Marianne Martinez
Air-fried walleye is a tasty, healthy alternative to butter-fried fish. It's a quick and easy recipe that can be made with or without breading, and is best served with a squeeze of lemon juice and tartar sauce. To make it, you'll need to coat the fish fillets in a mixture of eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, then air fry them at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This recipe is a great option for seafood lovers or those seeking a nutritious, guilt-free meal.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the fish: filleting, descaling, and seasoning
Preparing the walleye fish for air frying requires a few simple steps: filleting, descaling, and seasoning. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Filleting
The first step is to obtain two or more walleye fillets, depending on the number of servings. You can purchase these from a fishmonger or local market. If the fillets are frozen, it is important to completely thaw them before proceeding. Leave the frozen fillets at room temperature for a couple of hours to ensure they are fully defrosted.
Descaling
Before seasoning and cooking, it is crucial to properly clean the fillets. Rinse the fillets under cold running water and use the back of a knife to gently scrape off any remaining scales. Ensure that the fish is completely descaled, as this will affect the texture and taste of the final dish.
Seasoning
Once the fillets are cleaned and dried, it's time to season them. You can use a variety of seasonings to add flavor to the walleye. Here are some common options:
- Salt and pepper: Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the fillets to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
- Garlic powder: Adding garlic powder provides a subtle garlicky note that pairs well with the delicate taste of the walleye.
- Lemon juice or wedges: Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the fillets adds a bright, tangy flavor. You can also serve the cooked fish with lemon wedges on the side.
- Spices and herbs: Feel free to experiment with other spices and herbs, such as paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian herb seasoning.
In addition to seasoning, you can also create a crispy coating for your walleye. Here are two popular methods:
Option 1: Breadcrumbs and Eggs
- Set up three pans for dredging.
- Prepare an egg wash by whisking eggs in a medium-sized bowl. Add seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the egg wash.
- In a separate bowl, add breadcrumbs. You can use plain or Italian herb-seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Dip the fillets in the egg wash, allowing the excess to drip off, and then coat them in the breadcrumbs.
Option 2: Pork Rind Crumbs and Eggs
- Crush pork rinds into fine crumbs using a rolling pin and a plastic bag.
- Add seasonings like garlic powder and cayenne pepper to the pork rind crumbs and mix well.
- Whisk an egg in a bowl, creating an egg wash.
- Dip the fillets in the egg wash and then coat them generously with the seasoned pork rind crumbs.
Remember to pat the fillets dry before coating, as this will help the batter or coating adhere better.
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Choosing a breading: pork rinds, cracker crumbs, or flour
When it comes to choosing a breading for your air fryer walleye, you have a few options: pork rinds, cracker crumbs, or flour. Each has its own unique characteristics and will give your fish a different flavour and texture.
Let's start with pork rinds. Pork rinds are a great option if you're looking for a crunchy, crispy texture. They are the culinary term for the skin of a pig, which is typically fried or roasted in pork fat as a snack. To use them as a breading, you can crush them into a fine powder using a food processor or blender, or by placing them in a bag and using a rolling pin. You can then add your own seasonings to the crumbs; since pork rinds are naturally salty, you may not need to add extra salt. They are also a good low-carb option.
Another option is cracker crumbs. You can use saltine crackers or any other type of cracker that you have on hand. Cracker crumbs will give your walleye a crispy texture and a flavour that pairs well with butter.
Finally, you could use flour. Flour is often used as the first step in a three-step breading process, followed by an egg wash and then breadcrumbs. The flour helps the egg to stick to the fish, and the breadcrumbs add a crispy texture. You can use regular flour or cornstarch, depending on your preference.
Each of these breading options will give your air fryer walleye a unique flavour and texture, so it's worth experimenting to see which one you prefer. Just remember to pat your fish fillets dry before breading and frying them, as this will help keep the breading from getting soggy.
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Using eggs to bind the breading
To cook fresh walleye in an air fryer, you'll need to start by preparing the fish. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can hinder the crispiness of the breading. If your fish has skin, it's recommended to cut it off with a non-serrated sharp knife.
Next, you'll want to season the fish with salt, pepper, and your chosen spices. For a parmesan crust, you can use shredded parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add some spice with cayenne pepper.
Now, it's time to dip the fish into a bowl of beaten egg, which will act as an egg wash and help bind the breading to the fish. Make sure both sides of the fish are coated, then let the excess egg drip off.
After the egg wash, it's time to coat the fish with the breading mixture. You can use crushed pork rinds, panko breadcrumbs, or a combination of both for a crispy texture. Completely coat both sides of the fish, pressing the breading onto the fish to ensure it sticks well.
Once your fish is breaded, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded fish fillets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap for even cooking.
Finally, cook the fish at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through if desired. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
Serve your air fryer walleye with fresh lemon wedges for a delicious, healthy, and crispy meal!
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Cooking the fish: air fryer settings and timings
When it comes to cooking the fish, there are a few different approaches you can take depending on your preferences and the ingredients you are using.
If you are cooking the walleye with a breading, it is recommended to cook the fish at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-10 minutes. Some sources suggest cooking for 6 minutes, while others suggest 12 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to ensure there is space for air to flow around the fish, so do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. You can flip the fish halfway through cooking, but this is not necessary.
If you are cooking the fish without a breading, it is recommended to cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Again, ensure the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
For larger fillets, you may need to adjust the timing accordingly. One source suggests baking on a convection setting for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is always better to start with defrosted or fresh fillets, but you can also cook frozen fish in the air fryer.
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Serving suggestions: lemon juice, tartar sauce, and sides
Lemon juice, tartar sauce, and sides are the perfect accompaniments to air-fried walleye.
Lemon is a classic pairing with fish, and air-fried walleye is no exception. A squeeze of lemon juice or a few lemon wedges on the side will add a bright, tangy flavor that complements the mild, flaky fish.
Tartar sauce is another traditional condiment for fish, and it goes exceptionally well with air-fried walleye. You can purchase store-bought tartar sauce or make your own. A simple tartar sauce can be made by mixing together mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
For sides, consider a few classic options like potatoes or coleslaw. You can also serve it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a light grain dish like rice pilaf. If you're looking for something heartier, the crispy fish pairs well with a variety of starches, including mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread.
Don't forget to descale the fish if you plan to eat the skin, which will be soft enough to eat when cooked. You can also remove the skin before cooking if you prefer.
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Frequently asked questions
To cook fresh walleye in an air fryer, you should first pat the fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Then, dip the fillets in a bowl of whisked egg and coat them in breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. Place the fillets in the air fryer basket, leaving at least an inch of space between them, and cook at 375-400°F for 9-12 minutes.
Air-fried walleye is often served with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and coleslaw or potatoes on the side.
To get the breading to stick, you can dip the fillets in flour before coating them in the whisked egg.
It is recommended that you defrost frozen walleye before cooking. However, it is possible to cook frozen fillets in an air fryer, and this should take around the same time as fresh fillets—around 9-12 minutes.
