Fish Batter In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy fish without the need for deep frying. But can you batter fish in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, but it's a little tricky. The key is to make sure the batter is thick enough so that it doesn't run off the fish and through the holes in the air fryer basket. You can do this by dredging the battered fish in flour before air frying. It won't be exactly like traditional deep-fried fish and chips, but it's a delicious and healthier alternative.

How to make batter stick to fish

Battering fish for an air fryer can be challenging as the batter tends to run off the fish and through the holes in the air fryer basket. However, there are several steps you can take to ensure the batter sticks to the fish.

Firstly, it is important to ensure the fish is dry before coating it in batter. Use a paper towel to pat the fish dry and remove any excess moisture. This will help the batter to stick and prevent the fish from becoming soggy.

Next, prepare your dredging station with three bowls. The first bowl should contain flour, which you can season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The second bowl should contain a beaten egg, which will help the breadcrumbs stick to the fish. The third bowl should contain breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give you the crispiest results, but regular breadcrumbs can also be used.

Now, you are ready to start battering the fish. First, dip the fish in the flour, then the egg, and finally, the breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat the fish evenly and gently press the breadcrumbs onto the fish to ensure they adhere well.

Once the fish is coated, place it on a baking sheet and spritz both sides with oil. This step is crucial, as it will ensure the fish doesn't stick to the air fryer and help the batter cook properly.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking, and place the fish inside. Cook the fish for around 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and the model of your air fryer.

By following these steps, you should be able to achieve crispy, golden fish with a batter that sticks!

How to make the batter crispy

To make the batter crispy when frying fish in an air fryer, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, ensure that you pat the fish dry with a paper towel before coating it in batter. This will help to remove any excess moisture, which can cause the batter to become soggy.

Next, create a thick batter by using a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and baking soda. You can also add an egg to the batter to help it stick to the fish. For extra crispiness, dip the battered fish in flour again after coating it in the batter. This double-coating technique will help create a super-crispy shell.

Before placing the fish in the air fryer, spritz or spray both sides generously with oil. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the flour is completely coated and cooked through, resulting in a crispier texture.

Finally, make sure to preheat your air fryer. This will ensure that the temperature and airflow are at the right levels when you cook the fish, resulting in even cooking and a crispier batter.

By following these steps, you can achieve a crispy and delicious batter when frying fish in your air fryer. Enjoy your healthy and tasty treat!

What type of fish to use

When it comes to choosing fish for air frying, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use a mild white fish, such as cod, pollock, or haddock. These fish have a meaty yet flaky texture and tend to stay moist when cooked. It is also important to ensure the fish is cut into fillets or strips that are about 1 inch thick; thinner pieces may dry out, while thicker cuts may not cook properly.

Freshness is also key. Using fresh fish fillets will ensure the best results when it comes to taste and texture. Frozen fish can be used, but it must be properly thawed and any excess water removed to prevent sogginess.

Additionally, before coating and cooking the fish, it is crucial to pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. This step helps to remove any excess moisture, allowing the batter to adhere better and resulting in a crispier coating.

When preparing the fish for cooking, it is also important to season it generously with salt and pepper or other desired spices to enhance the overall flavour of the dish.

In summary, when selecting fish for air frying, opt for fresh, mild white fish such as cod, pollock, or haddock, with a thickness of around 1 inch. Ensure the fish is properly thawed if frozen, and always pat it dry before coating and cooking to achieve the desired crispiness.

How to reheat fish in an air fryer

Reheating fish in an air fryer is a simple process that will ensure your fish retains its crispy texture and flaky interior.

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Use paper towels to gently pat dry the fish, removing any excess moisture that could lead to sogginess during reheating. If you want to enhance the crispiness, you can lightly brush or spray the fish with a small amount of oil.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (180°C). This step is important as it ensures the fish will cook evenly and develop that desired crispiness. Wait until the air fryer reaches the set temperature before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Arrange the Fish

Place the fish fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to ensure proper air circulation. If you have a large quantity of fish, consider reheating in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect crispiness.

Step 4: Reheating Process

Place the basket with the fish into the preheated air fryer and set the timer. The ideal duration will depend on the type and thickness of the fish, typically ranging from 3-8 minutes. The goal is to reheat without overcooking.

Step 5: Monitor and Flip

Keep a close eye on the fish during the reheating process to prevent overcooking or burning. If your air fryer doesn't automatically rotate the food, consider flipping the fillets halfway through to ensure even crispiness on both sides.

Step 6: Test for Crispiness

After the reheating time is up, carefully remove a fillet and check its texture. The exterior should be golden-brown and crispy, while the interior should be flaky and tender. If the crispiness isn't to your liking, return the fish to the air fryer for an additional minute or two.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the fish is reheated to perfection, serve it immediately with your favorite sides, sauces, or salads. Remember that reheated fish tastes best when enjoyed right after cooking.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid reheating delicate fish like sole or flounder, as they are more prone to overcooking and drying out. Thicker and flakier varieties, such as salmon, trout, cod, and haddock, tend to hold up better during the reheating process.
• There is no need to preheat the air fryer when reheating leftover fish, and you typically don't need to add additional oil. However, if you want your fish to be extra crispy, you can spray a little olive oil on top and blot any excess with a paper towel.
• Parchment paper can be placed in the basket of the air fryer to help with cleanup.
• The brand of air fryer doesn't seem to matter, but different brands may require slight adjustments in cooking time. Always check on your fish a minute or two before the recommended cooking time is up to gauge how it's progressing.
• While the air fryer is an excellent method for reheating fish, it's best not to reheat the same fish more than twice, as it will eventually become dry.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy reheated fish!

What to serve with battered fish

Battered fish is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas to elevate your battered fish meal:

Classic Sides:

Fish and chips is a classic British meal, so serving your battered fish with a side of crispy, golden French fries or potato wedges is always a good idea. You can also offer condiments like tartar sauce, malt vinegar, and lemon wedges on the side.

Vegetable Sides:

If you're looking for something healthier or more nutritious, roasted cauliflower, steamed broccoli, or a mixed green salad can complement the dish well. For something more indulgent, try cheese and bacon potato rounds or roasted garlic cauliflower.

Starch Sides:

Mashed potatoes are a great option, especially if you want to add some extra creaminess to your meal. You could also try baked potatoes, rosemary and sea salt mini roasted potatoes, or even sweet potato wedges for a slightly sweeter option.

Salads and Slaw:

Coleslaw is a traditional side dish for fried fish, and you can make it at home or buy it from a deli. You could also try a corn and tomato salad with garlic and onion for a summery, flavorful option.

Other Sides:

For something a little different, try hush puppies, onion rings, or even homemade salt and vinegar potato chips. If you're serving a larger group, you might want to offer a variety of sides so that there's something for everyone.

With these ideas, you can create a delicious and well-rounded meal featuring battered fish as the star!

Frequently asked questions