Tillie Doyle
Air fryers are a great way to cook fish, producing crispy, crunchy, faux-fried food with less grease and in less time than traditional deep fryers. The temperature and cooking time will depend on the type of fish you are cooking, whether it is fresh or frozen, and whether you are using any marinades, glazes, or breading. For example, a six-ounce cod fillet can cook in as little as 12 minutes at 200°C (390°F), while thinner fish may require a slight adjustment in cooking time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 380°F to 400°F (200°C to 204°C) |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Flip Halfway Through | Yes |
| Oil/Spray | Yes |
| Battering | Dry breading/breadcrumbs |
| Fish Type | White fish, e.g. cod, haddock, pollock |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for fish in an air fryer depend on the type of fish, the size and thickness of the fillets, and whether the fish is fresh or frozen. It is also influenced by the use of breading, marinades, or glazes.
For a six-ounce cod fillet, the cooking time can be as little as 12 minutes. For thinner fish like whiting or flounder, the cooking time should be adjusted slightly. It is recommended to start checking the fish at the six-minute mark and then at two-minute intervals until it is cooked to your desired level.
When cooking with breading, marinades, or glazes, it is advisable to lower the cooking temperature and increase the cooking time to prevent overcooking. A temperature of 380° F for 10 minutes, flipping the fish halfway through, is suggested. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
If you are cooking frozen fish, there is no need to thaw it beforehand. However, if you plan to bread the fish or cut it into specific portions, it is recommended to thaw the fillets in advance. The ideal temperature for cooking breaded fish is 400° F for 10 to 12 minutes, turning the fish halfway through.
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Thawing and preparing the fish
Thawing and preparing fish for cooking in an air fryer is a simple process. You can cook both fresh and frozen fish fillets in an air fryer. If you are using frozen fish, you can cook the fillets directly from frozen without needing to thaw them first. However, if you plan on breading your fish or cutting the fillets into specific portions, it is recommended to thaw them in advance. You can do this by leaving the fish in the fridge overnight or by submerging them in a sink of cold water for one hour or two hours.
Once your fish is thawed, you can portion the fillets so that they are all relatively the same size, which will help ensure even cooking. It is important to note that the fillets should not be too thin, as thin strips may not cook well in the air fryer. After portioning, you can proceed to season or bread your fish.
If you want to season your fish, you can rub the fillets on all sides with your chosen oil and spice mix. You can then place them directly into the air fryer. It is recommended to cook the fish in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can prevent the fish from crisping.
If you prefer breaded fish, you can follow a few simple steps to prepare the fish. First, dredge the fish in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the fish in beaten egg, which will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the fish. Finally, dredge the fish in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko, which is lighter and more neutral in flavour. If you want to add extra seasoning, try Cajun seasoning, spicy jerk seasoning, or za'atar.
Once your fish is breaded, it is recommended to refrigerate it for about 10 minutes before frying. This will help the breading adhere to the fish when cooked. After refrigerating, you can place the fish in the air fryer, again working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
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Breading and seasoning
Breading:
Start by preparing your fish fillets. If they are frozen, it is recommended to thaw them first. You can either leave the fish in the fridge overnight or, for smaller pieces, submerge them in ice-cold water for an hour. Once thawed, pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can hinder the crispiness of the breading.
Next, you'll want to coat the fish with a breading of your choice. A classic option is to use a combination of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs or panko for texture. You can also experiment with cornmeal, pork panko, or a store-bought fish batter mix. For a simple flour and cornmeal breading, place the fish fillets in a sealable bag with the flour, cornmeal, and any desired seasonings, such as garlic. Shake the bag to coat the fish evenly.
If you're using breadcrumbs, you can enhance their flavour by mixing them with various seasonings. Try paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parmesan, or salt. You can also add an egg to the mixture to help the breadcrumbs adhere better. Make sure the fish is fully coated, and let it rest for a few minutes before placing it in the air fryer.
Seasoning:
Seasoning the fish is crucial to enhancing its flavour. You can season the fish directly with salt and pepper or get creative with your favourite spices. For a more efficient seasoning process, place the fish in a sealable bag, add your chosen seasonings, and shake to ensure an even coating. Alternatively, you can season the breadcrumbs themselves, adding extra flavour to your dish.
Cooking Tips:
To achieve the best results, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer. Most air fryers heat up quickly, usually within 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps you achieve that coveted crispy exterior. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or use parchment liners to prevent sticking.
Arrange the breaded fish fillets in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap, as this can affect even cooking. Cook the fish at the recommended temperature for your specific air fryer, typically between 390°F and 400°F, for 10 to 15 minutes. Flip the fish halfway through the cooking process for even browning.
The ideal internal temperature for cooked fish is 145°F, indicating it is fully cooked. However, some sources suggest an internal temperature of 160°F as the minimum safe temperature. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your fish fillets and the model of your air fryer. Always make sure your fish is cooked thoroughly before serving.
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Cooking in batches
When cooking fish in an air fryer, it is important to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can prevent the fish from crisping. The number of batches will depend on the size of your air fryer basket and the size of the fish fillets. For example, if you are cooking a large batch of fish, you may need to cook in three or four batches to ensure even cooking.
To cook in batches, arrange the fish fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving about 1/4 inch of space between them. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cut the fish fillets into smaller pieces to fit in the basket. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which will take about 10 minutes. Spritz the basket with non-stick spray or line it with air fryer-friendly parchment paper before placing the fish inside.
Cook the first batch of fish for 5 minutes, then carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 5 minutes, until they are golden brown and flake easily with a fork. Keep the first batch warm in a low oven while cooking the second batch. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your fish fillets, so be sure to check on them regularly to avoid overcooking.
If you are cooking with breading, glazes, or marinades, you may need to adjust the cooking temperature and time to avoid overcooking the exterior. Lower the temperature and cook the fish for a longer period of time, flipping halfway through, to ensure even cooking. For example, cook the fish at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Serving suggestions
When it comes to serving air-fried fish, there are several options to choose from. Here are some serving suggestions:
Side Dishes
You can serve the fish with a variety of side dishes, such as fries, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. For a classic combination, consider fish and chips, or for a healthier option, opt for a fish taco with corn tortillas and your choice of toppings.
Sauces and Condiments
Tartar sauce and lemon wedges are popular choices to accompany air-fried fish. You can also serve the fish with a homemade sauce made by mixing mayonnaise, pickle relish, onion, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt. Fresh herbs such as chopped parsley can add a nice touch to the dish.
Breaded Coating
For a crispy and crunchy texture, coat the fish with a breading of your choice before air-frying. You can use a variety of coatings, such as flour, egg, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or panko, and season them with spices like Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, or za'atar. Refrigerate the breaded fish for a few minutes before frying to ensure the breading adheres well.
Cooking Tips
When cooking fish in an air fryer, it is important to avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and crispness. Work in batches if necessary. Additionally, you can use a non-stick spray or coat the fish with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
Fish Varieties
Most types of fish fillets can be cooked in an air fryer, but it is recommended to choose moderately thin, white, and flaky fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi mahi. Thicker fish like tuna or swordfish may take longer to cook. Frozen fish can also be used, but ensure it is completely thawed before cooking.
With these serving suggestions and tips, you can create delicious and healthy air-fried fish dishes that your family and friends will love. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and finding your favourites!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook fish in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. However, some sources suggest cooking at 380°F for 10 minutes or 200°C (390°F) for 12-15 minutes.
Before cooking, you should coat the fish fillets in a flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture. You can also add cornmeal, seasoned salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. If you want to add a layer of spice, rub the fillets with an oil/spice mix.
It is recommended that you use a firm, mild, moderately thin, white, and flaky fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, or mahi-mahi.
You can serve air-fried fish with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
