Air Fryer Breaded Fish: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep-frying breaded fish, offering a healthier, less messy option that doesn't compromise on taste or texture. In this article, we'll explore whether you can fry breaded fish in an air fryer, the benefits of doing so, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the perfect, crispy result.

How to bread the fish

To bread the fish, you'll need to prepare a dredging station with a few shallow bowls. In one bowl, add some flour and season with salt and pepper, or any other spices you like—garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and mustard powder all work well. In another bowl, whisk an egg with a splash of water or milk. In a third bowl, add your breadcrumbs and any chosen seasonings. You can use plain, Italian-seasoned, or panko breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or crushed cornflakes instead.

Next, pat your fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Then, coat the fillets in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. After that, dip the fish into the egg mixture, and finally, press it gently into the bowl of breadcrumbs, ensuring both sides are coated. Set the breaded fillets onto a plate or wire rack and repeat the process with the remaining fish.

Once all the fillets are breaded, you can place them in the fridge for about 15 minutes to help the crumbs set. If you're not ready to cook the fish right away, you can also store the breaded fillets in the fridge for up to a day or freeze them.

What temperature to cook at

The cooking temperature for breaded fish in an air fryer depends on the type of fish and the desired level of crispiness. For breaded white fish like cod or tilapia, most recipes recommend cooking at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes. This temperature range ensures that the fish is fully cooked while achieving a golden, crispy crust.

For thinner fillets of fish, a lower temperature of 350°F (180°C) can be used, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly. It is important to ensure that the fish is cooked through to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).

When cooking frozen breaded fish, the temperature should remain the same, but the cooking time may be slightly longer, up to 20 minutes. It is important to ensure that frozen fish is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (72°C).

Additionally, it is worth noting that different air fryer models may vary in terms of temperature settings and cooking time, so adjustments may be necessary depending on the specific air fryer being used.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for breaded fish in an air fryer varies depending on the type of fish and the thickness of the fillets. For example, thinner fillets will cook faster, while thicker fillets like cod will take a minute or two longer.

On average, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook breaded fish in an air fryer. Some recipes suggest cooking at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through, or until the fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork. Other recipes recommend cooking at 390°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping the fish after the first 8-10 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may also depend on the model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your fish as it cooks to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.

Additionally, when cooking frozen breaded fish, it is recommended to cook it straight from frozen as thawing it first can make the breading soggy. The cooking time for frozen breaded fish is typically around 12-15 minutes, but this will depend on the thickness of the fillets.

What to serve it with

There are several options for what to serve with your breaded fish. If you want to go for a classic fish and chips, serve it with some fries or sweet potato fries, and perhaps some tartar sauce and a squeeze of lemon. You could also serve it with some steamed veggies for a well-balanced family meal, or some roasted vegetables. Mushy peas, coleslaw, and air fryer green beans are also good options.

If you want to get a little more creative, you could try air fryer asparagus and mushrooms, oven-baked potato wedges, or cheesy mashed potato cakes.

How to reheat it

Reheating breaded fish in an air fryer is a great way to retain its crispy texture and flaky interior. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the best results:

Step 1: Preparing the Fish

Gently pat dry any leftover fish using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can lead to sogginess during reheating. Optionally, you can lightly brush or spray the fish with oil to enhance crispiness.

Step 2: Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 320°F–350°F (160°C–180°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and the development of a desirable crispiness. Wait for the air fryer to reach the set temperature before proceeding.

Step 3: Arranging the Fish

Place the fish fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to ensure proper air circulation. If reheating a large quantity, consider doing it in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect crispiness.

Step 4: Reheating

Place the basket of fish into the preheated air fryer and set the timer for a short duration, typically around 3–8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model. The goal is to reheat without overcooking.

Step 5: Monitoring and Flipping

Keep a close eye on the fish to prevent overcooking or burning. If your air fryer doesn't automatically rotate the food, consider flipping the fillets halfway through for even crispiness on both sides.

Step 6: Testing for Crispiness

After the reheating time has passed, carefully remove a fillet and check its texture. The exterior should be golden-brown and crispy, while the interior should be flaky and tender. If you're not satisfied with the crispiness, return the fish to the air fryer for an additional minute or two.

Step 7: Serving

Once the fish is reheated to perfection, serve it immediately with your favorite sides, sauces, or salads. Remember that reheated fish tastes best when enjoyed right after cooking.

Frequently asked questions