Air Fryer Steaming Fish: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, and you can use any type of fish fillet, such as cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, or even salmon. The best part is that you can steam fish in an air fryer without needing a bamboo steamer. To steam fish in an air fryer, you can wrap the fish in a parchment paper pouch, and the enclosed pouch will trap the moisture inside, resulting in juicy and tender fish.

Air fryer vs. oven-steamed fish

Air fryers and ovens are both suitable for cooking fish, but there are some differences between the two methods. Here is a detailed comparison of the two cooking appliances when it comes to steaming fish:

Air Fryer

Air fryers are a convenient option for baking fish as they are faster than ovens and can cook the fish without the need for a bamboo steamer. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in a crispy and crunchy texture for the fish. This method is also healthier than traditional frying, as it requires very little oil. When using an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the fish is not overcrowded in the basket, as this can prevent it from crisping. The cooking time may also need to be adjusted depending on the type and thickness of the fish.

Oven

Ovens can also be used to steam fish and are a good option for those who want to cook multiple packets of fish at once. The enclosed pouch traps the moisture inside, resulting in juicy and tender fish. When using an oven, it is important to place the packets on a large sheet pan and adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish fillets.

Both air fryers and ovens can be used to steam fish, but air fryers are generally faster and more convenient. Ovens may be preferred for those who want to cook multiple servings at once or for those who do not own an air fryer. Ultimately, the choice between the two appliances depends on individual preferences and the specific recipe being followed.

How to get crispy fish in the air fryer

Preparation

Before cooking your fish in the air fryer, it's important to prepare it properly to ensure a crispy texture. Firstly, pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as any remaining moisture can cause the fish to steam instead of crisp up. Next, you can choose to coat the fish with oil or a flour mixture, followed by breadcrumbs or another coating of your choice. This step will enhance the crispiness of the fish. You can also add seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the coating for extra flavour.

Cooking

Once your fish is prepared, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 360°F and 400°F. Place the fish fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Cook the fish for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model. For thinner fillets, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Halfway through the cooking process, open the air fryer and flip the fillets to ensure even cooking.

Serving

Your crispy air-fried fish is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it with a variety of sides, such as tartar sauce, lemon wedges, fries, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables. For a well-balanced meal, pair it with healthy vegetables like airsection: fryer asparagus, mushrooms, or broccoli. You can also incorporate the fish into dishes like fish tacos or burritos.

Best fish types for air frying

There are many types of fish that can be cooked in an air fryer, including:

• Cod
• Tilapia
• Catfish
• Pollock
• Hake
• Haddock
• Sea Bass
• Sole
• Grouper
• Salmon
• Halibut
• Whiting
• Sunfish
• Perch
• Catfish

White fish is a popular choice for air frying, and there are several varieties to choose from, including cod, tilapia, haddock, sea bass, and sole. White fish is versatile and can be seasoned in many different ways. Thicker white fish, such as halibut or cod, may require a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Air frying is a great way to cook fish without the grease of traditional frying methods, and it produces a crispy, golden finish. It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type and thickness of the fish, as well as the model of the air fryer.

Air fryer fish cooking times

The cooking time for fish in an air fryer depends on the type of fish and the desired level of crispness. White fish such as cod, tilapia, haddock, sea bass, and sole can be cooked in an air fryer. For breaded fish fillets, the cooking time is generally between 12 and 15 minutes at 390°F (200°C). For fish sticks or thinner fillets, the cooking time may be shorter. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispness.

When cooking breaded fish in an air fryer, it is recommended to coat the fish with oil and then with breadcrumbs or a breading mixture. The fish can be seasoned with spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. The breading helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the fish moist and tender on the inside.

For unbreaded fish fillets, the cooking time can range from 6 to 12 minutes at 360°F (182°C). The fish is seasoned and placed directly in the air fryer basket, with the option of using a liner or parchment paper to prevent sticking. The fish is cooked until it can be easily flaked with a fork.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish fillets and the model of the air fryer. It is always a good idea to check the fish periodically to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Air fryer fish recipes

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, and there are many different recipes to try. Here are some ideas for air fryer fish dishes, with tips on how to get the best results.

Yes, you can cook fish in an air fryer. It's a great way to cook fish without using lots of oil, and it's quick and easy. You can cook fish from frozen in an air fryer, and you don't need to defrost it first. The fish will be crispy on the outside and soft and flaky on the inside.

Most types of fish can be cooked in an air fryer. White fish, such as cod, tilapia, haddock, sea bass, and sole, work well. You can also cook salmon, catfish, pollock, and hake.

Air Fryer White Fish with Garlic and Lemon Pepper

This recipe is quick and easy and can be adapted to use your favourite spices.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 g) tilapia fillets, or other white fish (2 fillets-6 ounces each)
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) lemon pepper seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) onion powder, optional
• Kosher salt or sea salt, to taste
• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Olive oil spray (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes.
• Rinse and pat dry the fish fillets. Spray or coat with olive oil spray and season with garlic powder, lemon pepper, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Repeat on both sides.
• Lay an air fryer silicone liner or perforated parchment paper inside the base of the air fryer. Lightly spray the liner. If not using a liner, spray the base of the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
• Lay the fish on top of the liner and add a few lemon wedges.
• Air fry at 360°F/182°C for about 6-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. The timing will depend on the thickness of the fillets, how cold they are, and your personal preference.
• Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm with the toasted lemon wedges.

Air Fryer Fish Fillets

This recipe gives your fish a tasty, crispy crust.

Ingredients:

• 6-8 2oz (200 g) fish fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 cup (50 g) dry bread crumbs (use gluten-free if required)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or granules
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

• Defrost frozen fish fillets and drizzle with olive oil, ensuring the fish is well coated.
• In a shallow dish, mix the bread crumbs with paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
• Coat each fish fillet in breadcrumbs and transfer to your air fryer basket.
• Cook in the air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. After the first 8-10 minutes, flip the fish fillets and continue cooking.

Air Fryer Fish and Chips

This recipe uses a crunchy cornflake coating for the fish and is served with seasoned fries and tartar sauce.

Air Fryer Salmon

Salmon is one of the easiest fish to cook in the air fryer, and it stays succulent while getting lightly browned on the outside.

Air Fryer Salmon Patties

This is a super quick and budget-friendly recipe using canned salmon. Serve the patties with roasted vegetables or as a burger topped with garlic aioli, lettuce, and tomato.

Air Fryer Cod

Instead of breading the cod, this recipe simply involves marinating it in Italian dressing and adding a few seasonings before popping it in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Tuna Burgers

Tuna is another fish that works well in patty form. This recipe uses a pouch of tuna, but you can also buy tuna steaks and cook them yourself before grinding the meat and shaping it into a burger.

Chinese Steamed Cod Fish with Ginger Scallion Sauce

This recipe uses an air fryer to steam the cod inside a parchment paper pouch. The enclosed pouch traps the moisture, keeping the fish juicy and tender.

Frequently asked questions