How to Cook Frozen Breaded Mrs Paul’s Fish Fillets in Air Fryer (Crispy Every Time)
Craving that restaurant-style crunch but want to skip the deep fryer? You’re in the right place. This article breaks down everything you need to know about cooking frozen breaded Mrs Paul’s fish fillets in the air fryer. We’ll cover how long to cook them, what temperature to use, and share easy tricks for getting them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Plus, we’ll compare Mrs Paul’s to other popular frozen fish fillets like Gorton’s, explore the best side dishes, and even answer common air fryer troubleshooting questions.
Don’t miss our air fryer guide for Gorton’s fish fillets if you’re looking for more brand comparisons.
Let’s get frying!
Introduction to Frozen Breaded Fish Fillets in Air Fryer
Why Air Fryer Is Best for Frozen Breaded Fish Fillets
Air fryers have changed how we cook frozen foods. Instead of relying on greasy deep frying or uneven oven baking, air fryers circulate hot air quickly and evenly. That means you can enjoy crispy breaded fish fillets—like those from Mrs Paul’s—without the mess or added oil. Plus, the short cooking time is a game-changer for weeknight dinners.
Mrs Paul’s frozen fish fillets come pre-breaded, which makes them ideal for the air fryer. The breading crisps up beautifully while keeping the fish inside moist. That combo of crunch and tenderness is hard to beat.
If you’re new to air fryers, check out our air fryer seafood essentials to get started with the right tools and tips.
Why Choose Mrs Paul’s Over Other Frozen Fish Fillets
Mrs Paul’s has been a staple in American households for decades, known for its quality white fish and consistent flavor. Unlike some brands that use minced fish, Mrs Paul’s fillets often feature whole fillets with a flaky texture. Their breading also tends to stay intact and gets evenly golden in the air fryer.
Compared to other brands like Gorton’s or store-label fillets, many people find Mrs Paul’s offer a better flavor profile and a crunchier finish—especially when cooked using an air fryer instead of the oven.
Still debating which one’s best? Discover great ideas like our deep-dive into crispy fish fillets to see how Mrs Paul’s stacks up against the competition.
Understanding Frozen Breaded Fish Fillets for Air Frying
What Are Frozen Breaded Fish Fillets Made Of?
Frozen breaded fish fillets, like those from Mrs Paul’s, are typically made from white fish—usually pollock or cod. These fillets are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb layer and flash-frozen to preserve freshness. The breading is designed to crisp up during cooking, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Mrs Paul’s ensures a high-quality fish-to-breading ratio, meaning you’re not just eating a crispy shell but also enjoying tender, flaky fish on the inside.
Nutritional Value and Storage Tips for Breaded Fish
A typical frozen breaded fish fillet provides protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins. However, keep in mind that breading adds carbs and calories. Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it slashes oil usage by up to 75%.
Storage Tip: Keep your fillets frozen until you’re ready to cook. Don’t thaw—they’re made to go straight into the air fryer from frozen. Store in their original packaging or an airtight freezer bag for up to 6 months.
Preparing the Air Fryer for Frozen Breaded Mrs Paul’s Fish Fillets
Should You Preheat Air Fryer for Frozen Fish Fillets?
While not always required, preheating your air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 400°F helps jump-start the crisping process. It ensures the fish starts cooking immediately and helps deliver even browning.
Some air fryer models, like basket-style fryers, benefit more from preheating than oven-style ones. Check your model’s manual for guidance.
Tips to Prevent Soggy Frozen Fish in Air Fryer
Here’s how to avoid soggy disasters:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between fillets for air circulation.
- Lightly spray with avocado or olive oil to boost crispiness.
- Flip halfway through for even cooking.
- Avoid lining the basket with foil or parchment unless perforated.
For a more detailed setup, check out our complete air fryer fish fillet guide.
How to Cook Frozen Breaded Mrs Paul’s Fish Fillets in Air Fryer
Exact Time and Temperature Settings That Work
To cook frozen breaded Mrs Paul’s fish fillets in air fryer, set your fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway. There’s no need to thaw. The high temperature ensures the breading crisps while the fish cooks through.
| Fish Type | Temperature | Time | Flip? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mrs Paul’s Fish Fillets | 400°F | 10–12 min | Yes |
| Gorton’s Fish Fillets | 400°F | 10–12 min | Yes |
| Generic Breaded Fish | 375–400°F | 12–14 min | Yes |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Best Texture
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Place frozen fillets in a single layer.
- Spray with oil (optional but enhances crisp).
- Cook for 6 minutes, flip, cook another 5–6 minutes.
- Let rest for 1 minute before serving.
Don’t forget to serve with tartar sauce or lemon wedges.
Comparing Mrs Paul’s vs Gorton’s Frozen Fish in Air Fryer
Flavor, Texture, and Cooking Differences
While Mrs Paul’s is known for its flaky, mild white fish and a thick, crispy breading, Gorton’s offers a slightly saltier flavor and thinner coating. Cooking times are similar, but the final crunch and flavor can vary.
Which Fish Fillet Cooks Better in an Air Fryer?
Mrs Paul’s fillets tend to come out crisper and more evenly cooked. Gorton’s may need an extra minute for the same texture. If you prefer thicker breading and a more homemade feel, go with Mrs Paul’s.
Looking for inspiration? Try our grilled ahi tuna recipe if you want a fresh take on seafood.
Tips to Make Mrs Paul’s Fish Fillets Crispier in Air Fryer
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Air Frying Fish
- Skipping the preheat
- Overcrowding the basket
- Not flipping halfway
- Using low temperature
Best Oil Spray and Tools for Even Crisp
Use an oil spray that doesn’t contain propellants (like avocado or olive oil in a pump spray). A silicone-tipped tong helps flip fillets without damaging the breading.
Delicious Sides and Sauces to Serve With Breaded Fish
Top Sauces to Pair With Crispy Breaded Fish
- Classic tartar sauce
- Dill pickle mayo
- Lemon-garlic aioli
- Spicy Sriracha ketchup
Quick Sides That Cook in the Air Fryer Too
- Crinkle fries or sweet potato fries
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Onion rings
- Garlic toast
Storage, Leftovers, and Reheating Air-Fried Fish Fillets
How to Store Leftover Cooked Fish Fillets
Cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For freezing, wrap each fillet in foil and store in freezer bags.
Best Way to Reheat Fish in the Air Fryer Without Drying It Out
Reheat at 350°F for 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway. This maintains crispiness without overcooking.
Don’t miss our clam chowder recipe for a cozy pairing idea.
Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Fish Problems
Why Is My Fish Not Crispy?
It could be due to:
- Low cooking temperature
- Not enough space between fillets
- No oil spray
- Not flipping
What to Do If the Fish Sticks to the Basket
Use parchment with holes or lightly oil the basket before cooking. Don’t move the fish too early—let it set before flipping.
FAQs
How long do you cook frozen breaded fish fillets in an air fryer?
Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
How long do you cook breaded fish in the air fryer?
Breaded fish usually takes 10–14 minutes at 375°F to 400°F depending on the thickness.
How do you cook Mrs Paul’s crispy fish fillets?
Place the fillets in a preheated air fryer, cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, and flip at the halfway point.
How long do you cook Gorton’s crunchy breaded fish fillets in an air fryer?
Gorton’s fillets should also be cooked at 400°F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen breaded Mrs Paul’s fish fillets in the air fryer is a quick, mess-free way to enjoy crispy seafood at home. With the right settings, simple oil spray, and a few tips, you can turn frozen fillets into golden perfection. Whether you’re comparing brands or planning a weeknight dinner, air frying is the way to go.
Learn more about air fryer cooking tips for fish lovers to master seafood meals.
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Air Fryer Fans: Revolutionize Dinner with Mrs. Paul’s Fish Fillets!
Crispy, golden, and ready in minutes—this air fryer method for frozen breaded Mrs. Paul’s fish fillets is your new go-to for fast, flavorful dinners.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 frozen breaded Mrs. Paul’s fish fillets
Olive oil spray (optional)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Tartar sauce or dipping sauce of choice
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Place the frozen fish fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Optional: Lightly spray the fillets with olive oil to enhance crispiness.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through (at 5–6 minutes).
Remove from the air fryer once golden and crisp.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges and dipping sauce.
Notes
Do not thaw the fish fillets before cooking.
Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even crisping.
Cooking times may vary slightly by air fryer model.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
