Air-Fried Beer-Battered Fish: A Tasty, Crispy Treat

Beer-battered fish is a classic dish, but deep-frying it can be messy and unhealthy. Using an air fryer is a great alternative to achieve that crispy, golden exterior without the calories from deep-frying. The air fryer also helps retain the natural juices of the fish, resulting in a tender and flaky texture on the inside. This recipe is simple to make and yields excellent results in less than 20 minutes!

Choosing the right fish

It is important to use fish fillets that are about 1 inch thick. Thinner fillets may dry out before the batter turns golden brown, while thicker ones may take too long to cook properly. Additionally, ensure your fish is completely thawed if using frozen fillets.

Before battering, always pat your fish fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is essential as it helps the batter adhere better to the fish, resulting in a crispier coating.

Preparing the beer batter

• Gather your ingredients: For the beer batter, you will need all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, light beer, and an egg. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.
• Prepare two separate mixtures: In one bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to mix the ingredients well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, beer, and egg until a smooth batter forms. You can adjust the thickness of the batter by adding more flour or beer as needed.
• Season your fish: Before coating the fish in the batter, it's important to pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. This will help the batter adhere better to the fish. You can also season the fish with a little salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice, to add extra flavour.
• Coat the fish: Dip each piece of fish into the beer batter, making sure it is completely coated. Then, dip the battered fish into the seasoned flour mixture and gently press the flour onto the fish to ensure it sticks. Repeat this process for all the fish fillets.
• Double-dip for extra crunch (optional): If you want an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the fish. Simply dip the coated fish back into the beer batter and then back into the flour mixture. This will create a thicker, crunchier coating.
• Refrigerate the battered fish: Once all the fish fillets are coated, place them in the refrigerator for about 10-20 minutes to allow the batter to set. This step helps the batter adhere to the fish and prevents it from dripping off during cooking.
• Spray with oil: Before placing the fish in the air fryer, spray the air fryer basket generously with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will prevent the fish from sticking to the basket and help achieve a crispy texture.

Remember, the key to a good beer batter is to create a smooth, thick mixture that will coat the fish evenly. Don't be afraid to adjust the consistency by adding more flour or beer as needed. Also, make sure to pat the fish dry and season it before coating it in the batter. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy beer-battered fish in your air fryer!

Dipping and coating the fish

Firstly, prepare your fish fillets by patting them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the batter adhere better and result in a crispier coating. You can use a variety of mild, firm, and flaky white fish such as cod, haddock, tilapia, or halibut.

Next, create a double-dipping process. Start by dipping the fish fillets into the beer batter, ensuring they are fully coated. You can make the beer batter by mixing light beer, an egg, and some flour in a bowl. The beer adds air bubbles, creating a light and airy texture, while the egg acts as an adhesive.

After coating the fish in the beer batter, gently shake off any excess batter. Then, dip the fish into a dry flour mixture. This flour mixture can include all-purpose flour, garlic powder or table blend, cornstarch, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. You can also add a pinch of baking soda to the flour mixture, as some recipes suggest. The dry coating ensures the batter doesn't drip off and provides a crispy texture.

Once the fish is coated in the dry flour mixture, give it a gentle press to ensure the coating adheres well. Repeat this process for all the fish fillets.

Finally, place the coated fish fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Spray both sides of the fish generously with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This step is crucial as it helps create a crispy exterior and prevents the batter from drying out during cooking.

Now your fish is ready for the air fryer! Set the temperature and timer according to your air fryer model and recipe instructions, and you'll have delicious, crispy beer-battered fish in no time!

Cooking the fish in the air fryer

Now that you have your fish coated in the beer batter, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 375°F and 390°F.
• Prepare the air fryer basket: Generously coat the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil spray. This will help prevent the fish from sticking and ensure a crispy exterior.
• Place the fish in the basket: Arrange the coated fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they don't overlap to ensure even cooking.
• Spray the fish: Lightly spray the tops and sides of the fish with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
• Air fry the fish: Set the timer on your air fryer and cook the fish for approximately 10-15 minutes. Check on the fish once or twice during cooking and spray with additional oil if needed to prevent the batter from drying out.
• Remove and serve: Gently remove the fish from the air fryer using a flexible spatula. Be careful, as some batter may stick to the bottom of the basket. Serve immediately with your choice of sides and condiments, such as tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or malt vinegar.

By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, crispy beer-battered fish cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve beer-battered fish cooked in an air fryer. The most popular option is to serve it as fish and chips, with homemade French fries, and a side of ketchup, malt vinegar, or tartar sauce. You can also add lemon wedges, or serve it with tartar sauce and a flavourful slaw.

If you want to get creative, you can make fish tacos with a delicious fish taco slaw and a creamy fish taco sauce. You can also add some panko breadcrumbs to the flour for an extra crunch, or sprinkle Old Bay Seasoning on top.

Frequently asked questions