
Where to Buy: Aqua Star Gluten-Free Crispy Breaded Cod on Amazon
Findus Gluten-Free Battered Cod
Findus Gluten-Free Battered Cod offers a restaurant-quality experience with its golden, gluten-free batter and tender cod fillets. These cook in about 12 minutes at 400°F, delivering a satisfying crunch. They’re perfect for fish and chips or tacos.
Consumer Review: “The pollock managed to be firm in addition to both delicate and lean. I also never would have guessed that the batter was gluten-free. Its texture is puffy, not too oily, and it has a slightly garlicky and salty finish.” – Eat This, Not That!
Why We Love It: The gluten-free batter rivals traditional options, and the cod’s texture is ideal for air frying.
Where to Buy: Findus Gluten-Free Battered Cod on Amazon
How did we test air fryers?
In order to find the best air fryer, our team of 8 people conducted real tests on different price points, sizes, brands, performance, intelligence and practicality. We bought air fryers from all major platforms, including the official ones, and tested them in our lab for 3 weeks, while our team also tested and evaluated them in our own homes.
We cooked different ingredients to evaluate the crispiness, cooking uniformity and overall texture. We also evaluated how much food each air fryer can handle to see if it is suitable for a large family. In addition to our own evaluation of these air fryers, we also referred to third-party authoritative platforms, the data of their tests, and made comparisons against the data of our tests, and finally selected the above high-quality air fryers.
You can also use the selection tool we built to help you recommend the air fryer that’s right for you:
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Frozen Fish for Air Fryers
Selecting the right frozen fish for your air fryer involves more than picking the first box you see. Here are key factors to consider to ensure you get the best results every time.
Fish Type
Common fish varieties in frozen fillets include pollock, cod, halibut, and tilapia. Pollock and cod are mild and flaky, making them versatile for various dishes. Halibut is thicker and meatier, ideal for heartier meals. Tilapia is budget-friendly but may have a slightly softer texture. Choose based on your flavor and texture preferences.
Breading or Batter
The coating significantly impacts the final texture. Beer-battered options, like Gorton’s or Van de Kamp’s, offer a pub-style crunch, while panko or gluten-free breading, like Aqua Star’s, provides a lighter, crispier finish. Ensure the breading isn’t too thick, as it can overwhelm the fish or become soggy in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Compatibility
Some brands, like Gorton’s Air Fried line, are formulated specifically for air fryers, requiring less oil and shorter cooking times. Check packaging for air fryer instructions, but a general rule is 380-400°F for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking, as advised by Paint The Kitchen Red.
Dietary Needs
If you’re gluten-free, options like Aqua Star and Findus cater to your needs without sacrificing flavor. Always check labels for allergens or certifications, such as wild-caught or sustainable sourcing, to align with your dietary or ethical preferences.
Portion Size and Packaging
Consider the number of fillets per package and their size. Larger fillets, like Trader Joe’s Halibut, are great for main dishes, while smaller ones, like Gorton’s, work well for tacos or kids’ meals. Packages with 4-6 fillets are ideal for small families, while bulk options suit larger households.
Price and Value
Frozen fish fillets range from $5 to $15 per package, depending on the brand and fish type. Premium options like halHALibut may cost more but offer superior texture. Compare price per ounce and read reviews to ensure you’re getting value for your money.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t Thaw: Cook directly from frozen to maintain texture, as thawing can release excess moisture, per Alphafoodie.
- Light Oil Application: Brush fillets with a thin layer of olive or vegetable oil for extra crispiness, but avoid aerosol sprays to protect your air fryer’s nonstick coating.
- Check Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F for food safety, as recommended by the FDA.
- Flip Halfway: Flip fillets midway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
Why Air Fryers Are Ideal for Frozen Fish
Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to create a crispy exterior while keeping the fish tender inside, mimicking deep frying without excess oil. This makes them perfect for frozen fish fillets, which often come pre-breaded or battered. Unlike ovens, air fryers cook faster and more evenly, and unlike microwaves, they avoid sogginess. Their compact size and easy cleanup also make them a go-to for quick weeknight meals.
🔌 Air Fryer Electricity Cost Calculator
Summarize:
Choosing the right air fryer for your family is important, you need to know your kitchen space, budget, family size, and whether the smart features work well. The air fryers we have reviewed above have been evaluated by our team after 3 weeks of real-life use for different family sizes, features, and types, and you can be assured of their performance and quality. If you have any questions, you can contact us in the comment section.
