Air Fryer Chicken And Fish: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a healthy alternative to deep frying, and they can be used to cook chicken and fish to golden, crispy perfection. With an air fryer, you can enjoy fried food without the mess and grease of a deep fryer. The air fryer's convection oven technology crisps up food quickly and efficiently, giving you that crunchy texture you crave without the need for excessive oil.

How to prepare fish for the air fryer

Yes, you can cook fish in an air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare fish for the air fryer:

Step 1: Choose the right fish

You can cook both fresh and frozen fish in an air fryer. However, avoid thicker fillets such as tuna or swordfish, as they take longer to cook. It is also not recommended to cook beer-battered fish in the air fryer, as the batter will not stick to the fish in the same way it would when deep-frying. The best fish to cook in an air fryer includes cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, or salmon.

Step 2: Prepare the fish

If your fish is frozen, it is best to let it thaw overnight in the fridge or for an hour on the counter submerged in ice-cold water. If you plan on breading your fish or cutting it into strips, it is essential to let it thaw before cooking. Portion your fish fillets into relatively same-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This will ensure that the temperature and air flow are at the right levels when you cook the fish.

Step 4: Prepare the fish for cooking

Pat the fish dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial, as too much moisture can cause the fish to steam instead of crisp. Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. You can season the flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip the fish first in the flour, then the egg, and finally, the breadcrumbs. Make sure to press down lightly on the breadcrumbs so that they stick to the fish.

Step 5: Cook the fish

Spray both sides of the fish with oil and place it in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the fillets are not overcrowded. Cook at 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through. The fish is ready when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your air-fried fish with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and a side of fries or steamed vegetables for a delicious and healthy meal!

The best types of fish to use

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy alternative to deep frying, and they can be used to cook a variety of foods, including chicken and fish. When it comes to choosing the best type of fish to use in an air fryer, there are several options that work well. Here are some recommendations to help you get the most out of your air-fried fish:

• Cod: Cod is a versatile and flaky white fish that is often recommended for air frying. It has a mild flavour and a firm texture, making it ideal for this cooking method. Cod fillets can be cut into strips and coated in breadcrumbs or panko for a crispy result.
• Haddock: Haddock is another type of white fish that is similar to cod and is suitable for air frying. It has a slightly sweeter taste and a flaky texture, making it a good choice for fish fillets or fish and chips.
• Pollock: Pollock is also a type of white fish that can be used in an air fryer. It has a mild flavour and a flaky texture, making it a versatile option for various recipes.
• Tilapia: Tilapia is a mild-flavoured and affordable option for air frying. It has a firm texture and can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as grilled or breaded fillets.
• Catfish: Catfish has a distinct flavour and a moist texture, making it a good choice for air frying. It can be prepared in various ways, including grilling, frying, or baking.
• Salmon: While salmon is not as flaky as some of the other options, it can still be cooked in an air fryer. It is best to choose thinner salmon fillets and adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thicker fillets may take longer to cook through.

When preparing fish in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the fish is not overcrowded in the basket, as this can prevent it from crisping properly. Additionally, make sure to pat the fish dry and remove any excess moisture before breading and cooking to achieve the best results.

How to make the fish crispy

Yes, you can fry both chicken and fish in an air fryer. Here are some tips on how to make your fish crispy:

• Use a three-part coating of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs or panko. The panko or breadcrumbs will give the fish its crispy texture.
• If using breadcrumbs, you can mix in seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, Italian herb blend, Old Bay seasoning, or Salt and Vinegar seasoning.
• If using panko, you can add seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and salt and pepper.
• Make sure the fish fillets are not too thin, as thin strips won't work well in the air fryer.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the fish from crisping properly.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• For best results, use moderately thin white and flaky fish fillets, such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi-mahi.
• Pat the fish dry with a paper towel before coating and cooking.
• Spray the coated fish with cooking spray or oil to help achieve a crispy texture.
• Flip the fish halfway through the cooking process for even cooking and crisping.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the thickness of the fish and the model of your air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your crispy air-fried fish with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, hot sauce, or your favourite dipping sauce. Pair it with French fries or "chips" for a classic fish and chips meal. Enjoy your crispy, golden, and delicious air-fried fish!

What to serve with the fish

Yes, you can fry both chicken and fish in an air fryer. If you're looking for some side dishes to serve with your fish, here are some ideas:

Salads

• Quinoa & Carrot Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette
• Cabbage and Apple Slaw with Honey-Lime Dressing
• Simple Arugula Salad
• Raw and Roasted Radicchio Salad with Sweet Potato, Manchego, and Crunchy Seeds
• Sesame Ginger Slaw
• Broccoli and Kale Caesar Salad
• Quick and Easy Roasted Vegetable Salad
• Salt and Pepper Smashed Cucumber Salad
• French-inspired Carrot Slaw
• Tangy Cabbage and Jalapeño Slaw
• Almond and Cherry Slaw
• Peanut Slaw

Rice and Grains

• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
• Cilantro-lime Rice
• Barley with Shiitake Mushrooms and Sage
• Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
• Easy Buttery Garlic Rice
• Portuguese-Style Mint Rice
• One-Pot Rich Lemon Rice
• Slow Cooker Elote Rice
• Lemon Quinoa with Currants, Dill, and Zucchini
• Mushroom Rice
• Mexican Restaurant-Style Cauliflower Rice
• One-Pot Farro with Carrots and Chickpeas

Roasted Vegetables

• Oven-Roasted Asparagus
• Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
• Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions
• Oven-Caramelized Cabbage Wedges
• Sautéed Broccoli Rabe
• Cacio e Pepe Broccoli
• 15-Minute Parmesan-Thyme Mushrooms
• Balsamic Glazed Veggie Kebabs
• The Best Fried Cabbage
• Easy Skillet Kale with Lemon & Garlic
• Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
• Honey-Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
• Lemon-Pepper Asparagus
• Quick Stovetop Spinach
• Roasted Broccolini With Pecans and Lemon
• Roasted Green Beans With Spicy-Sweet Glazed Shallots
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Oven-Roasted Asparagus
• Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

Other Sides

• Vicki's Hush Puppies
• Sweet Restaurant Slaw
• Easy Zucchini Fritters
• Quinoa and Black Beans
• Broccoli and Tortellini Salad
• Homemade Seasoned Fries
• Curried Cashew, Pear, and Grape Salad
• Roasted Garlic Cauliflower
• Broccoli with Garlic Butter and Cashews
• Roasted Red New Potatoes
• Sweet and Spicy Green Beans
• Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf
• Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
• Classic Caesar Salad
• Black Bean and Corn Salad II
• Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

How to reheat the fish

Yes, you can cook fish in an air fryer. It is a healthier way to enjoy fried fish without the need for deep frying.

How to Reheat Fish in an Air Fryer:

Preparation:

• Start by removing your fish from the refrigerator and letting it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
• If your fish is frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Pat the fish dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help prevent sogginess during reheating.
• If desired, lightly brush or spray the fish with a small amount of oil to enhance its crispy texture.

Reheating Process:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (180°C). Preheating ensures that the fish will cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
• Lay the fish fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to ensure proper air circulation.
• Place the basket with the fish into the preheated air fryer and set the timer for a short duration, typically around 3-5 minutes. The exact time may vary based on the thickness of your fillets and the model of your air fryer.
• Keep a close eye on the fish to prevent overcooking or burning. If your air fryer doesn't have an auto-rotate feature, consider flipping the fillets halfway through the reheating time to ensure even crispiness on both sides.
• After the reheating time is up, carefully remove one fillet and test its texture. The exterior should be golden-brown and crispy, while the interior should remain flaky and tender.
• If the crispiness isn't to your liking, return the fish to the air fryer for an additional minute or two.
• Serve the fish immediately with your favorite sides, sauces, or salads.

Tips for Reheating Fish in an Air Fryer:

• Choose thicker and flakier fish varieties, such as salmon, trout, cod, or haddock, as they tend to hold up better during the reheating process.
• Avoid reheating delicate fish like sole or flounder, as they are more prone to overcooking and becoming dry.
• Work in batches, especially if you have different sizes or thicknesses of fish fillets.
• For fish with a drier coating, add a spritz of cooking oil to add moisture and enhance crispness.
• Drizzle melted butter or a touch of lemon juice over the fillets for added moisture and flavor.
• Reheat fish without a cover, as it will not heat evenly if covered. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, and a cover would disrupt this process.
• Do not reheat fish more than twice, as it will eventually become dry.

By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy your leftover fish with the same crispy and flavorful satisfaction as when it was freshly cooked.

Frequently asked questions