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Cooking frozen orange roughy in the air fryer is the easiest way to get a perfectly flaky and juicy fish dinner in minutes! No need to thaw—just season, pop it in the air fryer, and let it cook to perfection. This simple, hands-off method makes it ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you need a quick and healthy meal.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Orange Roughy

Super Quick & Easy – No need to defrost! Just season the frozen fillets, place them in the air fryer, and let it do the work. In just 14 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked fish with minimal effort.
Perfectly Flaky & Juicy – The air fryer locks in moisture, keeping the orange roughy tender and flaky inside while giving it a lightly crisped exterior. No dry or overcooked fish here!
Healthy & Nutritious – Orange roughy is a lean, protein-packed fish that’s naturally low in calories and carbs. It’s perfect for a gluten-free, keto, or low-carb diet.
Customizable Seasonings – Keep it simple with salt and pepper or add extra flavor with garlic powder, lemon pepper, paprika, or your favorite spice blend.
No Mess, No Fuss – Air frying means no greasy pans or lingering fishy smells in your kitchen. Cleanup is quick and easy, making this a hassle-free meal option.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Orange Roughy

Frozen orange roughy fillets – No need to thaw! Cooking them straight from frozen keeps the process quick and easy.
Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the fish.
Black pepper – Adds a touch of mild spice and depth of flavor.
Optional seasonings – Customize with garlic powder, lemon pepper, paprika, or your favorite spice blend for extra flavor.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Air Fryer Orange Roughy

Air fryer – Cooks the fish quickly and evenly without the need for oil.
Tongs or spatula – Helps remove the fish from the air fryer without breaking it apart.

How to Make Air Fryer Orange Roughy

Remove the frozen orange roughy fillets from their packaging.
Place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, or your preferred seasonings.
Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 14 minutes.
Once the fish is done cooking, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of vegetables like instant pot steamed broccoli, steamed asparagus, or steamed green beans for a healthy, balanced meal.
Pair with brown jasmine rice, quinoa, or creamy mashed potatoes for a heartier dish.
Drizzle with lemon juice or a simple garlic butter sauce for extra flavor.
Add a side of classic creamy coleslaw or a fresh peach burrata salad for a refreshing contrast.
Serve in fish tacos with sweet and spicy mango salsa, homemade mango jicama slaw, and a squeeze of lime for a fun twist!

Tips for Success

No need to thaw – Cook the orange roughy straight from frozen for the best texture and convenience. Thawing isn’t necessary and may make the fish too soft.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Place the fillets in a single layer with some space between them to ensure even cooking. Overlapping can cause uneven results.
Check for doneness – Fish is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. If your fillets are extra thick, you may need to add an extra minute or two.
Customize the seasonings – While salt and pepper work great, you can enhance the flavor with garlic powder, paprika, lemon pepper, or Cajun seasoning.
Use tongs or a spatula to remove the fish – Orange roughy is delicate, so be gentle when transferring it from the air fryer to your plate to keep it from breaking apart.
Serve immediately – This fish is best enjoyed fresh. If left sitting too long, it may lose some of its crispness and become too soft.

Variations and Substitutions

Different Fish Options – If you can’t find orange roughy, try this recipe with tilapia, cod, haddock, or another mild white fish. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on thickness.
Spicy Kick – Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce before serving for a spicy twist.
Garlic Butter Flavor – After cooking, drizzle the fillets with melted butter mixed with minced garlic and parsley for a rich, flavorful finish.
Lemon Herb Seasoning – Sprinkle on some dried or fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or dill, along with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Parmesan Crusted – For a crispy topping, lightly coat the fillets with a mix of grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs before cooking.
Low-Sodium Version – Skip the salt and use salt-free seasoning blends or fresh herbs to add flavor without added sodium.
Dairy-Free & Paleo – Stick to simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder to keep the dish completely dairy-free and paleo-friendly.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration – Store leftover cooked orange roughy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing – While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked orange roughy for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating in the Air Fryer – To keep the fish crispy, reheat it at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
Reheating in the Microwave – If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals until warm, but note that this may make the fish softer.
Reheating on the Stovetop – Warm the fillets in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil for a couple of minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook fresh (not frozen) orange roughy in the air fryer?

Yes! If using fresh fillets, reduce the cooking time by about 5 minutes since they will cook faster than frozen fish.

How do I know when the fish is done?

Orange roughy is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. If it still looks slightly translucent in the thickest part, cook for another minute or two.

Can I use different seasonings?

Absolutely! While salt and pepper are classic choices, you can add garlic powder, paprika, lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or any of your favorite spice blends for extra flavor.

Do I need to spray the air fryer basket with oil?

No, orange roughy naturally contains some moisture and doesn’t stick to the air fryer basket. However, if you prefer, you can lightly spray the basket with cooking spray for extra peace of mind.

Can I cook multiple fillets at once?

Yes, as long as they fit in a single layer without overlapping. If cooking a large batch, work in batches to ensure even cooking.

What should I serve with air fryer orange roughy?

This fish pairs well with steamed or roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. A drizzle of lemon juice or a simple garlic butter sauce can enhance the flavor even more.

Other Easy Fish Recipes

Crispy Pan-Fried Smelts – These lightly seasoned smelts are pan-fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy exterior with tender, flavorful fish inside.

Homemade Gefilte Fish from Scratch – This traditional Jewish dish is made with fresh ground fish, onions, and seasonings, then poached to tender perfection for an authentic, homemade taste.

Air Fryer Crispy Catfish Bites – These bite-sized catfish nuggets are coated in a seasoned crust and air-fried until irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Spicy Cajun Rockfish with Bold Flavor – Rockfish fillets are coated in a zesty Cajun spice blend and pan-seared for a smoky, flavorful kick with a perfectly flaky texture.

Golden Pan-Seared Ocean Perch Fillets – These ocean perch fillets are quickly seared in a hot pan for a crispy, golden crust while staying juicy and tender inside.

Easy Canned Salmon Fishcakes Recipe – This budget-friendly recipe turns canned salmon into crispy, flavorful fishcakes that are perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

Cheesy Fish Panini with Crispy Bread – Flaky fish fillets, melted cheese, and fresh toppings are pressed between crispy golden bread for a warm and satisfying sandwich.

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Golden, perfectly cooked orange roughy fillets inside an air fryer basket, showcasing how easy it is to make this delicious fish straight from frozen.

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