Hot Air Fryers: Fry Fish Perfectly?

Yes, you can fry fish in a hot air fryer. In fact, it's one of the best things to cook in an air fryer, according to some. You can use a variety of fish, including cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, salmon, and mahi mahi. The process is simple: coat the fillets in oil and seasoning, place them in the air fryer, and cook until golden brown. The result is a crispy, delicious, and healthier alternative to deep-fried fish.

Fish types suitable for hot air frying

Yes, you can fry fish in a hot air fryer! This method of cooking fish is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires very little oil.

There are many types of fish that are suitable for hot air frying, including:

• Cod
• Tilapia
• Catfish
• Pollock
• Hake
• Haddock
• Mahi Mahi
• Halibut
• Sunfish
• Salmon
• Trout
• Red Snapper
• Bass
• Perch
• Whiting

When choosing fish for hot air frying, it is best to opt for moderately thin, white, and flaky fish. Lean, mild-flavoured white fish are particularly well-suited for this cooking method. Avoid thicker fish fillets such as tuna or swordfish, as they will take longer to cook.

Additionally, when preparing frozen fish for hot air frying, ensure that the fillets are completely thawed before seasoning and cooking.

How to prepare fish for hot air frying

Hot air frying is a great way to cook fish, yielding a crispy, golden, and delicious result with minimal grease. The process is simple and can be applied to a variety of fish types, making it a versatile and convenient cooking method. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing fish for hot air frying:

Step 1: Choose the Right Fish

Select a firm, mild white fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, whiting, or catfish. Thinner fish like whiting or flounder may require a shorter cooking time, while thicker fillets like tuna or swordfish will take longer.

Step 2: Thaw and Prepare the Fish

If your fish is frozen, ensure it is fully thawed before cooking. The best way to thaw fish is to leave it in the fridge overnight. For quicker thawing, submerge it in ice-cold water for an hour. Once thawed, pat the fish dry with paper towels, leaving it slightly damp.

Step 3: Seasoning and Coating

Place the fish fillets in a sealable bag with your chosen seasoning and shake until they are fully coated. You can use a store-bought fish seasoning or make your own by combining ingredients like cornmeal, garlic powder, black pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. After shaking off any excess flour, place the fillets on a baking rack to allow any remaining excess to fall off.

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Grease the bottom of your air fryer basket to prevent sticking. You can also line the basket with air fryer-friendly parchment paper for extra protection.

Step 5: Cook the Fish

Place the fish fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Set the air fryer to the appropriate temperature and time based on the type and thickness of your fish. For most types of white fish, a temperature of 380-400°F for 7-15 minutes should be sufficient, flipping the fillets halfway through. The fish is done when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Hot air-fried fish is best enjoyed fresh and can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Try it with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, hot sauce, or remoulade sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with potato wedges, French fries, or a side of vegetables.

How to get crispy fish in a hot air fryer

You can cook crispy fish in an air fryer in a few simple steps. The benefit of using an air fryer is that you can achieve the same delicious, crispy texture with a fraction of the oil.

Ingredients

• White fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, pollock, tilapia, whiting, catfish, hake, or halibut)
• Oil (for misting) – any high-heat oil will do, such as olive oil or avocado oil
• Breadcrumbs or flour
• Spices and seasonings of your choice (e.g. paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt)
• Tartar sauce, hot sauce, or lemon wedges to serve

Method

• If using frozen fish, ensure that it is fully thawed before seasoning.
• Rinse and pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. They should still be slightly damp.
• Prepare your chosen seasoning in a sealable bag. Place the fish fillets in the bag and shake until they are fully covered with seasoning.
• Place the fillets on a baking rack to allow any excess flour to fall off.
• Grease the bottom of your air fryer basket.
• Cook the fillets for 7-10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Open the basket and spray the fish with oil to ensure it is fully coated.
• Flip the fish and cook on the other side for 7-8 minutes.
• Serve immediately with your chosen sauce or lemon wedges.

Tips

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will cause the fish to steam rather than fry.
• Ensure the fish is fully covered in oil and seasoning before cooking.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fillets.

What to serve with hot air-fried fish

You can serve hot air-fried fish with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

Classic Sides

• Fries: Serve your fish with a side of fries, the classic choice. You can make them in your air fryer for extra crispiness.
• Tartar Sauce: This is a must-have for fried fish. Make your own by mixing mayonnaise, pickle relish, onion, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt.
• Lemon Wedges: Squeeze some lemon over your fish or add a slice to your tartar sauce for a burst of freshness.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw can complement the softness of the fish. Try a cilantro-lime slaw for a zesty twist.
• Pickles: For a crisp and tart contrast, add some dill or bread-and-butter pickles.

Potato Sides

• Baked Potato Wedges: For a healthier alternative to fries, bake some potato wedges in the oven and season them with your favorite herbs and spices.
• Cheesy Mashed Potato Cakes: These are a delicious and indulgent side dish that will add some extra comfort to your meal.
• Sweet Potato Chips: Sweet potato chips, especially the baked variety, can add a crunchy and addictive element to your meal.

Vegetable Sides

• Air Fryer Asparagus and Mushrooms: If you're looking for a lighter option, air fryer vegetables are a great way to go.
• Oven-Roasted Root Vegetables: Root vegetables have earthy flavors that pair well with rich dishes like fried fish.
• Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: These brussels sprouts are a tasty option, roasted at a high temperature until golden brown and topped with red pepper flakes.
• Sauteed Broccoli: Light and crispy sauteed broccoli is another healthy option to balance out the fried fish.

Other Sides

• Hot Sauce: For an extra kick, add your favorite hot sauce to the mix.
• Remoulade Sauce: This creamy and tangy condiment is perfect for dipping your fish or fries into.
• Cocktail Sauce: Similar to tartar sauce, cocktail sauce is a great dipping option for your fish and fries.
• Corn on the Cob: A classic side dish, especially in some parts of the US, corn on the cob can be a sweet and buttery addition to your meal.
• Macaroni and Cheese: Jazz up your mac and cheese with ground mustard and hot pepper sauce to create a comforting side dish.

Feel free to mix and match these sides to create your perfect hot air-fried fish platter!

How to store hot air-fried fish

You've just cooked some delicious hot air-fried fish, but now you're full and need to store it for later. How do you make sure it stays crispy and fresh?

Firstly, it's important to let the fish cool completely before storing it. Putting hot fish into a container can create condensation, which will ruin the crispy texture you've just spent time creating. Once the fish has cooled, you can place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. If you have a meat drawer, you can use that, but an airtight container will also prevent the fish from picking up any other strong food odours.

It's best to eat leftover fried fish within three days, but for optimal taste and texture, it's best to eat it the next day. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container.

When you're ready to eat your leftover fish, simply reheat it in the air fryer at 325-350°F (162-176°C) for about 6 minutes. You can also reheat it in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave, but these methods may not give you back that delicious crispiness.

Frequently asked questions