You love breaded fish fillets. They’re crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, and they just make your mouth water.
But sometimes, you don’t want to deal with the hassle of cooking them in the oven. Can you microwave breaded fish fillets? And if so, how do you do it?
You’re not sure, but my article can help. I’ll break down the different methods of cooking breaded fish fillets and let you know which one is best for the microwave.
So whether you’re in a hurry or just feeling lazy, I’ve got you covered. Cooking breaded fish fillets in the microwave is easier than you think – and we’ll show you how.
Can You Cook Breaded Fish Fillets in the Microwave?
While you can cook them in the microwave, the results won’t be as crispy as if you cooked them in the oven. However, if you’re looking for a fast and easy way to cook breaded fish fillets, the microwave is a perfectly acceptable option.
If you bought frozen breaded fish fillets, they’ll likely come with cooking instructions. And those instructions will tell you if you can cook them in the microwave and how to do it.
In case they don’t, you can check the manufacturer’s website. They’ll usually have cooking instructions and nutritional information listed there. Or you can also browse through online forums and see what other people are saying about cooking frozen breaded fish fillets in the microwave.
Whether you’re using frozen or your own homemade breading, the process is pretty much the same.
Here’s the general guide on how to cook breaded fish fillets in the microwave:
To get started, simply place the breaded fish fillets on a microwave-safe plate. Then, cook them in the microwave on high power for 1 minute, flip them over, and microwave again for 1 minute turn them over, and microwave for the last 1 minute.
Is It Safe to Microwave Breaded Fish Fillets?
If you’re wondering whether it’s safe to microwave breaded fish fillets, the answer is yes – as long as you cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
This will ensure that the fish is cooked all the way through and that any harmful bacteria are killed.
You can use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish. Just insert it into the thickest part of the fillet and wait a few seconds.
If the thermometer reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, the fish is safe to eat. If it doesn’t, cook it for a few more minutes in the microwave and check the temperature again.
Here are some other common myths about microwaving food:
The microwaves make your food radioactive
Some people believe that microwaves destroy nutrients, but this is not true. Microwaves can actually help to preserve nutrients since they tend to cook food quickly, which helps to prevent the loss of vitamins and minerals.
The microwaves destroy the nutrients in your food
Another common myth is that microwaves cause radiation to leak from the oven. However, microwaves are perfectly safe to use, and the amount of radiation they emit is far below the level that is considered harmful.
The microwaves leach chemicals from your containers into your food
Finally, some people believe that microwaves can leach chemicals from containers into food.
However, this only happens when containers are not microwave-safe. If you use microwave-safe containers, there is no risk of chemicals leaching into your food.
How Long Should You Microwave Breaded Fish Fillets?
The time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the number of fillets you’re cooking.
However, as a general rule, you should cook breaded fish fillets for a total of three minutes on a 1000-watt microwave. Cook them for one minute per side.
This should be enough time to cook the fish all the way through without overcooking it. If your microwave is lower or higher in wattage, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
The best way to determine how long to cook the fish is to experiment a bit and see what works best with your microwave.
How To Cook Breaded Fish Fillets in the Microwave
Here’re the steps to cook breaded fish fillets in the microwave:
1. Place the breaded fish fillets on a microwave-safe plate.
If your breaded fish fillets are frozen, you’ll need to thaw them before cooking them in the microwave.
You can do this by placing the frozen fillets in the fridge overnight, or by running them under cold water for a few minutes until they’re thawed. Don’t use hot or warm water, as this can cause the fish to start cooking.
Once they’re thawed, you can start cooking them.
2. Nuke them in the microwave
Set the microwave to high power and microwave the fillets for 1 minute, flip them over, and nuke again for 1 minute turn them over, and microwave for the last 1 minute.
3. Check the internal temperature of the fish
If it reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, the fish is safe to eat. If it doesn’t, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until it reaches the right temperature.
4. Let the fish fillets cool for a few minutes before serving
The last step is to let the fish fillets cool for one or two minutes before serving them. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, or enjoy them plain.
How To Crisp Your Microwave Breaded Fish Fillets
As mentioned above, one downside of microwaving breaded fish fillets is that they tend to be a bit soggy. But there’s hope! With a little bit of effort, you can make them crisp and delicious. All you need is a crisper pan.
A crisper pan is a special type of microwave-safe pan that is specially designed to crisp and brown food. With the help of a crisper pan, the food that you would never dream of getting crispy in the microwave will now turn out perfectly crisp every time.
To use it, simply preheat the pan in the microwave for a minute or two, then place the fish fillets in the pan and cook them following the instructions above. The hot pan will help to crisp the breading and give the fish a delicious, golden brown color.
Can You Reheat Leftover Breaded Fish Fillets in the Microwave?
Leftover fish fillets can be reheated in the microwave, but it’s not recommended to do so multiple times. That’s because the breading can become hard and dry, and the fish itself can become tough and overcooked.
Reheating once should be fine, as long as you take care to do it slowly and evenly. Put the fillets on a plate and cover them loosely with a lid.
Microwave on medium power for a minute or two, until heated through. Let the fish rest for a few minutes before eating.
As with any food, there are always risks when reheating. Bacteria can grow if the food isn’t heated properly, so it’s important to be careful when reheating any leftovers.
Fish is especially susceptible to bacteria growth, so it’s best to consume it within one or two days of cooking.
What To Serve With Breaded Fish Fillets?
1. Homemade chips
In my opinion, it’s all about the chips. Homemade chips are the perfect accompaniment to breaded fish fillets, and there’s nothing better than dipping them in some tartar sauce or vinegar.
Store-bought chips just don’t compare. They’re always too greasy or salty, and they never seem to have that satisfying crunch.
Homemade chips, on the other hand, are crispy and delicious. Plus, they’re much healthier since they’re not fried in oil.
2. Corn on the cob
Another delicious side dish to serve with breaded fish fillets is corn on the cob. The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the savory fish, and it’s a great summertime meal.
If you’re short on time, you can always use canned corn or frozen corn. But if you have the time, I highly recommend grilling or boiling fresh corn. It just tastes so much better.
3. Mushy peas
Mushy peas are a traditional British side dish, and they’re often served with fish and chips. They’re made by cooking dried peas in water until they’re soft, then mashing them into a thick paste.
If you can’t find mushy peas at your local grocery store, you can always make them at home.
4. Salad
A simple green salad is a perfect light and healthy side dish to serve with breaded fish fillets. I like to use a mix of lettuces, cucumbers, tomatoes, and carrots.
For a bit of flavor, I also add some crumbled feta cheese or shaved Parmesan cheese. And for a bit of crunch, I like to add some chopped nuts or croutons.
5. A bread bun and tartare sauce
This is a delicious and easy way to turn your breaded fish fillets into a sandwich. Just place the fillets on a toasted bun, top with some tartare sauce, and enjoy.
If you want, you can also add some lettuce, tomato, or onion to the sandwich. But it’s just as good without any extras.
Conclusion
And that’s all there is to it! Microwaving breaded fish fillets is a quick and easy way to get a delicious meal on the table in no time. Just make sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that they’re safe to eat.
