Air Fryer Fish: Foil-Wrapped Fillets, Easy And Quick!

Air fryers are a convenient and versatile way to cook fish. They can be used to cook a variety of fish, including salmon, tilapia, catfish, haddock, cod, pollock, mahi-mahi, and grouper. Cooking fish in an air fryer can yield golden, crispy results with minimal oil and mess. This makes it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. To add flavour to the fish, it can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, such as garlic, lemon pepper, curry powder, cumin, or taco seasoning. It can also be cooked in foil, which seals in moisture and flavour, and can be paired with vegetables to create a complete meal with minimal cleanup.

Cooking salmon in foil seals in moisture and flavour

Cooking salmon in foil is a great way to seal in moisture and flavour. This method of cooking salmon is simple, healthy, and produces delicious results.

To cook salmon in an air fryer, first, prep the salmon with salt, pepper, and a brushing of olive oil. Top each fillet with a slice of lime. Place the fillets in squares of aluminum foil, enough to completely envelop the salmon. Seal the foil around the fillets, leaving a little room inside for air to circulate and juices to flavour the fish. Place the foil packets in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees for 12 minutes. When the cooking time is over, carefully remove the foil packets and open them up. The salmon will be perfectly cooked and ready to serve.

Cooking salmon in foil seals in moisture, ensuring the fish is flaky, moist, and tender. It also boosts flavour, allowing the salmon to absorb the flavours of the ingredients it is cooked with. This method is especially useful for those new to cooking fish, as it is simple and requires little attention. It also makes clean-up easier, as everything is wrapped up in the foil.

The cooking time for salmon in foil will depend on the thickness of the fillet. A thinner fillet (around 1 inch thick) will take around 12-15 minutes, while a thicker fillet (1 1/2 inches or more) may need 15-20 minutes or longer. It is important not to overcook the fish, so it is recommended to pull it out when it is almost, but not quite, done at the thickest part. A quick broil in the oven can then be used to give a crispy finish and cook the fish through.

Overall, cooking salmon in foil is a great way to ensure the fish is moist, flavourful, and perfectly cooked. It is a simple and healthy cooking method that produces delicious results.

Air fryers cook almost anything and are great for small portions

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance, able to cook almost anything. They are a healthier alternative to deep frying, as they can fry foods with a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep fryers. They are also great for cooking already-fried-and-frozen foods like chicken nuggets, fries, and tater tots. Air fryers are particularly useful for small portions and cooking for one. For example, if you're cooking for four people or fewer, a standard air fryer should be sufficient. If you're cooking for a larger group, an air fryer toaster oven might be a better option, as they can hold more food.

Air fryers are also convenient for those who don't want to heat up their entire oven for small items. They are generally compact, with a capacity of two to six quarts, and can range in price from $70 to $200.

Now, let's focus on cooking fish in an air fryer using foil. This method is simple and delivers great results. First, prep the fish with a combination of spices and oils. For example, you can brush the fish with olive oil and top it with garlic, lemon, and pepper. You can also try a combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chilli, or add some curry powder and ground cumin for a rich, curry flavor.

Next, place the fish in the center of an aluminum foil square, big enough to completely envelope the fish. Seal the foil around the fish, leaving some space above it but shallow enough to fit in your air fryer basket. Preheat your air fryer to 180C or 400 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the recipe, and place the foil parcel inside. Cook for 7-10 minutes for thinner fillets, and adjust the time for thicker fillets. When the cooking time is over, carefully remove the foil packet and open it up. The fish should be perfectly cooked and ready to serve!

White fish fillets are best for air fryers

To cook white fish fillets in an air fryer, start by thawing the fish if it is frozen. Then, pat it dry and cut it into strips. You can then dip the fish in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for a crispy coating. Spray the coated fish and the air fryer basket with cooking spray, and cook in batches for around 5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.

Alternatively, you can cook white fish fillets in foil packets in the air fryer. Brush some oil onto a piece of foil, then lay the fish in the center. Top the fish with a slice of lime and your choice of seasonings, and wrap the foil around the fish to make a parcel, leaving some space above the fish but ensuring it is shallow enough to fit in your air fryer basket. Place the foil parcel in the preheated air fryer and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Some popular seasoning options for white fish include garlic, lemon pepper, soy sauce, ginger, and chili. You can also add some olive oil to the fish before cooking to add flavor and moisture.

Olive oil adds flavour and moisture to the fish

Cooking fish in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a healthy meal. It is also an excellent method for cooking fish with minimal mess and oil. While using olive oil is optional, it does add flavour and moisture to the fish.

To start, you will need to prep the fish with salt, pepper, and a brushing of olive oil. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or cayenne pepper to spice things up. Be sure to brush a little oil onto the foil before placing the fish in the centre, as this will help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Next, wrap the foil around the fish, creating a parcel with a gap above the fish but shallow enough to fit in your air fryer basket. This technique helps to seal in the moisture and flavour, ensuring your fish turns out juicy and delicious. Place the foil-wrapped fish in the preheated air fryer and cook according to the recipe instructions, typically around 12-20 minutes, depending on the type of fish and your desired doneness.

Finally, carefully remove the foil packet from the air fryer and open it up. Your fish should be perfectly cooked and ready to serve! The olive oil will have helped to create a moist and flavourful environment inside the foil, resulting in tender and tasty fish. You can also add vegetables to the foil packet for a complete meal with minimal cleanup.

Air fryer fish is a healthy, low-carb option

Air Fryer Fish: A Healthy, Low-Carb Option

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook fish, offering a healthy, low-carb option for a quick and easy meal. The air fryer's ability to cook with minimal oil means you can enjoy delicious, golden brown fish without the mess of deep-frying.

How to Cook Fish in an Air Fryer

Air-frying fish is a simple process that delivers great results. You can cook fish directly in the air fryer basket or wrap it in foil first. Foil helps to contain the flavor and moisture, ensuring the fish remains juicy.

If you're cooking directly in the basket, you'll want to use a coating to achieve that crispy texture. A mixture of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs works well, and you can add spices to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Cut the fish into strips, dip in flour, then egg, and finally roll in the breadcrumbs. Spray the coated fish with a little oil, and you're ready to air fry!

For foil-wrapped fish, brush the foil with a little oil and place the fish in the center. You can use a variety of seasonings on the fish, such as garlic, ginger, chili, and soy sauce or olive oil. Wrap the foil around the fish, leaving some space above the fish but shallow enough to fit in your air fryer basket.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C or 380°F. For foil-wrapped fish, cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. For breaded fish, cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and flaky.

Fish Types and Variations

Most types of fish can be cooked in an air fryer, but thinner, flakier fish like cod, haddock, tilapia, pollock, or mahi-mahi work best. Thicker fish like tuna or swordfish will take longer to cook.

You can also cook frozen fish in an air fryer, but it's best to thaw it first for faster and juicier results. Additionally, you can bake fish in the air fryer, as some people have successfully done with catfish and haddock.

Sides and Clean-up

Air fryer fish is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, from fries and lemon wedges to steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Clean-up is a breeze, especially with foil-wrapped fish, as there's no messy pot of hot oil to deal with. Simply remove the foil packets from the air fryer and dispose of the foil.

So, if you're looking for a healthy, low-carb meal option, air fryer fish is a fantastic choice. It's quick, easy, and delivers delicious results with minimal clean-up.

Frequently asked questions