Air Fryer Fish And Chips: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

Fish and chips is a beloved British dish, but it can be messy and unhealthy. Air fryers offer a healthier, less guilty way to enjoy this classic meal, with less oil and a crisp, golden finish.

The key to achieving the perfect fish and chips in an air fryer is to ensure the food is not overcrowded, and to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the food.

Choosing the right fish

You can use a variety of white fish, such as cod, pollock, haddock, halibut, tilapia, sea bass, or even sole. These types of fish have a mild flavour and tender texture, making them ideal for the frying process. They are also thick enough to hold up well during cooking without falling apart.

If you want to experiment with other types of fish, you can try catfish, walleye, skate, pollock, rockfish, or even tuna and swordfish, although these last two are oilier and may not be the best choice.

When purchasing your fish, look for fillets that are fresh and have a firm texture. Avoid any fish that looks dry or has discoloured flesh. You can also use frozen fish, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking and pat it dry to remove any excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.

For the best flavour and texture, cut your fish into strips or smaller pieces before coating and cooking. This will ensure even cooking and a delicious, crispy result.

Now you know how to choose the right fish, you're ready to make some delicious air fryer fish and chips!

Preparing the potatoes

• Soaking: Start by soaking the potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes, and up to 3 hours. This step helps remove excess starch and ensures crispier chips. If you're soaking the potatoes for longer than 30 minutes, remember to change the water at least once.
• Drying: After soaking, drain the water from the potatoes and dry them thoroughly with a towel. This step is important to remove any excess moisture before frying.
• Cutting: Peel the potatoes and cut them into even-sized sticks, about half an inch thick. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture.
• Seasoning: Drizzle the potato sticks with a small amount of oil and toss them well to ensure an even coating. You can use olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice.
• Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before adding the potatoes. Arrange the potato sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, being careful to not overcrowd them. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
• Cooking: Cook the potatoes in the preheated air fryer for approximately 15-20 minutes. For the best results, shake or flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking process. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the potato sticks and the model of your air fryer.
• Crisping: Keep a close eye on the potatoes during the final minutes of cooking to ensure they don't burn. You may need to adjust the cooking time based on your preferences and the characteristics of your air fryer.
• Seasoning: Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and season them with salt and any other desired seasonings. You can use paprika, garlic powder, or other seasonings of your choice.

By following these steps, you'll end up with delicious, crispy potato chips that pair perfectly with your air fryer fish. Enjoy your homemade fish and chips!

Making the batter

You can also experiment with different seasonings or herbs in the batter, or try using a flavoured sparkling water for a unique taste. If you are making a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.

Once your batter is ready, dip each seasoned fish fillet into it, ensuring it is evenly coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing the fish in the air fryer basket or tray.

Cooking the chips

The key to achieving crispy chips in your air fryer is to remove as much starch as possible. This can be done by soaking the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours. If you're soaking them for longer than half an hour, remember to change the water at least once.

After soaking, drain the water and dry the potatoes thoroughly with a towel. Next, cut the potatoes into even-sized sticks, about half an inch thick. Rinse them again in cold water, then pat them dry once more.

Now it's time to cook the chips. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the inside of the basket generously with cooking oil spray. Place the chips in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded, as this will affect the cooking time and crispiness. Spray the tops of the chips with more oil and season with salt and pepper.

Air fry the potatoes for 7 minutes, then toss or flip them and cook for another 7-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once they're done, remove them from the basket and cover with aluminium foil to keep them warm while you cook the fish.

Cooking the fish

The first step in making fish and chips in an air fryer is selecting the right type of fish. White fish varieties like cod, haddock, or pollock are perfect for this dish. They have a mild flavour and a firm texture that holds up well during cooking. Fresh fish is preferable, but you can also use frozen fish fillets if they are of good quality.

Before cooking the fish, it is essential to prepare it properly. Start by patting the fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy coating. Then, season the fish with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. You can even add a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.

The batter is an integral part of fish and chips, providing the signature crispy coating. In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and any other desired seasonings. Whisk in cold sparkling water or beer until you achieve a smooth, thick consistency. The carbonation in the sparkling water or beer helps create a light and crispy batter. Let the batter rest for about 15 minutes to ensure it is well combined and free of lumps.

Now it's time to coat the fish. Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with the flour mixture, one with beaten egg, and the third with breadcrumbs. You can season the flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip the fish fillets in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs, placing them on a baking sheet. Spray both sides with oil and then cook in the air fryer.

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. The fish strips shouldn't be touching, so cook them in two batches if needed. Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking, and check that the fish is cooked to your liking by testing with a fork to see if it flakes easily. Depending on the thickness of your fillets, they may take slightly longer or shorter to cook through.

Tips for Cooking Fish in an Air Fryer

• Remove as much moisture from the fish before breading it. If the fish is too wet, it can steam, and your breadcrumb coating may end up soggy instead of crispy.
• Preheat your air fryer. This ensures that the temperature and air flows are at the right level when you start cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space around your fish pieces so they can cook evenly and get crispy.
• Be generous with cooking oil spray. Spray the parchment paper, the tops of the fish, and again halfway through cooking to cover any remaining flour spots.
• Don't flip the fish. Flipping the fish halfway through cooking can cause the breading to come off.

Frequently asked questions