Air-Fried Fish And Chips: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Fish and chips is a classic British dish that is typically deep-fried. However, with an air fryer, you can enjoy the same crispy and delicious fish and chips with less oil and hassle. The air fryer's rapid air circulation crisps up the food without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier option. This paragraph will guide you through the process of making fish and chips in an air fryer, from preparing the ingredients to the final cooking steps, for a tasty and satisfying meal.

How to prepare the fish

Preparing the fish for air frying is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare the fish for your air fryer fish and chips:

Choosing the Right Fish

Firstly, select an appropriate type of fish. White fish, such as cod, haddock, pollock, or halibut, are common choices for fish and chips due to their tender texture and mild flavour. These fish also hold up well during the frying process. If you want to experiment, other options include tilapia, catfish, walleye, skate, rockfish, or even swordfish.

Thawing and Drying the Fish

If you're starting with frozen fish, be sure to thaw it before proceeding. This can be done by leaving the fish in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial, as it helps the coating adhere better and ensures a crispier final product.

Breading the Fish

Set up a dredging station with three separate shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix flour with seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also use a gluten-free flour alternative if needed. The second bowl should contain a beaten egg, which acts as a glue for the breadcrumbs. For the third bowl, prepare your coating of choice. This could be panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even crushed pork rinds. For an extra crispy coating, you can also toast the cornflakes beforehand.

Take each piece of fish and dip it first into the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are coated, then shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the fish into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the fish with your chosen breadcrumbs, gently patting them onto the fish to ensure they adhere well.

Air Frying the Fish

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 390-400°F. Place the coated fish into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the pieces do not overlap. Spray the tops of the fish generously with cooking oil to ensure an even crispness. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, opening the basket halfway through to spray the fish again. Check for doneness by using a fork to see if the fish flakes easily. If needed, return the fish to the air fryer for an additional minute or two.

Serving the Fish

Air fryer fish is best served immediately while it's still crispy. You can serve it with homemade fries, tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and a garnish of freshly minced parsley and lemon slices for a true fish and chips experience. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and healthier version of this classic dish!

How to prepare the chips

Ingredients

• 1-1.5 kg floury potatoes (e.g. Maris Piper, Idaho, Russet, or Yukon Gold)
• Oil (e.g. olive oil, rapeseed oil)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cornflour/cornstarch

Method

• Cut the potatoes into 1/2-inch thick slices, then cut these into 1/2-inch thick sticks.
• Soak the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes, and up to 3 hours. Change the water at least once if soaking for longer than 30 minutes.
• Drain the water from the potatoes and dry them thoroughly with a towel.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Toss the potatoes with oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
• Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary.
• Cook for 5-10 minutes, until just tender. Toss the potatoes and redistribute, then cook for another 5-10 minutes until lightly browned and crisp.
• Remove the chips from the basket and keep warm.

How to cook the chips

Ingredients:

• 1-1.5 kg floury potatoes (e.g. Maris Piper or Russet)
• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or rapeseed oil
• Salt and pepper
• Cornflour or cornstarch

Method:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices, then cut these into 1/2-inch thick sticks.
• Place the potato sticks in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
• Cook for 5-10 minutes, until tender.
• Toss the potatoes and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, until lightly browned and crispy.
• Remove the fries from the basket and keep warm.
• If you wish to make the chips extra crispy, sprinkle them with cornflour and toss to combine. Then, return them to the air fryer for another 5-10 minutes.

Tips:

• If you want to make the chips extra crispy, soak the potato sticks in cold water for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours, before cooking. Change the water at least once if soaking for longer than 30 minutes. Dry the potatoes very well with a towel after soaking.
• Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook the chips and fish at the same time.

How to coat the fish

To coat the fish, you will need to set up a dredging station with three bowls. The first bowl should contain flour, with seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add cornstarch to the flour mixture. The second bowl should contain an egg wash, made by whisking eggs with water. The third bowl should contain breadcrumbs, such as panko, along with seasonings like Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, parsley, and lemon zest.

Before coating the fish, it is important to pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which can prevent the coating from sticking properly and result in a soggy texture.

Next, dredge each piece of fish in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides and shaking off any excess flour. Then, dip the fish into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the fish with the breadcrumb mixture, gently patting or pressing the breadcrumbs onto the fish to ensure they adhere.

Once all the fish pieces are coated, they can be placed on a baking sheet and sprayed with oil before being cooked in the air fryer.

How to cook the fish

The first step is to thaw the fish if you're starting with frozen fillets. Whether you're using fresh or frozen fish, pat the fish dry with a paper towel to help the coating adhere.

Next, set up a dredging station with three bowls. In the first bowl, mix flour with seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk an egg with water. In the third bowl, toss breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and cayenne pepper.

Now, dip the fish fillets in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to pat the fish gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere.

Place the coated fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray both sides of the fish with oil.

Cook the fish at 390-400°F for 8-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the fish is lightly browned and flakes easily with a fork. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, and cook in batches if needed.

Check the fish for doneness and return it to the air fryer for another minute or two if needed. Serve the fish immediately for maximum crispiness.

Frequently asked questions