Battered Fish, Air Fryer: A Healthy Frying Option?

Yes, you can batter fish and cook it in an air fryer. This method of cooking fish is a healthier alternative to deep-fried fish, as it requires very little oil. The air fryer cooks the fish to a perfect crisp without the need for deep frying. You can use a variety of fish, including cod, tilapia, haddock, catfish, and other white fish. The fish is coated in a batter, usually made with flour, beer, and spices, and then cooked in the air fryer for around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer.

Characteristics and Values

Beer batter

Beer-battered fish is a delicious treat, but it can be a messy and unhealthy process to fry it in hot oil. However, an air fryer can be used to make a delicious, crispy, and flaky fish without the mess and calories of deep-frying. The air fryer also eliminates the strong smell of oil that lingers after frying fish in a pan of hot oil.

The key to making beer-battered fish in an air fryer is to double-dip the fish. First, dip the fish in the beer batter, and then dip it in flour. The flour gives the wet beer batter something to stick to, making it easier to handle and transfer to the air fryer. The flour also ensures that the batter doesn't drip off into the air fryer basket. The fish should then be coated with oil. This can be done by spraying the fish with cooking spray or olive oil spray.

The air fryer basket should be coated generously with cooking spray, and the air fryer should be preheated to 380-390°F. The fish should then be placed in the basket and cooked for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer. It is important to check the fish during the cooking process to ensure that the batter doesn't dry out, and the fish can be sprayed with oil again if needed.

The result is a delicious, crispy, and flaky fish with a light and airy batter, all made without the mess and calories of deep-frying.

Cooking spray

When it comes to cooking spray for air fryers, it's important to choose one with a high smoke point to avoid damaging your appliance or burning your food. Avocado oil, with a smoke point of around 520°F (271°C), is a great option. Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray is a popular choice as it is 100% pure avocado oil, with no additives, fillers, or propellants. It also has a high smoke point, ensuring a smooth cooking experience without the risk of damage.

Some cooking sprays contain additives like soy lecithin, which can break down at high temperatures and cause residue buildup on your air fryer's non-stick surface. This can make it harder to clean and less effective over time. Therefore, it is important to read the labels and opt for a cooking spray with fewer additives.

Another option is olive oil spray, which is a healthy choice for lower-temperature cooking. However, it has a lower smoke point of around 375°F (190°C) and may not be suitable for air frying, which requires higher temperatures.

When cooking battered fish in an air fryer, it is recommended to spray the air fryer basket generously with a cooking spray of your choice before placing the fish in it. This helps to prevent the fish from sticking to the basket and ensures even cooking. You can also spray the fish itself with the cooking spray for added crispness and to prevent the batter from drying out.

Pre-heating the fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process. It ensures that the temperature and air flows are at the right level when you cook your battered fish, preventing uneven cooking. Here are some detailed instructions on pre-heating your air fryer:

Firstly, remove the frying basket from the air fryer. This is important as it allows you to preheat the air fryer itself, not just the basket. Then, set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a common preheating temperature for air fryers, and it will ensure your fish is cooked evenly.

The preheating time will depend on your air fryer model, but on average, it should take about 10 minutes to reach the desired temperature. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the batter for your fish or give the basket a quick spritz with some non-stick spray to prevent the fish from sticking.

Once the preheating is complete, you can place the battered fish into the basket and set the timer for cooking. It is important to note that some recipes recommend heating the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit, so adjust the temperature accordingly if needed.

Preheating your air fryer ensures that your battered fish will cook evenly and efficiently. It is a simple yet essential step to guarantee that your fish has a crispy exterior and flaky center, creating a delightful texture and flavor combination.

Fish preparation

Fish and chips is a classic dish that can be made healthier by using an air fryer. The fish can be battered or breaded and cooked in the air fryer without the need for deep frying, resulting in a crispy and flaky texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing fish in an air fryer:

Step 1: Choose Your Fish

Select a firm, white-fleshed fish such as cod, tilapia, haddock, catfish, or basa fillets. You can also cut the fish into strips or leave it as a whole fillet, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

Pat the fish dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as it ensures that the breading or batter will stick to the fish and not become soggy. You can also season the fish with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice, at this stage.

Step 3: Create a Battering Station

Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour (all-purpose or gluten-free) and seasonings, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs (panko or regular). You can also add additional ingredients to the flour mixture, such as garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, or garlic salt, for extra flavour.

Step 4: Batter the Fish

Dip each piece of fish first into the flour mixture, coating it evenly, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs. Make sure to gently press the breadcrumbs onto the fish to ensure an even coating. Place the battered fish on a baking sheet or plate.

Step 5: Second Coating (Optional)

For an extra crispy coating, you can repeat the battering process by dipping the fish back into the egg and then the breadcrumbs again. This will create a thicker, crunchier layer.

Step 6: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (205°C). Generously spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent the fish from sticking.

Step 7: Cook the Fish

Place the battered fish in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded and do not overlap. Cook for 10-13 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your air fryer model. Check the fish after 10 minutes to ensure it doesn't overcook. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the coating is golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the fish from the air fryer gently using a flexible spatula. Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as oven-baked French fries, sweet potato fries, tartar sauce, slaw, or lemon wedges.

By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy fish cooked in your air fryer with minimal oil and maximum flavour!

Serving suggestions

Beer-battered fish cooked in an air fryer can be served with tartar sauce, slaw, and lemon wedges. The slaw can be made with cabbage, onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It is recommended to make the slaw 15 minutes ahead of time and let it sit.

The fish can also be served with potato fries, broccoli, or malt vinegar as a dipping sauce. For a well-balanced family meal, the fish can be served with steamed vegetables.

If you are making fish and chips, you can serve the fish with oven-baked French fries or air fryer sweet potato fries. The fish can be seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

To ensure the fish is cooked through, use a fork to test the thickest piece, the flesh should easily flake. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions