Air-Fried Walleye: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Walleye is a versatile freshwater fish that can be cooked in many ways, but one of the best ways to cook it is by using an air fryer. This method is healthy, easy, and produces a delicious and crispy fillet in just minutes.

To make walleye in an air fryer, you'll need to start with either fresh or defrosted fillets. You can choose to cook the fish with or without the skin, but it's important to ensure that there are no bones left in the fillets. You can then bread the fish or cook it without breading, depending on your preference.

If you want to bread the walleye, you'll need to set up a breading station with an egg wash in one bowl and a mixture of breadcrumbs and spices in another. Dip the fillets in the egg wash, then coat them with the breading before placing them in the air fryer basket.

For cooking without breading, simply season the fillets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or other spices of your choice. You can also brush the fillets with olive oil to promote crispiness.

Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your fillets, but generally, you'll want to cook the walleye for around 8-12 minutes at a temperature between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

With its flaky texture and mild taste, air-fried walleye is a delicious and healthy meal that can be served with a variety of sides.

Preheat the air fryer and pat the fillets dry

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process. By heating up the air fryer before adding your food, you ensure that your walleye fillets cook evenly and efficiently. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to a temperature between 375°F and 400°F for about 5 minutes. While your air fryer is heating up, you can prepare your walleye fillets by patting them dry with paper towels. This step is important because it helps the breading or seasoning stick to the fish and ensures a crispy texture. If your fillets are frozen, make sure to completely thaw them before cooking. You can do this by leaving them on the counter for a couple of hours or defrosting them in the fridge overnight.

Once your fillets are dry, you can proceed with the next steps of the recipe, such as dipping them in an egg wash or coating them with breadcrumbs or seasonings. Remember to work in batches if you're cooking multiple fillets, as overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and prevent your walleye from getting crispy. By preheating your air fryer and properly preparing your fillets, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and crispy walleye dish.

Prepare the breading mixture

To prepare the breading mixture, you will need:

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• Eggs
• Ritz crackers (optional)

You can pulverize the Ritz crackers in a ziplock bag to use as a crumb coating. Freshly grated parmesan is preferable, but pre-shredded will also work.

In a shallow bowl, crack and whisk an egg. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Dip the walleye fillets into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, and then press them into the breading mixture. Make sure the fillets are well-coated on all sides, lightly pressing to ensure the coating adheres.

Coat the fish

To make walleye in an air fryer, you'll need to coat the fish before cooking. This can be done in a few different ways, depending on your preferences and dietary requirements.

Using Breadcrumbs

Firstly, you can coat the fish in breadcrumbs. To do this, you'll need to set up a breading station with a bowl of whisked egg and a separate bowl of breadcrumbs mixed with other dry ingredients such as parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some flour and another bowl with beaten egg, for a three-step coating process.

Once you've prepared the breading station, dip the fish into the egg, and then into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the fish is well-coated on all sides.

Without Breading

If you don't want to use breading, you can simply brush the fish with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice.

Cooking the Fish

Once the fish is coated, place it into the air fryer basket, ensuring the fillets aren't overlapping and there is space for air to flow around each piece. Set the temperature and cooking time according to your air fryer model and the recipe you are following.

For breaded fish, a temperature of 400°F for 8-10 minutes is recommended. For fish without breading, a lower temperature of 350°F for 8-10 minutes is suggested.

Always ensure the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145°F before serving.

Air fry the walleye

Now that you have prepared your walleye fillets, it's time to cook them in the air fryer! Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 350°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and the desired crispiness.
• Prepare the fish basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking oil spray to prevent the fish from sticking. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
• Place the coated walleye in the basket: Arrange the breaded or seasoned walleye fillets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don't overlap. Leave some space between each fillet to allow for proper air circulation.
• Air fry the walleye: Depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of doneness, the cooking time may vary. As a guide, cook the walleye for 8 to 10 minutes at 350°F (180°C) for unbreaded fillets, or 8 to 16 minutes at 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C) for breaded fillets. Flip the fillets halfway through the cooking time if desired, but it is not necessary.
• Check the internal temperature: To ensure your walleye is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the fillets. The recommended safe internal temperature for fish is 145°F (63°C).
• Rest the fish: Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the walleye from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This step helps retain moisture and ensures juicy, flaky fish.
• Serve: Your air-fried walleye is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with your favourite sides, such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or wild rice pilaf. Don't forget to squeeze some lemon juice over the fish for an extra burst of flavour!

By following these steps, you'll be able to cook delicious, crispy, and flaky walleye in your air fryer every time!

Serve with sides

Now that you've cooked your walleye in the air fryer, it's time to serve it with some delicious sides! Here are some ideas to complement your flaky, crispy fish:

Lemon Butter Sauce

A classic choice to enhance the delicate flavour of the walleye. The tangy lemon pairs beautifully with the fish, adding a burst of freshness to your meal.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, savoury, and an ideal complement to the fish. The garlic adds a punchy flavour to the smooth, buttery potatoes.

Grilled Asparagus

This adds a nice crunch and a touch of smokiness to your plate. The charred flavour of grilled asparagus is a perfect match for the mildness of the walleye.

Wild Rice Pilaf

For an earthy, nutty flavour and texture, wild rice pilaf is an excellent choice. It's a hearty side that won't overpower the taste of the fish.

Steamed Vegetables

A healthy, versatile option that can be customised with your favourite veggies. Steaming helps retain the nutrients and freshness of the vegetables, making them a light and nutritious side.

Coleslaw

A refreshing, tangy contrast to the fish. The crispness of the coleslaw provides a nice textural difference from the flaky fish.

Caesar Salad

The rich, creamy dressing and crisp romaine lettuce make a delightful pairing with the fish. The salty, savoury flavours of a classic Caesar salad complement the mildness of the walleye.

Couscous with Herbs

Light and fluffy, couscous is a great base to add some herby flavours. It's a quick and easy side that won't steal the spotlight from your crispy walleye.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

If you're looking for a hearty, caramelised flavour, roasted Brussels sprouts are an excellent choice. They add a nice depth of flavour to the dish and provide a beautiful colour contrast, too.

Corn on the Cob

A sweet and buttery summer side dish, corn on the cob is a classic choice for a reason. It's a crowd-pleaser and goes well with the mild, sweet taste of the walleye.

So, there you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to create a well-rounded, delicious meal with your air-fried walleye. Enjoy your feast!

Frequently asked questions