Frozen cod fillets cook straight from the freezer in the air fryer — flaky and hot in about 15 minutes, no defrosting. Here's exactly how long, for plain and breaded.
Key takeaways
Q: How long does frozen cod take in an air fryer?
A: Plain frozen cod takes 12–15 minutes at 180°C (360°F); breaded fillets take 12–14 minutes at 200°C (400°F), until it flakes.
Q: Do you defrost it?
A: No — cook straight from frozen and check it flakes all the way through.
Times & temperatures
| Type | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Plain fillet | 180°C / 360°F | 12–15 min |
| Breaded / battered | 200°C / 400°F | 12–14 min |
| Thick loin | 180°C / 360°F | 15–18 min |
Method
- Straight from frozen, single layer.
- Light oil on plain fillets (breaded need none).
- Cook until it flakes easily and is hot through.
Cooking fresh instead? See our air fryer cod recipe, or try fish fingers. Times for everything are on the cooking times chart.
Frequently asked questions
Can you cook frozen cod in an air fryer?
Yes — plain fillets at 180°C for 12–15 minutes, breaded at 200°C for 12–14. No defrosting needed; cook until it flakes.
Do you need to defrost cod first?
No — it cooks well straight from frozen. Just check it flakes all the way through and is piping hot before serving.
Should you oil frozen cod?
A light spray helps plain fillets; breaded or battered ones crisp on their own and need no oil.