Air-Fryer Fish: The Nuwave Way

The Nuwave Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook almost anything, including fish. Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires little to no oil. The Nuwave Air Fryer uses a combination of infrared, conduction, and convection cooking methods to cook food from frozen, roast, grill, barbecue, bake, steam, dehydrate, and more. To cook fish in the Nuwave Air Fryer, first, clean the appliance and set it up on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Then, prepare your fish by rinsing it, patting it dry, and seasoning it with herbs and spices. You can also coat the fish in oil and breading for a crispy texture. Place the fish in the air fryer basket in a single layer and set the temperature and time, typically around 350-380°F for 10-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Once the fish is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F, it's ready to be served!

How to Make Fish in a NuWave Air Fryer

Choosing the right fish

Firmness and Shape Retention:

Select fish varieties that are firm and can hold their shape during cooking. Firm fish, such as salmon, cod, tilapia, halibut, and haddock, tend to yield better results in the air fryer. These fish hold up well during the air frying process, ensuring they don't fall apart.

Personal Preference and Availability:

You can experiment with different types of fish based on your preferences and what's available to you. While the above-mentioned fish are popular choices, you can also try catfish, pollock, hake, sea bass, sole, or even salmon.

Fresh or Frozen:

Both fresh and frozen fish fillets can be used in the Nuwave Air Fryer. However, if you choose frozen fillets, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking. The best way to thaw fish is by leaving it in the fridge overnight or submerging it in ice-cold water for an hour if it's not too large of a piece.

Thickness and Size:

Consider the thickness of the fish fillets, as it will impact the cooking time. Thicker fillets, such as halibut or cod, may require a few extra minutes in the air fryer. Additionally, avoid using fillets that are too thin, as they may not be suitable for certain recipes, like breaded fish.

Preparation and Seasoning:

Before cooking, rinse the fish under cold water and pat it dry. You can also season the fish with herbs and spices like garlic, lemon, dill, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, or parsley to enhance its flavor.

In summary, when choosing the right fish for your Nuwave Air Fryer, opt for firm varieties like salmon, cod, or tilapia. Consider the thickness of the fillets and adjust cooking times accordingly. Don't forget to experiment with different types of fish and seasonings to find your favorite combinations. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and crispy air-fried fish dishes.

Preparing the fish

Select the Right Fish:

Opt for fish varieties that are firm and can hold their shape during the cooking process. Popular choices include salmon, tilapia, cod, halibut, and whiting.

Clean and Dry the Fish:

Start by rinsing the fish under cold water to remove any residue or impurities. Gently pat the fish dry with paper towels. This step is important to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of the fish.

Seasoning and Marinade (Optional):

Before coating the fish with oil, you can enhance its flavor with your favorite herbs and spices. Some popular options include garlic, lemon, dill, paprika, or a simple marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs. This step is optional but adds a boost of flavor to your dish.

Coating with Oil:

Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the fish or use a brush to coat it evenly. The oil helps to crisp up the fish and promotes even browning during the air frying process.

Breading (Optional):

If you prefer a crispy crust, you can bread the fish after coating it with oil. Place some breading, such as breadcrumbs, panko, or a seasoned flour mixture, in a plastic bag. Then, add the fish fillets one at a time and shake to coat them completely.

Spraying the Fish:

Lightly spray the fish fillets with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This step ensures that the fish doesn't stick to the air fryer basket and helps achieve a crispier texture.

Plating and Arrangement:

Place the fish fillets on the air fryer rack or basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. For certain types of fish, it is recommended to arrange them skin-side down.

With these steps, your fish is now prepared and ready for the NuWave Air Fryer! Remember to refer to specific recipes for additional tips and variations.

Setting up the air fryer

Clean the Air Fryer and Its Accessories:

Start by cleaning all the components of your NuWave Air Fryer. Use mild dish soap and clean water to wash the air fryer basket, base tray, and any other accessories that came with the appliance. Ensure you thoroughly clean all surfaces that come into contact with food. After washing, wipe down the inside and outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth. Avoid submerging the appliance in water, as it may damage the electrical components.

Place the Air Fryer on a Stable, Heat-Resistant Surface:

Choose a flat, stable, and heat-resistant surface in your kitchen to place your air fryer. Ensure that the air vent of the appliance is not blocked or covered to allow for proper ventilation during cooking. Keep the air fryer away from walls and other appliances to prevent heat damage.

Install the Tray and Air Fryer Basket:

Place the tray and the air fryer basket inside the air fryer. The tray is where you will put your food, and the basket ensures even cooking and proper air circulation. Make sure they are securely in place.

Connect the Air Fryer to a Power Source:

Plug the air fryer into the nearest power socket. Ensure that the power socket is easily accessible in case you need to quickly disconnect the appliance in an emergency.

Understand the Control Panel:

Familiarize yourself with the buttons on the control panel. The NuWave Air Fryer typically has an On/Off button, a Start/Pause button, and a Temp/Time button. There should also be Up and Down arrow buttons to adjust the temperature and time settings.

Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional):

Preheating your air fryer is not necessary for every recipe. However, for certain foods, like fries or chicken tenders, preheating is essential for optimal results. To preheat, press the Preheat button, set your desired temperature and time, and then press the Start/Pause button. The air fryer will beep and indicate "Ready" when it's done preheating.

Now that your NuWave Air Fryer is set up, you can move on to preparing your fish for cooking. Remember to always refer to the user manual for specific instructions pertaining to your model of the NuWave Air Fryer.

Cooking the fish

Once you've chosen your fish, it's time to prepare it for cooking. Start by rinsing the fish under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. You can then season the fish with your choice of herbs and spices, such as garlic, lemon, dill, or paprika. A drizzle of olive oil will help the fish to crisp up.

Now, it's time to set up your Nuwave Air Fryer. Ensure the appliance and its accessories are clean before you begin. Place the air fryer on a stable, heat-resistant surface, and set up the air fryer basket and tray. Plug the air fryer into the nearest power socket and turn it on.

You can now place your fish into the air fryer basket. Ensure the fillets are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This will allow for even cooking and a crispy exterior. Depending on the type of fish and the thickness of the fillets, you may choose to coat the fish in a breading or crust before cooking.

Set the temperature and time on your Nuwave Air Fryer. For fish, a temperature of around 375°F is recommended. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets, but a good rule of thumb is around 10-12 minutes for fish fillets. You can also choose to preheat your air fryer before adding the fish, which is ideal if you're cooking fries or chicken tenders.

Keep an eye on your fish as it cooks, and use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 145°F, indicating that it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Once your fish is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Serving suggestions

The great thing about fish cooked in a Nuwave Air Fryer is its versatility. The fish will emerge from the air fryer with a crispy skin and a tender, flaky texture. You can serve it with a variety of sides, depending on your preference and the occasion.

For a light and nutritious meal, serve the fish with some steamed vegetables, a fresh, crisp salad, or some fluffy quinoa. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the fish will add a burst of citrusy flavour to complement the dish.

If you're after something more substantial, you could pair the fish with some roasted potatoes and a creamy tartar sauce. Alternatively, for a classic British favourite, serve the fish with thick-cut, crispy chips and tartar sauce for a delicious fish and chips supper.

For a heartier meal, the fish can be accompanied by a grain bowl with rice, roasted vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette. You could also offer a side of garlic bread or crusty bread to mop up any juices.

Finally, for a more elegant presentation, consider plating the fish on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with a side of steamed asparagus or green beans. A light drizzle of hollandaise sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs would be the perfect finishing touch.

With these serving suggestions, you can easily adapt your meal to suit any taste or occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a more formal gathering.

Frequently asked questions