Air-Fryer Fresh Fish: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook fresh fish, with many types of fish fillets being suitable for this method. The air fryer's suspended basket and fan blow hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior. This method is healthier than deep-frying and can be achieved with very little oil. You can also cook frozen fish in an air fryer, but it is important to note that battered fish is not suitable for the air fryer as the liquid will make a mess.

Choosing the right fish

When choosing the right fish for your air fryer, it's important to consider the type of fish, the thickness of the fillets, and whether you're using fresh or frozen fish.

Firstly, white fish such as cod, tilapia, haddock, halibut, pollock, and catfish are popular choices for air frying. These types of fish tend to hold up well during the air-frying process and can result in a crispy exterior and flaky interior. Salmon and whiting fish are also good options, but you can experiment with other kinds of fish as well.

Secondly, it's recommended to use moderately thin fillets. Thicker fillets, such as tuna or swordfish, may take longer to cook and could affect the crispiness of the dish. It's important to note that the fillets should not be too thin, as thin strips may not work well with certain recipes.

Lastly, you can use either fresh or frozen fish fillets. However, if you're using frozen fish, it's crucial to ensure that they are completely thawed before cooking. This can be done by leaving the fish in the fridge overnight or by submerging it in ice-cold water for a quicker defrost. It's also important to pat the fish dry before coating them in oil to ensure a perfectly crispy exterior.

In summary, when choosing the right fish for your air fryer, opt for moderately thin white fish fillets such as cod, tilapia, or haddock. You can use either fresh or frozen fish, but make sure frozen fillets are completely thawed before cooking. By following these guidelines, you'll be able to create delicious and crispy air-fried fish dishes.

Thawing and preparing the fish

Thawing the Fish:

• If your fish is frozen, it's best to thaw it before cooking. You can do this by leaving the fish in the fridge overnight. This method ensures slow and safe thawing.
• Alternatively, if you're short on time, submerge the fish in a bowl of ice-cold water. This method will take around an hour, depending on the size of the fish.
• Thawing is particularly important if you plan on breading your fish or cutting it into specific portions.

Preparing the Fish:

• Once thawed, portion your fish fillets into relatively equal sizes. This step ensures even cooking for the entire batch.
• Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. They should still be slightly damp.
• Next, season your fish. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, lemon pepper, onion powder, paprika, or even a simple fish seasoning mix. Place the seasoning in a sealable bag, add the fillets, and shake until they are fully coated.
• After seasoning, place the fillets on a baking rack or a plate to allow any excess seasoning to fall off.
• If you prefer a breaded fish, prepare a breading station. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour or cornstarch, one with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs. You can season the flour and breadcrumbs with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or your favorite fish seasoning.
• Dip the fish fillets first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then coat them with the egg, and finally, roll them in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
• If you prefer a simpler approach, you can skip the breading and directly coat the fish fillets with a thin layer of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil.

The best breading for air-fried fish

Air-fried fish is a tasty, healthier alternative to deep-fried fish. It's a simple recipe that the whole family will love.

White fish such as cod, haddock, halibut, tilapia, whiting, and pollock tend to hold up best when air-fried, but you can experiment with other kinds of fish. Avoid thicker fish like tuna or swordfish, which will take longer to cook.

If you're using frozen fish, it's best to defrost it first. Leave it in the fridge overnight, or if the piece is not too big, leave it on the counter for an hour submerged in ice-cold water. Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel before coating them in oil and breadcrumbs. This will help to ensure a perfectly crispy exterior.

A variety of breading options can be used for air-fried fish, including:

• Breadcrumbs: For a crispier texture, use panko breadcrumbs. You can also use homemade or store-bought dried breadcrumbs.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour to coat the fish before dipping it in the egg and breadcrumb mixture.
• Cornmeal: For a spicy kick, mix cornmeal with the breadcrumbs.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan cheese adds flavour and helps with browning and binding the crust.

You can season your breading with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Spray the basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. Place the fish fillets in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is flaky and the crust is golden brown.

Air-fried fish goes well with tartar sauce, coleslaw, fries, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh tomato cucumber salad.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried fish depend on the type of fish, the thickness of the fillets, and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook fish in the air fryer at temperatures between 360°F/182°C and 400°F. The cooking time can vary from 5 to 15 minutes.

For example, a six-ounce cod fillet can cook in as little as 12 minutes at 400°F. White fish, such as tilapia, cooked at 360°F/182°C, will take about 6-12 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the fillets, how cold they are, and individual preference. For fish cooked at 380°F, it is recommended to check the fish at 6 minutes, and then at 2-minute increments until it is cooked through.

For breaded fish, it is recommended to cook at 390°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through.

It is important to note that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the type of fish and the model of the air fryer. It is also important to ensure that the air fryer basket is not overcrowded, as this can prevent the fish from crisping.

Common mistakes to avoid

Cooking fish in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. However, there are some common mistakes that people often make when using an air fryer for the first time. Here are some tips to help you avoid those mistakes and ensure your fish turns out perfectly:

Overcooking the Fish

Some types of fish can cook very quickly in an air fryer, sometimes in as little as five minutes. Therefore, it is important to keep a close eye on your fish to avoid overcooking it. Check on it frequently and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Forgetting to Flip the Fish

It is important to flip your fish halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure that it cooks evenly on both sides and prevents one side from burning or becoming overcooked while the other side remains raw. Set a timer to remind yourself to flip the fish if needed.

Not Using Non-Stick Spray or Oil

Although air fryers can cook food without using any oil, it is still a good idea to use a non-stick spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent the fish from sticking to the basket. Alternatively, you can place a small sheet of aluminium foil or a non-stick liner at the bottom of the basket. This will make it easier to remove the fish once it is cooked and help with the cleaning process.

Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket

To ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the fish in a single layer, leaving space between each fillet so that the hot air can circulate around them. If you are cooking a large batch of fish, you may need to cook it in batches.

Frequently asked questions