Air-Fried Haddock: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryer haddock is a quick and easy way to cook a healthy, delicious meal. The air fryer's convection method of cooking means the fish is cooked evenly and quickly, with a crispy exterior and flaky, tender flesh.

The mild flavour and firm texture of haddock make it a versatile fish, perfect for a range of dishes. It is also a nutritious option, being a good source of protein, selenium, iron, potassium and magnesium, as well as having twice the omega-3 levels of cod.

You can cook haddock in the air fryer with or without breading, and it can be paired with a variety of side dishes, making it a great option for a simple weeknight dinner or a dinner party.

How to make a crispy coating

A crispy coating is the perfect way to complement the flaky, tender texture of air fryer haddock. Here are the steps to achieve that delicious, golden crust:

Prepare the Fish

Start by patting the haddock fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as any excess moisture will prevent the coating from adhering properly and affect the crispiness of the final product. If you're using frozen fillets, make sure they are completely thawed before proceeding.

Create a Breading Station

Set up three separate bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper to the flour for extra flavour. The second bowl should contain beaten eggs, which act as a binding agent. Finally, the third bowl should contain your breading of choice. You can use panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflake crumbs, or even almond flour for a gluten-free option. Season the breadcrumbs with salt, black pepper, dried parsley, dill, or any other spices you prefer.

Coat the Fillets

Now it's time to coat the haddock fillets. First, dip each fillet into the flour, making sure to coat all sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour, then dip the fillet into the egg mixture, followed by the breading. Make sure the fillet is well coated before moving on to the next step.

Drizzle with Oil or Butter

Place the coated fillets on a plate or tray, and lightly drizzle them with olive oil or brush them with melted butter. This step will help you achieve that coveted crispy, golden crust.

Air Fry to Perfection

Carefully place the fillets into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook at a temperature between 350-400°F for 8-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the coating is golden brown. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets, so be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Tips for Extra Crispiness

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. It's important to allow space for air to circulate around each fillet, ensuring even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• For an extra crispy skin, cook the fillets skin-side down in the air fryer.
• If cooking from frozen, make sure to pat the fillets dry and remove any surface frost before breading and cooking.

How to cook from frozen

Firstly, run the haddock fillets under tap water to remove any ice. Then, pat the fish dry with paper towels.

Next, prepare your chosen seasoning. You can mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, parsley, onion granules, black pepper, and salt. Alternatively, you could use Italian seasoning, or a simple mix of salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Brush the seasoning mix all over the haddock fillets.

Place the seasoned haddock in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. If you are cooking battered haddock, you do not need to add any extra oil. However, if your haddock is breaded, a spray of oil is recommended.

Cooking time will depend on the size of your fillets, and the model of your air fryer. For thicker fillets, and a lower temperature, you may need to cook for up to 15 minutes. However, for standard-sized fillets, 8-12 minutes should be sufficient. Flip the fillets halfway through.

Once cooked, remove the haddock from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to reheat haddock

Reheating haddock in an air fryer is simple and quick. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (around 180°C).
• Place the leftover haddock fillets in the air fryer basket. If you are reheating a large portion, avoid overcrowding the basket and cook in batches if necessary.
• Lightly spray the haddock with olive oil or another cooking spray. This will help the fish retain its moisture and prevent it from drying out.
• Reheat the haddock for 3-5 minutes at 350°F. The exact time will depend on the amount of fish and your air fryer model, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
• Check that the haddock is heated through and serve immediately.

Tips for Reheating Haddock:

• Haddock is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• When reheating, ensure the haddock is thoroughly defrosted if frozen.
• To retain moisture and prevent the fish from drying out, it is essential to add some form of fat, such as butter or oil, during the reheating process.
• While reheating in an air fryer is the best option to retain the crispy texture, you can also reheat haddock in a microwave. Place the fish in a microwave-safe dish, add a small amount of water, cover, and heat for one to two minutes.

How to serve haddock

Haddock is a versatile fish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

Side Dishes

Haddock can be accompanied by a variety of side dishes, including:

• Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Roasted Carrots and Asparagus
• Quinoa Chickpea Salad
• Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad
• Simple steamed or easy coconut ginger rice
• Broiled asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or sesame tenderstem broccoli
• Greek rice salad, Greek pasta salad, or cucumber and onion in vinegar salad
• Supreme mashed potato casserole or candied sweet potato casserole
• Quick and easy balsamic green beans, sweet and sour green beans and corn, or air fryer frozen brussel sprouts

Sauces and Dips

To enhance the flavour of your haddock, consider serving it with a sauce or dip:

• Tartar sauce
• Lemon wedges
• Cocktail sauce
• Hot sauce
• Ketchup
• Marinara sauce
• Barbecue sauce
• Tahini sauce
• Cream cheese sauce
• Garlic butter sauce

Presentation Ideas

You can also get creative with the presentation of your haddock:

• Flake the haddock into small corn tortillas and top with guacamole, fresh salsa, and shredded lettuce for fish tacos.
• Pair the haddock with crispy potato wedges or other potato dishes such as mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes.
• Create a spring feast by serving the haddock with asparagus and roasted baby potatoes, finished with a light garlic and lemon butter sauce.
• Glaze the haddock with a simple miso butter sauce and serve it with a simple chow mein.

Remember, haddock has a mild flavour and flaky texture, making it a versatile choice for a variety of dishes. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and presentation styles to find your favourite way to serve this delicious fish!

How to make haddock without breadcrumbs

Firstly, pat the skinless haddock fillets dry with paper towels and place them on a cutting board. Then, drizzle the fillets with oil and sprinkle them with your chosen seasonings. You can use a simple blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, or experiment with different blends such as lemon pepper, Cajun spice, or Italian herbs.

Next, place the fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry the haddock at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked and opaque. You can serve the haddock with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, or a sauce like cream cheese or garlic butter.

If you are using frozen haddock fillets, you can cook them directly from frozen without defrosting. Simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes and keep a close eye on the fish to prevent overcooking.

Frequently asked questions