These air fryer pollock fillets get drenched with a juicy tomato-dill mixture and sealed into a parchment packet, then the air fryer does the rest. No breading, no basting, no flipping, just a puffed packet you cut open at the table to a puff of steam and a built-in sauce.
If parchment-packet fish is your love language, you're in good company. This one leans into bright, summery flavors. Cherry tomatoes burst and build their own sauce while the fish steams under a bed of dill.
No air fryer? No problem, check out my baked grouper en papillote for the oven version of the same technique. Feel free to use pollock, cod or your favorite flaky white fish.
Ingredients For Recipe
Full ingredient list and measurements included in printable recipe card below.
Why This Recipe Works
The parchment does two jobs at once. It steams the pollock fillets gently so they stay tender instead of drying out, and it traps the tomato juices so they concentrate with the garlic and dill into a light sauce right in the packet instead of evaporating away.
Pollock is mild and flaky enough to take on whatever it's cooked with, which makes it a natural match for a bright, fresh filling like this one. And because everything is sealed before it goes in the basket, there's nothing to check on until the timer goes off.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Make the tomato-dill mixture
Whisk together the olive oil, Dijon and lemon juice. Then toss in the cherry tomatoes, red onion, garlic, dill, and half the salt.
2: Season the pollock
Dry fish fillets and season with the remaining salt and pepper.
3: Build and seal the packets
Spoon the tomato mixture over the fish and add a lemon slice, then fold and crimp the edges tightly to seal.
4: Air fry
Cook the packets in the preheated air fryer basket until puffed, then let them rest a couple minutes before opening.
5: Cut and serve
Slice an X in the top of each packet (watch for steam!) then fold back the parchment and serve.
Can I make this pollock in parchment in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, though the timing will run longer, closer to 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F depending on your oven. The air fryer version here is built specifically for a faster, more hands-off weeknight version.
Can I use a different fish for this recipe?
Any mild, flaky white fish works, cod, haddock, or halibut are all good swaps for pollock.
Why do I need to seal the parchment so tightly?
A loose seal lets steam escape, which means the fish won't cook evenly and you'll lose the built-in sauce that makes this dish work. Roll and crimp the edges firmly so the packet holds pressure while it cooks.
How long does it take to cook pollock in the air fryer?
This recipe cooks pollock fillets in about 12 to 14 minutes at 375°F, sealed in their parchment packet the whole time. No need to check or flip until the packet's puffed and ready to rest.
Print
Pollock in Parchment with Tomatoes and Dill (Air Fryer)
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Air fryer pollock fillets, no breading, sealed in a parchment packet with a bright tomato-dill mixture that becomes its own sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pollock fillets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, slivered
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice, plus lemon slices
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- First whisk together the olive oil, Dijon, and lemon juice. Then toss the cherry tomatoes, red onion, garlic, dill, and half the salt together in a bowl.
- Dry the fish fillets and season with the remaining salt and pepper.
- Cut two large parchment rectangles, about 15x12 inches, and fold each in half to crease. On one half of each, place a fillet, spoon the tomato mixture over the fish, and add a lemon slice. Fold the parchment over and seal by rolling and crimping the edges tightly.
- Cook the packets in the preheated air fryer basket at 375°F for 12 to 14 minutes, until puffed. Rest 2 minutes.
- Slice an X in the top of each packet (watch for steam!) then fold back the parchment and serve.
Notes
- If you've made a fish parchment packet before, this technique will already feel familiar. It's one of the most versatile moves in the air fryer once you've got the seal down.
- Swap it: cod, haddock, tilapia, or any mild white fish works in place of pollock. Basil or parsley can replace the dill.
- Serving suggestion: crusty bread is essential for soaking up the tomato-dill juices. Orzo or lemon dill rice also works beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 14
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
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