Frying Fish With The Secura Air Fryer: How Long?

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook fish, achieving a crispy exterior without the need for deep-frying in oil. The circulating hot air cooks the fish quickly and evenly, resulting in a golden, crunchy, and delicious dish. The exact cooking time will depend on the type and thickness of the fish, but generally, it takes around 10 to 15 minutes in the air fryer at temperatures between 360°F to 400°F. It's important to note that thinner fish like whiting or flounder will require less time, while thicker fillets such as tuna or swordfish will take longer. To ensure the perfect crisp, it's recommended to spray the fish with oil halfway through cooking and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

The best types of fish to fry in a Secura hot air fryer

The Secura hot air fryer is a great way to cook fish with very little oil, making it a healthier option compared to traditional frying. The best types of fish to fry in a Secura hot air fryer are those with moderately thin, white, and flaky fillets, such as:

• Cod
• Haddock
• Pollock
• Mahi Mahi
• Tilapia
• Catfish
• Hake
• Sea Bass
• Sole
• Halibut

These types of fish are suitable for fresh or thawed frozen fillets. It is recommended to avoid thicker fish fillets like tuna or swordfish, as they will take longer to cook.

When preparing fish for the air fryer, it is important to thaw the fish if needed and then pat it dry. You can then cut the fish into strips, dip it in flour and egg, and coat it with a breading mixture. The breading can include breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and spices like paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper.

Once the fish is prepared, spray it with cooking spray and place it in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the type of fish and the specific model of the Secura hot air fryer, but a general guideline is to cook the fish at 380-390°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping it halfway through.

The fish is ready when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. You can serve it with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and your choice of sides, such as fries, asparagus, mushrooms, or potato wedges.

How to prepare the fish before frying

Preparing fish for frying in a Secura Hot Air Fryer is a simple process. First, you need to select the right type of fish. The Secura Air Fryer works best with moderately thin, white, and flaky fish fillets, such as cod, haddock, pollock, tilapia, catfish, hake, or mahi-mahi. Thicker fish like tuna or swordfish will take longer to cook. You can use fresh or frozen fish, but make sure to thaw frozen fish before cooking.

Once you have selected your fish, it's time to prepare it for frying. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Thaw the fish if it is frozen. The best way to do this is by leaving it in the fridge overnight. If the fish is not too big, you can also thaw it by leaving it on the counter for an hour, submerged in ice-cold water.
• Pat the fish dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps the breading stick to the fish.
• Cut the fish into strips or fillets. The size and shape of the fish pieces will depend on your preference and the specific recipe you are following.
• Prepare the breading station. Set up three shallow bowls. In one bowl, place some all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk an egg. In the third bowl, combine dried breadcrumbs with your desired seasonings. You can use store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own by toasting and processing bread. For the seasonings, you can use a combination of paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. You can also get creative with your seasonings by using Cajun seasoning, jerk seasoning, or za'atar.
• Dredge the fish pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.
• Dip the floured fish into the egg, making sure it is completely coated.
• Roll the fish in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
• Place the breaded fish on a parchment-lined sheet tray and refrigerate for about 10 minutes. This helps the breading set and ensures it adheres to the fish when bitten into.
• If you see any wet spots on the fish after chilling, sprinkle a pinch of breadcrumbs or panko on those spots and pat gently.
• If your air fryer basket is not non-stick, consider lining it with air-fryer-friendly parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Lightly spray or brush the breaded fish with oil. This step gives the fish that extra crispiness.

Your fish is now ready to be fried in your Secura Hot Air Fryer! Remember to cook the fish in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming and affect the crispiness of your fish. Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried fish!

The optimal temperature to fry fish in a Secura hot air fryer

The temperature and cooking time will depend on the type of fish and the desired level of crispiness. For example, a recipe for air fryer white fish recommends preheating the air fryer to 360°F/182°C and cooking the fish for 6-12 minutes. Another recipe for air fryer fish fillets suggests cooking at 390°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish fillets and the model of the air fryer. For thicker fish fillets, such as halibut or cod, it's recommended to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Additionally, when cooking breaded fish, it's important to use dry breading and shake off any excess before placing the fish in the air fryer. This will help ensure that the breading doesn't fall off during cooking.

How long to fry fish in a Secura hot air fryer

Frying fish in a Secura hot air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a healthy, tasty meal. The exact cooking time will depend on the type and thickness of the fish, as well as your personal preference for how well done you like it.

As a general rule, thinner fillets of white fish such as whiting, flounder, or tilapia will take around 10-12 minutes to cook at 380-400°F (190-200°C). Thicker fillets of white fish, such as cod or halibut, will take a little longer—around 12-15 minutes at 390-400°F (200°C). For fish such as swordfish or tuna, which are even thicker, you will need to allow even more time.

It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will cause the fish to steam rather than fry. It's also a good idea to flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. You'll know the fish is done when it can be easily flaked with a fork.

Some recipes suggest spraying the fish with oil halfway through the cooking time to increase crispiness. You can also bread the fish before frying for a crispy, golden finish.

What to serve with fried fish

There are a variety of dishes that go well with fried fish. Here are some ideas:

Classic Sides

• Fries: The most obvious pairing with fried fish, but for the best experience, a pro tip is to douse the fries in hot oil twice.
• Coleslaw: A classic side that is served in restaurants across the United States.
• Tartar sauce: A must-have condiment to go with your fried fish.
• Pickles: For a crisp and tart contrast to the fried fish, try some dill pickles.
• Peas: In the British Isles, peas are commonly served with fish and chips.
• Onion rings: Crispy, baked onion rings make a great side for fried fish.
• Rolls: Buttery, tender, and fluffy dinner rolls are an excellent addition to fried fish dinners.

Regional Specialties

• Hush puppies: A type of cornbread that is commonly served with fried fish in the Southern United States.
• Rye bread: In the Great Lakes region, especially Wisconsin, you'll often find rye bread served with fried fish.
• Macaroni and cheese: Jazz up baked mac and cheese with ground mustard and hot pepper sauce to make it the perfect side for fried fish.

Healthy Options

• Vegetables: Air fryer vegetables, zucchini noodles, or steamed broccoli can be a healthy and tasty side to accompany fried fish.
• Salads: A spinach salad or a vinegar-based slaw can add a healthy and refreshing element to your meal.
• Grits: For a unique side, try making some cheesy grits and stir in an egg while they're still hot for a creamy texture.

Creative Twists

• Fish tacos: Use tortillas, add some fried fish, and top with a zesty slaw and hot sauce for a tasty twist.
• Zucchini fries: A fun alternative to regular potato fries, coat zucchini sticks with panko and bake until crisp.
• Sweet potato chips: For a crunchy and addictive side, thinly slice sweet potatoes, toss them with seasonings, and bake in the oven.

Frequently asked questions