Air-Fryer Fish: No Breading, No Problem!

Fish is a versatile dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, and air fryers have become a popular way to cook fish without the need for deep frying and with minimal oil. The air fryer circulates hot air around the fish fillets, cooking them quickly and evenly. This method is perfect for those who want a healthier alternative to traditional fish and chips without compromising on taste and texture. The fish comes out crispy and golden on the outside, while remaining soft and moist on the inside.

How to cook fish in an air fryer without breading

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in ensuring your food is cooked thoroughly and evenly. It gets the hot air moving before you start cooking, so your food will be nice and evenly cooked once you're ready to put it in the basket.

To preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes, first, check the operating manual specific to your air fryer for preheating instructions. Some models are equipped with a preheat setting button, which simplifies the process. If your air fryer does not have a preheat button, set the temperature to 400°F, turn it on, and wait for the preheat light to go off. Smaller air fryers will preheat faster than larger ones, so a small air fryer may only need two to three minutes to preheat to 400°F, while a larger air fryer may need four to five minutes.

Preheating is especially important if you want your food to have a crispy texture. It is also beneficial when cooking in batches, as it helps to ensure that the first batch does not take longer to cook and that subsequent batches do not burn.

However, it's important to note that certain foods are better off not being placed in a preheated air fryer. For example, delicate foods like shrimp, garlic, or tomatoes may burn or dry out, so they are better off being cooked at a slower rate without preheating the air fryer first.

Pat the fish dry with a paper towel

When cooking fish in an air fryer without breading, it is important to pat the fish dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial as it helps remove any excess moisture from the fish. If the fish is too wet, it can steam during the cooking process, which can affect the texture and crispiness of the final dish.

To pat the fish dry, simply use a clean paper towel or an absorbent kitchen towel to gently blot the surface of the fish fillets. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the fish, absorbing any moisture or liquid on the fish. This step is especially important if you are using frozen fish, as it tends to release more water during the thawing process.

Removing the moisture from the fish before cooking it in the air fryer helps ensure that the fish cooks evenly and effectively. It also helps create a crispy exterior on the fish, which is often desired when cooking fish in an air fryer.

Additionally, patting the fish dry with a paper towel can also help the seasoning or marinade adhere better to the surface of the fish. This step ensures that the flavours you add to the fish are evenly distributed and well-absorbed, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.

Overall, taking the time to pat the fish dry with a paper towel is a crucial step in the process of cooking fish in an air fryer without breading. It ensures the fish cooks properly, helps create a desirable texture, and enhances the overall flavour of your dish.

Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice

To cook fish in an air fryer without breading, you can opt for a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice. This method produces healthy, fork-tender fillets in just a few minutes.

First, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes. Meanwhile, prepare your seasoning mix. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. You can also add dried oregano or another herb of your choice. Stir everything together until well combined.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place your fish fillets inside, ensuring they don't overlap. Sprinkle your seasoning mixture over the fillets, and lay a slice of butter on top, followed by a lemon slice. Then, cook for 10 to 13 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. Check the fish at the 10-minute mark, and if they are thin, you may want to remove them after just one or two more minutes. Your fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.

This cooking method yields a flaky, tender, and flavorful dish that is also keto and low-carb. Enjoy your air-fried fish as-is or with a side of your choice.

Brush the fish with olive oil

When cooking fish in an air fryer without breading, brushing the fish with olive oil is an important step. This helps to ensure that the fish doesn't stick to the air fryer basket and also adds flavour and moisture to the dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to brushing your fish with olive oil:

Prepare the Fish

Start by choosing your fish fillets. You can use fresh or frozen fish, but if you're using frozen, be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight and pat it dry with a paper towel before cooking. The most common types of fish sold frozen and boneless include sockeye salmon, cod, tilapia, and haddock.

Make the Olive Oil Mixture

In a small bowl, add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you like a stronger lemon flavour, add more lemon juice.

Brush the Fish

Generously brush the olive oil mixture all over the fish fillets. Be sure to coat the fish evenly and thoroughly to ensure that it doesn't stick to the air fryer basket. You can use a pastry brush or even a spoon to spread the mixture over the fish.

Air Fry the Fish

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. Then, place the oiled fish fillets in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd it. Depending on the thickness of your fillets, cook the fish for 10-15 minutes, checking for doneness after 10 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your air-fried fish with a slice of lemon and a side of your choice. Some popular options include fries, tartar sauce, and steamed vegetables. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Cook for 10-15 minutes

Once you have prepared your fish fillets by coating them in oil and any desired seasonings, you can place them in the air fryer. It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer for around 5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

When cooking, it is best to cook the fish fillets for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer. For example, thinner fillets will likely only need 10 minutes, whereas thicker fillets may need a couple of minutes more. It is important to check on the fish at the 10-minute mark to ensure it does not overcook.

If you are cooking frozen fish fillets, it is recommended that you do not flip the fillets during the cooking time, as this could cause them to fall apart. However, if you are cooking breaded frozen fillets, you should flip them halfway through the cooking time.

The fish is done when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the fish has reached a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frequently asked questions