Air-Fried Fish: Crispy, Battered Perfection

Battered fish is a classic dish, but it can be a messy and time-consuming process to make. Air fryers offer a convenient and healthier alternative to deep-frying, producing crispy and flaky fish with less oil and effort. This guide will teach you how to make delicious battered fish in an air fryer, covering key steps such as preparing the fish, creating a crispy coating, and cooking it to perfection.

Choosing the right fish

Type of Fish

For air-fried battered fish, it is recommended to use a firm, mild white fish. Popular choices include cod, pollock, haddock, halibut, flounder, whiting, and walleye. These fish have a meaty yet flaky texture and tend to stay moist when cooked. It is important to note that thinner fish like whiting or flounder may require a shorter cooking time to prevent overcooking.

Thickness of Fish

The thickness of the fish fillets is an important consideration. For this cooking method, it is best to choose fillets that are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Thinner fillets may dry out before the batter turns golden brown, while thicker fillets may take too long to cook properly. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.

Fresh or Frozen Fish

You can use either fresh or frozen fish fillets for this recipe. If using frozen fish, ensure that they are completely defrosted before breading and air-frying. Leaving the fish in the fridge overnight is a good way to safely thaw it. For quicker defrosting, submerge the fish in ice-cold water for an hour, ensuring it is not too thick.

Preparation

Before battering and cooking the fish, it is essential to pat the fillets dry with paper towels or a kitchen cloth. Removing excess moisture will help the batter adhere better and create a crispier coating. Additionally, it is recommended to season the fish with salt and pepper before coating, enhancing the overall flavour of the dish.

Cooking Tips

When cooking the battered fish in the air fryer, it is crucial to avoid overcrowding the basket. Leave enough space between the fillets to allow hot air to circulate properly. This will ensure even cooking and help achieve the desired crispiness. Additionally, preheating the air fryer is recommended to ensure consistent cooking temperatures and airflow.

Preparing the fish

The first step in preparing the fish is to pat it dry with a paper towel. This is an important step, as removing any excess moisture will help the breading or batter stick to the fish and ensure a crispy texture. If you are using frozen fish, make sure to defrost it first by leaving it in the fridge overnight or submerging it in ice-cold water for an hour.

Next, you will need to season the fish. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add a little cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. If you are making beer-battered fish, you can skip this step and add the seasonings to the flour or batter mixture.

Now it's time to coat the fish. There are two main methods for coating the fish: breading or battering. For breading, you will need three shallow bowls: one with flour or a flour mixture, one with a beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs. Dip the fish first in the flour, then the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat the fish evenly and fully, gently patting or pressing to help the coating stick. For battering, you will need to dip the fish in a thick batter, made by mixing flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and beer, and then dredging it in flour. This double dredging process will create a coating that stays put during air frying.

Once the fish is coated, it's a good idea to refrigerate it for about 10 minutes to help the coating set. If you see any wet spots, you can sprinkle a pinch of flour or panko on them and gently pat it in before air frying.

Finally, it's time to cook the fish! Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F. Place the coated fish in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd it, as this can cause steaming and affect the crispiness of the fish. Cook the fish for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model. For batter-fried fish, you may need to cook it for a little longer, around 12 to 13 minutes, until the coating is golden brown. Gently flip the fish halfway through the cooking process, being careful not to disturb the coating.

Making the batter

Beer-battered fish is a classic dish, but it can be a challenge to replicate in an air fryer. The trick is to make a thick batter and then dredge the fish in flour, creating a coating that will stay put when you air-fry. Here's a step-by-step guide to making the perfect batter for your air-fried fish:

• Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and any desired seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.
• Add liquid ingredients: To the dry mixture, add a beaten egg and gradually pour in a cup of beer (preferably a lager or amber beer). Stir the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and thick batter. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to chill.
• Prepare the fish: While the batter chills, cut your fish fillets into strips or portions. It's important to use a thick fish fillet, ideally at least 1-inch thick, to prevent overcooking in the air fryer. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
• Coat the fish: Once the batter is chilled, it's time to coat the fish. Dip each fish fillet into the batter, making sure all sides are evenly coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before moving on to the next step.
• Dredge in flour: After coating the fish with batter, it's time to dredge them in flour. Prepare a shallow bowl or pan with plain flour (you can also add some seasonings to this flour for extra flavour). Gently coat each battered fillet with the flour, shaking off any excess. This double-coating process will ensure a crispy and flavourful exterior.
• Spritz with oil: Generously spritz both sides of the coated fish fillets with vegetable oil or cooking spray. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the flour is completely coated and cooks properly in the air fryer. Don't skimp on the oil to avoid dry spots.

Now that your fish is battered and ready, it's time to cook them in your preheated air fryer! Follow the cooking instructions provided by your air fryer for the best results. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and healthier version of beer-battered fish!

Cooking the fish

Now that your fish is coated and seasoned, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Here are the steps to achieve crispy, golden, and perfectly cooked fish:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend a temperature between 350°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C). Ensure your air fryer is properly preheated to ensure even cooking. Additionally, consider coating the air fryer basket with cooking spray or lining it with air fryer-friendly parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Place the Fish in the Air Fryer

Arrange the battered fish pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fish in batches. Leave some space between each piece to allow for even cooking and proper crisping.

Step 3: Spritz or Coat with Oil

For an extra crispy texture, spritz or brush both sides of the fish generously with oil. You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, or a cooking spray. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the batter or breading cooks evenly and doesn't dry out.

Step 4: Air Fry the Fish

Close the air fryer and let the fish cook for the recommended time, which is typically around 10 to 15 minutes. For thinner fillets or fish sticks, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Halfway through the cooking process, consider flipping the fish to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

After the initial cooking time, use a fork to gently flake a small portion of the thickest piece of fish. If the fish flakes easily and is opaque, it is likely done. If it still seems undercooked, return the fish to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, checking again until it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Once the fish is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and serve it immediately. Air fryer fish is best enjoyed fresh and crispy. Serve it with your choice of sides, such as fries, coleslaw, lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or your favorite condiments.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve battered fish cooked in an air fryer. The most popular side dish is probably fries, which can also be cooked in the air fryer. You can serve them with tartar sauce, coleslaw, hush puppies, Greek lemon potatoes, or any other side dish you like with fish. You could also serve the fish in tacos or taco bowls for some added crunch.

If you want to make this dish low-carb or keto-friendly, you can substitute almond flour for the regular flour and crushed pork rinds for the panko. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour and crushed corn flakes.

Some other side dish suggestions include air fryer asparagus and mushrooms, oven-baked fries or potato wedges, and cheesy mashed potato cakes. Don't forget to serve the fish with tartar sauce and lemon wedges!

Frequently asked questions