Air-Fried Fish And Chips: A Tasty, Healthy Twist

Fish and chips is a beloved meal worldwide, but it can be a messy and unhealthy dish to prepare. However, with an air fryer, you can make this classic dish with less guilt and hassle. You can achieve a similar texture and taste to deep-fried fish and chips, but with much less oil. This paragraph will discuss the steps to make fish and chips in an air fryer, including choosing the right type of fish, preparing the fish and potatoes, and applying the air fryer method to cook them to perfection.

Choosing the right fish

White fish, such as cod, pollock, haddock, or halibut, are classic choices for fish and chips and hold up well in the air fryer. They have a tender texture and a mild flavour that goes well with the crispy breading. Other types of white fish, such as tilapia, catfish, and whiting, can also be used and will give you a similarly flaky and moist texture.

It's best to avoid oily fish like tuna or swordfish, as they can have a stronger flavour and texture that may not suit the traditional fish and chips taste. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule, and you can experiment with different varieties to find your favourite.

When choosing your fish, opt for fresh fillets whenever possible. However, frozen fish can also be used, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking and pat it dry to remove any excess moisture, which is crucial for a crispy exterior.

For the perfect air fryer fish and chips, cut your fish into fillets or strips that are not too thin, as thinner pieces may not hold up well in the air fryer. Blot the fish with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help ensure a crispy crust.

With the right fish and preparation, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious air fryer fish and chips!

Preparing the potatoes

Step 1: Selecting and Cutting the Potatoes

Choose potatoes that are suitable for making chips, such as russet, Idaho, or Maris Piper potatoes. These varieties have a higher starch content, which is ideal for achieving crispy chips. Peel the potatoes and cut them into even-sized sticks, about half an inch thick. This ensures consistent cooking and even browning.

Step 2: Soaking the Potatoes

Once you've cut the potatoes, it's time to soak them. Soaking helps remove excess starch, resulting in golden and crispy chips. Place the potato sticks in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes, and up to 3 hours. If you're soaking them for longer, remember to change the water at least once during the process.

Step 3: Drying the Potatoes

After soaking, thoroughly dry the potatoes with a clean towel or kitchen paper. Removing the moisture is essential before placing them in the air fryer, as it ensures they cook properly and don't end up soggy.

Step 4: Preheating the Air Fryer

While you're preparing the potatoes, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is important as it ensures the potatoes cook evenly and helps achieve the desired crispiness.

Step 5: Oiling the Potatoes

Place the dried potato sticks in a bowl and drizzle them with a small amount of oil. You can use olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. Toss the potatoes well to ensure they are evenly coated with oil. This step adds flavor and helps with the browning process.

Step 6: Arranging the Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Carefully arrange the oiled potato sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Avoid overcrowding to promote even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.

Step 7: Cooking the Potatoes

Now it's time to air-fry the potatoes! Cook them in the preheated air fryer for approximately 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and give the basket a shake or flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking process. The exact cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your potato sticks and your air fryer model.

Step 8: Seasoning the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Sprinkle them with salt to taste and add other seasonings like paprika or garlic powder if desired. You can also sprinkle some malt vinegar over the chips for an authentic fish and chips experience!

Making the batter

Now it's time to make the batter. In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. You can also add in any other desired seasonings. Then, slowly whisk in cold sparkling water or beer—the carbonation in these liquids will help create a light and crispy batter. Continue whisking until you achieve a smooth, thick consistency. It's important to use your batter right away, as it will thicken too much if left to sit.

Once your batter is ready, dip each seasoned fish fillet into it, ensuring an even coat. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing the fish in the air fryer basket or tray. It's important to not overcrowd the basket or tray to ensure even airflow and cooking.

Cooking the chips

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make the chips:

• 1 kg floury potatoes (such as Maris Piper)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup of cornflour
• 2 tablespoons of rapeseed oil

Method

Step 1: Cut the potatoes

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. Peel the potatoes and cut them lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Then, cut these slices into 1/2-inch-thick sticks.

Step 2: Soak the potatoes

Place the cut potatoes into a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes, and up to 3 hours. If soaking for longer, remember to change the water at least once. This step helps remove excess starch and ensures crispy chips.

Step 3: Dry the potatoes

After soaking, drain the water from the potatoes and dry them thoroughly with a towel. This step is important to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

Step 4: Season the potatoes

Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and toss them to ensure an even coating. You can also add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Cook the potatoes

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook at 400°F for 5-10 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are tender. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Tips

• For extra crispy chips, sprinkle them with cornflour and gently toss to coat before placing them in the air fryer.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your chips, cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Cooking the fish

To cook fish in an air fryer, you'll first need to thaw the fish if it's frozen. Then, pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy coating. Next, season the fish with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. You can even add a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.

The batter is essential to fish and chips, providing a crispy coating. In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and any other seasonings you like. Whisk in cold sparkling water or beer until you get a smooth, thick consistency. The carbonation in the liquid helps create a light and crispy batter. Let the batter rest for about 15 minutes to ensure it is well combined and free of lumps.

Now, dip each seasoned fish fillet into the batter, making sure it is evenly coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing the fish in the air fryer basket or tray.

Cook the fish fillets in the air fryer for about 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The fish should be golden brown and crispy. However, cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the air fryer model. To check if the fish is done, insert a fork or toothpick into the thickest part of the fish. If it flakes easily, it's ready!

Tips for cooking fish in an air fryer

• Use white fish varieties like cod, haddock, or pollock, which have a mild flavour and firm texture.
• If using frozen fish, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Make sure to remove as much moisture from the fish before breading it.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket or tray to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• Be generous with the cooking oil spray to get that crispy texture.
• You don't need to flip the fish. Flipping it halfway through cooking can cause the breading to come off.

Frequently asked questions