Marianne Martinez
Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, producing crispy, crunchy, faux-fried fish with very little oil and in less time than a traditional deep fryer. You can cook both fresh and frozen fish in an air fryer, although you should avoid beer-battered fish as the liquid creates a mess and doesn't stick to the fish. The best types of fish to use are firm, mild white fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi mahi. Before cooking, you should pat the fish dry and cut it into strips. Then, dip the fish in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before placing it in the air fryer basket and cooking for around 10-15 minutes.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Fish in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fish Type | Any firm, mild white fish: haddock, pollock, cod, halibut, flounder, whiting, walleye, etc. |
| Fish Fillet Thickness | Not too thin; thinner fish may require slight adjustments to cooking time |
| Fish Preparation | Thawed (if frozen), patted dry, and cut into strips |
| Breading | Flour, egg, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, seasoned salt, pepper, etc. |
| Cooking Spray | Olive oil, non-stick spray, or similar |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 380-400° F (200° C) |
| Air Fryer Cook Time | 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through |
| Serving Suggestions | Lemon wedges, tartar sauce, fries, parsley, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare fish for the air fryer
Preparing fish for the air fryer is a simple process. First, select a firm, mild white fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, or halibut. Thicker fish are generally preferable, as they remain moist and juicy, but you can use thinner fish with a slightly reduced cooking time. If your fish is frozen, it is best to thaw it first, either by leaving it in the fridge overnight or submerging it in ice-cold water for an hour or two.
Next, cut the fish into evenly sized fillets or strips. This will ensure even cooking. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel, then season with salt and pepper or other spices of your choice. You can also add a coating to your fish by dredging it in flour, dipping it in beaten egg, and then rolling it in breadcrumbs. This will give your fish a crispy texture. If you are using breadcrumbs, spray the fish with oil or cooking spray to help the coating stick and create an even crispier exterior.
Finally, arrange the fish in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece to allow hot air to circulate. Preheat the air fryer, then place the basket inside and cook for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. Flip the fish halfway through to ensure even cooking. Your fish is ready when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
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The best types of fish for air frying
Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, giving you a crispy exterior without the mess and oil splatters of pan-frying or deep frying. The best types of fish to use in an air fryer are firm, mild white fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, flounder, whiting, and walleye.
Cod is a particularly good choice as it tends to be thicker and firmer, meaning it maintains its integrity and stays juicier. Other types of white fish that can be used include sea bass, tilapia, catfish, hake, and sole.
It's best to avoid thicker fish fillets such as tuna or swordfish, which will take longer to cook. If using a thinner fish like whiting or flounder, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
You can use either fresh or frozen fish fillets, but if using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking. The best way to thaw fish is to leave it in the fridge overnight, or for smaller pieces, leave it on the counter for an hour submerged in ice-cold water.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
The temperature and timing for cooking fish in an air fryer depend on the type of fish, the thickness of the fillets, and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook fish in an air fryer at temperatures between 200°C (390°F) and 400°F. The cooking time can range from 5 minutes to 20 minutes, depending on the above factors.
For instance, cod and halibut are thicker and firmer fish that may require a few extra minutes of cooking time. On the other hand, thinner fish like whiting or flounder may cook faster, so adjust the timing accordingly.
When cooking frozen fish, it is best to let it thaw overnight in the fridge or in cold water for an hour or two before cooking. This ensures even cooking and allows the breading to stick properly. Cooking frozen fish directly in the air fryer may require adding an extra 5 to 8 minutes to the cooking time.
It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may also vary depending on whether you are using any marinades, glazes, or breading. If using breading, ensure that it is dry and shake off any excess before placing the fish in the air fryer.
Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Cook the fish in batches if needed, placing them in a single layer with about 1/4-inch space between each piece.
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How to prevent fish from sticking to the air fryer
To prevent fish from sticking to the air fryer, you can use parchment paper, aluminium foil, or cooking spray.
Parchment paper is a non-stick, heat-resistant paper that can be placed at the bottom of the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that the paper is specifically designed for air fryers, as plain parchment paper may block the circulation of warm air in the cooking chamber. You can buy pre-made air fryer-safe parchment paper, or make your own by cutting a piece of paper to the size of the air fryer basket and poking a series of holes in it.
Aluminium foil can be used as an alternative to parchment paper, although it may need to be oiled to prevent sticking.
Cooking spray can be used to coat the fish and the air fryer basket, preventing the fish from sticking and helping to ensure even cooking.
In addition to these methods, it is important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can prevent hot air from circulating and result in undercooked or soggy fish.
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What to serve with air fryer fish
Air-fried fish is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air fryer fish:
Sides
- Fries: For a classic fish and chips experience, serve your air fryer fish with a side of crispy french fries. You can even use the air fryer to cook them!
- Hush puppies: For a Southern-inspired meal, hush puppies, which are deep-fried cornmeal balls, make a delicious side dish.
- Potatoes: Whether baked, roasted, or mashed, potatoes are always a comforting side option. Try roasting them with herbs and spices for extra flavor.
- Onion rings: Another crispy, fried option to pair with your fish.
- Corn on the cob: A sweet and juicy side that can be grilled, boiled, or steamed to perfection.
- Vegetables: Air fryer fish can be served with a variety of vegetables, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Sauces
- Tartar sauce: A classic choice for fried fish, tartar sauce adds a creamy, tangy flavor.
- Lemon wedges: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over your fish for a bright, acidic kick.
- Cocktail sauce: For a spicier option, cocktail sauce, made with ketchup, horseradish, and other seasonings, pairs well with air fryer fish.
- Sriracha dipping sauce: For an extra spicy kick, try a sriracha dipping sauce with your fish.
- Garlic aioli: If you're looking for a creamy, garlicky sauce, garlic aioli is a delicious choice.
Other Ideas
- Tacos: Air fryer fish can be served in tacos with shredded cabbage, sour cream, and pineapple slaw.
- Burger buns: For a fun twist, serve your fish in a burger bun with lettuce, tomato, and garlic aioli.
- Salads: Add some protein to your salad by topping it with air fryer fish.
- Wraps: Wrap your air fryer fish in a soft tortilla with your favorite vegetables and sauces.
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Frequently asked questions
You can cook almost any type of fish in an air fryer, but the recipe works best with moderately thin, white, and flaky fish, such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi mahi. Avoid thicker fillets such as tuna or swordfish, which will take longer to cook.
Cooking times will vary depending on the size of your fillets, whether you are cooking with any marinades, glazes, or breading, and the type of air fryer you have. Fish fillets will generally take around 10-15 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 380-400°F.
If your fish is frozen, you will need to thaw it before cooking. You can do this by leaving it in the fridge overnight or by submerging it in ice-cold water for an hour or two. If you plan on breading your fish, you will need to cut the fillets into strips and dip them in flour and egg before coating them in breadcrumbs.
It is recommended to cook fish at around 380-400°F in an air fryer. However, if you are cooking thicker fillets, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
