Air-Fryer Fish: Perfect Timing For Delicious Results

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, yielding a crispy exterior and a soft, flaky interior. The cooking time depends on the type of fish and the model of the air fryer, but generally, it takes around 10-15 minutes to cook fish in an air fryer. This cooking method is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires only a fraction of the oil while still achieving a delicious, crispy texture.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To achieve the perfect crispy texture for your fish in the air fryer, there are several steps you can follow. Firstly, ensure that your fish fillets are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. This is crucial, as overcrowding will cause the fish to steam instead of achieving that desired crispy texture.

Secondly, pat the fish dry with a paper towel before coating it with your chosen seasoning or breading. This step is important because it removes excess moisture from the fish, which can prevent the breading from becoming soggy.

Thirdly, for an extra crispy coating, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give your fish a super crispy texture. If you're going for an even crispier texture, you can also try a batter-and-flour coating.

Finally, generously spritz or spray both sides of the fish with oil before placing it in the air fryer. This step is essential, as it ensures that the fish doesn't stick to the air fryer and helps to create that sought-after crispy texture.

By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to achieving the perfect crispy texture for your fish in the air fryer!

The best types of fish to use

There are many types of fish that can be cooked in an air fryer, and the best type for you will depend on your personal preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some of the most commonly used fish for air frying, along with some tips on how to prepare them:

White Fish

White fish is a versatile option for air frying, and it can be cooked in a variety of ways. Some popular types of white fish include cod, tilapia, haddock, sea bass, halibut, and sole. When air frying white fish, it is important to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fillet. White fish is a good source of protein and is typically low in fat, making it a healthy option for air frying.

Fish Fillets

Fish fillets, such as cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, or salmon, are also suitable for air frying. When using fish fillets, it is important to ensure that they are not too thin, as thinner fillets may not cook evenly in the air fryer. It is also recommended to thaw frozen fillets before air frying, either by leaving them in the fridge overnight or submerging them in ice-cold water for an hour.

Beer-Battered Fish

For a classic British meal, you can air fry beer-battered fish. This method works well with thick cod fillets, cut into strips. The beer batter gives the fish a crispy texture, and the air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional deep frying. When preparing beer-battered fish, it is important to spritz the coated fish generously with oil to ensure even cooking and prevent the batter from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Breaded Fish

Breaded fish is another popular option for air frying. You can use a variety of breadcrumbs, such as panko or regular breadcrumbs, and season them with spices like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. When breading fish, create a dredging station with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and pat the fish dry before coating. Make sure to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.

Other Options

In addition to the types of fish mentioned above, you can also air fry catfish, whiting, perch, and sunfish. When air frying catfish, you can try soaking it in milk before breading for a unique flavour. You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences.

How to prepare frozen fish

Preparing frozen fish in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy a healthy, tasty meal without the mess and calories of deep-frying. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare frozen fish in your air fryer:

Defrost the Fish:

Start by thawing your frozen fish fillets. The best way to do this is by leaving them in the fridge overnight. Alternatively, if the pieces are small, you can submerge them in ice-cold water for an hour until they are completely defrosted. Ensure that the fish is fully thawed before moving on to the next step.

Prepare the Fish:

Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. They should still be slightly damp. Place the fillets in a sealable bag, such as a Ziplock bag, and add your favourite fish seasoning. Shake the bag to ensure the fillets are fully coated. You can also use a fish batter mix if you prefer.

Bread the Fish:

Set up a dredging station with three bowls. In the first bowl, place flour or breadcrumbs. You can season the flour with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or salt. The second bowl should contain beaten eggs, which will help the coating adhere to the fish. The third bowl should contain more breadcrumbs or flour. Pat the fish dry again, then dip them first in the flour/breadcrumb mixture, then the egg, and finally, the second bowl of breadcrumbs/flour. Make sure the fish is well-coated.

Cook the Fish:

Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F. Generously spray or brush both sides of the coated fish with oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Place the fish in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. For best results, flip the fish halfway through the cooking process.

Check for Doneness:

Use a fork to gently flake the thickest part of the fish. If it flakes easily, your fish is ready! If not, return it to the air fryer for another minute or two.

Serve:

Air-fried fish is best enjoyed fresh and crispy. Serve it immediately with your favourite sides, such as potato wedges, French fries, tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or hot sauce. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

How to prevent fish from sticking to the air fryer

Fish is notorious for sticking to cooking surfaces, and air fryers are no exception. Here are some tips to prevent fish from sticking to your air fryer:

Use parchment paper

According to some sources, the best way to keep fish from sticking to your air fryer is to use parchment paper. However, it's important to use parchment paper that is specifically designed for air fryers, as plain parchment paper may prevent air from circulating properly. You can purchase air fryer-safe parchment paper online, or make your own by poking holes in a sheet of parchment paper that has been cut to the size of your air fryer basket.

Use a non-stick liner

Non-stick reusable silicone liners can be used to prevent fish from sticking to your air fryer. These liners are easy to clean and allow you to release the fish in one piece. Perforated parchment paper liners are also available, which allow for more even cooking. However, these are single-use and should not be used to preheat the air fryer.

Use a small amount of oil

Coating the fish with a small amount of oil can help to prevent sticking. This can be done by drying the fish and then rubbing it with oil, or by coating the fish with a tablespoon of oil. Olive oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil are all suitable options.

Spray the basket with oil

Spraying the air fryer basket lightly with vegetable oil spray can help to prevent fish from sticking. This is especially recommended for foods that are prone to sticking, such as fish fillets.

Make a foil sling

Creating a barrier between the fish and the air fryer basket by using a foil sling can be an effective way to prevent sticking. To do this, fold a sheet of aluminum foil so that it is 4 inches wide and lay it horizontally across the basket, pressing the foil up and into the sides. Fold the excess foil as needed so that the edges are flush with the top of the basket.

Other tips

• Avoid using non-stick cooking sprays like Pam, as these can damage the non-stick surface of your air fryer over time.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can prevent the fish from crisping properly.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the type and thickness of the fish, as well as the model of your air fryer.

How to make beer-battered fish in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh cod, cut into 4 fillets
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 12 ounces of your favourite beer (a light wheat beer works well)
• Pickled onions, for serving
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Tartar sauce, for serving
• A pinch of salt and pepper

Method:

• Pat the fish dry with paper towels.
• Place 1 cup of flour in a bowl and add a pinch of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir to mix.
• In another bowl, whisk together the remaining cup of flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and baking soda. Pour in the beer and whisk until a smooth batter forms.
• Dip each piece of fish into the beer batter, coating it completely. Then, dip it into the seasoned flour and gently press the flour to adhere. The outside of the fish must be coated so that the batter doesn't drip off. Repeat this process with the remaining fish.
• Spray the air fryer basket generously with non-stick/olive oil spray.
• Heat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the fish in the basket and spray all over with non-stick/olive oil spray.
• Set the timer for 12 minutes. Check the fish once or twice during cooking and spray again if needed to prevent the batter from drying out.
• While the air fryer is running, prepare your tartar sauce and slaw (optional).
• Remove the fish gently and serve with sauce and slaw. Provide lemon wedges for spritzing!

Tips:

• The fish should be patted very dry before battering and air-frying to achieve the desired crispiness.
• The ideal thickness for the fish fillets is about 1 inch. Thinner fillets may dry out, and thicker ones may not cook properly.
• The air fryer basket should not be overcrowded. Cook the fish in batches if necessary to avoid the fish from steaming instead of crisping.
• You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of your air fryer. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.

Frequently asked questions