Air-Fryer Breaded Fish: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Making breaded fish in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook this classic dish. With an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy, golden finish without the need for deep frying in oil. This method works with any kind of firm, white fish fillets, such as cod, tilapia, or haddock. The process is simple: pat the fillets dry, season, coat in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then cook in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and tartar sauce for a delicious, healthy meal.

Choosing the right fish

Type of Fish

The type of fish you choose will impact the flavour and texture of your final dish. White fish, such as cod, tilapia, pollock, haddock, catfish, hake, and salmon, are popular choices for breading and air frying. These fish have a mild flavour and a flaky texture that pairs well with the crispy breading.

Fillet Thickness

It's important to select fish fillets with the right thickness. Aim for fillets that are between 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick. Thinner fillets may dry out or overcook, while thicker fillets may take too long to cook through, resulting in over-browned breading.

Freshness

When choosing fish, always look for fresh, high-quality fillets. Fresh fish will have firm flesh, bright colours, and a mild scent. Avoid fish with dull colours or a strong fishy odour, as these may indicate that it is not fresh.

Frozen Fish

If you opt for frozen fish fillets, be sure to thaw them properly before breading and air frying. Leave the fish in the fridge overnight to thaw, or submerge smaller pieces in ice-cold water for an hour until they are completely defrosted. Remove excess moisture from frozen fish before cooking, as it can affect the crispness of the breading.

Size and Shape

Consider the size and shape of the fish fillets in relation to your air fryer basket. Choose fillets that fit well in the basket without overcrowding. If necessary, cut the fillets into strips or smaller pieces to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

Personal Preference

Lastly, consider your personal preferences. Do you prefer a mild or stronger-tasting fish? Are there any specific types of fish you enjoy or want to try? Keep in mind that air frying is a versatile cooking method, so feel free to experiment with different types of fish to find your favourite.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right fish for your breaded air fryer creation, ensuring a delicious and successful outcome.

Preparing the fish

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to start preparing the fish. Begin by patting the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps the coating stick to the fish. Next, season your fillets with salt and pepper, or your chosen seasonings. Now it's time to coat the fish. Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. You can add seasonings to the flour and breadcrumbs for extra flavour. Dip each fillet first in the flour, then the egg, and finally, the breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat the fish evenly and shake off any excess.

At this stage, you can place the coated fillets in the fridge for 10 minutes to ensure the breading adheres well. This is also a good time to preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) or 400°F, depending on your recipe. If your air fryer basket is not non-stick, brush it with oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Now, place the fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your basket, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming and affect the crispiness of your fish.

Making the breading

Firstly, you'll want to prepare your fish fillets by patting them dry with a paper towel. This step is important, as it helps to remove any excess moisture, which will allow the breading to adhere better. Season the fillets with salt and pepper, or any other spices of your choice. You can also add some oil to the fillets at this stage, which will help with the breading process.

Next, prepare your breading mixture. You can use plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs, or make your own by mixing plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning. You can also add other spices like cayenne pepper to add some heat. If you want an extra crispy texture, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Mix your chosen breadcrumbs with a little oil to create a loose and crumbly mixture.

Now it's time to coat your fish fillets. Dip them first into a flour mixture, shaking off any excess, and then into an egg mixture. Finally, coat them evenly and fully in the breadcrumb mixture. You can also try a different method, where you dip the fish into a flour mixture, then into a whisked egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs.

Once your fish fillets are coated, it's a good idea to place them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to ensure the breading adheres well. If you notice any wet spots, you can sprinkle a pinch of panko on them and gently pat before frying.

Cooking the fish

Now that your fish is coated and ready to go, it's time to get cooking! First, you'll want to preheat your air fryer. This is an important step as it ensures even cooking and the correct temperature and airflow. Set your air fryer to around 350-400°F (180-200°C).

While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare your fish fillets. Place the coated fillets gently into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fish in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding will create steam, and steam is the enemy of crispy fish!

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to start cooking. Cook the fish for around 10-15 minutes at 390-400°F (199-200°C). For thinner fillets, aim for the lower end of the time range, and for thicker fillets like cod, they may take a minute or two longer. Halfway through the cooking time, gently flip the fillets to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.

To check if your fish is cooked, use a fork to gently flake the flesh – it should be cooked through and easily flake away. If it's not quite ready, return the fish to the air fryer for another minute or two.

Once your fish is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Air fryer fish is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the fryer. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a side of tartar sauce for the perfect crispy, golden treat.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve breaded fish cooked in an air fryer. Here are some serving suggestions:

Classic Fish and Chips

For a classic British dish, serve your air-fried fish with a portion of chips. You can bake or air-fry the chips to keep the meal healthier. Don't forget to add a generous portion of tartar sauce on the side!

With a Side of Veggies

If you want to add some extra nutrients to your meal, consider serving your breaded fish with a side of vegetables. Some great options include roasted Brussels sprouts, air fryer green beans, or steamed veggies. You could also try mushy peas for a classic British combination.

Lemon Wedges and Tartar Sauce

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a tangy burst of flavor to your breaded fish. Serve it with some tartar sauce for dipping, and you've got a delicious and simple meal.

Fries and Hush Puppies

For a heartier meal, serve your breaded fish with a side of French fries and hush puppies. This combination will surely satisfy your cravings. Don't forget to add some coleslaw or Greek lemon potatoes for a complete feast.

Fish Tacos or Taco Bowls

Use your breaded fish as a tasty filling for fish tacos or taco bowls. This is a great way to switch up your taco night and enjoy the crunch of the breaded fish. Add some fresh toppings and sauces to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions