Ella Walter
Fish is a great source of protein and cooking it in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying. The air fryer uses a fan to circulate hot air around the fish fillets, cooking them quickly and with very little oil. This results in a crispy exterior and a soft, flaky interior. The best types of fish to use are mild, white fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, or halibut. The process is simple: coat the fillets in a breading of your choice, transfer to the air fryer, and cook for 10-15 minutes.
How to Cook Fish in an Air Fryer Oven
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fish Type | Any firm, mild white fish: haddock, pollock, cod, halibut, flounder, whiting, walleye, etc. |
| Fish Fillet Thickness | Not too thin; avoid thick fillets like tuna or swordfish |
| Fish Preparation | Thaw if frozen; pat dry; cut into strips or halves; season; dredge in flour, shaking off excess; dip in egg; dredge in breadcrumbs/cornmeal/panko mixture, pressing gently to coat |
| Air Fryer Preparation | Preheat to 400°F for about 10 minutes; spritz basket with non-stick spray |
| Cooking | Cook at 400°F for 8-15 minutes, turning halfway through; cook in batches to avoid overcrowding |
| Serving | Serve hot with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and sides like potatoes, veggies, or fries |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fish
When selecting fish for air frying, it is best to opt for moderately thin, white, and flaky fish. Examples of suitable fish include cod, haddock, pollock, mahi-mahi, halibut, flounder, whiting, and walleye. These types of fish have a mild flavour and a delicate texture that cooks evenly in the air fryer. They are also versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, such as fish tacos, fish and chips, or served on their own with fries and tartar sauce.
It is recommended to avoid thicker fish fillets, such as tuna or swordfish, as they will take longer to cook and may not yield the best results. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the fish is not too thin, as very thin strips may not hold up well during the cooking process.
The quality of the fish is also important. Look for fresh, firm fish with a mild scent. If using frozen fish, be sure to thaw it properly before cooking. This can be done by leaving it in the fridge overnight or, for smaller pieces, by submerging it in ice-cold water for an hour.
When preparing the fish, it is crucial to remove any excess moisture by patting it dry with a paper towel. This step helps ensure that the breading will be crispy and golden, as moisture can cause it to become soggy.
In summary, choosing the right fish for air frying involves selecting moderately thin, white, flaky fish that is fresh and properly thawed, with excess moisture removed. With the right fish and proper preparation, you can create delicious and crispy air-fried fish fillets.
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Preparing the fish
Once your fish is thawed, cut it into evenly sized portions to ensure even cooking. Then, dredge the fish in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the fish in beaten egg, which will help the final coating stick to the fish. Finally, coat the fish in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. You can add seasoning to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour. Try Cajun seasoning, a spicy jerk seasoning blend, or za'atar.
Before placing the fish in the air fryer, spritz it with cooking spray or oil to help achieve a crispy texture. You can also spritz the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Coating the fish
One popular method is to use a flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating. This involves dredging the fish fillets in flour, shaking off any excess, then dipping them in beaten egg, and finally coating them in breadcrumbs. The flour helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick to the fish, while the egg binds the breadcrumbs to the fish and gives them something to hold onto. This method creates a crispy, golden crust that is sure to impress. For a lighter coating, opt for panko breadcrumbs, which are lighter and more neutral in flavour than regular breadcrumbs. You can also experiment with different seasonings in your breadcrumbs, such as Cajun seasoning, spicy jerk seasoning, or za'atar.
If you're looking for a crunchier texture, you can try combining breadcrumbs with cornmeal. This method creates a crispy, "fried" fish without the mess and grease of traditional frying. Simply combine the breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and your desired seasonings in a shallow bowl, then dredge the fish fillets in the mixture, making sure to coat them evenly.
For a gluten-free option, you can substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour and use crushed corn flakes instead of breadcrumbs. This method will give you a crispy, crunchy coating that is safe for those with gluten intolerances or allergies.
Once you've coated your fish fillets, it's a good idea to refrigerate them for about 10 minutes before air frying. This helps the coating adhere to the fish and prevents it from falling off during cooking. You can also spritz the coated fish with cooking spray or oil to help the coating stick and create an even crispier texture.
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Cooking the fish
First, you'll need to prepare the fish by thawing it, if necessary. The best way to do this is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If the piece of fish isn't too big, you can leave it on the counter for an hour submerged in ice-cold water until it's thawed. Then, pat the fish dry and cut it into strips.
Next, you'll need to prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cornmeal, seasoned salt, and pepper. Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge the fish in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the fish into the egg bowl, and finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture to coat. Repeat this process until all the fish pieces are breaded.
Before cooking the fish, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F, which will take about 10 minutes. You can spritz the basket with some non-stick spray to prevent the fish from sticking.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the fish into the basket and cook at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through. The fish is ready when it's golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
You can serve the fish with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
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Serving suggestions
Air-fried fish is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Classic Fish and Chips
For a classic British favourite, serve your air-fried fish with a generous portion of crispy, golden chips. You can cook the chips in the air fryer as well for added convenience and a healthier option. Don't forget to add a sprinkle of salt and vinegar for an authentic touch.
Fish Tacos
For a more international flavour, try serving your fish in soft tortillas with shredded cabbage, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream. You can also add some sliced avocado or guacamole for extra creaminess.
Salad
For a lighter option, serve the fish on a bed of mixed greens with your choice of vegetables. Some good options include sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. You can also add some boiled eggs or potatoes for a more filling meal.
With Sides and Sauces
Air-fried fish can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Some classic side dish options include roasted or mashed potatoes, rice, or a variety of steamed or roasted vegetables.
As for sauces, tartar sauce and remoulade sauce are popular choices to accompany fish. You can also offer a variety of condiments such as hot sauce, lemon wedges, or a creamy dill dip.
As a Sandwich or Burger
Your air-fried fish can also be served between two slices of bread or a bun for a heartier meal. Add some lettuce, tomato, and a slice of cheese, and you've got a delicious fish sandwich or burger.
With Different Types of Fish
Experiment with different types of fish to find your favourite. Some popular options include cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, or even salmon. You can also try using fresh or frozen fish, depending on what's available.
Breading Variations
There are also numerous variations to the breading that you can experiment with. For a classic option, use a mixture of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free alternative, try using almond flour and crushed cornflakes. If you're looking for a low-carb option, substitute crushed pork rinds for the breadcrumbs.
No matter which serving suggestion you choose, your air-fried fish is sure to be a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried fish.
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Frequently asked questions
The best type of fish to cook in an air fryer oven is a moderately thin, white and flaky fish, such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi mahi. Thicker fillets, such as tuna or swordfish, will take longer to cook.
If your fish is frozen, you should thaw it by leaving it in the fridge overnight or, if it's a smaller piece, on the counter for an hour submerged in ice-cold water. If you plan on breading your fish, you should thaw it in advance. Pat the fish dry, then cut it into strips. If you're using a breadcrumb coating, dredge the fish in flour, dip it in egg, then roll it in the breadcrumbs. Spray the coated fish with oil and leave it in the fridge for 10 minutes before frying.
It depends on the size of your fillets and whether you're using any marinades, glazes or breading. A six-ounce cod fillet can take as little as 12 minutes to cook. You'll know the fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
Preheat your air fryer oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When it's ready, place the basket inside and cook the fish at this temperature for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
