Air-Fryer Fish: The Perfect Timing For Tender Results

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to deep frying, as they can produce a similar crispy texture without the need for large amounts of oil. When it comes to cooking fish in an air fryer, there are a variety of recipes to choose from, depending on your preferences. You can cook fish in an air fryer with or without breading, and you can use either fresh or frozen fillets. If you're looking for a breaded option, the standard process involves dredging the fish in eggs and then coating it with breadcrumbs before air-frying. On the other hand, if you prefer a breading-free option, you can simply season the fillets with your choice of spices and then cook them in the air fryer. The cooking time can vary depending on the type of fish, the thickness of the fillets, and the model of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 10 to 15 minutes to cook fish in an air fryer.

Air Fryer Fish Fillet with No Breading

Frozen fish fillets can be cooked in under 15 minutes

Frozen fish fillets can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. This is a quick and easy way to make a delicious dish straight from the freezer.

To cook frozen fish fillets in an air fryer, first, prepare the air fryer basket with olive oil, aluminium foil, parchment paper, or a non-stick cooking spray. Then, place the frozen fish fillets into the air fryer basket in a single layer directly from the freezer—no thawing is needed. For breaded fillets, place them breaded-side up. Air fry the fillets for 10 minutes, then carefully flip them and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, or until they are golden brown. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fish fillets and the type of air fryer you are using.

If you are breading the fillets yourself, coat the frozen fish with a thin layer of olive oil, which will act as a glue for your breadcrumbs. Then, cover the fillets with seasoned breadcrumbs. You can season them with paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

Frozen fish fillets cooked in an air fryer are crispy, perfectly cooked, and can be used in a variety of recipes, such as fish and chips, fish sandwiches, or fish tacos.

Cod, tilapia, salmon, catfish, and pollock are popular choices

Cod

Cod is a white fish that cooks well in an air fryer, with or without breading. For an air fryer cod recipe without breading, preheat your air fryer to 200C/400F for 5 minutes. Pat the cod fillets dry, season with salt and black pepper, and brush with melted butter. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil, place the cod fillets/loins in the basket, and brush the remaining butter on top. Add a lemon slice to each fillet, then cook for 10 minutes. Serve with lemon butter sauce, roasted potatoes, and vegetables.

Tilapia

Tilapia is a mild, versatile white fish that can be seasoned to your liking. It cooks in about 10-12 minutes in the air fryer and can be served in many ways, such as with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, vegetables, or in fish tacos. For a simple recipe, wash the tilapia fillets and pat them dry. Add olive or avocado oil, garlic, parsley, ground black pepper, sea salt, and chilli flakes to a small bowl and whisk lightly. Preheat your air fryer to 400 F and set the timer to 10-12 minutes. Brush the seasoning on one side of the fillets, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Salmon

Salmon is a popular choice for air fryer fish, known for its pretty dark pink color. It can be cooked with or without breading in the air fryer. For a simple recipe, coat salmon fillets with olive oil and dredge in breadcrumbs, or leave unbreaded for a keto-friendly option. Air fry for 6 minutes, then spray with more olive oil and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until piping hot and golden brown.

Catfish

Catfish is a popular choice in the South, often served with a cornmeal breading. However, it can also be cooked without breading in the air fryer. Follow a similar recipe to the salmon, cooking for a total of 12-14 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the breading is golden brown.

Pollock

Pollock is another type of white fish that can be cooked in the air fryer. It will likely cook similarly to cod, with a cooking time of around 12 minutes.

Olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray can be used to coat the fish

When cooking fish in an air fryer, you can use olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray to coat the fish. This helps to add crispness to the fish and ensures that it cooks evenly. If you are using frozen fish, the oil will act as a glue for your breadcrumbs, so be sure to coat the fish well.

Olive oil is a popular choice for cooking, but when it comes to air frying, it's best to use light olive oil as it has a higher smoke point than extra virgin olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point of around 375°F, which can cause it to burn and affect the flavor of your food. Light olive oil, on the other hand, has a smoke point of around 465°F, making it better suited for air frying. However, it may lack the robust flavor of extra virgin olive oil.

Avocado oil is a great option for air frying due to its very high smoke point of around 520°F and neutral flavor. It can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer without burning, resulting in healthier meals. Avocado oil sprays are also available, which provide a fine mist of pure avocado oil without any chemical propellants. This allows for easy and even coating of the fish and ensures that no residue is left behind.

Cooking sprays are another convenient option for coating fish in an air fryer. They are designed to evenly distribute a thin layer of oil onto the food or the air fryer basket. When choosing a cooking spray, opt for one that uses pure oils with high smoke points, such as avocado oil or sunflower oil. Avoid sprays that contain soy lecithin, as this can break down at high temperatures and potentially damage your air fryer's non-stick surface.

Whether you choose olive oil, avocado oil, or a cooking spray, these options will help you achieve the desired crispness and flavor for your air-fried fish. Just remember to coat the fish evenly and not to overuse the oil, as a little goes a long way in an air fryer.

Breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, cornflakes, or cornmeal can be used for breading

When it comes to cooking fish in an air fryer, you have the option to use a variety of breading options to create a delicious, crispy texture. Breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, cornflakes, or cornmeal can be used for breading, and each option has its unique characteristics and flavours.

Breadcrumbs are a classic choice for breading and can be either homemade or store-bought. You can season them with various spices, such as onion and garlic powders, black pepper, or salt, to add extra flavour to your fish. If you're looking for an even crunchier texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs, which are known for their coarser texture and ability to absorb moisture, resulting in an extra crispy finish.

Crushed crackers are another alternative for breading. Ritz crackers, in particular, have been recommended by home cooks for their ability to create a delicious, crunchy coating. You can crush them using a rolling pin and a Ziploc bag, and they add a unique texture and flavour to your fish.

Cornflakes are also an option for breading, although they may impart a slightly different flavour due to the caramelization of sugars during frying. Cornflake crumbs can be purchased pre-crushed, or you can crush them yourself. They are known for creating an extra crispy texture, especially for fried chicken, and are a popular choice for those seeking a traditional, old-school breading method.

Lastly, cornmeal is a great choice for breading fish in an air fryer. It provides a lighter, crispier crust and is often used in combination with flour to create a delicious coating. Cornmeal is perfect for fish and poultry, giving your dish a golden, crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil.

Remember, when using any of these breading options, it's essential to ensure that your fish is evenly coated and that the air fryer basket is not overcrowded. This allows for proper air circulation, which is crucial for even cooking and achieving the desired crispiness.

The air fryer temperature should be around 390°F (200°C)

To cook fish in an air fryer without breading, you can use a variety of different types of fish, such as salmon, tilapia, cod, or catfish. The air fryer temperature should be around 390°F (200°C) and the cooking time will depend on the type of fish and the thickness of the fillets. For example, thinner fillets of fish may take around 10–12 minutes to cook, while thicker fillets may take up to 15 minutes.

When cooking fish in an air fryer without breading, it is important to ensure that the fish is not overcrowded in the basket, as this will prevent it from crisping properly. It is also a good idea to flip the fish halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

If you are using frozen fish, it is best to thaw it before cooking to ensure that the breading will stick properly. However, some people have reported success cooking frozen fish in an air fryer, with the breading sticking to the fish due to the oil freezing and acting as a glue. In this case, you would still need to ensure that the fish is fully cooked before serving, which may take a few minutes longer than the original recipe.

Additionally, when cooking fish in an air fryer without breading, you can use a variety of seasonings to add flavor. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. You can also serve the fish with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or steamed vegetables for a well-balanced meal.

Overall, cooking fish in an air fryer without breading is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal that the whole family can enjoy. The key is to ensure that the air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature and that the fish is cooked through properly. With just a few simple steps, you can have a crispy and golden dish that is soft and moist on the inside.

Frequently asked questions