Steam Fish, Air Fryer Style: Can It Be Done?

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, whether it's a fillet or a whole fish. You can cook both fresh and frozen fish in an air fryer, but it's important to note that battered fish is not suitable as the liquid can make a mess and doesn't stick to the fish in the same way as when deep-frying. However, breading is fine, as long as it's dry. When cooking fish in an air fryer, it's important to preheat the appliance, use non-stick spray or oil to prevent sticking, and flip the fish halfway through to ensure even cooking.

How to steam fish without a steamer

There are a few ways to steam fish without a steamer. Here are two methods that use common household items:

Method 1: Using a Heat-Proof Plate and Cooking Ring

• Place a stainless steel cooking ring in the center of a shallow pot. If you don't have a cooking ring, you can use a large cookie cutter or a few balls of aluminium foil to elevate your plate.
• Add about 2 inches (5.1 cm) of water to the pot, ensuring the water level is below the top of the ring or foil balls.
• Place a heat-safe plate that is smaller than your pot on top of the cooking ring or foil balls.
• Turn on the cooktop to medium-high heat and bring the water to a low boil.
• Once the water is boiling, carefully add your fish to the plate. Leave at least 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of space between each piece of fish.
• Cover the pot and steam the fish for 5-7 minutes for small fillets, or up to 10-12 minutes for thicker cuts.
• Remove the plate from the pot using a potholder or oven mitt and serve the fish while it's hot.

Method 2: Using a Steamer Basket

• Season your fish fillets or whole fish as desired and place them in a single layer at the bottom of your steamer basket, leaving about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of space between each piece.
• If you're using a bamboo basket, line the bottom with parchment paper, lettuce, cabbage, or banana leaves to prevent the fish from sticking.
• Fill a pot with 1-2 inches (2.5-5.1 cm) of water, ensuring the water level is below the bottom edge of the steamer basket.
• Place the pot on the cooktop and turn on the burner to medium-high heat. Allow the water to come to a full boil.
• Carefully lower the steamer basket into the pot. Most baskets are designed to fit inside any pot with a larger diameter.
• Cover the pot with a lid and steam the fish for 5-7 minutes, or up to 10-12 minutes for thicker cuts.
• Use a potholder or oven mitt to remove the steamer basket from the pot and serve the fish.

Tips and Variations:

• You can use other liquids such as broth, stock, or cooking wine instead of water for added flavour.
• Try simmering aromatics like minced ginger, crushed peppercorns, dried citrus zest, or anise in your steaming water for extra flavour.
• Steam some quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus along with your fish for a healthy side dish.

How to wrap fish in parchment paper

Wrapping fish in parchment paper is a great way to cook it without drying it out. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Pat the fish dry

Use paper towels to remove as much liquid and dampness as possible from the fish. This will help ensure that the fish is juicier when it is cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the parchment paper

Take a piece of parchment paper and fold it in half. You will need a rectangle of parchment paper approximately 12″ x 16″, but the size can vary slightly depending on the size of your fish. Place the fish in the center of the parchment paper, closer to the seam.

Step 3: Season the fish

Before sealing the parchment paper, season the fish with salt and any other desired spices or sauces. You can also add vegetables, herbs, and slices of lemon to add extra flavour.

Step 4: Seal the parchment paper

Fold the parchment paper over so that the two ends meet, enclosing the fish. Starting at either end of the center crease, make small, overlapping diagonal folds to create a semicircular airtight package. The package should resemble a half-moon-shaped calzone. Seal the packet tightly by twisting and folding the end tip.

Step 5: Cook the fish

Place the parchment paper packet in an air fryer or oven and cook at the appropriate temperature and time for your chosen recipe. For example, in an air fryer, you might cook the fish at 300°F for 15 minutes, while in an oven, you could bake it at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Open the packet carefully

Once the fish is cooked, remove the packet from the air fryer or oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Use kitchen scissors or a knife to cut open the packet, being careful of the hot steam that will escape. Serve the fish directly from the parchment paper, or transfer it to a plate. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Can you use flour instead of breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use flour instead of breadcrumbs when making air fryer fish. However, it is important to note that the texture of the fish will be different. Breadcrumbs are what give air-fried fish its signature crispy outer texture, and flour won't have the same effect. If you use flour, the fish may not be as crispy as you expect.

To get super crispy fried fish, it is recommended to use panko breadcrumbs. Panko has more surface area than normal breadcrumbs, which makes breaded foods crispier. If you don't have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the fish won't be as crispy.

When making air fryer fish, it is also important to remove as much moisture from the fish before breading it. This is because if the fish is too wet, it can steam, causing the breadcrumb coating to become soggy instead of crispy.

Additionally, when cooking fish in the air fryer, it is important not to overcrowd the basket. If the basket is too full, the fish won't cook evenly and won't crisp up because of the steam. It is recommended to cook the fish in batches if necessary.

Can you air fry and serve the next day?

Yes, you can cook your food in an air fryer and serve it the next day. However, for the best results, it is recommended to reheat the food in the air fryer to make it crispy again.

If you are preparing a meal ahead of time, it is best to store the food in an airtight container or sealed bag in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve it, simply reheat it in the air fryer to restore its crispiness.

It is worth noting that some foods may not reheat well in an air fryer, so it is always a good idea to test a small batch first. Additionally, the air fryer is not suitable for long-term storage, and leftovers should be consumed within a few days.

The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including proteins like chicken, fish, and pork, as well as vegetables, appetizers, and even desserts. It is known for producing crispy and crunchy foods with minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods.

What is the best fish to use?

When it comes to choosing the best fish to steam in an air fryer, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to select a fish that is suitable for steaming. Steaming is an excellent method for cooking white fish, particularly those that are lean, mild-flavoured, and delicate. Examples of white fish that fit this description include cod, haddock, perch, halibut, sea bass, tilapia, and sole. These fish tend to be thinner and less firm than oily fish like salmon, which makes them ideal for the gentle cooking environment of an air fryer.

However, it's worth noting that oily fish like salmon or mackerel can also be steamed, although they may not be the best choice for this cooking method. Very thin white fish, such as tilapia or flounder, can also be steamed but are not ideal and may be better suited for deep frying or pan-searing.

When selecting your fish, look for fillets that are uniform in colour with shiny, firm flesh and a delicate ocean-like smell, avoiding any with a strong fishy scent.

Once you've chosen the type of fish, it's important to consider the thickness of the fillets. Air fryer cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the fish, so you may need to adjust your cooking time accordingly. Thicker fillets, such as halibut or cod, may require a few extra minutes of cooking time compared to thinner fillets.

In summary, the best fish to steam in an air fryer are mild-flavoured white fish with a delicate texture, such as cod, haddock, halibut, sea bass, or sole. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets.

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