Air Fryer Beer Battered Fish: Quick Cooking Time Explained

Beer-battered fish is a beloved dish, but it can be a challenge to replicate the deep-fried version in an air fryer. However, with the right techniques and ingredients, it is possible to create a delicious air-fried beer-battered fish that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The key to success lies in the batter, the cooking process, and the type of fish used. This paragraph aims to provide an introduction to the topic of How long to air fryer beer-battered fish and will explore the key considerations for achieving the perfect air-fried beer-battered fish.

Beer-battered fish: a healthier alternative to deep-frying

Beer-battered fish is a classic dish that is typically deep-fried, but it can also be made in an air fryer for a healthier alternative. This method uses less oil and results in a dish that is just as crispy and delicious as the traditional version.

How to Make Beer-Battered Fish in an Air Fryer

To make beer-battered fish in an air fryer, start by preparing the fish by patting it dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the batter stick to the fish better. Next, create a batter by mixing together light beer, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and egg. You can also add cornstarch and baking soda to the batter for a thicker coating. Dip the fish fillets into the batter, coating them completely, and then dip them into a mixture of flour and seasonings. This double-dipping process creates a crispy coating that will not fall off during cooking.

Once the fish is coated, generously spritz or spray both sides with oil. This step is crucial as it helps the flour cook properly and prevents it from drying out. Place the fish in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Set the air fryer to 375-390°F and cook the fish for 12-15 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Tips for Success

• Use a thick fish fillet, preferably a mild, firm, flaky white fish such as cod, haddock, or tilapia.
• Make sure the fish is completely thawed if using frozen.
• Do not overlap the fish fillets in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Use a light-colored lager or ale for the batter, as stronger beers can overwhelm the taste of the fish.
• Do not skip the step of spraying or spritzing the fish with oil, as this is necessary for the flour to cook properly.
• For an extra crispy coating, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top of the fish before air frying.

Serving Suggestions

Beer-battered fish can be served as a homemade fish and chips basket, or you can get creative and make fish tacos with a slaw and a creamy sauce. Don't forget to serve it with a slice of lemon and tartar sauce on the side!

The best fish for beer-battered frying

Frying with beer batter is a great way to cook fish, creating a crunchy exterior and a tender, flaky texture inside. The best fish for beer-battered frying is white, neutral-flavoured, and lean.

Cod is a popular choice for beer-battered frying as it is mild in flavour and has a sturdy, meaty yet light and flaky texture. It also holds the batter well. Other types of white fish that work well include Alaskan cod, haddock, halibut, hake, pollock, and tilapia.

When preparing the fish, it is important to pat the fish dry with paper towels and then season with salt and pepper before dipping it in the batter. This will help ensure a crispy coating.

For the beer batter, a light lager or pale ale works best as it lends a subtle, malty flavour. Avoid bitter IPAs, heavy stouts, and sharp sours. The beer should also be extra cold, as the reaction between the cold batter and hot oil will give the coating a nice crispiness.

How to get crispy fish in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy fish without the need for deep-frying in oil. Here are the steps to achieve crispy fish in your air fryer:

Prepare the fish

Choose a firm, mild, flaky white fish such as cod, haddock, or tilapia. Cut the fish into fillets, about 3-4 inches long each. The thickness of the fish is important—aim for about 1 inch thick. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, as this will help the batter stick better.

Make the batter

In a large bowl, combine light beer, an egg, and all-purpose flour. You can also add some cornstarch and baking soda to the batter. Whisk until you have a smooth, thick batter. Season the batter with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. Place the batter in the refrigerator while you prepare the flour mixture.

Prepare the flour mixture

In a separate shallow dish, mix all-purpose flour with garlic powder, cornstarch, paprika, ground black pepper, and salt. You can also add some onion powder for extra flavour.

Dip the fish

Dip the fish fillets into the beer batter, making sure they are well coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off, then dip the fillets into the flour mixture. Make sure the fish fillets are completely coated in the flour mixture, gently pressing the flour onto the fish if needed.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to between 375-390°F. Generously coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Air fry the fish

Place the coated fish fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Spritz or brush both sides of the fish with cooking oil or cooking spray. This step is crucial, as it will help the fish get crispy and golden brown.

Cook the fish

Air fry the fish for 12-15 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork. Gently remove the fish from the air fryer, as some batter may stick to the basket.

Serve

Serve your crispy air fryer fish with tartar sauce, coleslaw, lemon wedges, malt vinegar, or French fries for a delicious, pub-style meal. Enjoy!

The importance of oil when air-frying

Air fryers have gained popularity as a healthier alternative to deep frying, as they require only a fraction of the oil that deep frying does. While it is true that air fryers do not require oil in the same way that deep frying does, a small amount of oil is still necessary to achieve the best results.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food to create a crispy texture similar to that of traditionally fried foods. However, without oil, the desired level of crispiness may not be achieved. Oil helps to add moisture to the food and promotes the Maillard effect, a chemical reaction that improves the colour and flavour of fried foods.

The amount of oil used will depend on the recipe and the type of food being cooked. For example, frozen foods such as tater tots, french fries, chicken nuggets, and pizza rolls typically do not require additional oil, as they already contain oil from the manufacturing process. For other recipes, a light coat of oil is usually sufficient. This can be achieved by tossing the food in a few teaspoons of oil before placing it in the air fryer or by spraying the food with oil during cooking.

Choosing the right oil

When selecting an oil for air frying, it is important to consider the smoke point of the oil, which is the temperature at which the oil begins to smoke. Different oils have different smoke points, so choosing an oil with a smoke point that is suitable for the cooking temperature of your recipe is essential. Here is a list of common oils and their smoke points:

• Avocado oil – 570°F
• Ghee (clarified butter) – 485°F
• Extra light olive oil – 468°F
• Soybean oil – 460°F
• Sunflower oil – 450°F
• Coconut oil – 450°F
• Peanut oil – 450°F
• Grapeseed oil – 420°F
• Canola oil – 400-450°F
• Vegetable oil – 400°F
• Extra virgin olive oil – 375°F
• Butter – 200-250°F

It is also important to note that certain oils may not be suitable for all air fryer baskets. For example, cooking sprays should be avoided as they can damage the non-stick coating of the air fryer basket. Instead, it is recommended to spray the food directly with oil before placing it in the air fryer.

Storing and reheating beer-battered fish

Storing Beer-Battered Fish

Before storing your beer-battered fish, it's important to let it cool completely. Putting warm fish in an airtight container can create condensation, dampening the crispy coating. Scrape off any remaining sauces from the fish, as this extra moisture will also affect its texture. Then, place the fish in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to three days.

Reheating Beer-Battered Fish

There are several ways to reheat your beer-battered fish while maintaining its crispy texture. Here are some of the best methods:

Air Fryer:

• Transfer the leftover fish to the air fryer basket, ensuring there is no sauce or foil remaining.
• Optionally, spray or brush the fish with extra virgin olive oil.
• Reheat at a temperature between 320°F and 350°F (160°C) for about 4 to 6 minutes.
• Flip the fish halfway through to ensure even heating and browning.

Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Line an oven-safe dish or baking sheet with aluminium foil and place the fish on it.
• Reheat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Skillet:

• Heat some extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-high to high heat.
• Place the fish in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping the fish every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
• Remove the fish from the heat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Deep Fryer:

• Heat oil in the deep fryer to 350°F.
• Place the fish in the fryer and reheat for 2 to 4 minutes.
• Remove the fish and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Frequently asked questions