Air-Fryer Non-Breaded Fish: Quick, Easy, And Healthy!

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook fish without the mess of frying. You can use fresh or frozen fish fillets, though frozen fish should be completely defrosted before cooking. The fillets can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, such as salt, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. The fish is then placed in the air fryer for 10-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the model of the air fryer, and cooked until it is golden and flakes easily with a fork.

How to make non-breaded frozen fish in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Frozen fish fillets (any type of fish will work, but common choices include sockeye salmon, cod, tilapia, and haddock)
• Olive oil (or avocado oil/vegetable oil)
• Lemon
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Optional: dried or fresh herbs (e.g. oregano)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
• Remove the frozen fish fillets from their packaging and place them on a plate.
• Gently pat the fillets dry with a paper towel.
• In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, dried oregano (or other herbs), garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Brush the olive oil mixture generously over the frozen fish.
• Place the fish in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there is space between the fillets for the hot air to circulate.
• Cook for 15-20 minutes at 400°F. The fillets are ready when their internal temperature reaches 145°F.
• Check if the fish is cooked through and golden brown. If not, return to the air fryer for a few more minutes.
• Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Tips:

• No thawing is required for the frozen fish fillets.
• Avoid flipping the fish when cooking in the air fryer, as this may cause the fillet to fall apart.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and size of the fillets, as well as the brand of your air fryer.
• For breaded frozen fish fillets, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and cook at 400°F for about 15 minutes, or until white and flaky inside.

How to make non-breaded fresh fish in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Fresh fish fillets (any mild, firm white fish such as tilapia, cod, catfish, pollock, hake, or haddock)
• Olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil
• Lemon
• Salt
• Spices of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, black pepper, dried oregano)

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Remove the fish fillets from any packaging and place them on a plate. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel.
• In a small bowl, add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and your choice of spices. Stir to combine.
• Brush or rub the olive oil mixture generously over the fish fillets.
• Place the seasoned fish in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
• Cook for about 15-20 minutes at 400°F (204°C), depending on the thickness of your fillets. Thicker fillets like cod may take a couple of minutes longer.
• Check if the fish is cooked through by inserting a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C). The fish should also flake easily with a fork.
• Serve immediately with lemon wedges and tartar sauce, if desired.

Tips:

• If there is ice or frost on the fillets, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Mix the seasonings with oil so that the seasoning sticks better to the fish.
• If cooking more than one fillet, ensure they are similar in size and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisping.
• Start checking the fish after 15 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.

How to make sure your non-breaded fish doesn't stick to the air fryer

To ensure your non-breaded fish doesn't stick to the air fryer, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to prepare your fish correctly. If you are using frozen fish, it is best to pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help ensure that your fish doesn't stick to the air fryer surface. You can then brush your chosen oil mixture onto the fish.

Next, you should preheat your air fryer to around 400 degrees F for about 5 minutes. It is important to grease your air fryer chamber with a little oil to prevent sticking. Oils with a higher smoke point, such as avocado oil, almond oil, corn oil, or sunflower oil, are best suited for air fryers. You can also use parchment paper or a silicone mat to line the air fryer basket, which will allow air circulation and prevent food from sticking.

When placing the fish in the air fryer, ensure it is in a single layer and that there is space around each fillet for the air to circulate. Overcrowding the basket can cause the fish to stick.

Finally, it is recommended to check on the fish regularly during cooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked. This will help prevent overcooking, which can also cause sticking. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your non-breaded fish doesn't stick to your air fryer.

What to serve with non-breaded fish from the air fryer

There are many options for what to serve with non-breaded fish from the air fryer. Here are some ideas:

Salads

• Arugula, goat cheese, and beet salad
• Creamy carrot with raisin salad
• Purple cabbage coleslaw
• Grated raw beet salad

Vegetables

• Roasted green beans and potatoes
• Air fryer carrots and potatoes
• Air fryer zucchini fries
• Purple mashed potatoes
• Sweet potato french fries
• Sweet potato rounds
• Air fryer crispy potato wedges

Pasta and Grains

• Buckwheat groats
• Beetroot pasta
• Fennel risotto
• Millet

Other

• Fish sandwiches
• Fish tacos or wraps
• Tartar sauce
• Lemon wedges
• Fries
• Potato cakes
• Mushrooms
• Hot sauce

How to reheat non-breaded fish from the air fryer

To reheat non-breaded fish in an air fryer, follow these steps:

• Remove the fish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This helps to reduce the temperature difference the air fryer has to compensate for.
• Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175-180°C). Preheating ensures that the fish will cook evenly and develop a crispy texture.
• Lightly brush or spray the fish with oil to enhance its crispiness. This step is optional but recommended.
• Place the fish fillets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Leave some space between the fillets to allow proper airflow and even heating.
• Set the timer for a short duration, typically around 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your air fryer model. The goal is to reheat without overcooking the fish.
• Keep a close eye on the fish and flip it halfway through the reheating process to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
• Check the fish for doneness. It should be heated through and have a crispy exterior. If not, return it to the air fryer for an additional minute or two.
• Serve the fish immediately with your favorite sides and sauces.

Note: Avoid reheating fish more than twice, as it will become dry.

Frequently asked questions