Air-Frying Fish Fillets: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can cook fish fillets in an air fryer. It is a healthy option as air fryers require little oil and preserve all the nutrition inside the food. The method is also simple and quick, with most recipes taking under 20 minutes.

Fish fillets in an air fryer: a step-by-step guide

Ingredients

• Fish fillets (fresh or frozen)
• Oil (e.g. olive oil, grapeseed oil)
• Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your choice of seasoning/sauce

Step-by-Step Guide

• Prepare your fish fillets: If using frozen fillets, ensure they are fully defrosted before cooking. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps the coating adhere better to the fish.
• Coat the fillets: Drizzle or brush a thin layer of oil onto the fillets. Then, gently press the fillets into the breadcrumbs, ensuring both sides are well coated.
• Prepare the air fryer basket: Grease the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil or line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent the fish from sticking.
• Cook the fillets: Place the coated fillets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook at 390°F (199-200°C) for 12-15 minutes. For thinner fillets, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Halfway through, gently flip the fillets to ensure even cooking and crispness.
• Serve: Fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork. Serve hot with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite seasoning/sauce

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispness.
• For frozen fillets, a thin layer of oil can act as a "glue" for the breadcrumbs to stick to.
• Adjust cooking times based on the type and thickness of the fish, as well as your air fryer model.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

The best types of fish for air frying

Yes, you can put fish fillets in an air fryer! In fact, it's a great way to cook fish with minimal oil and mess, and without leaving a lingering smell in your kitchen.

Now, onto the best types of fish for air frying.

White fish, such as cod, haddock, halibut, tilapia, and sea bass, tend to hold up well when air-fried. These types of fish have a delicate flavour and flaky texture that is enhanced by the air-frying process. They also have a good amount of natural oils, which helps to keep them moist and juicy.

Other types of fish that can be successfully air-fried include catfish, pollock, hake, and even salmon. Salmon, in particular, is a good option if you're looking for something heart-healthy, as it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

When purchasing fish for air frying, look for fillets that are of an even thickness, as this will help ensure even cooking. Fresh fish is always best, but frozen fish can also be used, as long as it is properly defrosted before cooking.

In terms of preparation, it is important to pat the fish fillets dry before coating them in your chosen breading or seasoning. This will help the coating adhere better and result in a crispier exterior. Additionally, brushing the air fryer basket with oil or lining it with parchment paper will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

So, there you have it! The best types of fish for air frying are those with a delicate flavour and flaky texture, such as white fish like cod, haddock, and halibut. With the right preparation techniques, you can also experiment with other varieties to find your perfect air-fried fish dish.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To get the perfect crispy texture for your fish fillets, there are several steps you can follow. Firstly, ensure that your fish fillets are either fresh or fully defrosted and thawed if frozen. This is important because it affects how well your coating adheres to the fish. Next, pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Now it's time to coat your fish fillets. You can use a variety of coatings, from flour to breadcrumbs, or even a combination of both. For a simple flour coating, place the fillets in a sealable bag with the flour and shake until they're fully covered. For breadcrumbs, coat the fillets in a thin layer of oil first, then gently press the breadcrumbs onto the fish. Make sure to coat both sides of the fillet.

Brush the air fryer grate with a little oil to prevent sticking, then place the coated fillets inside, ensuring they don't overlap. Set the air fryer to around 390°F (200°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes. For an even crispier texture, flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time.

Finally, serve your crispy fish fillets with a fresh lemon wedge and your choice of sides. Enjoy!

Air frying frozen vs. fresh fish fillets

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook fish fillets from frozen or fresh, with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Frozen Fish Fillets in the Air Fryer

The beauty of using an air fryer for frozen fish is that there is no need to defrost the fillets first. Frozen fish fillets can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer basket, with just a quick stop to coat the fish in olive oil and breadcrumbs. The frozen fillets will defrost and cook through while the breading crisps up.

Frozen fish fillets can be cooked in the air fryer in under 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for a busy weeknight. The convenience of frozen fish is that it can be stored in the freezer and cooked at any moment without the need for thawing.

Fresh Fish Fillets in the Air Fryer

Fresh fish fillets can also be cooked in the air fryer, but it is important to ensure that the fillets are completely defrosted/thawed before breading and air-frying. Fresh fish fillets can be cooked in the air fryer in around 15 minutes, resulting in a crispy and golden finish.

Tips for Air Frying Fish Fillets

• It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to its highest setting, usually around 400°F (204°C).
• Use a cooking spray or brush the basket with oil to prevent the fish from sticking.
• For frozen fish, pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before coating and cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the fish from crisping up.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the type of fish and the thickness of the fillets.
• Check that the fish is cooked through by using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

What to serve with air-fried fish

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

Side Dishes

• Air fryer asparagus and mushrooms
• Oven-baked fries or potato wedges
• Cheesy mashed potato cakes
• Air fryer French fries
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Air fryer green beans
• Air fryer potato wedges
• Air fryer vegetables
• Microwave broccoli
• Zucchini noodles
• Pasta
• Healthy zucchini noodles
• Potatoes
• Fish tacos

Condiments

• Tartar sauce
• Lemon wedges
• Hot sauce
• Remoulade sauce
• Cocktail sauce

Frequently asked questions