Air Fryer Fish: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, and you can use a variety of fish fillets, including cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, and salmon. The best way to get crispy fish in an air fryer is to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can create steam and prevent crispiness. You can also refrigerate your breaded fish for 10 minutes before frying to ensure the breading adheres to the fish.

How to cook fish in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• 2-6 fish fillets (any firm, mild white fish such as cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, haddock, or halibut will work)
• Oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil)
• Breadcrumbs (dried or gluten-free)
• Spices (paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt)
• Lemon wedges
• Tartar sauce

Method

• Pat the fish fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
• (Optional) If you want to bread your fish, place flour, egg, and breadcrumbs in three separate shallow bowls. Add any desired spices to the breadcrumbs and toss to combine. Working with one fillet at a time, coat the fish in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs, pressing to coat.
• Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to work in batches.
• Cook at 360-400°F/182-200°C for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish is done when it is golden and can be flaked easily with a fork.
• Serve hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

Tips:

• If breading your fish, chill the breaded fillets in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere.
• Use parchment paper or aluminum foil to line your air fryer basket for easier cleanup.
• If cooking from frozen, add an extra 5-8 minutes to the cooking time, and make sure to thaw the fish completely before cooking.

What type of fish can be cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook fish in an air fryer! It's a great way to cook fried-style fish with very little oil, making it a healthier option.

When it comes to the type of fish, you can use almost any kind of fish fillet. However, it's best to opt for moderately thin, white, and flaky fish for the best results. Some examples include:

• Cod
• Tilapia
• Catfish
• Pollock
• Hake
• Haddock
• Mahi Mahi
• Halibut
• Sea Bass
• Sole
• Salmon

If you're using thicker fish fillets like tuna or swordfish, they will take longer to cook, so it's best to avoid them.

Additionally, you can use either fresh or thawed frozen fish fillets. Just make sure that they are completely defrosted before cooking. The fillets should not be too thin, as thinner strips may not cook evenly in the air fryer.

The cooking time may vary depending on the type and thickness of the fish, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on it and adjust the timing as needed. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.

How to make crispy fish in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• 4-6 fish fillets (any white fish will work, but tilapia, cod, and catfish are popular choices)
• 1 tablespoon of oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil)
• 1 cup of dry breadcrumbs (for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs)
• Spices of your choice (e.g. paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt)
• Lemon wedges and tartar sauce for serving

Method:

• Prepare the fish fillets by patting them dry with paper towels. They should still be slightly damp.
• In a shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs with your chosen spices. You can also add some flour to the mixture if desired.
• Coat each fish fillet with the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off any excess.
• Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Leave some space between the fillets to allow hot air to circulate.
• Set the air fryer to 390-400°F (200°C) and cook for 10-15 minutes.
• After the first 7-10 minutes, open the air fryer and spray the fish with oil. Flip the fillets and continue cooking.
• The fish is ready when it is golden and crispy. It should flake easily with a fork.
• Serve hot with lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side.

Tips:

• If using frozen fish, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
• You can use parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the air fryer basket for easier cleanup.
• To prevent the breading from falling off, chill the breaded fish in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before cooking.
• For extra crispiness, spray the fish with oil only halfway through cooking.

How to cook frozen fish in an air fryer

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

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

First, preheat your air fryer to 380°F or 390°F. If needed, prepare the air fryer basket with olive oil, aluminium foil, parchment paper, or a non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

Take your frozen fish fillets and coat them with a thin layer of olive oil. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the fish. You can brush it on or use an olive oil mister.

Step 3: Bread the Fish

Next, take your breadcrumbs and season them with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and black pepper. You can also add in some lemon pepper or Old Bay seasoning. Then, spoon the breadcrumbs over the fish fillets, covering as much of the fish as possible. Press gently to help the breading stick.

Step 4: Air Fry the Fish

Place the fish fillets breaded-side up in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Air fry for 6 minutes, then spray the tops with olive oil and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the breading is golden brown. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fish fillets.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your fish fillets with a side of fries, hushpuppies, and lemon wedges, and your favourite sauce, such as tartar sauce. Enjoy!

What to serve with air-fried fish

There are several side dishes that can be served with air-fried fish. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

Air fryer asparagus and mushrooms, microwave broccoli, or a healthy zucchini salad are all great options to serve with your air-fried fish.

Starchy Sides

For starchy sides, you can serve the fish with oven-baked fries, potato wedges, cheesy mashed potato cakes, or potatoes.

Carbs

If you're looking for a carb-heavy option, serve the fish with pasta or use it to make fish tacos or burritos.

Sauces

Tartar sauce, hot sauce, and lemon wedges are also great additions to your air-fried fish meal.

Frequently asked questions