Air-Fried Tilapia: The Perfect Fish And Chips

Fish and chips is a classic dish that originated in Spain and Portugal in the 16th century and became popular in England in the 1860s. Traditional fish and chips are usually deep-fried, but with the advent of air fryers, it is now possible to enjoy this dish in a healthier way. This article will provide a guide on how to make fish and chips in an air fryer, with a focus on using tilapia fillets for the fish component.

How to prepare the fish fillets

Preparing the fish fillets 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 fillets for your air fryer tilapia:

• Pat the fish dry: Use a paper towel to pat the tilapia fillets dry. This step is important as it helps the seasonings or breading adhere to the fish and creates a crispy texture.
• Season the fish: In a small bowl, mix your desired seasonings. For tilapia, common seasonings include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also get creative and use other herbs and spices like Cajun seasoning or lemon pepper. Mix your chosen seasonings and sprinkle them evenly over the tilapia fillets.
• Bread the fish (optional): If you want a crispy coating on your tilapia, set up three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first dish, whisked eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings in the third. Dredge the tilapia fillets in flour, coat them with the egg wash, and then dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture.
• Prepare the air fryer: Place a small piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. You can also spray the basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil.
• Cook the fish: Place the tilapia fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Cook at a temperature between 390°F and 400°F for about 7-10 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets and the model of your air fryer.

By following these steps, you'll be able to prepare delicious and crispy tilapia fillets in your air fryer!

How to make the chips

Ingredients:

• White fish fillets (such as cod or haddock)
• Bread crumbs
• Flour
• Egg
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc.)
• Potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Seasonings (optional)

Method:

• Wash and peel the potatoes. You can leave the skin on if you prefer.
• Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized strips. Thicker cuts will result in a softer interior, while thinner cuts will be crispier.
• Place the potato strips into a bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch and ensures crispier chips.
• Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
• Toss the potato strips in olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Add salt and any additional seasonings you desire.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Spread the potato strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. This allows for even cooking and crispiness.
• Cook the chips in the air fryer for around 15-20 minutes, shaking them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
• If you are making the chips alongside the fish, keep them warm while the fish cooks.

Tips:

• For an even crispier result, consider parboiling the potato strips before air frying them.
• Don't limit yourself to just tartar sauce as a dipping option. Explore various sauces like garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or even homemade ketchup.

How to cook the fish and chips in the air fryer

How to Cook Fish and Chips in the Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• White fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or tilapia)
• Breadcrumbs
• Flour
• Egg
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc.)
• Potatoes
• Olive oil
• Lemon wedges (optional)
• Tartar sauce (optional)

Instructions:

• Dry the fish fillets with a paper towel to remove any moisture. This step is important for achieving a crispy texture.
• Prepare three separate bowls: one with whisked egg, one with flour, and one with breadcrumbs.
• Season the flour with your chosen spices and seasonings. You can get creative and add your personal touch here.
• Dip each fish fillet into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg, letting any excess drip off, and finally, coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
• Place the coated fillets on a plate or tray and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the breading to set, resulting in a better texture.
• For the chips, wash and peel the potatoes. You can leave the skin on if you prefer. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized strips. Thicker cuts will result in softer chips, while thinner cuts will be crispier.
• Place the potato strips into a bowl of cold water and soak for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch and ensure crispiness.
• Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.
• Toss the potato strips in olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Add salt and any additional seasonings of your choice.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Spread the potato strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
• Cook the chips for around 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer again to 400°F (200°C) if you cooked the chips first.
• Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
• Carefully place the breaded fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fillets in batches.
• Cook the fish for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
• Once the fish fillets are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket and place them on a serving plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Serve your fish and chips together, optionally garnishing with lemon wedges and tartar sauce for a classic touch.

Tips:

• For an extra flavour kick, incorporate various herbs and spices into your breading mixture.
• Experiment with different types of fish, such as tilapia, halibut, or salmon.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free alternative, along with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Consider parboiling the potato strips before air frying for even crispier chips.
• Explore different dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or homemade ketchup.

Tips and variations

• For an added kick of flavour, incorporate various herbs and spices into your breading mixture. Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profile.
• Try using different types of fish such as tilapia, halibut, or even salmon. Each fish will impart its unique flavour and texture to the dish.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as coconut flour, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This simple swap makes the dish accessible to those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease.
• Consider parboiling the potato strips before air frying them. This additional step will result in an even crispier chip that is sure to impress.
• Don't limit yourself to tartar sauce as your only dipping option. Explore various sauces like garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or even homemade ketchup to add some variety to your taste experience.
• If you're short on time, you can skip thawing frozen fish fillets before air frying. Simply add an extra 3 minutes to the cooking time for a quick and convenient meal without compromising on taste.
• To make the dish keto-friendly, swap out the flour for coconut flour. This simple substitution will significantly reduce the carbohydrate content of the dish without sacrificing flavour.
• For a sweet and tangy twist, try a honey mustard variation. Combine 3 tablespoons of honey with 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, skip the flour and egg dredge, and coat the fish in this delicious mixture before covering it with the Parmesan coating.
• If you prefer your food on the spicier side, replace the regular spice mixture with Cajun seasoning. This will give your fish a bold and fiery kick that is sure to tantalise your taste buds.
• For a classic flavour combination, try lemon pepper tilapia. Drizzle some melted garlic butter on the fish fillets and sprinkle them with lemon pepper seasoning before air frying. The citrusy and peppery notes will complement the fish perfectly.

How to serve and enjoy your air fryer fish and chips

Now that your air fryer fish and chips are ready, it's time to serve and enjoy your meal! Here are some tips and suggestions to make the most of your culinary creation:

Serving Suggestions:

• Plating: Place the fish fillets on a serving plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil, ensuring your fish remains crispy and delicious. You can also add some lemon wedges and tartar sauce on the side for that classic fish and chips experience.
• Sides: While fish and chips is already a delicious combination, you can take it up a notch by serving it with some tasty sides. Consider air fryer asparagus, broccoli, corn on the cob, or sweet potato fries. You could also prepare a side of garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or homemade ketchup for dipping.
• Presentation: To make your dish look even more inviting, garnish it with some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You could also add a slice of lemon on the side for an extra touch of colour and flavour.

Enjoying Your Meal:

• Temperature: It is best to serve and enjoy your air fryer fish and chips while it's still hot and crispy. The fish should be flaky and tender, with a beautiful brown crust on the outside.
• Accompaniments: Don't forget to serve your fish and chips with the classic tartar sauce or lemon wedges. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces like garlic aioli or spicy mayo for an extra kick of flavour.
• Beverage Pairings: A cold, crisp beer or a refreshing glass of white wine can complement your fish and chips perfectly. For a non-alcoholic option, a chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea can also hit the spot.
• Atmosphere: Set the mood by creating a fun and casual dining atmosphere. Put on some upbeat music, light some candles, and set the table with your favourite dinnerware. Don't forget to gather your loved ones and dig in together!
• Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can enjoy them again the next day by reheating them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture.

Frequently asked questions