Air-Fryer Fish: Flour Coating, Good Or Bad?

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, and you can use flour to make it crispy. The key to getting crispy fish in an air fryer is to ensure the fish is coated in oil and that the air fryer is not overcrowded, so the hot air can circulate and make your fish golden and delicious. You can use flour to make your fish crispy, but some recipes recommend using breadcrumbs or cornmeal for an extra crunchy texture. It's also important to pat your fish dry before coating it in flour and spraying it with oil to ensure the coating sticks.

The best types of fish to use

While you can put almost any type of fish fillet in the air fryer, it is best to use moderately thin, white, and flaky fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, tilapia, catfish, hake, or mahi mahi. These types of fish can be fresh or thawed frozen.

It is best to avoid thicker fish fillets such as tuna or swordfish, as they will take longer to cook.

How to prepare the fish

Preparing fish for the air fryer is simple and can be done in a few different ways. Firstly, it is important to note that you should not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the fish from crisping and cause it to steam instead.

If you are using frozen fish, it is best to defrost it first by leaving it in the fridge overnight or by submerging it in ice-cold water for an hour. Once thawed, pat the fish dry with paper towels, ensuring that it is still slightly damp.

Next, you can prepare the fish by coating it with a breading or flour mixture. For a breaded fish, you can use breadcrumbs, preferably panko, for a crispier texture. You can also add spices to the breadcrumbs, such as paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Coat the fish fillets with oil, then dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off any excess.

For a flour coating, you can use all-purpose flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour. You can add seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the flour. Dip the fish fillets in the flour mixture, then in a beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs if desired.

Once the fish is coated, spray both sides with oil and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they are not overcrowded. Cook the fish at a temperature between 380-400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish is ready when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.

You can serve the air-fried fish with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, hot sauce, or your favorite sides, such as roasted potatoes, Greek salad, or grilled vegetables.

The importance of oil

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance due to their ability to cook delicious food quickly and healthily. While the name might suggest that oil is not required, this is not always the case. A light coating of oil can be applied directly to food before air frying to prevent it from sticking and ensure it crisps up nicely.

When it comes to the importance of oil in air frying, there are several key points to consider:

Moisture and Colour

A small amount of oil can help keep food moist and provide a golden brown colour. This is especially important for fresh meats and vegetables, which can dry out if not properly coated. By tossing your food in a few teaspoons of oil before placing it in the air fryer, you can ensure it retains its moisture and develops a delicious colour.

Taste and Texture

Oil can also enhance the taste and texture of your air-fried dishes. When choosing an oil, consider whether you want a neutral-tasting oil that won't alter the flavour of your food or a fragrant oil that will add extra depth to milder dishes. Oils with high smoke points, such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and peanut oil, are ideal for air frying as they can withstand high temperatures without breaking down.

Ease of Use

Using oil in an air fryer can also make the cooking process easier. For example, when making breaded foods like fish fillets, a light coating of oil can help the breading stick to the food and ensure it doesn't fall off during cooking. Oil can also be used to coat the air fryer basket or tray, making cleanup easier and preventing food from sticking.

Health Benefits

While air fryers already reduce the amount of oil needed for cooking, using the right type of oil can further enhance the health benefits. Oils like avocado oil and olive oil are not only suitable for high-heat cooking but are also some of the healthiest options available. This means you can enjoy crispy, delicious food without sacrificing your health.

In conclusion, while air fryers don't always require oil, using the right type of oil in moderation can improve the taste, texture, and health profile of your air-fried dishes. Experimenting with different oils and amounts will help you find the perfect combination for your preferences and cooking needs.

The breading process

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Start by choosing the right type of fish. Thin, white, and flaky fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, or tilapia work best in the air fryer. Cut the fish into fillets or strips, ensuring they are not too thin. If using frozen fish, be sure to thaw it beforehand by leaving it in the fridge overnight or submerging it in ice-cold water. Pat the fish dry with paper towels, ensuring it remains slightly damp.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three separate bowls or containers for the breading station. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour. You can also add seasonings to the flour, such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk an egg, which will help the breading adhere to the fish. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, such as panko or regular breadcrumbs, with any desired seasonings. You can also use cornmeal or a blend of cornmeal and flour for an extra crispy coating.

Step 3: Coat the Fish

Take each piece of fish and coat it evenly with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the fish into the egg, ensuring it is well coated. Finally, roll the fish in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere. Repeat this process for each piece of fish until they are all evenly coated.

Step 4: Spray with Oil

Once the fish is breaded, spray both sides of the fish with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other high-heat oil. This step will help the breading crisp up and turn golden brown during cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 380°F and 400°F. Place the breaded fish in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5 minutes, then carefully flip the fish and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. The fish is ready when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.

By following these steps, you will achieve a delicious and crispy breading on your air-fried fish. Enjoy your perfectly cooked fish with your choice of sides and sauces, such as tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or hot sauce!

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried fish depend on the type of fish and the specific model of the air fryer. On average, it takes 8 to 15 minutes to air fry fish.

For example, one source recommends cooking fish fillets in the air fryer at 200°C (390°F) for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through at the 8- to 10-minute mark. Another source suggests cooking fish at 400°F for 7 to 10 minutes, spraying the fillets with oil and flipping them before cooking for another 7 to 8 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish fillets and the model of the air fryer. Therefore, it's recommended to check the fish for doneness by testing with a fork to see if it flakes easily. If the fish is not cooked to your liking, you can return it to the air fryer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

When cooking fish in an air fryer, it's crucial to avoid overcrowding the chamber. This is because the air fryer functions by circulating hot air, and if there is too much fish, some parts may not come into contact with the hot air and may end up undercooked or soggy.

Additionally, it's recommended to preheat the air fryer before cooking the fish. Preheating ensures that the temperature and air flows are at the right levels when the fish is cooked, preventing uneven cooking.

Frequently asked questions