Air-Fried Fish: Breadcrumbs Make It Crispy

Yes, you can cook fish in breadcrumbs in an air fryer! This method is a healthier alternative to deep-fried fish, as it requires very little oil. The air fryer circulates hot air to cook the fish quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, moist interior. The process is simple: coat the fish fillets in a breading of flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs, then cook in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

How to get the breadcrumbs to stick

To get breadcrumbs to stick to fish, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, pat the fish dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Moisture can prevent the breading from sticking to the fish. Then, season the fish generously on both sides with salt and pepper.

Next, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place your flour. You can use all-purpose flour, or gluten-free flour if you have an intolerance. Season the flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. In the second bowl, place your beaten egg, which will help the breadcrumbs stick to the fish. In the third bowl, place your breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs, or panko breadcrumbs for a crispier finish. You can also season your breadcrumbs with a little paprika, onion powder, black pepper, or even a seasoning blend like Old Bay.

Now, you can start the breading process. First, dip the fish in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the fish in the egg. Finally, dredge the fish in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres well. You can also try a three-step method of flour, egg, flour, egg, and then breadcrumbs for extra stickiness.

Before cooking, place the fish on a plate or baking sheet and allow the breading to set for a few minutes. You can also try refrigerating the breaded fish for 10 minutes before frying, to ensure the breading adheres when you bite into it. Spritz the fish lightly with cooking spray or oil, and it's ready to cook in your air fryer!

What type of fish to use

When it comes to choosing fish for your air fryer, you can opt for any firm, mild white fish. This includes haddock, pollock, cod, halibut, flounder, whiting, and walleye. Cod is thicker and firmer than other white fish, so it stays juicier and cooks well in the air fryer. Thinner fish like whiting or flounder may need a slight adjustment in cooking time.

You can also use other types of white fish such as catfish and tilapia. Tilapia, in particular, is a good option as it's easy to add flavor to and can be easily sourced.

It's best to avoid thicker fish fillets like tuna or swordfish, which will take longer to cook.

If you're using frozen fish, be sure to thaw it first. You can do this by leaving it in the fridge overnight or, if you're in a hurry, place the fish in a ziplock bag and submerge it in a cold-water bath, changing the water every half hour.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for breaded fish in an air fryer will depend on the type of fish, the thickness of the fillets, and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook the fish at either 380°F or 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through. The fish is ready when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.

For thicker fillets, such as tuna or swordfish, increase the cooking time accordingly. If using thinner fillets, such as whiting or flounder, slightly reduce the cooking time. It is important to ensure that the air fryer basket is not overcrowded, as this will prevent the fish from crisping properly.

To achieve the best results, it is recommended to pat the fish dry with a paper towel before coating it in breadcrumbs. Additionally, spraying the fish with oil before cooking can help achieve a crispier texture.

When cooking frozen fish, it is important to ensure that it is completely thawed before cooking. This can be done by leaving the fish in the fridge overnight or submerging it in a cold water bath, changing the water every half hour.

What temperature to cook at

The optimal temperature for cooking fish in an air fryer depends on the unit you are using and the type of fish being cooked. Most recipes recommend cooking fish fillets at 200°C (390°F) or 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes. For thinner fillets, a temperature of 380°F for 10 minutes is recommended, with an additional 5 minutes if you want to cook the fish further.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish and the model of the air fryer. It is also crucial to ensure that the air fryer basket is not overcrowded, as this can prevent the fish from crisping properly. To ensure even cooking, leave some space between the fillets and cook them in batches if necessary.

Additionally, it is recommended to thaw frozen fish before cooking and to pat the fish dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps ensure that the breadcrumb coating adheres properly and results in a crispy texture.

How to reheat leftovers

Yes, you can cook fish in breadcrumbs in an air fryer. To do this, you should first pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Next, dip the fillets in flour, egg, and then breadcrumbs. You can season the breadcrumbs with spices such as onion and garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spray both sides of the coated fillets with oil and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.

Now, for reheating leftovers in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F/204°C. Then, place the food in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F/175°C for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the food is crispy and reaches the desired temperature. For example, leftover fries can be reheated in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 380°F/190°C. Similarly, leftover pizza slices can be reheated in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 350°F. It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the type and brand of air fryer, so experimentation is recommended. Additionally, when reheating meat, it is suggested to let the cut of meat sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before reheating to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out.

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