Air Fryer Raw Fish: Is It Possible?

You can cook raw fish in an air fryer, and it's a great way to make healthy, delicious, crispy fish without the mess of deep-frying. You can use almost any type of fish fillet, but the best results come from moderately thin, white, and flaky fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi-mahi. Thicker fillets like tuna or swordfish will take longer to cook.

What types of fish are best for the air fryer?

Yes, you can put raw fish in an air fryer. In fact, it is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as air fryers require little to no oil.

Now, what types of fish are best for the air fryer? Well, you can put almost any type of fish fillet in an air fryer. However, it is recommended to use moderately thin, white, and flaky fish, such as cod, haddock, pollock, tilapia, hake, mahi-mahi, or catfish. These types of fish tend to hold up well when air-fried and can be fresh or thawed frozen. Thicker fish fillets like tuna or swordfish should be avoided, as they will take longer to cook.

When preparing fish for the air fryer, it is important to ensure that the fish is not overcrowded in the chamber. This is because air fryers cook by circulating hot air, and if the fish is overlapping, it may not cook evenly. It is also important to note that fish cooks faster than other types of meat, so care must be taken to avoid overcooking.

For a crispy exterior, pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel before coating them in oil and breadcrumbs. This will help to absorb any excess moisture and ensure a golden brown crust.

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, as they preserve the nutrition, vitamins, and healthy oils found in fish. So, go ahead and give it a try!

How do you make air fryer fish?

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

Preparation

Before you start cooking, you will need to prepare your fish. If your fish is frozen, it is recommended that you defrost it first. This can be done by leaving it in the fridge overnight, or, if the piece is not too big, you can leave it on the counter for an hour submerged in ice-cold water until it is thawed. Once defrosted, pat the fish dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Seasoning

Now, it is time to season your fish. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder. You can also add a breadcrumb coating to your fish for a crispier texture. To do this, set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk an egg with a splash of cold water. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with your desired seasonings. Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge the fish in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it completely in the egg mixture, and finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture to coat.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (190-200°C) for at least 3-5 minutes. Lightly coat the bottom of your air fryer basket with oil to prevent the fish from sticking. Place the fish in the basket in a single layer, leaving a small gap between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the thickness of your fish, cook it for 7-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping it halfway through. For thinner fillets, 7-10 minutes should be enough, while thicker fillets may need the full 15 minutes.

Serving

Your air fryer fish is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it as is, or with a variety of sauces and sides. Some popular options include tartar sauce, hot sauce, lemon wedges, roasted potatoes, Greek salad, and roasted or grilled vegetables.

Tips

• Do not overcrowd your air fryer basket, as this will prevent the fish from crisping properly.
• Make sure to spray your fish with oil halfway through cooking to increase crispiness and ensure even cooking.
• Fish is done when it is easily flaked with a fork.
• If using frozen fish, you may need to cook it for 2-5 minutes longer.
• If using a recipe not designed for an air fryer, reduce the temperature by 25°F (about 14°C).

Enjoy your delicious and healthy air fryer fish!

Is air fryer fish crispy?

Yes, air fryer fish can be crispy! The air fryer circulates hot air around the fish fillets, cooking them quickly and with very little oil. This results in a perfectly golden brown, crispy exterior.

To achieve the perfect crisp, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This is because the fish needs to be in contact with the hot air to crisp up. It is also recommended to spritz the fish with oil halfway through cooking to increase crispiness.

The type of fish you use can also affect crispiness. It is best to use moderately thin, white, and flaky fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi-mahi. Thicker fillets like tuna or swordfish may not crisp up as well and will take longer to cook.

You can also bread your fish to achieve a crispy exterior. One recipe suggests coating the fish in a mixture of breadcrumbs, cornmeal, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Another recipe coats the fish in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.

How long should you air fry fish?

The cooking time for air-fried fish depends on the type of fish, its size, and its thickness. It also depends on whether you are cooking with any marinades, glazes, or breading. Since some marinades, glazes, and breading can overcook quickly, you should lower the cooking temperature and cook the fish for longer.

As a general rule, white fish should be cooked at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shrimp and scallops at 375°F for 8 minutes, and salmon at 400°F for 5-7 minutes. If you are cooking frozen seafood, you may need to increase the cooking time by 2 to 5 minutes. For example, a six-ounce cod fillet can be cooked in as little as 12 minutes.

If you are cooking fish fillets, the cooking time will be around 12-15 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through at the 8-10 minute mark. If you are cooking thinner fish sticks, the cooking time will be shorter.

What temperature should you cook fish at in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook raw fish in an air fryer. The temperature and cooking time will depend on the type of fish and the specific model of your air fryer.

As a general rule, white fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, or tilapia should be cooked at 380-400°F for 10-15 minutes. For salmon, 400°F for 5-7 minutes is recommended. For pacific cod, 400°F for 11-13 minutes is suggested. Rockfish should be cooked for 8-10 minutes at 400°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish fillets. Thicker fillets, such as tuna or swordfish, will take longer to cook. It is also recommended to preheat the air fryer for at least 3-5 minutes before adding the fish.

Additionally, to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and place the fish in a single layer.

Frequently asked questions