Frying Battered Fish: Air Fryer Vs Oil Bath

Frying battered fish in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, but it can be tricky to get right. The key is to ensure the batter doesn't drip off, which can be done by double-dipping the fish in flour or freezing the fillets before cooking. The fish should also be patted dry and coated in oil to achieve the desired crispy texture.

Battering and freezing the fish before air frying

Battering and freezing fish before air frying is a great way to save time and effort, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to pat the fish dry before freezing, as any moisture on the surface can cause the batter to become soggy and fall off during frying. Once the fish is dry, you can dip it in your favourite batter—a simple combination of flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and beer works well. You can also add an egg to the mixture to thicken the batter. Make sure the fish is fully coated in batter, and then place it on a sheet pan in the freezer.

Once the battered fish is frozen solid, you can transfer it to a plastic bag or airtight container for more convenient storage. When you're ready to cook, take out the frozen battered fish and place it in the air fryer. There's no need to thaw it beforehand. Lightly spray the fish with oil to help the batter crisp up. Cook for around 12 minutes at 350°F (180°C), flipping halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your fish fillets, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

It's important to note that while this method works well, the batter may not adhere as well as it would to fresh fish, and the fish may release some moisture during cooking, affecting the crispness of the batter. However, with proper preparation and cooking techniques, you can still enjoy delicious, crispy battered fish straight from the freezer using your air fryer.

Using a wet batter for the fish

Another important step is to coat the fish with a spray of olive oil or cooking spray. This will help the fish achieve a crispy texture and prevent the batter from drying out. The oil also helps the flour or breadcrumbs adhere to the fish. If you don't have cooking spray, you can use a tablespoon of oil to coat the fish.

When preparing the fish, make sure that the air fryer basket is not overcrowded. This will ensure that the fish cooks evenly and becomes crispy. You may need to cook the fish in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Additionally, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type and thickness of the fish, as well as the model of your air fryer. Check the fish periodically to ensure it doesn't overcook.

By following these steps, you can successfully fry battered fish in an air fryer, achieving a crispy exterior and flaky interior without the need for deep frying.

The best type of fish to use

When it comes to the best type of fish to use in an air fryer, there are several options that are commonly recommended.

White fish, such as cod, haddock, halibut, tilapia, pollock, and catfish, tend to be the most popular choices for air frying. These types of fish have a meaty yet flaky texture and stay moist when cooked. It's important to note that the thickness of the fish fillets can impact the cooking time and the final result. Aim for fillets that are around 1 inch thick; thinner fillets may dry out, while thicker ones may take longer to cook.

Other types of fish that can be used include salmon, sea bass, sole, and grouper. However, it's worth noting that salmon may not be the best choice for battered fish, as it has a stronger flavour that can overwhelm the taste of the batter.

When preparing fish for air frying, it's crucial to pat the fillets dry with a paper towel before coating them in oil or batter. This ensures a crispy exterior and prevents excess moisture from affecting the cooking process.

How to get crispy fish in an air fryer

To get crispy fish in an air fryer, it's important to apply oil to the exterior of the battered fish. The easiest way is with cooking spray. Simply spray the fish with it until no dry flour remains. Using cooking spray during the dredging and air-frying process saves about 150 calories per serving compared to deep-frying.

Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving crispy fish in your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Start by patting your fish fillets dry with paper towels. You can use any kind of fish fillets, such as cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, or even salmon. Make sure the fillets are not too thin, as thin strips won't work well in the air fryer. If you're using frozen fish, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking.

Step 2: Make the Breading

In a shallow dish, prepare your breading mixture. You can use dry bread crumbs or flour for this step. Mix the breading with your desired spices, such as onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some baking soda if you like.

Step 3: Coat the Fish

Dredge each fish fillet in the breading mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. If you're using a wet batter, you may need to double-dip by dipping the fish in the batter and then into flour before coating it again with the breading mixture. Make sure to gently press the breading onto the fish to ensure it adheres well.

Step 4: Spray with Oil

Once your fish fillets are coated, spray them generously with cooking oil spray. This step is crucial, as it will help the batter get crispy and prevent the breading from falling off during cooking. You can use olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil for this.

Step 5: Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 380-390°F (190-200°C). Place the fish fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Set the timer for 12-15 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through the cooking process. The fish is ready when it's golden brown and easily flaked with a fork.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the fish gently from the air fryer, as some batter may stick to the basket. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and condiments, such as tartar sauce, lemon wedges, coleslaw, or French fries. Enjoy your crispy fish, made healthier in your air fryer!

The benefits of double dredging in flour

Yes, you can fry battered fish in an air fryer! If you're making the batter from scratch, you'll need to double dredge the fish in flour so that the batter doesn't drop off into the bottom of the air fryer basket.

Double dredging in flour is a great technique to use when frying fish. The benefits of double dredging are twofold: firstly, it gives the fish a crunchy, golden, and non-gummy coating; secondly, it makes the fish easier to handle and prevents it from sticking to the pan.

The first dredge in flour helps seal in moisture, preventing the fish from drying out during cooking. The second dredge ensures that the fish is evenly coated, which will give it a consistent texture and colour when fried. The flour also provides a surface for the cooking oil or spray to adhere to, which is essential when cooking in an air fryer.

When double dredging, it's important to shake off any excess flour between coats. This prevents the flour from becoming pasty or gummy. You can also season the flour with salt, pepper, paprika, chilli powder, garlic powder, or dried/fresh herbs to add extra flavour to your fish.

Double dredging in flour is a simple and effective way to ensure your battered fish comes out crispy and delicious, without sticking to your air fryer or pan.

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