Air Fryer Raw Fish: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods, including raw fish. They work by circulating hot air around the food in the fryer's suspended basket, resulting in a crispy exterior. This method of cooking is faster and less messy than traditional deep frying and requires only a fraction of the oil, making it a healthier option. It is possible to cook both fresh and frozen fish in an air fryer, and the cooking time varies depending on the type, size, and thickness of the fish.

Air fryer temperature and timing

Air fryers cook food by blowing hot air on and around it, giving it a crispy exterior. They cook food faster than an oven and require a fraction of the oil of traditional frying methods.

When cooking raw fish in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the fryer for at least 5 minutes. If the recipe you are following is not designed for an air fryer, reduce the temperature by 25°F. For example, if a recipe says to preheat the oven to 400°F, set your air fryer to 375°F.

The temperature and timing for cooking raw fish in an air fryer depend on the type of fish, its size, and its thickness. For instance, white fish fillets, such as cod, tilapia, haddock, or halibut, can be cooked at 400°F for 7–10 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through. For thicker cuts, adjust the timing slightly, checking the fish every 2 minutes after the first 6 minutes to ensure it is cooked through. For fish fillets coated in breadcrumbs, cook at 390°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through.

Fish preparation and seasoning

Preparing and seasoning fish for the air fryer is a simple process. First, you should opt for fresh, high-quality fillets whenever possible, as fresh fish enhances the overall flavour and texture of your dish. If you're buying frozen fish, make sure it's completely defrosted before cooking. You can thaw frozen fish by leaving it in the fridge overnight or, if the piece is small, by submerging it in ice-cold water for an hour.

Before cooking, you can marinate or season your fish fillets. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and a dash of lemon juice can elevate your fish. For a more complex flavour, try marinating with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes to an hour. You can also add spices to your breading, such as onion and garlic powder, black pepper, or salt. If you're cooking salmon, tilapia, cod, or trout, keep in mind that their flavours are robust enough to complement various seasonings and marinades.

After seasoning, allow the fillets to sit for a few minutes to let the flavours meld. If you're using a breading or coating, dip the fillets in egg or a liquid binder before dredging them in breadcrumbs or flour. This step ensures a crispy texture once cooked. However, if you're using a batter, such as beer batter, it's best not to use it in the air fryer as the liquid can make a mess and doesn't stick to the fish in the same way as deep frying. Instead, stick to dry breading and shake off any excess before adding the fish to the fryer basket.

Fish types and cuts

Yes, you can cook raw fish in an air fryer. In fact, cooking fresh or frozen fish in an air fryer is a convenient and quick option, producing crispy, crunchy, faux-fried food with less mess and in less time than a traditional deep fryer.

When selecting fish, it is important to consider the thickness of the fillets, as this will impact the cooking time. Thicker cuts, such as salmon, may take up to 12 minutes to cook thoroughly in an air fryer, whereas thinner fillets, like tilapia, will only need 8 to 10 minutes. Other types of fish that are suitable for air frying include halibut, black cod, and trout. These types of fish generally cook evenly and maintain their moisture when air-fried. Their flavours also complement various seasonings and marinades.

It is recommended to use fresh, high-quality fish to ensure the best taste and texture. Before cooking, pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping to create a crispy skin and prevent sogginess.

For frozen fish, it is important to ensure that the fillets are of the same type and thickness to ensure even cooking. Frozen fish can be cooked directly from frozen, without the need to thaw, making it a convenient option for quick meals.

Air fryer basket preparation

Preparing the air fryer basket is a crucial step in ensuring your fish turns out crispy and golden. Here are the steps you need to follow:

First, remove the frying basket from the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F or 200°C. Preheating is important as it ensures even cooking and helps the hot air circulate around the fish fillets.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the basket. Line the basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This step is optional but recommended as it makes cleanup easier. You can also spritz the basket with a non-stick cooking spray or lay a small sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom of the basket to prevent sticking.

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the fish fillets in the basket. It is important not to overcrowd the basket. Arrange the fillets in a single layer with a little space between them. This allows the hot air to circulate around each fillet, ensuring even cooking and a crispy texture.

After placing the fish in the basket, you can return the basket to the air fryer and proceed with cooking. Remember to flip the fillets halfway through the cooking process to prevent burning or overcooking.

By following these steps for air fryer basket preparation, you'll be on your way to cooking delicious, crispy, and evenly cooked fish fillets.

Oil and breading

When it comes to oil and breading, there are a few things to consider when cooking raw fish in an air fryer. Firstly, you can use a variety of oils to coat the fish before adding the breading, such as olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil. This step ensures that the breading adheres well and that the fish doesn't stick to the air fryer basket. You can also add oil to the fish after breading it, either by spraying it with cooking spray or using a tablespoon of oil to coat the fish. This will help achieve a crispy, golden texture.

For the breading, you can use dried breadcrumbs, which can be store-bought or homemade. You can season the breadcrumbs with a variety of spices, such as onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, salt, or cornmeal. It is important to shake off any excess breading before placing the fish in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and to prevent the breading from falling off.

Some recipes suggest dipping the fish in flour and then egg before coating it with the seasoned breadcrumbs. This helps the breadcrumbs stick to the fish and creates a crispy texture. It is also recommended to pat the fish dry with a paper towel before adding any seasonings or breading to ensure the coatings adhere properly.

When cooking breaded fish in an air fryer, it is important to not overcrowd the basket. This is because air fryers use hot air circulation to cook the food, and overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking or soggy fish. It is also crucial to keep an eye on the fish while it cooks, as it can cook quickly and you don't want it to overcook or burn.

Frequently asked questions