Air Fryer Breaded Fish: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Yes, you can cook breaded fish in an air fryer. This method produces a crisp, crunchy, and delicious dish without the need for deep frying. The air fryer also cuts down on cooking time and makes cleaning up easier. The process is simple: pat dry and season the fish fillets, then coat with flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs before air frying. The air fryer's hot air will create a golden and crunchy exterior with a tender and flaky interior.

How to make breaded fish in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 4 boneless fish fillets (white fish such as tilapia or cod)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Lemon wedges and tartar sauce, for serving
• Oil spray

Method

• Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel.
• In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and set aside.
• On a plate, mix together the flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Add the breadcrumbs to a separate plate.
• Dredge the fish in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
• Dip the fish into the whisked egg, shaking off any excess.
• Dredge the fish in the breadcrumbs.
• Place several pieces of breaded fish into the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket.
• Spray the top of the breaded fish with oil spray.
• Cook on the air fry setting for 10-15 minutes at 390-400°F, flipping halfway through, or until the fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork.
• Remove the fish carefully and serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping.

Tips:

• You can use fresh or frozen fish fillets that have been completely thawed.
• The fillets should be similar in size and thickness for the best results.
• The fish is done when it can easily be flaked with a fork.
• Thinner fish fillets will cook faster, and thicker fillets like cod will take a minute or two longer.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon over the air-fried fish adds extra flavor.
• If your air fryer basket is not non-stick, spray it with oil spray before placing the fish in it. Do not use non-stick aerosol spray.
• Depending on your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes.

The best types of fish for air frying

Yes, you can put breaded fish in an air fryer. In fact, cooking breaded fish in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a crispy texture without the need for deep frying.

Now, let's dive into the best types of fish for air frying:

White Fish

White fish varieties such as cod, haddock, halibut, tilapia, and sole are excellent choices for air frying. These fish have a mild flavour and a flaky texture which works well with various seasonings and breading options. They are also relatively thin fillets, which is ideal for even cooking in the air fryer.

Other Options

In addition to white fish, you can also experiment with other types of fish in your air fryer. Salmon, catfish, pollock, and hake are all good candidates and can provide a delicious, crispy result. Just be mindful of the thickness of the fillets, as you may need to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Fresh vs Frozen

When choosing fish for air frying, you can opt for either fresh or frozen fillets. If using frozen fish, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This will help prevent moisture from escaping during the cooking process, ensuring a crispy exterior.

Preparation Tips

To get the best results when air frying fish, there are a few key preparation tips to keep in mind:

• Pat the fish fillets dry before coating them in oil or breading. This will ensure a crispy exterior.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to allow adequate space for even cooking and browning.
• Spray the basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
• Flip the fish fillets halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.

How to make a crispy coating

To make a crispy coating for your breaded fish in the air fryer, there are a few steps to follow. Firstly, prepare your fish by patting it dry with a paper towel. This is important as it helps to ensure that your breadcrumb coating will be crispy rather than soggy. Next, set up your dredging station with three bowls. In the first bowl, place your flour, adding in any seasonings you like such as paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. In the second bowl, place a beaten egg, and in the third bowl, add your breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but for an extra crispy texture, panko breadcrumbs are a better option.

Now, it's time to coat your fish. Start by dredging the fish in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the egg, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumbs. Make sure to press down lightly until the crumbs stick. If you want an even crispier coating, you can double-coat the fish by repeating the process. Once your fish is coated, place it in the air fryer basket, making sure it's not overcrowded, as this can prevent the fish from crisping.

Finally, cook your fish according to the instructions for your specific air fryer model. As a general guideline, cook at around 390-400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through. The fish is ready when it's golden and crispy, and flakes easily with a fork.

With these steps, you'll achieve a crispy and delicious coating on your breaded fish, cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

What to serve with air-fried fish

There are many options for what to serve with air-fried fish. Here are some ideas:

Sides

• Air fryer asparagus and mushrooms
• Oven-baked fries or potato wedges
• Mashed potato cakes
• Coleslaw
• Pan-fried asparagus with lemon and Parmesan
• Salad (e.g. a green salad or slaw)

Sauces

• Tartar sauce
• Lemon wedges
• Hot sauce
• Ketchup
• Ranch dip

Meals

You could also serve the fish as part of a larger meal, such as:

• Fish and chips
• Fish sandwiches
• Fish tacos
• Fish with mashed or roasted potatoes

How to reheat air-fried fish

Yes, you can cook breaded fish in an air fryer. It's a great way to reheat your leftovers and keep them tasting crispy and fresh. Here's how to reheat air-fried fish:

Step 1: Preparing the Fish

Gently pat dry any leftover fish using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which could lead to sogginess during reheating. If your fish has a dry coating, spritz it with a little cooking oil to add moisture and help it crisp up.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (180°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and the development of a crispy exterior. Wait until the air fryer reaches the set temperature before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Arrange 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 you're reheating a large quantity, work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect crispness.

Step 4: Reheating

Place the basket of fish into the preheated air fryer and set the timer for a short duration, typically 3-5 minutes. The exact time depends on your air fryer model and the thickness of the fillets. The goal is to reheat without overcooking.

Step 5: Monitor and Flip

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 to ensure even crispness on both sides.

Step 6: Test for Crispness

After the reheating time is up, 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 it's not crispy enough, return the fish to the air fryer for an additional minute or two.

Step 7: Serve

Once the fish is reheated to perfection, serve it immediately with your favourite sides, sauces, or salads. Remember, reheated fish is best enjoyed straight away, so savour the crispy, freshly cooked taste without delay!

Frequently asked questions