Air-Fryer Battered Fish: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a great way to cook battered fish, whether you're using fresh or frozen fillets. The air fryer gives you a crispy, golden finish without the need for deep-frying in oil, making it a healthier option. You can use a variety of fish, from cod to salmon, and even frozen battered fish from your supermarket. The key to success is ensuring your fish is dry before cooking, and not overcrowding the air fryer basket so that the fish crisps up nicely. You'll also want to preheat your air fryer and use oil to help the batter crisp up. With the right technique and some tasty sides, you can have a delicious, crispy, and flaky fish dinner ready in under 15 minutes.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for battered fish in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of fish, the thickness of the fillets, and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.

For fresh or thawed fish fillets, the air fryer temperature should be set between 380-390°F (200°C). The cooking time will vary between 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. It is important to flip the fillets halfway through cooking for even browning. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.

For frozen battered fish, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). The cooking time will be around 12 minutes, but this may vary depending on the size of the fish pieces. It is recommended to flip the fish halfway through cooking and check for doneness after eight minutes, and then every four minutes, to prevent overcooking. The internal temperature of the fish should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for food safety.

When cooking battered fish in an air fryer, it is important to avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and crispness. Depending on the size of the air fryer basket, you may need to cook the fish in batches. Additionally, removing excess moisture from the fish before breading and cooking can help prevent sogginess and promote a crispy texture.

Pre-preparation of the fish

To prepare your fish for cooking in the air fryer, start by choosing your fish fillets. You can use either fresh or frozen fish fillets, but make sure that frozen fillets are completely defrosted or thawed before cooking. The type of fish is up to you; popular options include cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, and salmon. Keep in mind that the fillets should not be too thin, as thin strips won't work well in the air fryer.

Once you've chosen your fish, it's important to remove any excess moisture. Use a paper towel or kitchen towel to gently pat the fish dry. This step is crucial because if the fish is too wet, it can steam, causing your breading or batter to become soggy instead of crispy.

Next, prepare your breading or batter. For breading, you can use dried breadcrumbs, either homemade or store-bought. Season the breadcrumbs with your favorite spices, such as onion and garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add flour to the mix, using a gluten-free alternative if needed. For a batter, a simple combination of flour and beer will do the trick, creating a light and crispy coating.

Now it's time to coat your fish. If you're using a breading, coat each fillet generously, shaking off any excess before placing it in the air fryer. If you're using a batter, dip each piece of fish into the batter, making sure it's completely coated, and then dip it into the seasoned flour, pressing gently so the flour adheres. Repeat this process until all your fish pieces are coated.

Finally, preheat your air fryer. Preheating ensures that the temperature and air flow are just right when you start cooking, preventing uneven cooking. Depending on your recipe, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually between 350°F and 390°F.

Preparing the batter

Once you have decided on the type of batter, it is important to prepare your fish fillets. You can use either fresh or frozen fish, but ensure that frozen fish is completely thawed before cooking. The fillets should be cut into suitable portions, not too thin, and any excess moisture should be removed with a kitchen towel. This step is crucial as it ensures your batter will be crispy and not soggy.

Next, you will need to prepare your chosen batter. For a basic flour batter, mix the flour with your choice of seasonings. Paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are popular options, but you can also add spices like onion powder and black pepper. If you are using a beer batter, simply whisk the beer with the flour until you have a smooth mixture.

After your fish and batter are prepared, it is time to coat the fish. Dip each piece of fish into the batter, ensuring it is completely coated. If you are using a flour-based batter, you can then dip the fish into seasoned flour and gently press so that the flour adheres to the fish. This extra step will help ensure a crispy coating.

Finally, your battered fish is ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Cooking the fish

To cook battered fish in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about five minutes. While you wait, prepare your fish by coating it with a light layer of oil—you can use olive oil, canola, or vegetable oil. You can also use a cooking spray for this step.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the battered fish inside, ensuring that the basket is not overcrowded. If you have a lot of fish, you may need to cook in batches. Set the air fryer to 380–390°F (200°C) and cook for 12–15 minutes. Flip the fish halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

The fish is ready when it is lightly browned and easily flaked with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer to check doneness—the internal temperature should be at least 145°F (63°C). If the fish is not quite ready, return it to the air fryer for another minute or two. Serve hot with tartar sauce, slaw, and lemon wedges.

Serving suggestions

Battered fish cooked in an air fryer pairs well with a variety of side dishes and sauces. A popular choice is to serve the fish with fries, either oven-baked or air-fried, for a healthier take on the classic fish and chips. You can also serve the fish with steamed vegetables for a well-balanced meal.

For a refreshing side dish, consider making a salad or slaw to accompany the fish. A simple slaw can be made by combining cabbage, onion, and cilantro, then tossing the mixture with lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This zesty slaw will complement the heartiness of the battered fish.

When it comes to sauces, tartar sauce is a classic condiment for battered fish, adding a tangy and creamy dimension to the dish. You can also provide lemon wedges on the side for spritzing, adding a bright citrus note to the crispy fish.

If you're serving a larger group or want to offer a variety of options, consider preparing a few different dipping sauces. For example, you could provide a spicy mayo or a zesty herb dip to accompany the fish.

Lastly, don't forget to consider the presentation of your dish. Arrange the fish and sides on a platter or individual plates, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added colour and flavour. You can also serve the fish with a slice of lemon on the side, adding a pop of colour to the plate.

Frequently asked questions