Emilie Meyer
Battered fish is a classic dish, but it can be tricky to get right. Traditionally, the fish is dipped in a wet beer batter and then deep-fried in hot oil. However, it is possible to achieve a similar result using an air fryer, which is a healthier option as it uses less oil. The key to success is to ensure the fish is well coated in batter and then sprayed with cooking spray or vegetable oil before placing it in the air fryer. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook battered fish in an air fryer, including tips on preparing the batter and achieving the perfect golden brown finish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fish thickness | 1 to 1½ inches |
| Fish preparation | Pat dry with a paper towel |
| Batter ingredients | Flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, baking soda, beer, egg |
| Air fryer temperature | 390°F |
| Oil | Vegetable oil or cooking spray |
| Cooking time | 13 minutes |
What You'll Learn
How to make the batter
To make the batter, you'll need flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, baking soda, beer and an egg. Whisk 3/4 cup of flour with the garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper in a shallow dish and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the remaining 1 cup of flour and baking soda with the beer and egg until the batter is smooth and thick. Refrigerate the batter.
Pat the fish dry and refrigerate while you make the batter. Once you're ready to cook, dip a piece of fish into the batter, letting the excess drip off, then place it in the flour-spice mixture, gently flipping until well coated. Repeat with the remaining fish. Once all the fish is coated, spray the top side with cooking spray until no dry flour remains. Arrange the fish pieces sprayed-side down in the air-fryer basket, without touching. Generously spray the tops and sides of the fish with cooking spray.
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How to coat the fish in batter
To coat the fish in batter, start by patting the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Then, dip the fish into the batter, making sure all sides are coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off. Next, coat each fillet with seasoned flour, sprinkling any leftover flour on the fish and patting gently to ensure the flour sticks to the batter. Once all the fish is coated, spray the top side with cooking spray until no dry flour remains.
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How to cook the fish in the air fryer
To cook battered fish in an air fryer, start by patting the fish dry and refrigerating it while you make the batter. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, beer and egg until smooth. The batter should be thick. Refrigerate the batter. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and coat the basket generously with cooking spray.
Remove the fish and batter from the refrigerator and pat the fish dry again. Using two forks, dip a piece of fish into the batter, letting the excess drip off, then place it in the flour-spice mixture, gently flipping until well coated. Repeat with the remaining fish. Once all the fish is coated, spray the top side with cooking spray until no dry flour remains. Arrange the fish pieces sprayed-side down in the air-fryer basket, without touching. Generously spray the tops and sides of the fish with cooking spray.
Cook until the coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 13 minutes. Gently remove the fish with a flexible spatula. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.
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How to serve the fish
To serve the fish, place it on a large rimmed baking sheet or a plate. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and serve immediately. You can also serve the fish with a side of your choice, such as chips or salad.
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How to avoid the fish drying out
To avoid the fish drying out, make sure the fish fillets are at least 1 to 1½ inches thick. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel and then dip the fish into the batter, coating all sides. Let the excess batter drip off and then coat each fillet with the seasoned flour. Sprinkle any leftover flour on the fish fillets and pat gently to adhere the flour to the batter.
Before placing the fish in the air fryer, generously spritz both sides of the coated fish fillets with vegetable oil or cooking spray. Place the fish in the air fryer basket, sprayed-side down, without touching. Generously spray the tops and sides of the fish with cooking spray.
Cook until the coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 13 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
First, pat the fish dry and refrigerate it while making the batter. Then, whisk flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper in a shallow dish and set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, beer and egg until smooth. Refrigerate the batter. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and coat the basket with cooking spray. Dip the fish into the batter, letting the excess drip off, then place in the flour-spice mixture, flipping until well coated. Spray the fish with cooking spray until no dry flour remains. Arrange the fish pieces in the air fryer basket and cook until the coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Cod fish fillets are a good option, but any type of fish will work as long as the pieces are at least 1 to 1½ inches thick so they don't dry out in the air fryer.
Cook the fish for about 13 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
Yes, if you have a smaller air fryer, simply prep the fish through Step 3, then proceed with Step 4 (dipping in the wet batter and cooking) in two batches.
