Air-Fryer Fish: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, offering a healthier alternative to deep-fried fish without compromising on taste or texture. You can use a variety of fish, from mild white fish like cod and haddock to salmon, and even frozen fish fillets, as long as they are completely thawed. The breading is key to getting a crispy exterior, and you can use a variety of seasonings and spices to add flavour. The cooking time is generally around 12-15 minutes, depending on the type of fish and thickness, and you'll need to flip the fillets halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Characteristics and Values

Fish types: Cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, flounder, whiting, etc

Cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, flounder, and whiting are all types of white fish that can be cooked in an air fryer. White fish is a versatile fish that can be cooked in many ways, including air frying.

When cooking white fish in an air fryer, it is important to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish. Thicker fish like cod and halibut will need a few extra minutes of cooking time. White fish is considered a "gateway fish" for people who are new to seafood because of its mild taste. It is also high in protein, low in fat, and has high amounts of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids.

To cook white fish in an air fryer, first, pat the fish fillets dry with a kitchen towel. Then, brush them with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Brush one side with olive oil and arrange the fillets in the air fryer basket with the oiled side down. For crispy fish, dredge the fillets in flour before brushing with olive oil. The fish is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork.

White fish can be served with a variety of sauces and sides. Popular sauce choices include garlic butter, lemon butter, and herb butter. For a lighter meal, white fish can be baked in parchment paper with chorizo and fennel. It can also be served with Parmentier potatoes, roast potatoes, or vegetables.

Thawing: Leave frozen fish in the fridge overnight or in cold water for an hour

When it comes to thawing frozen fish for air frying, there are two effective methods: leaving the fish in the fridge overnight or using cold water. For the first method, place the frozen fish in your refrigerator the night before you intend to cook it. This gradual thawing process will ensure the fish is fully defrosted by the next day, ready for cooking. Alternatively, if you're short on time, you can use the cold water method. Simply submerge the frozen fish in a bowl of ice-cold water and leave it on your kitchen counter for an hour. This technique is best for smaller pieces of fish.

It's important to note that both methods are designed to gently and safely defrost the fish while maintaining its quality. Leaving fish on the counter at room temperature for extended periods is not recommended, as it can encourage bacterial growth and compromise food safety.

Once your fish is thawed, you can proceed with your chosen air fryer recipe. Air frying is an excellent way to cook fish, yielding a crispy exterior and moist, flaky flesh. The key to success is ensuring your fish is completely thawed before cooking, as this will impact the cooking time and the overall quality of the dish.

When preparing frozen fish for air frying, it's crucial to follow food safety guidelines to prevent any health risks. Always handle the fish with clean hands and utensils, and avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and knives for raw fish and other ingredients. Additionally, be mindful of the recommended thawing times; rushing the process can affect the texture and taste of the fish.

In summary, by allowing your frozen fish to thaw overnight in the fridge or using the quick cold-water method, you can ensure your fish is ready for air frying. These techniques are essential steps in creating delicious, crispy air-fried fish while maintaining food safety standards.

Breading: Dip fish in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, removing excess before frying

Breading your fish is an essential step in achieving that crispy, golden texture that makes air-fried fish so delicious. Here is a detailed guide to breading your fish before air frying:

Firstly, prepare your flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. You can use plain flour or opt for almond flour for a gluten-free option. Beat the egg in a separate dish. For the breadcrumbs, you can use Italian-style or season plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. You can also add in some ground almond flour for a gluten-free option.

Next, take your fish fillets and dip them in the flour, ensuring each fillet is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour before moving on to the next step.

Then, dip the floured fish into the beaten egg. Ensure the fish is well-coated, and again, shake off any excess egg before moving on.

Finally, it's time to coat the fish in the breadcrumbs. Gently press the fish into the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coat all over. Remove any excess breading by gently shaking the fish fillets.

Your fish is now ready to be placed in the air fryer! Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, air-fried fish!

Cooking: Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F. Cook fish in batches for 10-15 mins

To cook fish in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 380-400°F. It is recommended to brush the air fryer basket with a little oil or line it with parchment paper before adding the fish. This prevents the fish from sticking to the basket.

The ideal temperature for cooking fish in an air fryer is between 380-400°F. This temperature range ensures that the fish cooks through evenly and efficiently. It is important to note that the specific temperature may vary slightly depending on the type of air fryer and the type of fish being cooked. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to the air fryer's instruction manual and adjust the temperature accordingly.

When cooking fish in an air fryer, it is best to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the appliance. This ensures that the hot air can circulate properly and cook the fish evenly. Depending on the size of the air fryer, it may be necessary to cook the fish in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Cooking time can vary depending on the type of fish and the specific air fryer being used. However, on average, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook fish in an air fryer. For thinner fillets or smaller pieces of fish, the cooking time may be shorter, while for thicker cuts or denser fish, it may take a few minutes longer. It is important to keep an eye on the fish and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Serving: Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and fries

Fish cooked in an air fryer can be served with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and fries. This is a great way to create a pub-style meal at home.

To make tartar sauce, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon relish, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice in a bowl. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped, fresh parsley to the sauce. For the best flavor, make the tartar sauce a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

For the fries, cut potatoes into 1/4-inch thick sticks. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spritz with oil or non-stick spray. Air fry the fries for 6 minutes, flip them, and then air fry for another 6-8 minutes, or until crispy.

Finally, serve the fish and fries with lemon wedges and tartar sauce. If desired, sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and add a dash of malt vinegar.

Frequently asked questions