Easy Air Fryer Frozen Fish (Tortilla Crusted)

We're conquering the art of cooking frozen fish today! Our task just got easier with this foolproof air fryer recipe. If you've ever been intimidated by cooking fish at home, this Air Fryer Frozen Fish method will transform your kitchen confidence and have you serving up restaurant-quality seafood in minutes.

Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Frozen Fish Recipe

• Zero Thawing Required: Cook directly from frozen, saving time.
• Foolproof Technique: The air fryer ensures perfectly crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish every single time.
• Minimal Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples create an incredibly flavorful crust.
• Quick Weeknight Meal: Ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish.

If air fryer seafood cooking is your idea of a good time, you've got to try Air Fryer Frozen Salmon, Pesto Air Fryer Tilapia and Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp recipes next!

Ingredients and Smart Substitutions:

• Fish: I used basa fish in this recipe, similar to tilapia. If using a thicker fillet like cod or halibut, plan to add a minute more cooking time and test the temperature before removing.
• Chips: substitute corn chips or thick cut potato chips for tortilla crisps.
• Spice Level: Adjust hot sauce to taste.
• Mayo: Sometimes I make this recipe using greek yogurt instead of mayo and it works great!

Full ingredient list and measurements included in the printable recipe card below.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Pat fish dry with paper towels after initial air frying to remove excess moisture and ensure the spicy mayo and tortillas stick to the fish.
2. Crush tortilla chips finely for the most even, crispy coating.
3. Cooking frozen fish introduces more variables than fresh fish, so use an instant-read thermometer to ensure fish reaches 145 degrees internally.
4. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches if necessary.

Can I use fresh fish instead of frozen? 

Absolutely! Dry your thawed fish with paper towels, brush in spicy mayo and top with tortilla crumbs before air frying at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.

My air fryer runs hot. How can I prevent burning? 

Lower your air fryer temperature by 25 degrees and check fish a minute earlier than recipe suggests.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Mix the spicy mayo and crush tortilla chips in advance, but coat fish just before cooking for maximum crispiness.

What if I don't have an air fryer? 

This recipe can be adapted to a conventional oven. Coat fish and bake at 400 degrees. You may want to broil the last few minutes to get some of that signature crispiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Thaw Frozen Fish

Air fry frozen fish at 375 degrees for 5 minute. Remove basket, pat fish dry with paper towels.

2. Coat and Cook Fish

Mix mayo, hot sauce, lime juice, and salt. Brush fillets with spicy mayo mixture.

Crush tortilla chips to coat fish.

Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over fillets. Air fry at 400 degrees for 9-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

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