Air-Fryer Breaded Fish: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking breaded fish in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get a delicious, crispy meal with minimal fuss and grease. The time it takes to cook breaded fish in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer. On average, it takes around 10 to 15 minutes to cook breaded fish in an air fryer, with some recipes suggesting a cooking time of up to 20 minutes. It is important to ensure that the fish is cooked through, with an internal temperature of at least 145-160°F, and to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How to get the breading to stick

Cooking breaded fish in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a crispy, golden crust without the grease of traditional frying. But how do you get the breading to stick to the fish? Here are some tips to ensure your breading stays put:

Pat the Fish Dry

Use paper towels to pat the fish dry before you start breading. Any excess moisture on the fish can cause the breading to slide off. Be liberal with the paper towels and don't be tempted to rub the fish with a kitchen towel, as this will just spread the moisture around.

Flour Coating

Before breading the fish, coat it with a light layer of flour. This will help the egg or other liquid used for breading to adhere better. Make sure to shake off any excess flour before moving on to the next step.

Egg Wash

After the flour, dip the fish into a beaten egg wash. This will help the breading stick. You can also try a thin coating of yoghurt or mayonnaise here, which will add some extra juice to the fish.

Press the Breading

Once the fish is coated with the breading mixture, use your fingers to gently press the breading onto the fish. This will help it to adhere better.

Chill

Allow the breaded fish to chill in the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes before cooking. This will help the breading to set and stick better.

Oil Spray

If your air fryer basket is not non-stick, spray it with oil spray before placing the fish inside. You can also spray the top of the breaded fish with oil spray.

Don't Overcrowd the Basket

Don't be tempted to overcrowd the basket. If it's too full, the fish won't cook evenly and won't crisp up because of the steam.

Other Tips

• Handle the fish as little as possible when placing it in the air fryer.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fish.
• Try adding mustard to your batter for a tangy flavour and to help bind the mixture.
• Use seasoned flour or cornmeal for added flavour and to help the breading adhere better.

By following these tips, you should be able to get perfectly breaded fish that cooks up crispy and golden in your air fryer.

How to cook from frozen

How to Cook Breaded Fish from Frozen in an Air Fryer

You can cook breaded fish straight from frozen in an air fryer in just a few simple steps.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. While the air fryer is heating up, brush a thin layer of olive oil onto your frozen fish fillets. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the fish.

Next, coat the fillets with a layer of breadcrumbs. You can use plain breadcrumbs, or add seasonings such as salt, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, or onion powder. Press gently so that the breadcrumbs stick to the fish.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the fish fillets inside, leaving some space around each fillet to allow air to circulate. Set the temperature to 380-400°F and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through. The fish is ready when it is crispy and golden on the outside, and its internal temperature reaches 145-160°F.

You can serve your breaded fish with a variety of sides, such as fries, rice, potatoes, lemon wedges, or tartar sauce. Enjoy!

How to reheat

To reheat breaded fish in an air fryer, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that breaded fish is best reheated in the air fryer, as this will ensure it retains its crispy texture. If you use a microwave, the fish may not stay crispy. Reheating in the air fryer is simple and quick, and your fish will be as good as new in just a few minutes!

For reheating, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). This is a lower temperature than what you would typically use for cooking the fish, as you want to avoid overcooking or burning the breading.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the leftover breaded fish inside. Make sure there is some space around each piece of fish to allow for even heating and to prevent overcrowding. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to reheat in batches.

Reheat the fish for around 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as the exact time will depend on the quantity and thickness of your fish fillets, as well as your air fryer model. The fish is ready when it is heated through and has reached an internal temperature of at least 160°F (72°C).

Now your breaded fish is ready to be enjoyed again! You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as fries for a classic fish and chips, or a light salad for a healthier option.

How to get the crispiest fish

To get the crispiest fish when using an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, it is important to remove as much moisture from the fish as possible before breading it. Use a paper towel to pat the fish dry, as any excess moisture can lead to a soggy breading.

Secondly, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Always cook in a single layer, leaving some room around the fillets for the air to circulate and crisp them up. This will also prevent the fish from steaming, which can make the breading soggy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fish in batches.

Thirdly, for the best results, ensure that the fillets are of similar size and thickness. Thinner fillets will cook faster, while thicker ones, like cod, will take a minute or two longer.

Additionally, while some recipes suggest spraying the fish with oil, others advise against it, stating that oil can make the breading soggy. Instead, one source recommends coating the fish with a tablespoon of oil before breading, which adds flavour and may help achieve a crispier texture.

Finally, always ensure that the fish is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C-160°F/72°C). You can use an instant thermometer to check this. The fish is ready when it is easily flaked with a fork.

By following these tips, you'll be able to achieve the crispiest, most delicious fish fillets with your air fryer!

What to serve it with

There are several options for what to serve with your breaded fish, and it's a great way to get your family to eat healthily!

First, you could go for the classic fish and chips option. Serve your breaded fish with a side of golden, crispy fries. The soft inside and crunchy outside of the fries make them a perfect partner for your breaded fish.

Or, serve with lemon and tartar sauce. A classic pairing for breaded fish, the tartar sauce's creaminess balances out the crispy fish, while the lemon adds a burst of freshness. Squeeze a lemon wedge over your fish before you take a bite and dip it in tartar sauce for a delicious combination.

You could also try fish tacos. Add your breaded fish to a soft taco shell, adorned with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of creamy sauce. This transforms your breaded fish into a hearty meal that offers a variety of textures and flavors.

For something more substantial, how about a fish burger? Place your breaded fish between two buns, add some lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy sauce. This makes for a delicious and filling fish burger—a fun twist on the traditional beef version.

If you're looking for a lighter option, try a fish salad. Serve your breaded fish atop a bed of mixed greens tossed with a light vinaigrette. The contrast between the warm, crispy fish and the cool, crisp salad is delightfully satisfying.

And don't forget, you can also keep it simple and dip your breaded fish in some ketchup!

Frequently asked questions