Air-Fryer Crispy Fried Fish: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Making crispy fried fish in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy your favourite fried fish with less oil and mess. The air fryer uses a fan to circulate hot air around the fish fillets, cooking them quickly and evenly with a fraction of the oil needed for traditional frying. This method is perfect for white fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, whiting, and catfish, but can be used for almost any type of fish fillet. The process is simple: coat the fillets in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then place them in the air fryer for around 10 minutes. The result is a delicious, crispy, golden treat that's perfect for a weeknight family dinner.

How to choose the right fish for an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, giving you a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, flaky interior. The best fish for an air fryer will be a firm, mild, white fish. Look for fish such as:

• Cod
• Haddock
• Whiting
• Pollock
• Halibut
• Flounder
• Walleye
• Tilapia
• Catfish
• Mahi Mahi

These fish are flaky and mild in flavour, and they hold up well in the frying process.

It is best to avoid oily fish like tuna or swordfish, as these will take longer to cook and may not give you the crispy texture you are looking for.

You can use fresh or frozen fish, but if using frozen, be sure to fully defrost and pat dry before cooking. It is also important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will cause the fish to steam rather than fry.

How to prepare the fish before frying

Preparing the fish before frying is a crucial step in achieving the perfect crispy air-fried fish. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your fish:

Firstly, choose the right type of fish. For air frying, it is best to opt for a moderately thin, white, and flaky fish. Some great options include cod, haddock, pollock, whiting, catfish, tilapia, or mahi-mahi. Thicker fish like tuna or swordfish are less ideal as they require longer cooking times.

Next, if you are using frozen fish, ensure that it is fully thawed. Place the frozen fish in the fridge overnight to defrost. This step is important as it helps the coating adhere better and ensures even cooking. Once thawed, pat the fish dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture is crucial, as any remaining water can cause the coating to become soggy.

Now, it's time to cut the fish into strips or fillets. If you are making fish and chips, you may want to cut the fish into strips for that classic presentation. However, leaving the fillets in larger pieces can streamline the breading process and reduce your prep time.

After cutting the fish, it's time to season it. You can use a variety of seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the seasonings in a sealable bag, add the fish, and shake until the fillets are fully coated. You can also use a favourite fish batter mix or your own custom blend of spices.

Once the fish is seasoned, it's important to let the breading set. Place the seasoned fish on a baking rack or a parchment-lined sheet tray and pop it into the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This step helps ensure that the breading adheres to the fish when you bite into it.

Finally, if you notice any spots on the fish that look wet or soaked through, you can sprinkle a pinch of panko or additional breading on those spots and gently pat them before frying. This ensures that every part of the fish has an even and crispy coating.

Now that your fish is prepared, it's time to move on to the frying process. Remember to work in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer, as this can cause the fish to steam instead of fry.

How to make the perfect breading for crispy fish

The key to achieving crispy fried fish in an air fryer is to ensure that the breading is dry, well-seasoned, and evenly coats the fish. Here are the steps to make the perfect breading:

Choose the Right Fish

Select a moderately thin, white, and flaky fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi-mahi. These types of fish work well in the air fryer and can be fresh or thawed frozen. Avoid thicker fish like tuna or swordfish, as they require a longer cooking time.

Prepare the Fish

Start by patting the fish dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture is crucial, as it helps the breading adhere better. If using frozen fish, ensure it is completely thawed before proceeding. Cut the fish into strips or fillets, as desired.

Set Up Your Dredging Station

You will need three shallow bowls for the dredging process. In the first bowl, place all-purpose flour. You can also add seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the flour for extra flavour. In the second bowl, whisk an egg with a small amount of water. This acts as a glue for the breading. The third bowl should contain your choice of breadcrumbs. You can use regular dried breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for an even crispier texture. Mix the breadcrumbs with any desired seasonings, such as paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or salt.

Coat the Fish

Take each piece of fish and coat it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is completely coated. Finally, roll the fish in the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Repeat this process until all pieces of fish are evenly coated.

Refrigerate the Breaded Fish (Optional)

Before frying, you can optionally place the breaded fish on a parchment-lined sheet tray and refrigerate for about 10 minutes. This helps the breading adhere better and ensures a crispier final product. If you notice any wet spots after refrigeration, sprinkle a pinch of panko on those areas and gently pat before frying.

Spray with Oil

Lightly spray both sides of the breaded fish with oil. This step helps to achieve an even crispier texture. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any high-heat oil of your choice.

Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 380°F and 400°F. Place the fish in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece. Depending on the thickness of your fish, cook for 5-10 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. For thicker fillets, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serve and Enjoy

Air fryer crispy fish is best served immediately while it is still crispy and hot. You can serve it with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, hot sauce, or your favourite sides, such as fries or potato wedges. Enjoy the perfect crispy fish made right in your air fryer!

The best cooking oil for air-fried fish

When it comes to achieving the perfect crispy texture and delicious flavour for air-fried fish, the choice of cooking oil is crucial. While an air fryer uses hot air circulation to mimic the effect of deep frying, the right oil can enhance the taste and crispness of your fish. Here are some of the best options for cooking oil to consider for your air-fried fish:

Canola Oil:

Canola oil is an excellent choice for air frying fish due to its high smoke point and neutral flavour. It has a light texture and a mild taste that won't overpower the delicate flavour of the fish. Canola oil is also a good source of monounsaturated fats, making it a healthier option compared to some other oils. Its high smoke point means it can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer without breaking down or burning, ensuring your fish comes out perfectly crisp.

Peanut Oil:

Peanut oil is another great option for air-fried fish. It has a distinct nutty aroma and a high smoke point, making it ideal for achieving a crispy texture. Peanut oil is commonly used in frying applications because it imparts a rich flavour to the food. Its high monounsaturated fat content also makes it a healthier choice. Just be mindful of any peanut allergies when using this oil.

Avocado Oil:

Avocado oil is a healthy and delicious option for air-frying fish. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for the high temperatures of an air fryer. Avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, offering potential health benefits. It has a mild flavour that lets the taste of the fish shine through. Its ability to create a crisp exterior and moist interior makes it a fantastic choice for air-fried fish.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

While extra virgin olive oil has a slightly lower smoke point compared to the previous options, it is still a good choice for air-frying fish. Its distinct flavour can enhance the taste of your dish, especially if you're aiming for a Mediterranean or Italian twist. Extra virgin olive oil is packed with antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated fats, making it a nutritious option. Just be mindful that it may not be the best choice for extremely high temperatures.

When choosing the best cooking oil for air-fried fish, consider the flavour, smoke point, and health benefits of each option. Experiment with different oils to find your preferred taste and texture, keeping in mind that oils like canola, peanut, avocado, and extra virgin olive oil are excellent places to start. Always remember to use just enough oil to coat the fish lightly, as air frying requires significantly less oil than traditional deep frying.

How long to cook the fish for

The cooking time for your crispy fried fish in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of your fillets and the model of your air fryer. For example, thinner fillets of fish will take less time to cook than thicker fillets. Similarly, different models of air fryers may cook the fish at different speeds.

As a general rule of thumb, the fish will take around 10–15 minutes to cook in the air fryer. However, it is important to keep an eye on the fish as it cooks, as it can overcook quickly. You will know the fish is done when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.

For example, one source recommends cooking the fish for 7–10 minutes on one side, then flipping it and cooking for another 7–8 minutes. Another source recommends cooking the fish at 390°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping it halfway through.

If you are using frozen fish fillets, it is important to ensure that they are fully thawed before cooking. This will help the coating adhere to the fish and ensure that the outside of the fish doesn't get overcooked before the centre is done.

Frequently asked questions