Air-Fryer Fish Batter: The Perfect Crispy Coating

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy fish without the need for deep frying and the mess and calories that come with it. The secret to this recipe is in the method: traditionally, the fish would be dipped in a wet beer batter and then cooked in hot oil. But to make it work in an air fryer, it's important to apply oil to the exterior of the battered fish. This can be done by spraying the fish with cooking spray or spritzing it with oil. The flour mixture also plays a crucial role in ensuring the batter doesn't drip off or make a mess in the air fryer. The fish should be lightly dusted with seasoned flour before dipping in the batter, and then dredged again in the flour after. This double dredging technique makes the fish easier to handle and ensures the batter sticks.

Choosing the right fish

When selecting fish for frying, it is best to avoid oil-rich varieties such as tuna, swordfish, or salmon. These fish tend to have a thick texture that can dry out when exposed to high heat. Instead, opt for white-fleshed fish like cod, tilapia, haddock, bass, trout, catfish, or perch. These fish have a mild flavour and firm texture, making them versatile and ideal for frying.

If you're looking for a classic fish and chips experience, Alaskan cod is a popular choice. It has a light taste, a flaky texture, and holds its shape well during frying. Farm-raised tilapia and catfish are also excellent options, as they are affordable, readily available, and have a firm texture that fries up nicely.

For a unique twist, you could try frying local panfish like bluegills, crappies, or perch. These fish bring regional flavour to the table and are perfect for celebrating local tastes.

When purchasing fish for frying, it is important to consider the size of the fillets. For even cooking, choose cuts that are less than 1.5 inches thick and ensure they fit your skillet or fryer without overlapping. Additionally, check that the fillets are boneless, as frying is a quick process that doesn't allow enough time for bones to soften.

By selecting the right type of fish and preparing it properly, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy, and flavourful fried fish dishes.

Preparing the batter

The key to making a good fish batter for an air fryer is to make sure the batter is thick. This is because batters are wet and runny by nature, and will run off the food and through the holes in the bottom of the air fryer basket.

To make a beer batter, mix together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and beer in a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. The batter should be thick. You can also add an egg to the mixture for a smoother batter.

If you don't want to use beer, you can substitute it with soda water or ginger ale. The CO2 in beer helps to create a light and crispy texture, so it's important to use a drink that contains bubbles.

Once you have your batter, pat your fish fillets dry with a paper towel. The fillets should be at least 1- to 1.5-inches thick to prevent them from drying out in the air fryer. You can use any white fish, such as cod, pollock, or haddock.

Dip the fish fillets into the batter, coating all sides, and let the excess batter drip off. Then, coat each fillet with seasoned flour. You can make the seasoned flour by mixing flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

After coating the fish with the batter and flour, sprinkle any leftover flour on the fillets and pat gently to help the flour adhere to the batter.

Dredging the fish

Firstly, pat your fish fillets dry with paper towels. It is important to remove any excess moisture from the fish before coating it. This step ensures that the breading will adhere properly and not become soggy.

Next, set up your dredging station. You will need three separate containers or bowls: one with flour, one with a beaten egg, and another with breadcrumbs or flour for the final coating. For the flour mixture, you can add seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients in each container thoroughly.

Now, it's time to dip the fish! Start by coating the fish fillet in the flour mixture, making sure to tap off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring the flour is completely coated. Finally, dip the fish into the breadcrumbs or flour for the second coating, gently pressing down so that the crumbs or flour stick to the fish.

Once all your fish fillets are coated, it's time to spritz or spray them with oil. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the coating will cook properly and not stick to the air fryer basket. Be generous with the oil, spritzing or spraying both sides of the fish until no dry spots remain.

After coating and oiling your fish, it's now ready for the air fryer! Place the fish fillets into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, as this can cause steaming instead of frying. Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and time, following your chosen recipe, and let it cook until the coating is golden and crispy.

Finally, once the fish is cooked to your liking, gently remove it from the air fryer using a spatula. Serve immediately with your choice of sides and sauces, such as tartar sauce, lemon wedges, coleslaw, or fries. Enjoy your delicious, crispy air-fried fish!

Cooking the fish

Once you have prepared your fish, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your fish turns out crispy and delicious.

Firstly, ensure your air fryer basket is well-coated with oil or cooking spray. This is crucial, as it will prevent the fish from sticking and help achieve that golden, crispy exterior. Place the fish in the basket, leaving space between each piece to allow for even cooking. You may need to cook the fish in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Now, it's time to air fry! Set your air fryer to a temperature between 380-400°F (somewhere in this range should be suitable for your model). The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fish, but generally, it should take around 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on your fish, and feel free to flip it halfway through cooking for even browning.

While the fish is cooking, you can prepare any sides or sauces. Tartar sauce, coleslaw, and fries are classic accompaniments to fried fish. You could also offer lemon wedges for spritzing.

Once the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork, it's ready! Gently remove the fish from the air fryer, being careful not to break the crispy coating. If you like, sprinkle the fish with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.

Serve your air-fried fish immediately to enjoy that crispy texture. It's best paired with your favourite sides and sauces. Dig in, and enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Serving suggestions

This air-fried fish is a healthier alternative to deep-fried fish, but it can still be served with the same side dishes. The most popular side dish to serve with this fish is tartar sauce, with many recipes also suggesting a side of fries or potato wedges, and coleslaw. You could also serve it with malt vinegar, lemon wedges, and hot sauce.

If you're looking for a full meal, this fish goes well with steamed vegetables, such as a well-balanced family meal. For a more British take, serve the fish with chips and newspaper.

Frequently asked questions