Air-Fried Fish: A Healthy, Quick Fix?

Yes, you can cook fish in an air fryer. It's a great way to make crispy, golden, fried fish without all the grease. The air fryer uses a fan to circulate hot air around the fish fillets, cooking them quickly and with very little oil. You can use a variety of fish, including cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, salmon, and mahi mahi. The best types of fish for the air fryer are moderately thin, white, and flaky. Thicker fish like tuna or swordfish will take longer to cook.

How to prepare the fish before air frying

Yes, you can cook fish in an air fryer! Here's how to prepare the fish before air frying:

Firstly, you'll want to thaw your fish. If you're using frozen fish, the best way to do this is by leaving it in the fridge overnight. If the piece of fish isn't too big, you could leave it on the counter for an hour submerged in ice-cold water until it's thawed.

Next, portion your fish fillets. This will help ensure even cooking for the entire batch. If you're planning to bread your fish, you can do so once they're thawed.

Pat the fish dry with a paper towel on all sides. If you're using fresh fish, you can coat the fillets in a thin layer of oil. Then, coat the fillets in breading. You can use either homemade or store-bought dried breadcrumbs. Mix the breadcrumbs with any spices you like, such as onion and garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, or salt. Make sure to remove any excess breading before you cook the fish in the air fryer.

If you're using frozen fish, you can cook it directly from frozen without needing to thaw it. However, if you plan on breading your fish, you'll want to let the fillets thaw in advance.

Once your fish is prepared, you can add it to the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Place the fillets in a single layer so that the hot air can circulate around each fillet.

What types of fish are best for air frying

Yes, you can fix fish in an air fryer! In fact, it's a great way to cook fish with very little oil, resulting in a crispy, golden, and delicious dish.

Now, when it comes to choosing the best types of fish for air frying, there are several options that work particularly well. Here are some recommendations:

• Cod: Cod is a versatile white fish that holds up well to air frying. It has a mild flavour and a flaky texture, making it a great choice for this cooking method.
• Tilapia: Tilapia is another excellent choice for air frying. It is a mild-tasting fish with a firm texture, making it versatile and suitable for a variety of recipes.
• Haddock: Haddock is a type of white fish that is often used in fish and chips. When air-fried, it maintains its flaky texture and absorbs the flavours of any seasonings or breading used.
• Halibut: Halibut is a firm and meaty fish that can stand up to the heat of an air fryer. It has a mild flavour, making it a good option for those who prefer a more subtle taste.
• Catfish: Catfish has a distinct flavour and a firm texture, making it a unique choice for air frying. It is often used in traditional fish fries and can be prepared in a similar way in an air fryer.
• Whiting: Whiting is a type of fish with a delicate flavour and a flaky texture. It is a good choice for air frying, especially when paired with a crispy breading.
• Salmon: While not a white fish, salmon can also be successfully air-fried. It has a rich flavour and a moist texture, and it pairs well with various seasonings.

When selecting fish for air frying, it is important to choose fresh, high-quality fillets. You can also use frozen fillets, but ensure they are completely thawed before cooking. Additionally, the thickness of the fish fillets may vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

How to make the fish crispy

Yes, you can cook fish in an air fryer! Here are some tips on how to make the fish crispy:

Choose the right fish

You can use any kind of white fish fillet for air frying, such as cod, tilapia, haddock, or halibut. Just make sure the fillets are not too thin, as thinner strips won't crisp up as well. Aim for a thickness of 1/2 to 3/4 inches.

Prepare the fish

If using frozen fish, make sure it is fully thawed before cooking. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels, but they should still be slightly damp. You can also cut the fillets into whatever size or shape you like, such as fish sticks.

Bread the fish

For a crispy coating, you can use a three-part breading process: flour, egg, and breadcrumbs or panko. First, dredge the fish in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in a beaten egg, and finally, coat it with breadcrumbs or panko. Make sure to season the breadcrumbs with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper for extra flavour. You can also add some oil to the breadcrumbs to help the coating crisp up.

Cook the fish

Preheat your air fryer to between 360-400°F. Place the breaded fish fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded, as this will prevent them from crisping up. Cook for about 7-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets, flipping them halfway through. The fish is ready when it is golden brown and crispy, and flakes easily with a fork.

Serve the fish

Air fryer fish is best served immediately while it is still crispy and hot. You can serve it with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, hot sauce, or your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

How to stop the fish from sticking to the air fryer

Yes, you can cook fish in an air fryer. However, it can be tricky to master, and it is common for the fish to stick to the air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent this:

Use parchment paper

Air fryer-safe parchment paper is the best way to keep fish from sticking to your air fryer. Regular parchment paper will not work, as it will prevent the warm air from circulating and cooking your food properly. You can buy pre-cut, air fryer-safe parchment paper with holes for warm air to pass through, or you can make your own by poking holes into parchment paper cut to the dimensions of your air fryer basket.

Avoid non-stick cooking spray

While it may seem like a good idea to use a non-stick cooking spray like Pam, this can actually damage the non-stick surface of your air fryer over time. Some of the chemicals in these sprays leave a residue that will build up and cover the non-stick surface.

Other tips to prevent sticking

• Make sure your air fryer basket is not overcrowded, as this will prevent the fish from crisping and cause it to stick.
• Do not flip the fish too early. It is important to let a crust form on one side before flipping, or the fish will fall apart.
• Do not use too high of a heat setting, as this can cause the fish to burn before it releases from the basket.
• Use a fish spatula to help release the fish from the basket.
• Cook the fish with the skin on, as this will help prevent sticking.
• Make sure the pan is hot before adding the oil, and then add the fish.
• Use a non-stick pan if possible.
• Pat the fish dry before adding it to the air fryer, as moisture can cause sticking.
• Use a fish batter or coating, as this will create a barrier between the fish and the air fryer, preventing sticking.
• Try using aluminium foil or a silicone liner in your air fryer, which can be easily cleaned and reused.

Serving suggestions

Fish cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Here are some serving suggestions:

Sauces

• Tartar sauce
• Lemon wedges
• Cocktail sauce
• Hot sauce
• Remoulade sauce
• Homemade mayonnaise mixed with pickle relish, onion, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt

Side Dishes

• Potato wedges
• French fries
• Air fryer asparagus and mushrooms
• Baked potato wedges
• Cheesy mashed potato cakes
• Healthy vegetables, such as air fryer vegetables or microwave broccoli
• Zucchini noodles
• Pasta
• Potatoes
• Fish tacos
• Burritos
• Air fryer crab cakes

Other Suggestions

• This air fryer fish can be used to make fish tacos or fish and chips salad.
• For a Mexican twist, add chili powder or taco seasoning to the fish.

Frequently asked questions