Ella Walter
Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, yielding a crispy texture and golden colour without the need for deep-frying in oil. This method is suitable for a variety of fish types, including white fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, and tilapia, as well as catfish and whiting. The versatility of the air fryer allows for the creation of dishes like fish tacos, fish and chips, or simply serving the fish with fries and tartar sauce. The cooking process is straightforward: coat the fish fillets in a breading or seasoning of choice, cook in the air fryer for around 10-15 minutes, and serve with your preferred sauce and sides.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fish Type | Any firm, mild white fish: haddock, pollock, cod, halibut, flounder, whiting, walleye, tilapia, catfish, perch, sea bass, sole, mahi mahi |
| Oil | A fraction of the oil is required compared to traditional frying |
| Seasoning | Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, spicy jerk seasoning, za'atar, curry powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, chili powder, taco seasoning, garlic, lemon pepper |
| Batter | Flour, egg, breadcrumbs, cornmeal |
| Cooking Time | 7-15 minutes |
| Cooking Temperature | 380-400°F |
| Result | Golden, crispy, delicious |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer fish recipes
Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, with very little oil needed and no messy pots! You can use almost any type of fish fillet in the air fryer, but it's best to avoid thicker fillets like tuna or swordfish, which take longer to cook.
White Fish
White fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, whiting, halibut, tilapia, sea bass, sole, or catfish are all good options for the air fryer. You can also use flat fish like plaice or flounder, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Seasoning
You can season your fish with salt and pepper, or get creative with Cajun, jerk, za'atar, or taco seasoning. A simple garlic and lemon pepper seasoning is also a great option.
Breading
For a crispy breaded finish, dip the fish in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it in beaten egg, and finally, coat it in breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko, which are lighter and more neutral in flavour. Spray the coated fish with oil and place it in the air fryer basket.
Cooking
Cook the fish in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which will prevent the fish from crisping. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fish, but generally, it will take around 10-15 minutes at 380-400°F. The fish is ready when it's golden and flakes easily with a fork.
Serving
Air fryer fish goes well with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, hot sauce, or remoulade. You can serve it with potato and veggie sides, or try fish tacos or a fish and chips salad.
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Fish types and preparation
There are many types of fish that can be cooked in an air fryer, including white fish such as cod, halibut, tilapia, haddock, sea bass, whiting, pollock, catfish, perch, sole, and mahi mahi. Thicker fish like swordfish and tuna are not recommended as they take longer to cook.
When it comes to preparation, the first step is to thaw the fish if it is frozen. This can be done by leaving it in the fridge overnight or, if the piece is small, by submerging it in ice-cold water for an hour. Once thawed, pat the fish dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper, or another seasoning blend of your choice. For a simple, classic option, use Old Bay, or try something different like Cajun seasoning, spicy jerk seasoning, or za'atar.
Next, prepare three shallow bowls. In one, place some flour; in the second, beat an egg or two; and in the third, combine your chosen breadcrumbs with any additional seasonings. Working with one piece at a time, dredge the fish in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it in the egg, and finally, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it is fully coated.
Transfer the fish to the air fryer basket, ensuring there is a small amount of space between each piece to avoid overcrowding, which will prevent the fish from crisping. Depending on the thickness of the fish and the model of your air fryer, cook the fish at between 380-400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The fish is ready when it is golden and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and your choice of sides, such as fries, potato, or vegetables.
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Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for fish in an air fryer will depend on the type of fish and your personal preference for how well-done you like it. It's important to note that air fryers may vary in terms of power and performance, so you may need to adjust the timings accordingly.
For a crispy and crunchy fish fillet, it is recommended to cook the fish at 200°C (390°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through at 8-10 minutes. This higher temperature and longer cooking time will ensure a golden, crispy exterior. The fish is ready when it is easily flaked with a fork.
For a lighter, less crispy option, you can cook the fish at 400°F for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through and ensuring the fish is coated with oil and seasoning. Then, cook the other side for an additional 7-8 minutes.
If you are cooking thinner fillets, such as whiting or flounder, you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking. On the other hand, if you are cooking thicker fillets, like halibut or cod, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
For a moderate thickness, white and flaky fish, such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi-mahi, a temperature of 380°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, should be sufficient.
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Seasoning and spices
A simple way to season your fish is to pat it dry with a paper towel and then season both sides with salt and pepper. You can also add flour to a shallow bowl, beat an egg in another bowl, and combine breadcrumbs, cornmeal, seasoned salt, and pepper in a third bowl. Coat the fish in flour, then egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the fish is fully coated.
If you want to add more flavour, you can experiment with different seasonings such as Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, spicy jerk seasoning, or za'atar. You can also try garlic and lemon pepper, or add some curry powder and ground cumin for a rich curry flavour. If you like spicy food, cayenne pepper or chilli powder can add a kick to your dish.
For a Mexican-inspired dish, try using taco seasoning, which would be perfect for fish tacos. You can also use a simple fish seasoning, or your favourite seafood seasoning blend.
Don't forget to spray your fish with oil to ensure even cooking and a golden colour. You can use a high-heat oil like olive oil or avocado oil, or an oil spray.
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Sauces and dips
When it comes to sauces and dips for air-fried fish, tartar sauce is a classic option. You can make your own tartar sauce with mayo, relish, herbs, and citrus, or buy it pre-made.
Other sauces and dips that pair well with air-fried fish include:
- Remoulade sauce, especially Louisiana-style remoulade, which is smoky and tangy
- Cocktail sauce, which is zesty and tangy
- Bang Bang Sauce, a creamy, spicy, and sweet dip made with chili and mayo
- Yogurt Dill Sauce, a creamy yet light sauce made with Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and dill
- Green Goddess Dressing, a herb, garlic, and lime-based sauce
- Hot sauce
- Honey-garlic sauce
- Melted butter
- A pesto-like sauce with a light and fresh herb flavour
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Frequently asked questions
You can cook almost any type of fish in an air fryer, but it is best to use moderately thin, white, and flaky fish, such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi mahi. Avoid thicker fillets such as tuna or swordfish, which will take longer to cook.
The cooking time will depend on the type of fish and the thickness of the fillets. For example, thinner fillets of white fish like whiting or flounder will take around 7-10 minutes, while thicker fillets like halibut or cod may need a few extra minutes.
The ideal temperature to cook fish in an air fryer is around 380-400°F.
Before cooking, thaw the fish if necessary, and pat it dry. Cut the fish into strips, then dip it in flour and egg, which will help the seasoned breadcrumb mixture stick.
