Wet-Battering Fish In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Frying fish in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, but it can be challenging to get the same texture and taste. One issue with air fryers is that wet batter tends to drip off the food, creating a mess and preventing the desired crispy coating. However, with some adjustments, it is possible to achieve delicious results.

To successfully fry battered fish in an air fryer, it is crucial to start with thick fish fillets that won't dry out during cooking. The batter should be thick, and the fish should be double-dipped: first in the batter, then in flour, and finally in a spray of olive or cooking oil. This process ensures the coating adheres and crisps up. While the end result might not be identical to traditional deep-fried fish and chips, it is still tasty and flaky, with a tender interior and a crispy exterior.

Why wet batter doesn't work in an air fryer

Wet batter on fish doesn't work well in an air fryer because the batter will stick to or leak through the basket, creating a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms. The issue is that the hot oil in a deep fryer "sets" the batter onto the fish, creating a deliciously crunchy coating. However, in an air fryer, there is no hot oil for the batter to cling to.

To achieve a similar effect in an air fryer, you can use frozen battered foods, as the freezing process sets the batter. Another option is to skip the wet batter and opt for a breading or coating instead. If you do attempt to air fry wet-battered fish, be sure to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and let any excess batter drip off.

Additionally, when using an air fryer, it is important to apply oil to the exterior of the food. This can be done with cooking spray, which helps to create a crispy texture and prevent the food from sticking to the basket.

How to adapt a wet batter recipe for an air fryer

Wet batter recipes can be tricky to adapt for an air fryer because the batter tends to drip off the food and through the holes in the air fryer basket. However, with a few adjustments, you can successfully make wet batter recipes, like beer-battered fish, in your air fryer. Here are some tips to help you adapt a wet batter recipe:

Choose the Right Fish

Select a firm, mild white fish such as cod, haddock, or tilapia. The fish should be fresh or completely thawed if frozen. Make sure the fish fillets are at least 1-inch thick; any thinner, and they may dry out before the batter turns golden brown, and any thicker will take too long to cook properly.

Prepare the Fish

Before battering, pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. The batter will stick better to the fish if there is less moisture.

Thicken the Batter

To prevent the batter from dripping off, make sure it is thick. You can achieve this by using less liquid or adding more dry ingredients. Let any excess batter drip off the fish before placing it in the air fryer.

Double Dipping

After coating the fish with the wet batter, dip it into a bowl of dry flour or a flour mixture. This double-dipping process will create a coating that will stay put in the air fryer. You can also sprinkle the leftover flour on the fish and gently pat it to adhere to the batter.

Oil Spray

Generously spritz or brush both sides of the coated fish with oil. This step is crucial, as it helps the batter crisp up and ensures that the flour doesn't stay dry and raw. Use an oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil, peanut oil, or canola oil.

Air Fryer Settings

Preheat your air fryer to around 375-390°F. Place the fish in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Air fry for about 12-15 minutes or until the fish is flaky and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Serving

Serve your air-fried, wet batter fish with tartar sauce, coleslaw, lemon wedges, malt vinegar, or your favorite sides. Enjoy!

The best type of fish to use

When it comes to choosing the best type of fish to use in an air fryer, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to select a fish that has a meaty yet flaky texture and will stay moist when cooked. Secondly, the thickness of the fish fillets matters; aim for pieces that are around 1 inch thick. If they are too thin, they will dry out before the batter turns golden brown, and if they are too thick, they will take longer to cook properly.

With these considerations in mind, here are some of the best types of fish to use in an air fryer:

• Cod: Cod is a mild white fish that is widely available and inexpensive, making it a popular choice for air fryer recipes. It has a meaty yet flaky texture and tends to stay moist when cooked.
• Haddock: Haddock is another great option for air frying as it holds up well to the cooking process and has a similar texture to cod.
• Pollock: Pollock is often used as an alternative to cod and haddock in air fryer recipes. It has a slightly stronger flavour but still pairs well with traditional fish and chips flavours like tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
• Halibut: Halibut is a firm, white fish that can also be used in air fryer recipes. It has a similar texture to cod and haddock, but its firmer texture means it can hold up to the air frying process.
• Tilapia: Tilapia is a versatile fish that can be used in a variety of recipes, including air frying. It has a mild flavour and a flaky texture, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter taste.

When preparing fish for the air fryer, it is important to pat the fillets dry with a paper towel before coating them in oil or batter. This will ensure a crispy exterior and prevent excess moisture from getting into the crust. It is also recommended to cook fish in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can slow down the cooking process and prevent even browning.

How to store and reheat leftovers

While it is possible to wet batter fish in an air fryer, it can be tricky as the batter tends to drop to the bottom of the basket. However, there is a workaround for this. You can double-dip your fish by coating it in the wet batter and then dipping it in flour. The flour coating will ensure that the batter adheres to the fish and doesn't drip off.

Now, if you have leftovers, here is how to store and reheat them:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the fish to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours.
• Scrape off any remaining sauces from the fish to prevent sogginess.
• Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and freshness.

Reheating in an Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Place the leftover fish in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is some space between the pieces for proper air circulation.
• Lightly spray or brush the fish with oil to enhance crispness.
• Reheat for about 3-6 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Once the fish is heated through and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Other Reheating Methods

You can also reheat fried fish using a microwave, oven, skillet, or deep fryer. However, these methods may not retain the crispness of the fish as effectively as an air fryer.

Remember, reheated fish is best enjoyed right after cooking, so it's important to monitor the reheating process closely to prevent overcooking or sogginess.

What to serve with your fish

While wet battering fish in an air fryer is possible, it is tricky as the batter tends to drop to the bottom of the basket. However, a few adjustments, such as double-dipping the fish in flour and spraying it with olive oil, can help achieve a crispy and crunchy texture.

Now, onto the sides! Here are some ideas for what to serve with your fish:

Starchy Sides

• Rice, especially rice pilaf, is a popular choice to accompany fish. For extra flavour, you could cook the rice in coconut milk or chicken broth and add spices like turmeric and black pepper.
• Potatoes, whether mashed, roasted, or baked, are another classic option. You could even make potatoes au gratin or Lyonnaise potatoes for a more indulgent side dish.
• Pasta, such as egg noodles with a simple butter-based sauce or orzo tossed with toasted walnuts, can also be a great pairing for fish.

Vegetable Sides

• Asparagus, either oven-roasted or air-fried, is a popular choice to serve with fish.
• Broccoli, either steamed, roasted, or sautéed with garlic butter and cashews, is another healthy and tasty option.
• Green beans, especially when roasted with a spicy-sweet glaze, can complement the mild flavour of fish.
• Cauliflower, especially when roasted with garlic and Parmesan cheese, can add a unique and memorable touch to your meal.
• Zucchini fritters or a zucchini, squash, and corn casserole can also be delicious veggie-heavy sides to serve with fish.
• For a fresh and crunchy option, consider a cucumber salad, such as a smashed-cucumber salad or a cucumber-tomato salad.
• If you're looking for something heartier, try a vegetable-loaded dirty rice or a roasted brussels sprouts dish.

Salads

• A simple green salad, such as a classic Caesar salad, can be a refreshing side for fish.
• For something more substantial, a chopped kale salad with toasted breadcrumbs or a broccoli and tortellini salad can be a great choice.
• Fruit salads, such as a curried cashew, pear, and grape salad, can also add a sweet and crunchy element to your meal.

Other Sides

• Hushpuppies, a Southern favourite, are a great side for seafood.
• Slaw, especially when served with fried fish, is a classic pairing.
• Tartar sauce is a must-have condiment for fried fish, adding a tangy and creamy element to your meal.

So, there you have it! A variety of sides to choose from to accompany your air-fried fish. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and finding your favourites!

Frequently asked questions