Air Fryer Breaded Fish: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Yes, you can cook breaded fish in an air fryer! This method is a great way to make fish and chips without the mess and grease of deep frying. The air fryer makes it easy to enjoy this style of fish at home any time. The result is a tender, flaky fillet with a crunchy exterior. You can use any type of white fish fillet, such as cod, haddock, pollock, tilapia, or catfish, as long as it's between 1/2 and 3/4 inches thick. The breading can be as simple as flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, or you can add spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to the mix.

Air fryer breaded fish cooking time and temperature

Yes, you can cook breaded fish in an air fryer. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of fish you are cooking, whether it is fresh or frozen, and the thickness of the fillets.

If you are using frozen fish, it is best to defrost it first. You can 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. It is important to remove as much moisture from the fish as possible before breading it, as this will ensure the breading is crispy. You can do this by patting the fish dry with a paper towel or absorbent kitchen towel.

The breading process involves coating the fish in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. You can season the breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, or any other spices you like. Press the breadcrumbs onto the fish, ensuring the fillet is evenly and thoroughly coated.

When cooking the fish in the air fryer, it is important not to overcrowd the basket. The fish needs room around it for the air to circulate and crisp it up. It is best to cook the fish in a single layer, which may mean cooking in batches.

For fresh, non-breaded fish fillets, you can cook them in the air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. For breaded fish, most sources recommend cooking at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through. The fish is done when the breading is golden brown and crispy, and the fish registers an internal temperature of at least 145-160°F (63-72°C) on an instant-read meat thermometer.

You can reheat leftover fish in the air fryer at 350-400°F for 3-6 minutes until heated through.

How to get the breading to stick to the fish

Yes, you can cook breaded fish in an air fryer. To get the breading to stick to the fish, follow these steps:

Pat the fish dry

Use paper towels to pat the fish dry and remove any excess moisture. Moisture can prevent the breading from sticking to the fish.

Flour coating

Before breading, coat the fish with a light layer of flour. This helps the egg or other liquid used for breading to adhere better. Corn starch or arrowroot can also be used instead of flour for a lighter, harder shell.

Egg wash

Dip the floured fish in a beaten egg wash. Season the egg wash with salt, or use mustard for a tangy flavour and to act as a binder. This will help the breading to stick better.

Bread crumb coating

Dip the fish into the bread crumb mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly. You can use regular bread crumbs, Italian-style bread crumbs, or panko. For added flavour, mix the bread crumbs with seasonings like paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, or salt.

Press the breading

Once the fish is coated with the bread crumb mixture, press the breading onto the fish gently with your fingers to ensure it adheres well.

Chill

Allow the breaded fish to chill in the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes before cooking. This will help the breading to set and stick better to the fish.

Oil

Before placing the fish in the air fryer, spritz it lightly with oil to help the breading stick and prevent the crumbs from falling off during cooking.

The best fish types for air fryer breaded fillets

You can cook breaded fish in an air fryer and it will turn out crispy, crunchy, and delicious. This method is much healthier than deep-fried fish and is also quicker and easier.

The best types of fish for air fryer breaded fillets are white fish fillets, such as pollock, haddock, cod, tilapia, catfish, hake, and halibut. Thinner fillets tend to work better as they cook more evenly and result in a crispier texture. It is also important that the fillets are not too small, as thin strips will not work in this recipe. You can use fresh or frozen fish, although frozen fish may need to be defrosted first, depending on the recipe.

To prepare the fish, coat the fillets in oil, then dip them into a mixture of breadcrumbs and your choice of seasoning. You can use store-bought or homemade breadcrumbs, and season them with spices such as paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or salt. You can also add an egg wash before coating the fish in breadcrumbs to help the breading stick.

Once the fish is coated, place it in the air fryer basket and cook at a temperature between 350-390°F (180-200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the breading is golden brown. For best results, flip the fish after the first 8-10 minutes of cooking.

Oil or no oil when cooking breaded fish in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a great way to cook breaded fish without the mess and fuss of deep frying, and you can use any kind of white fish fillet, such as cod, haddock, pollock, or salmon. The air fryer method produces fish that is crispy and crunchy on the outside, while remaining tender and soft on the inside.

Oil

If you choose to use oil, you can coat the fish fillets in olive oil, canola, or vegetable oil before applying the breading. You can also mix a small amount of oil with the bread crumbs to ensure an even coating. However, it is important to note that oil can cause the breading to become soggy, and it may need to be blotted after cooking.

No Oil

The air fryer uses hot air to cook the food, so there is no need to add oil. This is a healthier option and will still produce crispy and delicious fish. If you are concerned about the fish sticking to the air fryer, you can use a parchment paper or foil packet, or a light spray of cooking oil.

Tips

To ensure your breaded fish is crispy, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some room around the fillets for the air to circulate. You can also flip the fillets halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

What to serve with air fryer breaded fish

Air fryer breaded fish is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be served with a variety of sides. The fish is cooked in under 20 minutes and has a crispy, crunchy texture with a soft and moist inside.

Fish and Chips

The most popular side to serve with breaded fish cooked in an air fryer is French fries, or "chips". This is a classic combination that is easy to make and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Salads

For a lighter option, serve your breaded fish with a salad. A fish salad, made with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette, provides a cool and crisp contrast to the warm, crispy fish. You can also serve the fish with a heartier slaw or a green salad on the side.

Dipping Sauces

A variety of dipping sauces can be served with air fryer breaded fish, such as tartar sauce, ketchup, or ranch dip. Something creamy pairs well with the crunchy texture of the fish. Don't forget to serve lemon wedges on the side, as well!

Other Sides

Other sides that can be served with air fryer breaded fish include homemade or store-bought frozen fries, chicken, or a side of cooked vegetables.

Frequently asked questions