Frying Fish In An Air Fryer: Time And Temperature Guide

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook fish, giving you crispy, crunchy, faux-fried fish with less oil and mess than traditional deep-frying. You can use almost any type of fish fillet, but the best option is a moderately thin, white, and flaky fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi-mahi. Thicker fillets like tuna or swordfish will take longer to cook. So, how long should you air fry your fish? Well, it depends on the thickness of your fillets and the model of your air fryer, but generally, it will take around 10-15 minutes to cook fish in an air fryer. You'll know the fish is done when it's golden brown and can be easily flaked with a fork.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that the temperature and airflow are at the right levels when you start to cook your fish, helping it cook evenly. Here is a step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer:

Firstly, remove the frying basket from the air fryer. This will allow you to preheat the appliance effectively. Then, set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for cooking fish in an air fryer, as recommended by several sources. The preheating process should take around 10 minutes to reach the desired temperature.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the fish. Cut the fish into strips or fillets, ensuring they are not too thin, as they may not hold together during cooking. You can also season the fish with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice. Some recipes suggest dredging the fish in flour, then dipping it in egg, and finally coating it with breadcrumbs or panko for a crispy texture. You can also add spices to the flour or breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Once the air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, it's time to place the fish in the basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this can create steam and affect the crispiness of the fish. Place the fish in a single layer, leaving space between each piece to allow the hot air to circulate.

After placing the fish in the basket, you can spritz it with a non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking. This step is optional but can help ensure that your fish doesn't stick to the basket.

Now, simply place the basket back into the air fryer and let it cook! The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fish fillets and the model of your air fryer. For example, a six-ounce cod fillet can take around 12 minutes to cook. Be sure to flip the fish halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

By following these steps, you'll ensure that your air fryer is properly preheated and ready to cook your fish to perfection!

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for frying fish in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of fish, the thickness of the fillets, and the model of the air fryer. It's important to note that different recipes may require slight variations in cooking times and temperatures, so it's always a good idea to refer to a specific recipe for the best results.

Most sources recommend cooking fish in an air fryer at a temperature between 380°F and 400°F. At this temperature, the cooking time can range from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. For example, a six-ounce cod fillet can cook in as little as 12 minutes at 400°F. It's important to flip the fish halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

When cooking frozen fish, the cooking time may be slightly shorter, taking under 15 minutes at 400°F. However, it's important to note that the cooking time will also depend on the thickness of the fillets.

To ensure even cooking, it's recommended to cut the fish into strips or portion the fillets into relatively the same size before cooking. This helps ensure that the fish cooks evenly and prevents overcooking or undercooking.

It's also important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate around the fish and ensures even cooking. If needed, cook the fish in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Additionally, preheating the air fryer is crucial for even cooking. Most sources recommend preheating the air fryer to 400°F for about 10 minutes before adding the fish.

It's worth noting that the cooking time may vary if you're using any marinades, glazes, or breading. In such cases, it's recommended to lower the cooking temperature and increase the cooking time to prevent overcooking the exterior.

To check if the fish is cooked, use a fork to gently flake the thickest part of the fillet. If the fish flakes easily, it's ready to be served.

Fish preparation

Thawing and Portioning

Before you start preparing your fish, you should take it out of the freezer to thaw. The best way to do this is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If the fish fillets are not too big, you can leave them on the counter for an hour, submerged in ice-cold water, until they are thawed.

Once the fish is thawed, you can portion it into fillets. The fillets should be of a similar size to ensure even cooking.

Seasoning and Breading

Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Then, season the fish on its own or after dredging. To dredge the fish, set up a station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. You can add seasonings to the flour, such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

One by one, dip the fish fillets in the flour, then the egg, and finally, the breadcrumbs. Make sure to press down lightly on the fish until the crumbs stick. Remove any excess breading before cooking the fish.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (190-200°C). You can spritz the air fryer basket with some non-stick spray before adding the fish.

Place the fish fillets in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. The hot air needs to be able to circulate around each fillet. Depending on the thickness of your fillets, the cooking time will vary. For example, a six-ounce cod fillet can cook in as little as 12 minutes.

Flip the fish halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. The fish is ready when it is golden brown and can be easily flaked with a fork.

Serving

Air fryer fish goes well with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and French fries or steamed vegetables on the side. Enjoy your crispy and healthy treat!

Fish types

The cooking time for your fish in an air fryer will vary depending on the type of fish you are using. It's best to use fresh or thawed frozen fish fillets in an air fryer, and to avoid thicker fillets such as tuna or swordfish, which will take longer to cook.

For a quick and easy weeknight meal, you can use moderately thin, white, and flaky fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi-mahi. These types of fish will cook in your air fryer in about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. For example, a six-ounce cod fillet can cook in as little as 12 minutes.

You can also use other types of fish such as catfish, tilapia, hake, halibut, flounder, whiting, or walleye. Just keep in mind that if you're using a thinner fish like whiting or flounder, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

It's important to note that if you're using frozen fish, it's best to let it thaw overnight in the fridge or in cold water for an hour or two before cooking. This will ensure that the breading adheres properly and that the fish cooks evenly.

When cooking your fish in an air fryer, it's also crucial to avoid overcrowding the basket. This will help ensure that the hot air can circulate around each fillet, resulting in even cooking and a crispy exterior.

In terms of breading, you can use a variety of options such as flour, egg, breadcrumbs, or panko. Just make sure to shake off any excess before adding the fish to the air fryer basket. Additionally, you can season your breading with spices such as paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or salt to add extra flavour to your dish.

By following these tips and adjusting the cooking time based on the type of fish you're using, you'll be able to create delicious and crispy air-fried fish fillets in no time!

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve fish cooked in an air fryer. Here are some serving suggestions:

Fish and Chips

The air fryer's ability to create a crispy, crunchy texture without the need for deep-frying makes it ideal for creating healthier fish and chips. Serve the fish with oven-baked French fries or sweet potato fries, and tartar sauce.

Fish Tacos

For a fun and tasty twist, use the air-fried fish in fish tacos or fish taco bowls. This adds a satisfying crunch to your tacos.

Salad

For a lighter option, serve the crispy fish on a bed of salad. A fish and chips salad is a unique way to enjoy this classic dish.

Sides

There are numerous side dishes that complement air-fried fish. Try hush puppies, coleslaw, Greek lemon potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a well-balanced meal.

Sauces and Garnishes

Tartar sauce and lemon wedges are classic accompaniments to fried fish. For an extra touch of flavor and freshness, garnish with choppedsection=How to Make Air Fryer Fish&text=Golden%2C, parsley.

Other Dishes

Air-fried fish can also be served with the following dishes:

• Air fryer asparagus and mushrooms
• Oven-baked potato wedges or mashed potato cakes
• Hot sauce
• Fries

Frequently asked questions