Crispy Air Fryer Fish Recipe
Air fryer fish delivers crispy texture, tender seafood, and bold flavor with less oil and less hassle than traditional frying methods.
If you’re thinking of a healthy dinner without any effort, cook fish in the air fryer. Season it with your favorite spices and fry it to perfection! The results won’t let you down. How crunchy or crispy you want the fish to be, that depends on the ingredients you use. Cooking technique and temperature also play a major role.
Table of Contents
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself to good food, learn the easiest method for cooking fish in air fryer! No matter the type of fish, whole fish or fillets, a complete guide about the ingredients that add to the crisp and crunch, recommended cooking temperature, the most common mistakes to avoid, and what to serve with it makes this whole cooking experience worth it!
White Fish
Do you know what makes white fish the top option for air fryer fish? It’s firm, mild texture that absorbs the seasoning well without drying out! Apart from cod, there are many other white fish, such as Tilapia and Swai, that make a perfect air-fried fish. Whether you’re trying air fryer fish fillets or whole fish, white fish is either way a perfect fit!
Salmon Fish
Coming next, salmon is a popular oily fish, packed with incredible nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids. With minimal oil and some seasoning, this perfectly browned, crispy fish ensures a delicious taste and good health. Additionally, it takes about 10 minutes to cook, usually, but the timing may vary depending on the size and thickness of the air fryer fish fillets or whole fish.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Fish
When cooking fish in air fryer, there are many things you should keep an eye on! Like, if you’ve got all the essential ingredients (the best quality) or not. There’s a high chance that you’ve got the ingredients at home already. However, if not, no worries! You’ll get them from a nearby grocery store.
Fresh Fish Options
- 1 ½ to 2 lb. of fish fillets
The key ingredient for cooking fish in air fryer is the right type of fish! While you can technically fry any type of fish in the air fryer for your fish recipes, some varieties work better than others.
Look for firm fish like tilapia, cod, or halibut. They hold up well to the air frying process and won’t fall apart.
Don’t know where to get your hands on the best fish? Type ‘seafood near me’ to find the closest place near you.
Seasonings and Herbs
- 3 tsp. of garlic powder
- 1 tsp. of onion powder
- 1 tsp. of paprika (smoked or sweet, up to you)
- ½ tsp. of dried parsley (you can also go with Italian seasoning)
- ½ to 1 tsp. of salt (if you’re adding Old Bay seasoning, you might not need salt at all!)
- ½ tsp. of black pepper (optional with Old Bay seasoning)
Breading and Cooking Ingredients
For breading, use:
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs (Panko is recommended)
- ½ cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
For cooking fish in air fryer, you’ll need:
- Cooking oil spray (you can take olive oil, avocado oil, or any other normal cooking oil)
Optional Flavor Enhancers
- ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese (grated) for extra flavor
- ½ tsp. of cayenne pepper (if you want more spice)
- 1 tsp. of Old Bay seasoning (enhances seafood flavor)
- Freshly chopped parsley (for garnishing)
- Tartar sauce or cocktail sauce (for dipping)
Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Fish
Besides the ingredients, you need equipment to prepare air-fryer fish. That includes:
Air Fryer Types
You’ll find different types of air fryers, such as oven-style air fryers, air fryer toaster ovens, basket-style air fryers, and double basket air fryers. However, the one that fits this recipe is the basket-style air fryer.
Oil Sprayer
The next thing on the list is the oil sprayer! This bottle helps you spray a consistent amount of oil on the fish to avoid extra usage.
Instant-Read Thermometer
An instant-read thermometer is used to record the fish’s internal temperature by inserting the probe into its thickest part, whether it’s the whole fish or fish fillets in air fryer. At times, you don’t know the internal temperature, and you think the fish might be cooked. However, it’s either undercooked or overcooked with a dry texture. So, this tool keeps track of temperature.
Mixing Bowls and Trays
You’ll need mixing bowls for seasoning and breading. On the other hand, trays will help you hold (or keep) the breaded fish fillets before you put them in the cooking.
Air Fryer Fish Recipe Step-by-Step
No matter what you’ve chosen to go with, breaded fish in air fryer, air fryer cod fish, or air fryer fried fish as whole or fillets, follow this step-by-step guide, and the outcome will be tempting!
Cleaning and Drying Fish
Once you’ve chosen your fish, it’s time to prepare it for frying.
- If you’re cooking fish fillets in air fryer and you’ve got the whole fish, cut it into fillets (make them half or an inch thick for the best results).
- If cooking a fresh fish, pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. It’ll help ensure that the coating sticks properly and the fish turns out to be crispy.
- If you’re cooking frozen fish in air fryer, no need to pat it dry if it’s already seasoned and breaded. You only need to fry it.
Seasoning Techniques
For seasoning, take a small bowl.
- Add all the seasoning ingredients to the bowl: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle this seasoning mixture on both sides of each fillet evenly.
- Press it onto the fish’s surface gently.
- Let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Breading Methods
The key to achieving that perfect crispy coating lies in the breading. To make a classic breaded fish in air fryer, you’ll need three shallow dishes: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Coat the fish fillets with flour and shake off any excess.
- Dip them into the beaten eggs.
- Press them into the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (optional) mixture.
- Repeat the egg and breadcrumb step once more, if you want extra crisp.
Cooking Fish in Air Fryer
The final step is to cook the fish in the air fryer. Follow these instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes. It’ll help make the breading crispy.
- Take the basket and spray some cooking oil on it. It’ll avoid sticking.
- Arrange fish fillets in the basket. Keep it in a single layer. Avoid crowding. And set the fillets at a distance from each other. (It’ll ensure a proper airflow for even cooking.)
- Spray cooking oil over the fish fillets and let them cook for about 4 to 6 minutes at 400°F.
- Flip the fillets and spray some oil if needed. Let the other side cook for the next 4 to 6 minutes.
- When the fillets turn golden and crispy, and easily flake with a fork, consider it done!
- To avoid overcooking or undercooking, use an instant-read thermometer to check the fish’s internal temperature. When it reaches 145°F, it’s cooked well.
- Let the fillets rest for 2 to 3 minutes and then serve!
Air Fryer Fish Cooking Times and Temperatures
Fish Fillets
To cook fresh fish fillets in air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F.
- If the fillets are thin (about ½ inch), you’ll cook them for 6 to 8 minutes.
- For medium fillets (¾ inch), it’ll take about 8 to 10 minutes.
- For thick fillets (1 inch), the cooking time is 10 to 12 minutes.
Breaded Fish
A breaded fish in air fryer takes almost the same time as fresh and plain fish fillets. So, to prepare breaded fish in air fryer, preheat the oven to 400°F. Cook the fillets for about 8 to 12 minutes.
Depending on the size of the fillets, the cooking time might vary. However, it won’t be more than 12 minutes.
Frozen Fish
In case you’re wondering if you can cook a frozen fish in air fryer, yes! You can. However, the temperature and timing depend on whether you’re cooking frozen breaded fish in air fryer or one without breading.
- For breaded frozen fish in air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes.
- For unbreaded frozen fish in air fryer, set the temperature to 390°F and cook for about 10 to 14 minutes.
Whole Fish Portions
To cook a whole fish in an air fryer, the temperature and cooking time depend on the fish’s weight and size.
- For a small fish, weighing 1 to 1 ½ lb: Set the temperature to 380°F and cook for 18 to 25 minutes.
- For a medium fish that weighs 1 ½ to 2 ½ lb: Set the temperature to 375°F. Cook for 25 to 35 minutes.
- For a large fish, weighing 2 ½ to 4 lb: Turn down the temperature to 360 to 375°F and cook for 35 to 45 minutes.
Popular Air Fryer Fish Recipes
Air fryer fish can be made and presented in numerous ways. Besides, the following air fryer fish recipes take minimal time and yet taste delicious. So, try any of these if you’re craving tempting snacks or missing a side dish with your main course.
Air Fryer Fish and Chips
To make delicious air fryer fish and chips, you need:
- 1 lb. of white fish fillets (choose whichever you like), 2 russet potatoes (peeled and cut into sticks), ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, 1 large egg (beaten), 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, 1 tsp. of salt, 2 tbsp. of oil (olive or vegetable), and cooking spray.
You’ll start by cooking chips at 400°F. It’ll take 20 minutes. After that, you’ll cook fish fillets in air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes at 330 to 380°F.
Once you’re done, serve fish and chips on a plate with any dipping sauce you like!
Air Fryer Fish Tacos
If you crave a savory, vibrant flavor, go for air fryer fish tacos. To make this, you must have:
- 1 lb. of fish fillets (mahi mahi fish tastes delicious in this recipe), BBQ seasoning, salt and pepper (to taste), 6 mission corn tortillas (extra thin), 2 cups of green cabbage (shredded), 1 to 2 bell peppers (sliced), ¼ cup of chipotle cream, ¼ cup of pickled onions, and ¼ cup of cilantro lime ranch.
Cut the fillets into strips and season them. Cook the strips at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes. When it’s ready, serve it wrapped in tortillas with toppings added.
Air Fryer Fish Sticks
For air fryer fish sticks, you can cook pre-made frozen fish in air fryer or make fresh fish sticks at home. What you’ll need for this recipe is:
- 1 lb. of fish fillets (cod, preferably), ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, 1 egg, ½ cup of Panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese (grated), 1 tbsp. of parsley, 1 tsp. of paprika, ½ tsp. of black pepper, and cooking spray.
Fish sticks in air fryer are like making fish fillets in air fryer. So, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the fish sticks for 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure you flip them halfway for even cooking. Serve it when golden brown!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Fish in an Air Fryer
Imagine gathering all the ingredients with excitement to make this recipe, and then some common mistakes completely ruin your dish! You’d never want that, right? So, try to avoid the following mistakes for a better experience.
- Using moist fish: Wet fish makes for a soggy coating, and we want it crispy!
- Forgetting to spray oil on the basket or not using parchment paper: It makes the fish stick to the air fryer basket.
- Cramming the basket: When the fillets are arranged closely, they won’t get crispy.
- Not using an instant-read thermometer: as the internal temperature of the fish exceeds 145°F, it starts drying out.
Reheating Fish in an Air Fryer
No matter which air fryer fish recipes you try. To reheat fried fish in air fryer safely, you must keep an eye on the temperature and timing!
If you want to reheat fried fish in air fryer, without making it soggy, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Arrange the fish fillets in a single layer and cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes. Check the internal temperature before removing it from the heat. It should reach 145°F.
Restaurant-Inspired Tips for Serving Air Fryer Fish
Once the fish in air fryer is golden brown and crispy, it’s ready to be served. If you want it restaurant-like, make sure you serve it warm! Besides, consider these tips to enhance the experience further:
- Pair air fryer fish with your favorite side dishes, such as crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
- Don’t forget the tartar sauce or lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
- For a premium experience, try other air fryer fish recipes like air fryer fish tacos, air fryer fish and chips, and fish sticks in air fryer.
Enjoy Seafood Favourites Beyond Air Fryer Fish
Air fryer fish recipes offer a convenient way to enjoy seafood at home. However, it’s only one of many delicious seafood preparations. You can bake fish in the oven the way you like or try any other seafood. From Fried Fish Po Boy and Crawfish Fried Rice to Fish and Chips, seafood lovers have countless ways to explore bold flavors and memorable meals!
At Red Crab Seafood, guests can enjoy an extensive seafood menu featuring outstanding dishes crafted to bring friends and family together.
frequently asked questions
How to cook fish in air fryer?
What is the best fish for an air fryer?
How do you keep fish from sticking in an air fryer?
Can breaded fish be cooked in an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can cook breaded fish in air fryer. To make it crispy, preheat the air fryer and arrange the fish fillets with space between them. It’ll improve heat flow and even cooking.
Can you reheat fried fish in an air fryer?
Yes! To reheat fried fish in air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook each side of the fish for about 2 to 3 minutes.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Fish
Serve coleslaw, fries, and fresh green salads with air-fryer fish. You can also go with seafood sides like fried shrimp.
Conclusion
Cooking fish in air fryer is a fun and tasty adventure. With a bit of know-how and some creativity, you can whip up deliciously crispy fish fillets that’ll make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or showing off for friends, air-fried fish is a healthy and satisfying choice. So dust off your air fryer, grab your favorite fish, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that’s as delicious as it is guilt-free!