Air-Fried Battered Fish: A Healthy, Crispy Treat?

Frying fish in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to deep-frying. It's also less messy and uses less oil, resulting in a crispy texture without the extra fat and calories. You can use a variety of white fish fillets such as cod, pollock, haddock, or tilapia, and even include a beer batter or a breaded coating for extra flavour and crunch. The key to success is ensuring the fish is dry before cooking, using a single layer of fish in the air fryer to avoid overcrowding, and cooking in batches if needed.

What type of fish is best for air fryer battered fish?

Battered fish in an air fryer is a great, healthier alternative to deep-fried fish. The air fryer cuts down on the calories and fat without sacrificing the crispiness and flavor of the traditional dish.

When it comes to choosing the best type of fish for air fryer battered fish, a few factors come into play. Firstly, it is recommended to use a mild white fish with a meaty yet flaky texture. This ensures that the fish stays moist and doesn't dry out during the cooking process. Examples of suitable fish include cod, pollock, and haddock. These fish have a delicate texture that pairs well with the crispy batter.

Another important consideration is the thickness of the fish fillets. It is best to choose fillets that are at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Thinner fillets may dry out before the batter turns golden brown, while thicker fillets may take too long to cook properly. The ideal thickness allows for the fish to cook through at the same rate as the batter crisps up.

Additionally, it is crucial to properly prepare the fish before battering and air-frying. Make sure to pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important because if the fish is too wet, the batter may become soggy instead of crispy.

By following these guidelines and choosing the right type of fish, you can create delicious and crispy air fryer battered fish that your family and friends will love!

How long do you cook battered fish in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook battered fish in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets and the model of your air fryer. It should take around 10–15 minutes to cook battered fish in an air fryer.

• Prepare your fish fillets: Use a thick white fish, such as cod, pollock, or haddock. Cut the fish into portions or strips, ensuring they are about 1 inch thick. Pat the fish dry with paper towels—this step is important as it helps the batter stick to the fish.
• Make the batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, baking soda, and beer until you have a smooth, thick batter. You can also add an egg to the batter. Refrigerate the batter for at least 20 minutes.
• Dredge the fish: Set up a dredging station with three bowls. In the first bowl, place flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; mix to combine. In the second bowl, whisk together the egg. In the third bowl, place breadcrumbs. One by one, dip the fish pieces into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating each time.
• Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to between 380–400°F. Generously coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
• Cook the fish: Place the battered fish in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and do not touch each other. Cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. You may need to flip the fish halfway through the cooking time for even cooking.
• Serve: Remove the fish from the air fryer and serve immediately with your choice of sides and sauces, such as tartar sauce, lemon wedges, coleslaw, or fries.

What temperature should the air fryer be?

The ideal temperature for cooking battered fish in an air fryer depends on the type of fish and the desired level of crispness. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve the perfect temperature for your air-fried battered fish:

For a crispy exterior:

Set your air fryer to a temperature between 380°F (190-200°C). This temperature range will help you achieve a golden, crispy exterior without drying out the fish. The exact temperature within this range may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your fish fillets. For example, thinner fillets may require a slightly lower temperature to prevent overcooking.

For a tender, flaky interior:

Maintain a temperature that ensures the fish cooks evenly without drying out. This is typically achieved within the range of 380-400°F. It is important to note that the cooking time will also impact the texture of your fish. For a tender, flaky result, cook the battered fish for around 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.

For frozen battered fish:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking frozen battered fish, ensuring that the exterior becomes crispy while the fish inside is cooked through. The cooking time may vary, but on average, it takes about 12 minutes to cook frozen battered fish in an air fryer.

Tips for optimal results:

• Ensure your air fryer is preheated to the desired temperature before adding the battered fish.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the fish in batches if needed to allow adequate space for the hot air to circulate.
• Lightly coat the fish with cooking spray or oil to promote even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• For a double-dredged or beer-battered fish, ensure the exterior is well-coated with cooking spray or oil to prevent the batter from drying out.
• Depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your fillets, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly to achieve the desired level of crispness and doneness.

By following these temperature guidelines and tips, you'll be able to create delicious, crispy, and tender battered fish in your air fryer every time!

What can you serve with air fryer battered fish?

There are many options for what to serve with air fryer battered fish. If you're looking for a traditional British meal, you can serve your fish with air-fried chips and malt vinegar. You could also make a side of coleslaw or tartar sauce to go with it.

If you're looking for something a little healthier, there are plenty of vegetable side dishes that go well with fish. Some options include:

• Asparagus
• Zucchini
• Carrots
• A fresh mixed salad
• Green beans
• Peas
• Cauliflower

If you're looking for something more indulgent, you could try:

• Mashed potatoes
• Onion rings
• Hush puppies
• Mac and cheese
• Potato wedges

How do you make the batter stick to the fish?

To make the batter stick to the fish, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Moisture can prevent the batter from adhering to the fish. Next, you can coat the fish in a light layer of flour. This helps the batter to stick better to the fish. Then, dip the floured fish in a beaten egg wash, which will also help the batter to stick. Once the fish is coated in the batter, press the batter gently onto the fish with your fingers to ensure it adheres well. Finally, allow the battered fish to chill in the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes before cooking. This will help the batter to set and stick better to the fish.

It is also important to note that the batter can sometimes fall off during the cooking process, especially if the fish is overhandled or the oil in the air fryer is not hot enough. To prevent this, try to handle the fish as little as possible and make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fish.

Frequently asked questions