Frying Fish In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying, allowing you to cook crispy, golden fish without the need for excessive oil. You can use an air fryer to cook a variety of fish, including cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, and salmon. The process is simple: coat the fish in a thin layer of oil, press it into breadcrumbs, and then place it in the air fryer for around 12-15 minutes. You can also experiment with different seasonings to add more flavour. So, if you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious way to cook fish, an air fryer is definitely worth considering!

Fish types suitable for air frying

Yes, you can fry fish in an air fryer!

Most types of fish fillets are suitable for air frying, including:

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

You can also use frozen fish fillets, but ensure they are completely defrosted before cooking.

The cooking time will vary depending on the type and thickness of the fish, but generally, fish fillets will cook in an air fryer in around 12-15 minutes at 390°F (200°C).

Some recipes suggest using a breading or flour coating on the fish, which can be made with breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or flour, and seasoned with spices such as garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, or chili powder.

Air frying is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, as it requires only a small amount of oil to produce crispy, golden fish.

Air fryer temperature and time

The ideal temperature and time for frying fish in an air fryer depends on the type of fish and the specific recipe you are following. Here are some general guidelines and tips to help you achieve the best results:

Temperature

Most recipes recommend setting your air fryer to around 390°F (200°C) for frying fish. This temperature range will help you achieve a crispy exterior and moist, flaky interior.

Time

The cooking time will depend on the type of fish, the thickness of the fillets, and the specific recipe. For most recipes, the cooking time falls between 10 to 15 minutes for fish fillets. For example, breaded fish fillets like tilapia are usually cooked in 15 minutes or less.

It's important to note that you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of fish and the thickness of the fillets. Thicker fillets may require a few extra minutes, while smaller pieces of fish will cook faster.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: Ensure there is enough space between the fillets to allow for even cooking and crisping.
• Flip halfway through: To ensure even cooking and prevent sticking, gently flip the fillets halfway through the cooking process.
• Adjust time as needed: Keep an eye on the fish during cooking, as you may need to adjust the time depending on the type of fish and your air fryer model.
• Use an instant-read thermometer: To ensure your fish is cooked to the recommended temperature, use an instant-read thermometer. The FDA-designated safe temperature for consuming fish is 145°F.
• Prepare the fish properly: Before cooking, pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating adhere better. You can also season the fillets with salt and pepper before coating them.
• Coat the air fryer basket: To prevent sticking, brush the air fryer basket with a little oil or line it with parchment paper before adding the fish.

By following these guidelines and tips, you'll be able to fry fish in your air fryer like a pro, achieving delicious, crispy results every time!

Air fryer basket preparation

Before you begin cooking your fish in the air fryer, there are a few important steps to follow to ensure your fish turns out crispy and delicious.

Firstly, ensure your fish fillets are either fresh or fully defrosted/thawed if frozen. If you need to thaw your fish, it's best to leave it in the fridge overnight or, if the piece is not too big, you can leave it on the counter for an hour submerged in ice-cold water.

Next, you'll want to portion your fish fillets into relatively similar sizes to ensure even cooking. Rinse and pat the fillets dry with paper towels, leaving them slightly damp. Then, add your fish seasoning to a sealable bag, such as a Ziplock bag, and shake to coat the fillets fully. Place the fillets on a baking rack to allow any excess flour or seasoning to fall off.

Now it's time to prepare your air fryer basket. Grease the bottom of the basket with a spritz of non-stick spray or a thin layer of oil. You can also brush the grate with a little oil or line the basket with parchment paper. Place the coated fish fillets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the fish from crisping properly.

With these steps, your air fryer basket will be ready for cooking, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy fish!

Fish preparation

First, decide on the type of fish you want to cook. Any kind of fish fillets will work, but a firm, mild white fish like cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, or halibut is recommended. You can also use salmon or thinner fish like whiting or flounder, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.

If using frozen fish, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw fish is to leave it in the fridge overnight or, if it's a small piece, leave it on the counter for an hour submerged in ice-cold water.

Once your fish is thawed, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is important as it helps the coating adhere better to the fish. You can also season the fish with salt and pepper, or a seasoning mix of your choice.

Next, prepare your breading. You can use plain breadcrumbs or Italian breadcrumbs, or make your own by mixing plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning and other spices like cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper. You will also need to coat the fish with a thin layer of oil before pressing it into the breadcrumbs. This can be done by dipping the fish in a shallow bowl of oil or brushing the oil onto the fish with a brush.

After coating the fish with oil, gently press it into the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat both sides evenly. You can also dip the fish in flour or egg before coating it with breadcrumbs, which will help the coating stick better.

Once your fish is coated, grease the bottom of your air fryer basket with oil and place the fillets inside, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fish in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the fish to steam instead of fry.

Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and cook the fish for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The fish is done when it's golden and crispy, and flakes easily with a fork.

Serve your air-fried fish hot with tartar sauce, hot sauce, or lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried fish. Here are some suggestions:

Sauces and Condiments

You can serve the fish with tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, hot sauce, or lemon wedges.

Sides

Air-fried fish pairs well with potato and veggie sides. Some specific suggestions include:

• Air Fryer Potato Wedges
• Air Fryer French Fries
• Air Fryer Asparagus and Mushrooms
• Mushy Peas
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Air Fryer Green Beans
• Baked Potato Wedges
• Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes
• Oven-Baked Fries

Other

You can also use the fish in fish tacos or fish taco bowls.

Frequently asked questions