Make Fish Crispy In Your Air Fryer

If you're looking for a way to make crispy fish without the mess and grease of traditional frying methods, then an air fryer might be your best bet. Air fryers use rapid air circulation to evenly distribute heat, resulting in a consistent texture and flavour throughout the fish. This method helps maintain the crispy texture of the fish and eliminates the dreaded sogginess that often comes with leftovers.

To make crispy fish in an air fryer, start by patting the fish dry with a paper towel and then coating it with a breading or seasoning of your choice. You can use a flour and egg mixture, or simply place the fish in a sealable bag with your chosen seasoning and shake until the fillets are fully covered.

Once the fish is coated, grease the bottom of your air fryer basket and place the fillets inside, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook the fish at a temperature between 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. For an extra crispy texture, spray the fish with oil halfway through the cooking process.

With an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, golden, and delicious fish without the oily mess of a deep fryer.

Choose the right type of fish

Choosing the right type of fish is crucial for achieving crispy air-fried fish. While you can use various types of fish fillets, certain varieties are particularly well-suited for this cooking method. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right type of fish for your air fryer:

Type of Fish

White fish, such as cod, tilapia, haddock, halibut, and whiting, are excellent choices for air frying. These fish have a mild flavour and a firm texture that holds up well during cooking. They are also versatile and can be paired with various seasonings and sauces.

Other types of fish, such as catfish, pollock, hake, and even salmon, can also be cooked in the air fryer. These fish may have slightly different textures and flavours, but they can still produce delicious results.

Fresh or Frozen

You can use either fresh or frozen fish fillets for air frying. If using frozen fish, ensure it is of good quality and completely thawed before cooking. Thawing can be done by leaving the fish in the fridge overnight or submerging it in cold water for a quicker method.

Fillet Size

It is important to consider the size of the fillets. Thinner fillets may cook too quickly and dry out, so opt for fillets with a decent thickness. If you have smaller pieces of fish, you can try an air fryer fish sticks recipe, which is better suited for smaller portions.

Oil Type

When preparing the fish for the air fryer, you will need to coat the fillets in oil. The type of oil you use can impact the flavour and crispiness of the final product. Olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil are all suitable options, depending on your preference.

Breading Options

The breading or coating you choose for your fish will also impact the crispiness and flavour. You can use flour or breadcrumbs, but breadcrumbs tend to yield a crispier result. Panko breadcrumbs are an excellent choice for an extra crispy texture. You can also season the breadcrumbs with various spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, to enhance the flavour of your fish.

Prepare the fish

The first step to achieving crispy fish in an air fryer is to choose the right type of fish. White fish fillets, such as cod, tilapia, haddock, pollock, catfish, whiting, or halibut, work best. You can also use salmon, trout, or other thinner fillets, but thicker fillets may take longer to cook through.

Once you've selected your fish, cut it into the desired size or shape. For example, you could create fish sticks or leave the fillets whole. Just ensure that the fish fits into your air fryer basket without overcrowding, as this will affect the crispiness of the final product.

Next, you'll want to pat the fish dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial, as it helps prevent the fish from steaming and ensures a crispy texture. The fish should still be slightly damp.

Now, it's time to create the coating. A standard method is to use a three-part coating system: flour, egg, and breadcrumbs or panko. The flour helps the egg stick, and the egg helps the breadcrumbs or panko stick. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko will give a crunchier texture.

For the flour coating, you can simply use plain flour or add seasonings of your choice. Some suggested seasonings include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Italian herb blend, Old Bay seasoning, or salt and vinegar seasoning. Mix your chosen seasonings with the flour in a shallow bowl or dish.

Beat an egg in a second shallow bowl or dish, which will be used to help the breadcrumbs stick to the fish.

In a third bowl or dish, combine the breadcrumbs or panko with any desired seasonings. You can use the same seasonings as the flour coating or opt for something different.

Now, it's time to coat the fish. Take each fillet and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the egg, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat the fillet with the seasoned breadcrumbs or panko, ensuring it sticks to all sides.

Place the coated fillets on a baking rack or plate while you prepare the air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in ensuring your fish comes out crispy and evenly cooked. It's recommended that you preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (180°C). This temperature will ensure that the fish cooks uniformly and develops a crispy exterior.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the desired temperature. Wait until the air fryer reaches the set temperature before proceeding to the next step of the cooking process. This is usually indicated by a light or a beep, depending on your model.

Preheating the air fryer ensures that the temperature and air flows are at the right levels when you cook the fish. If you skip this step, your food may cook unevenly. It's a crucial step to achieving that coveted crispy texture on your fish.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can proceed to arrange the fish fillets in the basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This will ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.

So, to summarise, preheating your air fryer to the right temperature is key to achieving the desired crispiness and even cooking for your fish. Don't skip this important step!

Arrange the fish in the basket

When arranging the fish in the air fryer basket, it's important to ensure that the fillets are placed in a single layer and not overcrowded. This is crucial to allow proper air circulation and prevent the fish from steaming instead of frying. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fish in batches to avoid overcrowding. Make sure to leave some space between the fillets for optimal air circulation.

Before placing the fish in the basket, pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is essential to achieving a crispy texture, as moisture can lead to sogginess. You can also lightly brush or spray the fish with oil to enhance its crispiness.

Once the fish is arranged in the basket, you can proceed to cook it according to your desired recipe. Depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of your air fryer, the cooking time may vary. Be sure to monitor the fish closely to prevent overcooking and flip the fillets halfway through the cooking process for even cooking.

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to achieve crispy, golden fish with a tender interior, cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Reheat and monitor

Now that you've cooked your fish in the air fryer and it's crispy and delicious, you might be wondering if you can reheat it and still retain that crispy texture. The good news is that you absolutely can! Reheating fish in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy leftovers without sacrificing that crispy exterior and flaky interior. Here are some detailed instructions on how to reheat and monitor your fish in the air fryer:

• Start by gently patting dry any leftover fish using paper towels. This step is important as it helps remove any excess moisture that could lead to sogginess during reheating.
• Next, preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (180°C). Preheating ensures that your fish will cook evenly and develop that desired crispiness. Allow the air fryer to reach the set temperature before moving on to the next step.
• Lay the fish fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to ensure proper air circulation. If you have a large quantity of fish, you may need to reheat them in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect crispiness.
• Place the basket with the fish into the preheated air fryer. Set the timer for a short duration, typically around 3-5 minutes. Keep in mind that the exact time may vary depending on your air fryer's model and the thickness of the fillets. The goal is to reheat the fish without overcooking it.
• While the fish is reheating, monitor it closely to prevent overcooking or burning. If your air fryer doesn't have an auto-rotate feature, consider flipping the fish fillets halfway through the reheating time to ensure even crispiness on both sides.
• After the reheating time is up, carefully remove one fillet and test its texture. The exterior should be golden brown and crispy, while the interior should remain flaky and tender. If you're not satisfied with the crispiness, you can always return the fish to the air fryer for an additional minute or two.
• Once your fish is reheated to perfection, serve it immediately. Pair it with your favourite sides, sauces, or salads for a complete meal. Remember that reheated fish is best enjoyed right after cooking, so savour that crispy, freshly cooked taste!

By following these steps, you can enjoy your leftover fish with the same crispy texture and delicious taste as when it was first cooked. So, go ahead and make a big batch of air-fried fish, knowing that you can easily reheat and enjoy it again without sacrificing its quality!

Frequently asked questions