Air-Frying Fish: Timing And Temperature Guide

Air fryers are a great way to heat fish, as they can mimic the effects of deep frying with significantly less oil. This makes them a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. When reheating fish in an air fryer, it's important to ensure that the appliance is clean and preheated to around 320–350°F (160–180°C). The fish should be placed in a single layer inside the basket, with some space between each fillet to ensure proper air circulation. Depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer, the reheating process should take around 3–8 minutes. It's important to monitor the fish closely to prevent overcooking and to flip the fillets halfway through for even crispiness on both sides.

Air fryer fish recipes

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, and they're super versatile, too. You can cook anything from cod to catfish, salmon to tuna, and even battered fish! Plus, you don't need to thaw your fish before air frying—just pop it straight in the fryer and let it do its thing.

Air Fryer Salmon

Salmon is a great option for the air fryer. It's easy to cook and stays succulent while getting lightly browned on the outside. You can also get creative with flavours—try a maple soy glaze, lemon butter, honey dijon, or garlic butter.

Air Fryer Cod

Air fryer cod is a light and healthy option that the whole family will love. It's got a slight crispiness on the outside, but stays moist and juicy inside. You can bread the cod or simply marinate it in Italian dressing with some seasonings.

Air Fryer Tuna

Tuna is a great option for patties or burgers. You can use a pouch of tuna or cook fresh tuna steaks and grind the meat yourself.

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Tilapia, cod, or catfish are great options for fish tacos. You can also get creative with toppings like pineapple slaw or a Greek twist with tzatziki sauce.

Air Fryer Fried Fish

You can also use the air fryer for a traditional fried fish with very little oil. Just coat your fillets in a breadcrumb mixture with your choice of seasonings, and cook in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Catfish

For a Southern-style fish dish, try air fryer catfish. You can make a crunchy Louisiana-style fish fry mix or keep it healthy and gluten-free with a crunchy, seasoned finish.

Air Fryer Fish Sticks

This kid-friendly option is much healthier than deep-fried fish sticks and can be made in just 25 minutes!

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted White Fish

This recipe is made special by the addition of smoky spices to the Parmesan crust mixture.

Air Fryer Blackened Fish Tacos

Tilapia has a mild flavour and a flaky texture, so it pairs well with a Parmesan lemon zest crust. Fry it to perfection in the air fryer for an irresistible crunch.

Air Fryer Beer Battered Fish

Enjoy this pub-style favourite with a lot less oil and guilt!

Reheating fish without drying it out

Reheating fish can be tricky, as it often results in a loss of its crispy texture. However, with an air fryer, you can enjoy your leftovers with the same mouthwatering crispiness and savoury taste as the original meal. Here are the steps to reheat your fish without drying it out:

Step 1: Preparing the Fish

Gently pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture that could lead to sogginess during reheating. If desired, lightly brush or spray the fish with a small amount of oil to enhance its crispiness.

Step 2: Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 320°F–350°F (160°C–180°C). Preheating ensures that the fish will cook evenly and develop that desired crispiness. Allow the air fryer to reach the set temperature before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Arranging the Fish

Lay the fish fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to ensure proper air circulation. If you're reheating a larger quantity, consider doing it in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect crispiness.

Step 4: Reheating Process

Place the basket with the fish into the preheated air fryer. Set the timer for a short duration, typically around 3–8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of your air fryer. The goal is to reheat the fish without overcooking it.

Step 5: Monitoring and Flipping

Keep a close eye on the fish to prevent overcooking or burning. If your air fryer doesn't have an auto-rotate feature, consider flipping the fillets halfway through the reheating time to ensure even crispiness on both sides.

Step 6: Testing for Crispiness

After the reheating time is up, carefully remove one fillet and test its texture. The exterior should be golden-brown and crispy, while the interior should remain flaky and tender. If it's not crispy enough, return the fish to the air fryer for an additional minute or two.

Step 7: Serving and Enjoying

Once the fish is reheated to perfection, serve it immediately with your favourite sides, sauces, or salads. Remember that reheated fish is best enjoyed right after cooking, so savour the crispy and flavourful outcome without delay.

Tips:

• Avoid reheating delicate fish such as sole or flounder, as they are more prone to overcooking and becoming dry.
• Thicker and flakier varieties, such as salmon, trout, cod, and haddock, tend to hold up better during the reheating process.
• Don't reheat fish more than two times, as it will eventually become dry.

How to get crispy fish

Preparation

Before cooking your fish in an air fryer, it's important to prepare it properly to ensure a crispy texture. Start by gently patting the fish dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture that could lead to sogginess. If your fish is frozen, it's recommended to thaw it first by leaving it in the fridge overnight or, for smaller pieces, submerging it in ice-cold water for an hour.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (180°C) to ensure even cooking and that coveted crispy texture.

Spices and Breading

For spices, you can use onion and garlic powders, black pepper, salt, paprika, chili powder, or even Cajun seasoning or za'atar. For breading, you can use dried breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or almond flour. Mix your chosen spices with the breadcrumbs, and coat each fish fillet generously, shaking off any excess.

Cooking the Fish

Place the fish fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to ensure proper air circulation. Cooking time will vary depending on the type of fish and the model of your air fryer, but it typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes for fresh or thawed fish. For thinner fish, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving

Serve your crispy fish with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, hot sauce, or your favorite sides. Enjoy the crispy, flaky texture of your perfectly cooked fish!

Best types of fish for air fryer

Best types of fish for an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, as they can mimic the effects of deep frying while using less oil. They are also versatile, user-friendly, and environmentally friendly.

When choosing fish to cook in an air fryer, it is best to opt for thicker and flakier varieties, as they tend to hold up better during the cooking process. Here are some of the best types of fish to cook in an air fryer:

Salmon

Salmon has a rich flavour and a hearty texture, and its high-fat content helps keep it moist during the cooking process. It is a great candidate for reheating and pairs well with a refreshing summer mango salsa.

Trout

Like salmon, trout has a rich flavour and offers a flaky texture that reheats well in an air fryer.

Cod

Cod is a versatile white fish with a firm flesh that makes it suitable for reheating. It is less likely to become overly dry, and its thickness means it holds up well in the air fryer.

Haddock

Haddock has a mild flavour and a tender texture, making it a good option for those who want a flaky white fish that is easily adaptable for keto-friendly meals. It also responds well to reheating in an air fryer.

Other options

Other types of fish that can be cooked in an air fryer include pollock, halibut, flounder, whiting, walleye, tilapia, catfish, hake, and even tuna steaks. These fish can be adapted to a variety of recipes and cooking methods, such as air-fried shrimp, air fryer chicken tenders, and air-fried cod.

When cooking fish in an air fryer, it is important to avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect the crispiness of the fish. It is also a good idea to pat the fish dry before cooking and to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for reheating fish in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of fish, its thickness, and the specific model of your air fryer. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you achieve the perfect reheated fish:

Temperature:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 320°F (160°C) to 350°F (180°C). While some models may not require preheating, it is recommended to ensure consistent results.
• The ideal temperature for reheating fish is around 320°F (160°C). This temperature will vary slightly depending on the type of fish and your air fryer model.

Timing:

• The timing for reheating fish in an air fryer can range from 3 to 8 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the fish fillets and the model of your air fryer.
• For thinner fillets, a shorter time of around 3-5 minutes is recommended.
• For thicker fillets, you may need to increase the time to 6-8 minutes.
• It is important to monitor the fish closely during the reheating process to prevent overcooking.
• If your air fryer doesn't have an automatic rotation feature, consider flipping the fish fillets halfway through the reheating time to ensure even cooking.
• The fish is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a digital thermometer to check.

Additionally:

• Before reheating, pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture that could lead to sogginess.
• If desired, lightly brush or spray the fish with oil before placing it in the air fryer to enhance crispness.
• Always ensure your air fryer basket is clean before use. Leftover crumbs or grease can burn and affect the taste of your fish.
• When placing the fish in the air fryer basket, arrange the fillets in a single layer with some space between them. This ensures proper air circulation and even cooking.
• If you are reheating a large quantity of fish, consider doing it in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can impact crispness.

Frequently asked questions