Air-Fryer Fish Fillet: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a quick and healthy way to cook fish fillets, with very little oil needed to achieve a crispy, golden finish. The method works with any kind of fish fillet, from cod to tilapia, salmon to catfish, and can be adapted with your choice of spices and seasonings. The breaded coating can be made with either homemade or store-bought dried breadcrumbs, and the fish can be cooked in as little as 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet.

Air Fryer Fish Fillet Characteristics

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for fish fillets in an air fryer depend on the type of fish, the thickness of the fillets, and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook the fish at a temperature between 199°C and 200°C (390°F to 400°F) for 10 to 15 minutes. For example, thinner fillets of fish such as tilapia will cook faster, while thicker fillets like cod will take a minute or two longer. If you are using frozen fish fillets, it is important to ensure they are completely defrosted or thawed before cooking. When cooking from frozen, add an additional 5 to 8 minutes to the cooking time, depending on the size of the air fryer and the thickness of the fillets.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific model of the air fryer and the type of fish used. Therefore, it is recommended to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and ensure the fillets are in a single layer without overlapping.

The fish is typically flipped halfway through the cooking process, at around 8 to 10 minutes, to ensure even cooking on all sides and to prevent sticking. The fish is ready when it can be easily flaked with a fork. It is recommended to serve the fish hot with a fresh lemon wedge and a dipping sauce such as tartar sauce or aioli.

Fish types and thickness

When cooking fish fillets in an air fryer, you can use either fresh or frozen fish, but it is important to ensure that frozen fish is completely defrosted before cooking. The best way to defrost fish is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight. However, if you are short on time, you can place the fish in an airtight plastic bag and submerge it in a bowl of cool water to quickly thaw it.

The type and thickness of the fish will impact the cooking time. Thicker fillets, such as cod, halibut, or salmon, will require a few extra minutes of cooking time compared to thinner fillets. It is recommended to cook the fish at 390°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through. However, thinner fillets may be cooked in as little as 10 minutes, while thicker fillets may take a minute or two longer. The fish is ready when it can be easily flaked with a fork.

Various types of fish can be used for this recipe, including white fish such as tilapia, haddock, sea bass, sole, or cod. You can also use other fish like catfish, pollock, hake, or salmon. Each type of fish will have a different thickness, so adjustments to the cooking time may be necessary.

It is important to note that the fish fillets should not be too thin, as thin strips may not work well in this recipe. For smaller or thinner pieces of fish, you may need to adjust the cooking method, such as making fish sticks or using a different appliance.

Breading and seasoning

Breading:

Before breading, it's important to pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step helps the coating adhere better to the fish. You can use fresh or frozen fish fillets, but ensure they are completely thawed before breading. For frozen fillets, the best way to defrost is overnight in the refrigerator. If you're in a hurry, place the frozen fish in an airtight plastic bag and submerge it in a bowl of cool water to speed up the thawing process.

For the breading process itself, you'll need three separate dishes: one for flour mixed with your chosen spices, another for whisked eggs, and a third for the breadcrumbs. First, dredge the fish fillets in the flour-spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Then, dip them into the whisked egg, shaking off any excess. Finally, coat the fillets with the breadcrumbs. You can use plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs, or make your own by mixing plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning. For a gluten-free alternative, use almond flour and crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs.

To ensure the breading adheres well, gently press the breadcrumbs onto the fish fillets with your hands. Shake off any excess flour and egg during the breading process. If you're having trouble with the breading sticking, you can chill the coated fillets in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before air frying.

Seasoning:

The beauty of seasoning is that you can customize it to your taste preferences. You can mix various spices into your flour or add them directly to the breadcrumbs. Popular options include onion and garlic powders, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, curry powder, ground cumin, and chili powder. For an Italian-style breading, use Italian seasoning, or opt for Cajun or Old Bay seasoning for a unique twist. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.

In addition to seasoning the breadcrumbs, you can also spritz the fish fillets with cooking spray or oil before placing them in the air fryer. This helps the breading cook up crispy and golden, and ensures the fish doesn't stick to the air fryer basket.

Defrosting and coating

When it comes to defrosting and coating your fish fillets, there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, if you're using frozen fillets, it's crucial to ensure they are completely defrosted before coating and air-frying them. The best way to defrost fish is to plan ahead and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. However, if you're in a hurry, there's a quicker method: place the frozen fish in an airtight plastic bag or its vacuum packaging and submerge it in a bowl of water that's slightly cooler than room temperature. It's important to use the defrosted fish immediately after this quick-thaw method.

Once your fish is defrosted, it's time to coat it. Start by patting the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is essential, as it helps the coating adhere better to the fish. Next, prepare your coating mixture. In one shallow bowl, whisk an egg and set it aside. On a plate, mix together flour, your choice of spices, and bread crumbs. You can use Italian-style bread crumbs or make your own by mixing plain bread crumbs with Italian seasoning and spices like cayenne pepper, curry powder, cumin, or chili powder. For a simple coating, you can also just use seasoned flour.

Now, it's time to coat the fillets. First, dredge the fish fillets in the flour-spice mixture, making sure to coat them evenly. Then, dip the fillets into the whisked egg, shaking off any excess. Finally, dip the fillets into the bread crumb mixture, ensuring they are fully and evenly coated. To ensure the breading sticks well, gently press the crumbs onto the fish with your hands. If you're still concerned about the coating sticking, you can place the coated fillets in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before air-frying.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer fish fillets are delicious and can be served in a variety of ways. The most popular way to serve them is with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a side of tartar sauce for dipping. You can also add a few lemon wedges and perhaps some hot sauce. If you want to spice things up, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or some curry powder and ground cumin for a rich curry flavor.

For a simple side, serve with mushy peas and French fries. You can cook these in the air fryer too, for extra convenience. If you want to make a full meal of it, this fish pairs perfectly with oven-baked fries and a fresh, crisp salad.

For a Mexican twist, add some chili powder or taco seasoning to your fish fillets. You could also serve the fish in a taco with some fresh salsa and guacamole. This is a great option if you want something a little more fun and interactive.

If you're looking for a more sophisticated dish, try serving the fish with a white wine sauce and some roasted new potatoes. Or, for a lighter option, serve it with a citrus salad and wild rice.

Finally, if you're feeding a crowd, why not set up a build-your-own-fish-taco bar with a variety of toppings and sauces? This is a great way to please a group with different tastes and preferences.

Frequently asked questions