Air-Frying Haddock: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryer haddock is a quick, tasty, and healthy dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets, the model of the air fryer, and whether the fish is fresh or frozen. In this article, we will explore the different methods for cooking haddock in an air fryer, including cooking times, temperatures, and serving suggestions. We will also discuss the benefits of cooking haddock in an air fryer and provide tips for achieving the perfect crispy crust.

Air Fryer Haddock

Cooking times for fresh vs. frozen haddock

The cooking time for haddock in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the thickness of the fillets, the model of the air fryer, and whether the fish is fresh or frozen.

For fresh haddock fillets, the cooking time is typically between 8 and 12 minutes at 350°F (180°C). It's important to note that thinner cuts of fish will cook faster, while thicker cuts may take a minute or two longer. It's also crucial to ensure that the fish is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C) at the thickest part of the fillet.

When cooking frozen haddock fillets in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to a higher temperature, such as 400°F (200°C). The cooking time for frozen haddock is typically between 10 and 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. It's important to add a few minutes to the cooking time compared to fresh haddock to ensure that the fish is cooked evenly and thoroughly.

To ensure the best results, it is recommended to pat the haddock fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the seasoning stick to the fish and promotes even cooking. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the fillets are not overlapping in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.

Overall, whether cooking fresh or frozen haddock in an air fryer, the total cooking time will depend on the specific circumstances, and it is always a good idea to check the fish a few minutes early to prevent overcooking.

How to get a crispy crust

To get a crispy crust when cooking haddock in an air fryer, there are several steps you can follow. Firstly, ensure that the haddock fillets are fully thawed by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight. Then, dry the fillets thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, as this will impact how crispy the crust becomes.

Next, coat the fillets with oil and a spice blend of your choice. You can also try a double-dip method by dipping the fillets in flour, then whipped eggs, and finally coating them in a seasoned, crushed cornflake crust. This will give the haddock a sweet flavour and a crunchy texture.

Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping, and that there is space for the hot air to circulate. Set the air fryer to 350-400°F and cook for 8-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. For an extra crispy crust, consider cooking the haddock for an additional minute or two.

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning you use on your haddock will depend on your personal preferences. You can use olive oil, or another vegetable oil of your choice. For seasoning, you can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or a more complex blend of spices such as chilli pepper flakes, diced jalapeño pepper, or smoked jalapeño powder. You can also marinate the fillets in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic for 15-30 minutes before cooking.

If you want to add a breading or crumb mixture to your haddock, you can dip the fish in flour, then in whipped eggs, and then coat them generously in a seasoned, crushed cornflake crust. You could also use panko crumbs with added salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

When applying the oil and seasoning to your haddock, make sure to pat the fillets dry with paper towels first. Then, brush or drizzle the fillets with oil and sprinkle them with the seasoning. You can use your hands to gently spread the mixture as evenly as possible.

If you are using an air fryer basket, you can also oil the basket before placing the fillets inside. This will help to ensure that your haddock doesn't stick to the basket.

Reheating haddock

• Thaw and Prepare the Fish: If you're starting with frozen haddock, let it thaw first. Pat the fish dry with paper towels and place them on a cutting board. Drizzle oil over the fillets, and sprinkle seasonings on the fleshy sides.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Arrange the Fillets: Place the haddock fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap or overcrowd. Leave space between the fillets for proper air circulation.
• Reheat: Reheat the haddock for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. For thicker cuts or frozen fillets, add a few minutes to the cooking time. The ideal temperature for the fish to be fully cooked is 145°F (63°C) or 140°F at the thickest part of the fillet.
• Flip Midway: Gently turn the fish over halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check if the haddock is fully cooked. It should be opaque all the way through and flake easily with a fork.
• Serve: Once the haddock is reheated and cooked through, serve it as desired.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of your air fryer. Always keep an eye on the fish to avoid overcooking, as this can result in dry and unpleasant texture.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer haddock is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Simple Sides

For a simple and quick meal, serve your air fryer haddock with some tasty sides. Potatoes are a classic choice, and you can prepare them in a variety of ways, such as roasted baby potatoes, mashed potato casserole, potato wedges, or even chip shop chips. Other vegetable sides include asparagus, carrots, onions, corn on the cob, or a medley of roasted vegetables.

Sauces and Dips

To add some extra flavour to your dish, serve your haddock with a sauce or dip. Tartar sauce is a popular choice, and you can even make your own at home. Other options include cocktail sauce, hot sauce, ketchup, marinara sauce, barbecue sauce, or tahini sauce. If you're feeling fancy, you could also make a garlic butter sauce or a simple miso butter sauce.

Salad

A salad can be a great way to balance out your meal and provide some freshness. Try a Greek rice salad or a Greek pasta salad, or keep it simple with a classic cucumber and onion salad.

Rice

Rice is a great option to serve with haddock, especially if you're looking for something a little heartier. You can keep it plain or add some flavour with garlic, ginger, or coriander.

Tacos

For a fun and fresh take on tacos, flake your air fryer haddock and serve it in corn tortillas with guacamole, fresh salsa, and shredded lettuce. You can even add some rice and elotes to make it a feast.

Stuffed Haddock

If you're feeling adventurous, try making stuffed haddock. Simply lay your haddock fillets flat, place a generous amount of stuffing on top (common choices include crabmeat, spinach, and cheese), and carefully roll them up. Secure with toothpicks if needed, then air fry until cooked through.

Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and the beauty of air fryer haddock is that it's versatile and can be adapted to your taste preferences and what you have on hand.

Frequently asked questions