Air-Fryer Fish: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook fish, yielding a crispy, golden exterior and a tender, flaky interior. This method is not only quick and easy but also reduces the amount of oil required compared to traditional frying, resulting in a guilt-free meal. Various types of fish can be used, such as cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, halibut, or salmon, allowing for a versatile range of flavours and textures. The cooking process is straightforward, involving a few simple steps to prepare the fish before air frying to perfection.

Choosing the right fish

Type of Fish

The most common types of fish used in air fryers are white fish, such as cod, tilapia, haddock, halibut, pollock, hake, catfish, and sea bass. These fish have a mild flavour and flaky texture, making them versatile and suitable for various recipes. White fish is widely available, and you can often find it on sale, making it an affordable option.

Fresh or Frozen

You can use either fresh or frozen fish fillets in your air fryer. If you opt for frozen, ensure they are of high quality and completely defrosted before cooking. The best way to thaw fish is by leaving it in the fridge overnight. For quicker thawing, you can submerge the fish in a sealed bag in ice-cold water for an hour.

Fillet Size and Thickness

When choosing fish fillets, avoid thin strips as they may not cook evenly in the air fryer. Opt for fillets with a decent thickness, such as those ranging from 2-8 ounces. Keep in mind that thicker fillets, like halibut or cod, may require a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Personal Preference

Consider your taste preferences when selecting a fish. If you're new to fish, white fish is an excellent place to start due to their mild flavour. You can also experiment with different types of fish to find your favourite. Don't be afraid to ask your fishmonger for recommendations or advice on selecting the best fish for your air fryer adventures.

Health Considerations

If you're conscious about your health, white fish is an excellent choice. They are typically low in fat, high in protein, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Research suggests that consuming white fish is linked to a lower risk of depression, heart disease, and cognitive decline. So, you can indulge in your air-fried fish without feeling too guilty!

Preparing the fish

The first step in preparing the fish is to pat it dry with a paper towel. This step is important, as it helps to remove any excess moisture, which will help the coating adhere better to the fish. You can use any type of fish fillets for this recipe, such as cod, tilapia, catfish, pollock, hake, haddock, or salmon. Just make sure that if you're using frozen fish, it's completely thawed before you start.

Next, you'll want to season the fish. This can be as simple as adding some salt and pepper, or you can get creative with spices like cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. You can also use a pre-made seasoning mix like Old Bay.

Once the fish is seasoned, it's time to coat it. For a crispy coating, you can use breadcrumbs, either plain or Italian-style. You can also use cornmeal or flour for a different texture. Dip the fish fillets in a thin layer of oil, then gently press them into the coating, making sure all sides are well covered.

Finally, place the coated fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Give the basket a light coating of oil to prevent sticking, and you're ready to start cooking!

Coating the fish

Pat the Fish Dry:

Start by patting the fish fillets with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This is an important step as it helps the coating adhere better to the fish. Make sure the fillets are still slightly damp.

Season the Fish:

Add your desired seasonings to a sealable bag, such as a Ziplock bag. You can use a store-bought fish seasoning or make your own by combining spices like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Shake the bag to mix the seasonings, then add the fish fillets and shake until they are fully coated. You can also use a favourite fish batter mix instead of dry seasoning.

Prepare the Coating:

In one dish, prepare some flour (either plain or gluten-free). In a second dish, whisk an egg until very well blended. In a third dish, prepare some breadcrumbs. You can use plain, Italian, or panko breadcrumbs. If using plain breadcrumbs, you can add Italian seasoning and other spices like cayenne pepper to add more flavour.

Coat the Fish:

Working with one fillet at a time, remove the fish from the seasoning, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the fish into the flour, coating all sides, followed by the egg (letting the excess drip off), and finally into the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the fish as needed to ensure they stick to all sides.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:

Brush the air fryer grate or basket with a little oil, or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the fish from sticking to the surface.

Now your fish is ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Cooking the fish

First, prepare your fillets. If you're using frozen fish, ensure they are completely defrosted before cooking. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture—this will help the coating adhere better to the fish.

Next, season the fillets. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning. You can also add a thin layer of oil to the fillets before gently pressing the seasonings into the fish.

Now, it's time to coat the fillets. You can use breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or a combination of flour, egg, and Panko breadcrumbs. If using breadcrumbs, gently press the fillets into the breadcrumbs to coat both sides evenly. If using a flour and egg coating, first coat the fillets in flour, then dip them in a well-whisked egg, and finally, dredge them in Panko breadcrumbs.

Once your fillets are coated, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Brush the air fryer basket with a little oil to prevent sticking, or line it with parchment paper. Place the coated fillets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap.

Cook the fish at around 390°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. For thinner fillets, 8-10 minutes may be sufficient. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and gently flip the fillets to ensure even cooking and browning.

Your fish is ready when it is golden brown and crispy on the outside, and flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately with your choice of sides and sauces, such as lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or hot sauce. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Air fryer fish is best served with a dipping sauce on the side, such as tartar sauce, and garnished with lemon wedges or fresh parsley. You can also serve it with a variety of side dishes, including:

• Crispy French fries
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Sautéed garlic mushrooms
• A fresh tomato and cucumber salad
• Air fryer asparagus and mushrooms
• Oven-baked fries or potato wedges
• Cheesy mashed potato cakes
• Air fryer French fries
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Air fryer green beans
• Mushy peas

You can also add the cooked fish to tacos, burger buns, salads or wraps. For a healthier option, serve it with roasted green beans, kale chips or zucchini fries.

Frequently asked questions