Air-Frying Fish: A Healthy, Quick Treat?

Yes, you can cook fish in an air fryer. It is one of the best air fryer recipes out there! It is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook fish. You can use any type of fish fillet, but this recipe is best for moderately thin, white, and flaky fish, such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi-mahi. The air fryer will give your fish a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and moist. You can also add a breading of your choice, as long as it is dry.

Choosing the right fish

When it comes to choosing the right fish to bake in your air fryer, there are several options to consider. Here are some factors and recommendations to help you make the best choice:

Firm, Mild White Fish: Fish like haddock, pollock, cod, halibut, flounder, whiting, and walleye are excellent choices for air frying. These fish have a mild flavor and firm texture, making them ideal for this cooking method.

Thickness of Fish: The thickness of the fish will determine the cooking time. Thicker fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass will require a few extra minutes in the air fryer compared to thinner options like flounder or whiting. Adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure even cooking.

Personal Preference: Ultimately, the choice of fish depends on your taste preferences. Some people prefer the mild flavor of white fish, while others may enjoy the stronger flavor of oily fish like salmon or mackerel. Choose a fish that you enjoy eating and that suits your desired level of flavor and texture.

Availability and Sustainability: Consider the availability and sustainability of the fish. Opt for locally sourced, sustainable seafood whenever possible to support responsible fishing practices and ensure the freshest ingredients.

Experimentation: Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of fish in your air fryer. You can try air frying salmon, tilapia, catfish, or even trout. Each type of fish will have a unique flavor and texture, so feel free to explore various options to find your favorites.

Remember to purchase high-quality, fresh fish from a reputable source. When preparing the fish, ensure that it is properly cleaned, dried, and seasoned before placing it in the air fryer. By choosing the right fish and following the proper cooking techniques, you'll be able to create delicious, crispy, and flaky fish dishes with your air fryer!

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for fish in an air fryer will depend on the type of fish you are cooking, the thickness of the fillets, and the model of your air fryer.

For thin white fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi-mahi, preheat your air fryer to between 360°F/182°C and 390°F/200°C and cook for 12-15 minutes. For thicker fillets such as halibut or cod, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

For softer fish such as Cod, Haddock, Mahi Mahi, Grouper, Pollack, or Bass, cook at 370 Fahrenheit for 15-16 minutes. For red fish such as steelhead, salmon, wahoo, arctic char, or ocean trout, increase the cooking time to 20 minutes at the same temperature.

If you are cooking frozen fish, you can cook directly from frozen at the same temperature, but you may need to add an extra 5-8 minutes to the cooking time.

Seasoning and flavouring

For a simple, tasty, and healthy option, you can use garlic powder and lemon pepper seasoning. You can also add onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. This combination of spices works well with white fish and adds a nice flavour without being too overpowering.

If you want to add a bit more spice, you can use Cajun seasoning, curry powder, chili powder, or cayenne pepper. These spices will give your fish a nice kick and are perfect if you're looking for something with a bit more heat. For a Mexican twist, adding chili powder or taco seasoning is a great option.

Another option is to go for a crispy breaded version. You can use dried breadcrumbs with onion and garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix the spices with the breadcrumbs and coat the fish fillets before cooking them in the air fryer. This method will give your fish a nice crispy texture.

You can also experiment with different types of oil when cooking your fish. Olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil can add flavour and moisture to your dish.

Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations of spices and oils to find the perfect flavour profile for your air-fried fish.

Avoiding food sticking to the air fryer

Yes, you can bake fish in an air fryer. To avoid food sticking to the air fryer, consider the following:

Firstly, preheat the air fryer. Most brands specify that it must be preheated to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, set it to the desired temperature and let it run for about three minutes before placing your food inside.

Secondly, use oil if your food requires it. Oil can help make certain foods crispy, but it is not always necessary. For example, if your food already has some fat, like red meat or chicken, you probably don't need to add more. However, if you are cooking vegetables or battered seafood, a small amount of oil can help prevent sticking and promote browning and crisping.

Thirdly, grease the fryer basket. Even if your food doesn't require oil, always grease the basket to prevent food from sticking to the appliance tray. You can do this by rubbing or spraying a little vegetable oil on the lower racks.

Fourthly, do not use aerosols in the air fryer. Oil spray cans are known to have aggressive agents that can damage the coating of most baskets. Instead, opt for a bottle of good-quality oil and serve it in a decent amount.

Fifth, do not overload the basket. To ensure your food gets crispy, make sure you don't overfill the basket. The more food there is, the more likely it will stick to the air fryer and prevent crisping and browning.

Finally, shake the basket during cooking. When frying small foods like chicken wings or chips, shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking. For larger foods, use a pair of kitchen tongs to flip them instead of shaking.

Additionally, you can use parchment paper or aluminium foil to line the basket and prevent food from sticking. Parchment paper works well but is single-use, while aluminium foil can be reused. Silicone liners are also a good option, as they are non-stick, reusable, and easy to clean.

What to serve with the fish

There are many different side dishes that can complement the flavours of fish cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

Starchy Sides

• Rice, especially coconut rice, rice pilaf, or Mexican rice with black beans
• Potatoes, such as roasted baby potatoes, sweet potatoes, or mashed potatoes
• Bread, like crusty bread or pita
• Polenta, including Creamy Parmesan Polenta
• Pasta, such as orzo, penne, or egg noodles

Vegetables

• Asparagus, either oven-roasted or air-fried
• Broccoli, roasted or stir-fried
• Zucchini, in the form of a casserole or fritters
• Brussels sprouts, shredded or roasted
• Eggplant, grilled with a tahini dressing
• Green beans
• Coleslaw
• Corn, grilled or salsa
• Carrots, especially miso-roasted carrots
• Cauliflower, roasted or with a balsamic glaze
• Cabbage, red cabbage slaw
• Bok Choy
• Mushrooms

Salads

• Panzanella, especially in the summer
• Caprese
• Classic Caesar Salad
• Black Bean and Corn Salad

Sauces

• Tartar sauce
• Hot sauce
• Lemon wedges

Frequently asked questions