Tiffany Haney
Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook fish, with the added bonus of using less oil than traditional frying methods. The air fryer's fan circulates hot air around the fish fillets, cooking them quickly and evenly. This method is perfect for those who want a healthier, less greasy alternative to frying that doesn't compromise on taste or texture. The fish is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and it's ready in just 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the type of fish and the model of the air fryer.
How to cook fish in an air fryer on high
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fish type | Any firm, mild white fish, e.g. cod, haddock, pollock, whiting, halibut, tilapia |
| Fish preparation | Pat dry, cut into strips, dip in flour, dip in egg, coat with breadcrumbs and seasoning |
| Oil | Olive, avocado, canola, or vegetable oil |
| Air fryer temperature | 380-400°F |
| Cooking time | 7-15 minutes, flipping halfway through |
| Serving suggestions | Lemon wedges, tartar sauce, hot sauce, cocktail sauce, fries, potato and veggie sides |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days |
| Reheating | Reheat in a preheated air fryer for 3-4 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fish
When it comes to choosing the right fish for your air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use fresh fish fillets, but you can also use high-quality frozen fish fillets. If you opt for frozen fish, ensure that they are completely defrosted and thawed before cooking. Thinly sliced fish is not ideal for this cooking method, as it may not yield the best results. Instead, opt for moderately thin to thicker fillets, which will allow for even cooking and a desirable texture.
The type of fish you choose is also important. White fish, such as cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, or whiting, are popular choices due to their mild flavour and firm texture. These types of fish tend to hold up well during cooking and remain moist and juicy. If you prefer a fish with a stronger flavour, you could try catfish, but be sure to soak it in milk before cooking to remove any unwanted tastes.
Another factor to consider is the cooking time and temperature. Different types of fish will have slightly different cooking requirements. For example, thinner fish like whiting may require a shorter cooking time, while thicker fillets like tuna or swordfish will take longer to cook thoroughly. Adjusting the cooking time based on the thickness and type of fish is crucial to ensuring your dish is cooked perfectly.
Lastly, personal preference will play a role in choosing the right fish. Consider your taste preferences and those of the people you are cooking for. Some people may enjoy the stronger flavour of catfish or the mildness of cod. Experimenting with different types of fish will help you discover your favourites.
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Preparing the fish
Once you have your fish, cut it into moderately thin strips. You can then season the fish by placing it in a sealable bag with your chosen spices and shaking until the fillets are fully covered. Place the fillets on a baking rack to allow any excess flour to fall off. Alternatively, you can dip the fish strips in flour, shaking off any excess, and then dip them in egg, which helps the seasoned breadcrumb mixture stick.
For the breadcrumb mixture, combine dried breadcrumbs with any spices you like, such as onion and garlic powders, black pepper, salt, paprika, or Cajun seasoning. You can also add cornmeal for a crispier texture. Dip the floured fish strips into the egg, then roll them in the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Ensure you remove any excess breading before cooking.
To increase the chances of the breading adhering to the fish, you can refrigerate the breaded fish for 10 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet before frying. If you notice any wet spots, sprinkle a pinch of breadcrumbs on them and pat gently before frying. You can also grease the bottom of your air fryer basket to prevent sticking, although most air fryers have a non-stick coating.
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Coating the fish
To coat the fish, you can use a variety of ingredients, including flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and spices. The coating will give the fish a crispy texture and enhance its flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide to coating the fish:
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Start by patting the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial, especially if you are using thawed frozen fish, as it removes excess moisture. Too much moisture can lead to steaming instead of frying, resulting in a soggy coating.
Step 2: Dredge in Flour
Place the fish fillets in a sealable bag, such as a Ziplock bag, and add your chosen flour. Shake the bag until the fillets are fully coated with flour. Alternatively, you can place the flour on a plate or bowl and dredge the fish in it, shaking off any excess. The flour acts as a base layer for the subsequent coatings.
Step 3: Dip in Egg
In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk some eggs. Dip the floured fish fillets completely in the egg. The egg helps the subsequent coatings adhere to the fish.
Step 4: Coat with Breadcrumbs and Seasonings
In another wide, shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and your chosen seasonings. You can use store-bought or homemade breadcrumbs. For seasonings, consider spices like onion and garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, seasoned salt, or a seafood blend like Old Bay. You can also add in some cornmeal for extra crispness. Dredge the fish in this mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
Step 5: Refrigerate (Optional)
Before frying, you can optionally refrigerate the coated fish for about 10 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better to the fish. If you notice any wet spots after removing the fish from the refrigerator, sprinkle a pinch of breadcrumbs or panko on those spots and gently pat them.
Step 6: Spray with Oil
Finally, spray the coated fish with oil on both sides. This step can also be done halfway through the cooking process, as it increases crispiness. You can use a variety of oils, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil. Ensure that the fish is fully covered in oil, with no flour spots showing, for an even golden colour.
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Cooking the fish
Firstly, you'll want to prepare your fish fillets. If you're using frozen fillets, make sure they are completely defrosted and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess water. If you're using fresh fish, you can skip this step.
Next, you'll want to bread your fish. Set up a breading station with three wide, shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place some flour (you can use regular flour or gluten-free flour if you prefer). In the second bowl, whisk an egg. In the third bowl, combine your breadcrumbs with any desired spices and seasonings, such as onion and garlic powder, black pepper, salt, paprika, or even a Cajun or spicy jerk seasoning blend. You can use regular dried breadcrumbs or panko, which is lighter and more neutral in flavour.
Now, take each fish fillet and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the egg, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the fish is fully coated with the breading. If you want an extra crispy crust, spray the breaded fish with oil before placing it in the air fryer.
Place the fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a small space between them to ensure even cooking. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will cause the fish to steam instead of fry.
Set your air fryer to a high temperature, between 380-400°F, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fish fillets and the model of your air fryer, so be sure to keep an eye on it. The fish is ready when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
Once the fish is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Air-fried fish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until crispy again.
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Serving the fish
Once your fish is cooked, it's time to serve it. The great thing about air-fried fish is that it's versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Serve with Sides
Air-fried fish goes well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with fries or sweet potato fries. You can also pair it with potato and veggie sides. Oven-baked options are a healthier choice if you're looking to cut down on oil. Don't forget to include some tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, hot sauce, or remoulade sauce for dipping.
Fish and Chips
For a classic, hearty meal, serve your air-fried fish with chips. This combination is a favourite for a reason—it's delicious and satisfying. Make sure to have tartar sauce on hand to complete the dish.
Salad or Tacos
If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using your air-fried fish as a protein boost in a salad or tacos. This method lets you enjoy the crispy fish without feeling too heavy. Add some fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing to your salad, or wrap the fish in a soft tortilla with your favourite taco toppings.
Lemon Wedges
A simple yet effective way to serve air-fried fish is with a squeeze of lemon. The acidity from the lemon juice brightens up the dish and complements the fish's flavour. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh parsley to enhance the freshness.
Homemade Sauce
Take your fish to the next level by making a homemade sauce. A simple sauce can be made by mixing mayonnaise, pickle relish, onion, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. This sauce will add extra flavour and moisture to your dish.
Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy your fish again, reheat it in the air fryer for around 3 to 4 minutes, and it will stay nice and crispy.
Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and you can get creative with your servings. Enjoy your delicious air-fried fish!
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a spray oil on the fish before adding the breading, but this can cause it to fall off. Instead, coat the fish in oil and then the breading. You can also put the breaded fish in the fridge for 10 minutes before frying to make sure the breading sticks.
This depends on the type of fish and the model of the air fryer. White fish like cod, haddock, or pollock should be cooked for 10-12 minutes at 400°F. Thicker fish like tuna or swordfish will take longer.
Air fry the fish at 400°F.
