Air-Fryer Oven-Baked Fish: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, yielding a crispy exterior and a soft, flaky interior. The method is healthier than deep-frying, as it requires very little oil, and is also easy to execute. The process is simple: coat the fillets in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then cook in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes. The result is a golden, crunchy, and delicious dish that pairs well with tartar sauce or lemon wedges.

How to make crispy fish in an air fryer oven

Ingredients

• Firm, mild white fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, flounder, whiting, or walleye
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs (dried/homemade, gluten-free, or panko)
• Spices (e.g. paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay seasoning)
• Salt
• Tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and fresh parsley for serving (optional)

Method

• If your fish is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or by leaving it on the counter for an hour submerged in ice-cold water.
• Pat the fish dry with a paper towel.
• (Optional) Cut the fish into strips.
• Dredge the fish in flour, shaking off any excess.
• Dip the fish in egg, letting any excess drip off.
• Coat the fish in breadcrumbs, pressing down so they stick to the fish.
• (Optional) Refrigerate the breaded fish for 10 minutes to ensure the breading adheres.
• Place the fish in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the basket is not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
• Spray or mist both sides of the fish with oil.
• Cook the fish at between 380-400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish is ready when it is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
• Serve hot with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley (if desired).

Tips

• If you want to make the fish extra crispy, use panko breadcrumbs.
• You can marinate the fish for up to 8 hours in advance. Try a mixture of buttermilk and Old Bay seasoning.
• To store leftovers, place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, let the fish come to room temperature, then place in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes.

The best types of fish to use in an air fryer oven

Air fryer ovens are a convenient and healthy way to cook fish, as they require very little oil. You can cook almost any type of fish fillet in an air fryer, but some types of fish that work particularly well include:

• Cod
• Haddock
• Tilapia
• Catfish
• Pollock
• Mahi Mahi
• Walleye
• Salmon
• Hake

When preparing fish in an air fryer, it is important to start with thawed fish and pat it dry before cooking. You can then cut the fish into strips and dip it in flour and egg to help the breading stick. The breading can be made with breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or a combination of both, and seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. Spray the coated fish and the air fryer basket with cooking spray, and cook in batches for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.

How to prepare fish for an air fryer oven

Choosing Your Fish

First, you'll want to choose a fish that is suitable for air frying. Most types of fish fillets will work, but thinner, white, and flaky fish are best. Good options include cod, haddock, pollock, tilapia, catfish, whiting, walleye, hake, and mahi mahi. Thicker fish like tuna or swordfish can be used but will take longer to cook.

Preparing the Fish

If your fish is frozen, you'll need to thaw it before cooking. Leave it in the fridge overnight, or, if it's not too big, submerge it in ice-cold water for an hour or so. Once thawed, pat the fish dry with a paper towel to help the coating adhere better.

Breading the Fish

Now it's time to bread the fish. Set up three shallow bowls with your chosen coatings. The first bowl should contain flour, which will create a dry base for the other coatings to stick to. You can season the flour with spices like paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper if desired. The second bowl should contain a beaten egg, which will act as a glue for the final coating. The third bowl should contain breadcrumbs, which will give the fish a crispy texture when cooked. You can use regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs, or panko breadcrumbs for an even crispier texture. You can also add spices to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

Dip each fish fillet first in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat it evenly in each step.

Cooking the Fish

Preheat your air fryer to between 380-400°F (200°C). Place the breaded fish fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded, as this will prevent them from crisping up. Spray the fish with cooking oil or mist, then cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fish is golden brown and crispy. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.

Serve your air-fried fish with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and your choice of sides, such as fries, salad, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy!

How long to cook fish in an air fryer oven

The cooking time for fish in an air fryer oven will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the brand of the air fryer. Most recipes recommend cooking the fish for 10 to 15 minutes at a temperature of between 380°F and 400°F. It is important to note that fish cooks quickly and can easily overcook, so it is best to keep an eye on it while it is cooking.

For example, one recipe suggests cooking the fish at 390°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through at the 8- to 10-minute mark. Another recipe recommends cooking the fish at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, turning it halfway through. Similarly, another recipe cooks the fish at 380°F for 10 minutes, flipping it at the 5-minute mark.

To check if the fish is cooked, use a fork to see if the fish flakes easily. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check if the fish has reached a food-safe temperature of 145°F.

What to serve with fish cooked in an air fryer oven

There are several side dishes that can accompany fish cooked in an air fryer oven. Here are some ideas:

Fries or Potato Wedges

Fish and chips is a classic combination, and you can easily make fries or potato wedges in your air fryer. Cut potatoes into the desired shape, toss them with olive oil, pepper, and salt, and then cook them in the air fryer until crispy.

Tartar Sauce

A cool and creamy tartar sauce is the perfect complement to crispy fish. You can make your own by mixing mayonnaise, pickle relish, onion, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt.

Lemon Wedges

A squeeze of bright, acidic lemon juice can help to balance the richness of fried fish.

Salad

A crisp salad can be a refreshing side dish to serve with fried fish. Try a simple green salad or a more substantial option like a potato salad or coleslaw.

Air Fryer Vegetables

You can cook vegetables in your air fryer to serve as a side dish. Asparagus and mushrooms are great options.

Mashed Potato Cakes

These can be a fun and different way to enjoy potatoes as a side dish.

Hot Sauce

If you like a little extra spice, serve your fish with a dash of hot sauce.

Frequently asked questions