Blackening Fish In An Air Fryer: A Quick Guide

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, yielding a crispy exterior and a soft, flaky interior. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air evenly around the fish fillets means they cook quickly with minimal oil, resulting in a golden brown finish. The type of fish you use is important; thinner, white, and flaky fish like cod, haddock, and pollock are ideal, while thicker fish like tuna or swordfish will take longer to cook. You can also use frozen fish, but be sure to thaw it first. The process is simple: coat the fish with oil, then a breading of your choice, and finally, cook in the air fryer for around 12-15 minutes.

What type of fish can be cooked in an air fryer?

An air fryer can be used to cook a variety of fish fillets, including cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, salmon, and flounder. It is also possible to use frozen fish fillets, but they must be completely defrosted before cooking. The best way to thaw fish is to leave it in the fridge overnight or, for smaller pieces, to submerge it in ice-cold water for an hour.

When preparing fish in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the fillets are not too thin, as thin strips will not cook properly in the air fryer. Additionally, the air fryer basket should not be overcrowded, as this will prevent the fish from crisping. The cooking time may also need to be adjusted depending on the type and thickness of the fish, as well as the model of the air fryer.

One popular way to cook fish in an air fryer is to coat the fillets in a breadcrumb mixture before cooking. This gives the fish a crispy texture. To make the breadcrumb mixture, combine dry bread crumbs with spices such as onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. You can also add in some olive oil or vegetable oil to the mixture. Once the fish fillets are coated, they can be cooked in the air fryer at 200°C (390°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Another option for cooking fish in an air fryer is to dip the fillets in flour and egg before coating them in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture. This method creates a crispy, golden brown exterior. The fish can then be cooked in the air fryer at 380°F for 5 minutes on each side.

How to make blackening seasoning

Yes, you can blacken fish in an air fryer. Here's a recipe for blackening seasoning to go with it:

Blackening seasoning is a mixture of chili powders, herbs, and spices. It is spicy and piquant, similar to Cajun and Creole seasoning blends. The term "blackening" refers to the cooking process of blackening fish or shrimp by dipping them in butter, coating them with seasoning, and searing them over high heat. The combination of butter, heat, and seasoning creates a dark crust on the food, giving it its characteristic look and flavour.

• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika (or use regular paprika)
• 1 tablespoon cayenne powder (use more for a spicier blend)
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until well combined. Store the seasoning blend in an airtight container. Blackening seasoning will last a long time, but it's best to make small batches as it starts to lose potency after about 6 months. Store it in a cool, dark place in a sealed container or spice jar.

You can use regular or smoked paprika, depending on your preference. Paprika can range from mild to hot, depending on the peppers used. Cayenne powder adds heat, so adjust the amount to your desired spice level. The recipe also calls for dried basil, oregano, and thyme, but you can experiment with other herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Feel free to include other ingredients such as white pepper, cumin, spicy chilli flake, or even a pinch of ghost pepper powder for an extra spicy blend. This blackening seasoning is very versatile, so you can customise it to your taste preferences.

How to prepare the fish

To prepare fish in an air fryer, start by choosing the right type of fish. Most types of fish fillets will work, but it's best to avoid thicker fillets like tuna or swordfish, which take longer to cook. Moderate to thin, white, and flaky fish, such as cod, haddock, pollock, tilapia, catfish, or mahi mahi, are ideal. You can use fresh or frozen fish, but if you're using frozen, be sure to thaw it first.

Once you've chosen your fish, cut it into strips or fillets of an appropriate size for your air fryer. If you're using frozen fish, make sure it's completely thawed before cooking. Then, pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Next, prepare your breading station. You'll need three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs or a breadcrumb-cornmeal mixture. You can also add seasonings of your choice to the breadcrumb mixture, such as paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or salt. Mix the breadcrumbs and seasonings until well combined.

Now, it's time to coat the fish. First, dredge the fish strips or fillets in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them completely in the egg, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Be sure to coat the fish evenly and fully.

After breading, spray the coated fish with cooking spray or olive oil on both sides. This step will help ensure a crispy, golden crust.

Finally, it's time to cook the fish in your air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 380-400°F (180-200°C). Place the fish in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a small space between each piece. You may need to cook the fish in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cook the fish for 5 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. For a blackened effect, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly, but be careful not to overcook the fish.

Once the fish is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can serve it with fries, tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or your choice of sides and toppings. Enjoy!

How long to cook the fish for

The cooking time for fish in an air fryer depends on the type and thickness of the fish, as well as the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook the fish until it flakes easily with a fork. This usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes in the air fryer, but it can vary depending on the specific circumstances.

For example, thinner fillets of white and flaky fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi-mahi will cook faster, while thicker fillets like tuna or swordfish will take longer. It's also important to note that frozen fish should be completely thawed before cooking, and the excess moisture should be removed with a paper towel to ensure a crispy texture.

When cooking fish in an air fryer, it's crucial to not overcrowd the basket to allow for even cooking and crispiness. It's also a good idea to preheat the air fryer to ensure consistent cooking results.

To achieve a golden and crispy exterior, it is recommended to spray the fish with oil during the cooking process. Additionally, flipping the fish halfway through the cooking time ensures even cooking on both sides.

In summary, the cooking time for fish in an air fryer can range from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the type and thickness of the fish, as well as the model of the air fryer. It's important to cook the fish until it flakes easily with a fork, and to follow best practices such as thawing frozen fish, avoiding overcrowding the air fryer basket, preheating the air fryer, and spraying the fish with oil for a crispy texture.

What to serve the fish with

There are many different options for what to serve with fish. Here are some suggestions:

Starchy Sides

• Rice, especially coconut rice, rice cooked in chicken broth, lemon rice, cilantro rice, or rice pilaf
• Potatoes, such as roasted baby potatoes, mashed potatoes, or potato wedges
• Pasta, like orzo, egg noodles, or fusili
• Polenta with parmesan and garlic
• Couscous
• Bread

Vegetables

• Asparagus, either oven-roasted or steamed
• Broccoli, either roasted or steamed
• Zucchini, either fritters or roasted
• Green beans
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Cauliflower, especially roasted garlic cauliflower
• Corn
• Peas
• Beans

Salads

• Sweet restaurant slaw
• Quinoa and black bean salad
• Broccoli and tortellini salad
• Curried cashew, pear, and grape salad
• Classic Caesar salad
• Black bean and corn salad

Sauces

• Tartar sauce
• Lemon wedges
• Hot sauce

Frequently asked questions