Beer-Battering In An Air Fryer: A Tasty Treat?

Beer-battered fish is a beloved dish, but it can be a messy and unhealthy affair. Air fryers have emerged as a healthier alternative to deep frying, but can you really make beer-battered fish in an air fryer? The answer is yes, but it requires some adjustments to the traditional recipe and technique.

Beer-battered fish in the air fryer

Air-fried beer-battered fish is a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. The air fryer cuts down on the calories and mess of deep-frying, while still delivering a crispy, flaky, and tender fish. The key to success is in the preparation and cooking method, which involves double-dipping the fish in a thick batter and flour coating and generously spraying it with oil to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of fresh cod, cut into 4 fillets (or any white fish)
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of onion powder
• ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
• 12 ounces of your favorite beer (preferably a light wheat beer or lager)
• Pickled onions, lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and coleslaw for serving
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients for Sides

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

• Pat the fish fillets completely dry with paper towels.
• Prepare two separate bowls for the batter and flour coating. In the first bowl, combine 1 cup of flour with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to mix.
• In the second bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of flour with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beer and whisk until a smooth, thick batter forms.
• Dip each piece of fish into the beer batter, ensuring it is completely coated. Then, dip it into the seasoned flour and gently press the flour to adhere. This double-dipping process is crucial for creating a coating that will stay put during air frying.
• Generously spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray.
• Heat the air fryer to 380-390 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the fish fillets in the basket and spray them all over with the cooking spray or olive oil spray.
• Set the timer for 12-15 minutes. Check once or twice during cooking and spray again if needed to prevent the batter from drying out.
• While the fish is cooking, prepare your tartar sauce and coleslaw.
• Gently remove the fish from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and coleslaw.

Tips and Tricks

• It is important to use thick fish fillets (at least 1-1.5 inches thick) to prevent overcooking.
• Don't skip the step of generously spraying the fish with oil. This ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.
• If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with club soda or ginger ale.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
• For an even crispier crust, let the coated fish sit on a rack to air dry for a few minutes before placing it in the air fryer.

The best type of fish for beer-battering

Beer-battering and air-frying fish is a great way to enjoy crispy, crunchy, and tender fish without the guilt of deep-frying. While you can use a variety of fish for beer-battering, here are some tips on choosing the best type of fish for this cooking method:

White Fish

White fish, such as cod, tilapia, or Alaskan cod, is an excellent choice for beer-battering. It has a flaky texture and a mild flavour that pairs well with the crispy coating. Cod is widely available and affordable, making it a popular choice for fish and chips. Other options include haddock, halibut, hake, or pollock, which are also thick, white fish with a flaky texture.

Other Options

In addition to white fish, you can also try beer-battering and air-frying shrimp or halibut. However, shrimp should be raw, not precooked, and halibut can be a bit pricey. Another option is to use fish that you have caught yourself, such as red snapper or basa, for a unique and personal touch to your meal.

Preparation

Before beer-battering your chosen fish, be sure to pat it dry with paper towels and season it with salt and pepper. This will help the batter adhere to the fish and ensure a crispy coating. It is also important to have your oil at the correct temperature, usually around 375 degrees Fahrenheit, to prevent the batter from falling off and ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Beer-battered fish can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Classic pairings include tartar sauce, coleslaw, malt vinegar, and lemon wedges. For a heartier meal, serve it with French fries or crispy fish tacos. You can also pair it with a nice IPA or a light lager to complement the flavours of the fish and batter.

How to get crispy fish in an air fryer

Preparation

Firstly, ensure your fish fillet is nice and thick. The thickness of the fish is important as it needs to be thick enough that it doesn't overcook in the time taken to brown the outside.

Next, pat the fish dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it ensures you get the crispy results you want.

Battering

Now, for the battering. This is a two-step process. First, dip the fish into the batter, coating all sides. Let any excess batter drip off and then coat each fillet with seasoned flour. You can sprinkle any leftover flour on the fish fillets and pat it gently to adhere the flour to the batter.

Cooking

Before placing the fish in the air fryer, spritz the air fryer basket generously with non-stick/olive oil spray. Then, heat the air fryer to 380-390°F. Place the fish in the basket and spray all over with non-stick/olive oil spray. Set the timer for 12 minutes.

Serving

Once the fish is cooked, remove it gently and serve with sauce and slaw. You can also serve it with lemon wedges for spritzing!

Tips

• It is important to be generous when spritzing the fish with oil to ensure that none of the flour is left dry.
• You can use any lager or ale for the beer.
• You can use soda water instead of beer.

What to serve with beer-battered fish

Beer-battered fish is a delicious treat, and there are several sides that can accompany it. Here are some ideas:

Classic Sides

• Fries: The most obvious pairing with fried fish, but did you know that for the perfect fry, you should douse them in hot oil twice? You can also make them in an air fryer or oven for a healthier option.
• Coleslaw: A classic side, with many variations to try, including a cilantro-lime coleslaw that will give your meal a zesty kick.
• Peas: In the British Isles, peas are a traditional side to serve with fish and chips. You could try minted peas or a pea and potato salad for something a little different.
• Hush Puppies: A classic Southern side, these are a must when serving fried catfish.
• Tartar Sauce: The perfect dipping sauce for your crispy fish.

Salads

• Cucumber, Avocado and Tomato Salad with Pesto: Get your veggie fix with this colourful and refreshing salad.
• Wedge Salad: A fresh and crispy classic that goes with almost anything.
• Green Bean Almondine: Green beans tossed with brown butter, toasty almonds, shallots, garlic and a squeeze of lemon.
• Corn and Tomato Salad: A light and refreshing salad, with fresh herbs to make the flavours pop.

Starches

• Cheese Grits: A creamy, corn-based comfort food and a staple in the South.
• Macaroni Salad: Extra creamy and tangy, this is a great make-ahead side to have in the fridge for easy serving.
• Potato Wedges: Seasoned and baked to crispy perfection, these are a nice change from fries.
• Sweet Potato Fries: The sweet flavour of these fries is a great pairing with savoury, crispy fish.
• Mashed Potatoes: Try these in the microwave for a quick and easy side.

Something Different

• Dirty Rice: A famous dish in Creole and Cajun cuisines. White rice is cooked with meat and seasonings for a "dirty" colour and a flavour punch.
• Bacon, Cheddar and Jalapeño Cornbread: This cornbread has been taken to the next level with the addition of bacon, cheddar and jalapeños.
• Glazed Peas and Potatoes with Mint: Potatoes, peas and mint are the ultimate trio to serve with battered fish.
• New England Clam Chowder: A cosy bowl of seafood goodness, loaded with creamy, perfectly seasoned broth, clams and potatoes.

How to make beer batter

Making beer batter is simple and requires just a few ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make beer batter:

Ingredients:

• Beer: Choose a light beer for a milder flavour or a dark beer for a richer taste. A higher carbonation level will result in an airier batter. Ensure the beer is ice-cold.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour or self-rising flour.
• Cornstarch (optional): Cornstarch is not necessary but ensures an extra crispy, light fry.
• Egg (optional): Adding an egg creates a more delicate crust and helps seal in moisture.
• Seasonings (optional): You can add seasonings like garlic powder, black pepper, seasoning salt, paprika, or cayenne pepper to taste.

Instructions:

• Combine the dry ingredients, including any seasonings, in a bowl.
• Whisk in the beer until you achieve a smooth and thick batter, similar to pancake batter. If the batter becomes too thick, thin it out by adding more beer.
• Let the batter sit in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
• Dip your chosen food items (fish, shrimp, vegetables, etc.) into the batter, ensuring they are completely coated.
• If desired, dip the battered items into a separate bowl of flour to create a thicker coating.
• Spray the battered items with oil.
• Place the items into your air fryer and spritz with additional oil during the cooking process if needed.

Note: When using an air fryer, it is crucial to ensure that the batter is thick and that the battered items are coated with flour and oil to prevent the batter from running off or sticking to the air fryer.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and golden beer-battered treats!

Frequently asked questions