Air-Fryer Fish: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Air fryers are a great way to cook fish without the mess and grease of frying. You can use any firm, mild white fish, such as cod, pollock, or tilapia, and the result will be perfectly flaky fish with a crispy crust. The process is simple: pat the fish fillets dry, add your chosen seasonings, and then cook in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes. You can serve your fish with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and a side of fries or potato wedges.

Choosing the right fish

• Firmness and Texture: Select a fish with firm, flaky flesh. White fish, such as cod, tilapia, pollock, catfish, or haddock, are excellent choices as they hold their shape well during cooking and have a mild flavour that pairs nicely with various seasonings. Thicker fillets like cod will take slightly longer to cook than thinner fillets.
• Freshness: Opt for fresh, high-quality fish whenever possible. If using frozen fish, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Fresh fish will have a better texture and taste, but if you're in a pinch, good-quality frozen fillets can work too.
• Size and Thickness: The size and thickness of the fillets will impact cooking time and evenness. For the best results, choose fillets of similar size and thickness. If your fillets are too large for the air fryer, cut them into smaller pieces or halves.
• Personal Preference: Consider your taste preferences and those of your guests. Different types of fish have distinct flavours and textures. For example, salmon has a richer, more fatty flavour, while cod is milder and flakier. Choose a fish that you and your guests will enjoy.
• Availability: Depending on your location, certain types of fish may be more readily available and sustainable than others. Opt for locally sourced, fresh fish whenever possible.

Remember, the key to a delicious air-fried fish dish is selecting a firm, fresh fish with a mild flavour that will complement the cooking method and any seasonings you choose to use.

Preparing the fish

To prepare the fish, start by rinsing the frozen fish under cold water. Then, pat the fish dry with a paper towel and place the fillets on a large plate. Make sure the fillets are similar in size and thickness for the best results.

While you wait for the air fryer to heat up, prepare the seasoning. In a small bowl, mix together salt, fine herbs, garlic powder, and pepper. You can also add other spices of your choice, such as onion powder, paprika, or Cajun seasoning.

Next, either lightly spray or brush the fish with oil on both sides. Then, sprinkle the spice mixture over the fish, covering both sides if the fish doesn't have skin. If the fish has skin, only coat the flesh side. You can also drizzle a little bit of lemon juice over the fillets for some extra flavour.

Now, it's time to cook the fish! Place the fillets into the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Set the air fryer to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10-15 minutes. Thinner fillets will cook faster and may not need to be flipped, while thicker fillets may need to be flipped halfway through. The fish is done when it's flaky and can be easily separated with a fork.

Once the fish is cooked to your liking, remove the fillets from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and healthy air-fried fish!

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking temperature and time for unbreaded fish in an air fryer will depend on the type of fish being cooked and the size of the fillets.

For frozen fish fillets, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For fresh fillets, the temperature should be set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the fillets are on the thinner side, they will cook faster and there will be no need to flip them. Thicker fillets will take longer and will need to be flipped after around 8 minutes of cooking.

For 2oz fillets, the cooking time will be around 12-15 minutes. For larger fillets, the time will be around 17 minutes.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve un-breaded fish cooked in an air fryer. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Salads: You can serve the fish with a light salad on the side, such as a chickpea salad, cucumber tomato avocado salad, or a healthy coleslaw.
• Vegetables: Air fryer asparagus, brussels sprouts, or roasted asparagus go well with the fish. You can also serve it with sautéed garlic mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Carbohydrates: For a more filling meal, pair the fish with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted fingerling potatoes, or homemade fries. If you're looking for something lighter, try air fryer potato wedges or lemon rice.
• Sauces: A traditional tartar sauce is a classic pairing, but you can also try aioli sauce, hot sauce, or simply a squeeze of lemon.
• Other proteins: If you're looking for a heartier meal, serve the fish with air fryer shrimp or chicken tenders.
• Cheese: Cheesy mashed potato cakes can add a creamy and indulgent element to the dish.

Storing and reheating

Firstly, it is important to note that leftover fried fish should be consumed within three days of cooking for optimal taste and to prevent spoilage.

To store your un-breaded fish, follow these steps:

• Allow the fish to cool completely before storing. Putting warm fish in a container can create condensation, dampening the fish and its coating.
• Wipe off any remaining sauces or moisture from the fish to maintain its crunch.
• Place the fish in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This will prevent the fish from picking up other flavours or aromas.

You can also store your fish in the freezer for longer-term storage. Wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and place it in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. It is best when used within 2-3 months.

Now, here are some ways to reheat your un-breaded fish:

Air Fryer

Reheating your fish in an air fryer is a great option as it is fast and will maintain the crispness of the fish.

• Transfer the leftover fish to the air fryer basket, ensuring there is no sauce or foil remaining. You can spray or brush the fish with a bit of olive oil.
• Cook at a medium-high heat, between 325-380°F (160-193°C) for about 3-6 minutes.
• Flip the fish halfway through to ensure even heating and to prevent one side from becoming soggy.

Oven

Reheating in the oven takes a bit longer but is a winning method as it heats the fish evenly and won't make it soggy.

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Line an oven-safe dish or rimmed baking sheet with aluminium foil and place the fish on it.
• Place the fish in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Skillet

If you want to be more hands-on, you can reheat the fish in a skillet or frying pan. This method offers speed and crispness.

• Heat some extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-high to high heat for 1-2 minutes.
• Place the fish in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping the fish every 30 seconds to reheat it evenly.
• Remove the fish from the heat when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Microwave

Microwaving is the fastest way to reheat your fish, but you may sacrifice some crispness.

• Transfer the fish to a paper-towel-lined microwave-safe container and heat on low for 30 seconds.
• Remove the fish, flip it over, and heat for another 15 seconds.
• Repeat the process, checking and flipping the fish every 30 seconds until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Enjoy your crispy and flaky un-breaded fish!

Frequently asked questions