CHRISTMAS ORDERS ARE OPEN!
CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR ORDER FOR CHRISTMAS.

Delivering for Christmas on the 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December, and for New Year’s from the 27th to the 31st December direct to your door.

×
Menu

How to Cook Fish in Air Fryer

 

The Team

by The Team

   Back to Blog

What other cooking methods can bring ‘crispy’ and ‘healthy’ in one sentence?
What other cooking methods can bring ‘crispy’ and ‘healthy’ in one sentence?

There’s something undeniably satisfying about the aroma of freshly cooked fish filling the kitchen. The sizzle, the crispiness and the tenderness—it’s a blend of flavours that makes every seafood lover’s heart skip a beat.

If you’re wondering how to create a super-easy yet delicious and healthy fish dish, then listen up. In this guide, we’ll explore how to cook fish in an air fryer. Whether you’re preparing a healthy fish dinner at home or entertaining guests, air-fried fish is a versatile option that will leave everyone craving for more.

What is Air Frying?

Air frying is a cooking method that uses hot air circulation to cook food, similar to convection ovens. It involves placing food items in a basket or tray inside an appliance called an air fryer. 

The air fryer then circulates hot air at high speeds around the food, creating a crispy outer layer while cooking the interior. This method usually requires much less oil than traditional deep frying, offering a healthier way to get that similar crisp texture and taste without excess oil.

What Kinds of Fish Can Be Cooked in an Air Fryer?

Air frying fish is simple and versatile. The best choices are flat white fish varieties, which we’ve listed below. Their light, flaky texture is excellent for absorbing flavours from different seasonings.

Cod: Cod is one of the most popular white fish to air fry. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste and a firm texture that holds up well in the fryer.

Black cod fish fillet
Black cod fish fillet

Sole: Sole is a delicate fish with a mild flavour and tender flesh, making it ideal for air frying. It cooks quickly and is delicious with simple seasonings.

Lemon sole fish fillet

Lemon sole fish fillet

Snapper: If you want a flavourful and slightly sweet fish that air fries beautifully, turn to red snapper. It holds up to various seasonings and develops a crispy skin.

Snapper fillet

Snapper fillet

Trout: Trout has a delicate, nutty flavour, and its thin fillets are perfect for air frying. It also cooks quickly and can be seasoned with various herbs and spices.

Ocean trout fillet
These half-shell Ocean trout fillet

If you prefer a heartier meal, try thicker fish fillets. However, keep in mind that smaller fillets tend to cook more evenly in the air fryer.

Salmon: Salmon fillets are known for their thickness and high oil content, which make them an excellent choice for air frying. When air-fried, they develop a beautiful, crispy skin and remain flaky and succulent inside.

Salmon fillet
These half-shell Salmon fillet

Swordfish: Thick and meaty, swordfish steaks are great for air frying. They have a rich, robust flavour that pairs well with a variety of seasonings.

Swordfish steak
These half-shell Swordfish steak

Tuna: Tuna steaks have a distinct flavour and maintain their moistness when cooked in an air fryer.

Tuna steak
These half-shell Tuna steak

Can You Use Frozen Fish for Air Frying?

Life can get busy, and having the option to pull frozen fish from your freezer is a blessing for seafood lovers. The air fryer can perfectly crisp these frozen fillets while keeping them juicy inside. Simply extend the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through to perfection.

Choosing Between Frozen and Fresh Fish Fillets to Air Fry

Whether you opt for frozen or fresh fish fillets for air frying depends on what’s more convenient for you and what ingredients you have on hand. 

Fresh fish fillets

Using fresh fish fillets is an excellent choice if you have access to high-quality, fresh seafood. Fresh fish typically has a more delicate flavour and texture, and it can turn out exceptionally well when air-fried. Just make sure to pat the fillets dry with a paper towel before coating and air frying for the best results.

Frozen fish fillets

Frozen fillets are convenient and can be a great option when you’re in a hurry or don’t have access to fresh seafood. Many frozen fish fillets are specifically designed for air frying, and they often come with coatings or seasonings that work well in the air fryer. 

When using frozen fillets, there’s no need to thaw them in advance; you can place them directly into the air fryer. Follow the package instructions for the best results.

How to Thaw Fish

For those who prefer fresh fish, here’s a quick method for thawing. 

Place the frozen fish fillets in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the fish is fully thawed, which typically takes about an hour.

What Do You Coat Fish in When Frying?

Creating a crispy coating for fish is key to an appetising air-fried dish. You can choose from various options depending on your preference. The classic choice is a mixture of breadcrumbs seasoned with your favourite spices. You can also opt for a combination of flour and various spices or try panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Air Fryer Fish Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4 flat white fish fillets
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • vegetable oil
  • olive oil spray

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C.
  2. Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel.
  3. In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper.
  4. Dip each fish fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess.
  5. Place the coated fillets in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
  6. Lightly spray the fillets with olive oil. This is the secret to achieving that golden finish.
  7. Cook for 8-10 minutes for thinner fillets or 12-15 minutes for thicker fillets, flipping them halfway through until they’re crispy and golden brown.

For more air fryer recipes, visit Manettas.

Serving Suggestions

Once your air-fried fish is ready, you can get creative with your serving. Here are some ideas to make your meal complete:

  • Serve the fish warm with a side of tartar sauce or homemade aioli.
  • Serve it with a garnish of freshly chopped parsley, fresh-cracked black pepper and a few lemon wedges. The lemon wedges add a burst of freshness to the dish.
  • Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Create your own version of fish and chips by serving it with air-fried French fries.
  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to add a burst of flavour.

Cleaning Up

Air fryers are known for their easy cleanup. You can make it even simpler by using parchment paper (or air fryer sheets), which makes cooking delicate fish easy while preventing sticking.

Storing Leftover Fish

If you have leftovers, no worries—air-fried fish can be stored for later. Simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. To reheat, use your air fryer for a few minutes to maintain that crispy texture.

Tips for Buying Fresh or Frozen White Fish Fillets

  • Opt for fish with firm, translucent flesh and a fresh, ocean-like scent, indicating its freshness.
  • If you choose frozen options, ensure the packaging is intact and freezer burn-free.
  • Check the label for nutrition information, and select fish that aligns with your dietary preferences. 

Air-Fried Fish: An Absolute Delight

Air frying fish is a versatile cooking method that brings out the best in various fish types, from cod to salmon. The crispy, golden exterior and tender interior of air-fried fish make it an absolute delight. This healthier alternative to deep frying is also more convenient, cost-effective, and incredibly tasty. 

With online seafood marketplaces like Manettas, you can air fry fish and indulge in perfectly cooked fish at home. Discover why air-fried fish should be a staple in your family menu, and order top-quality fish fillets from Manettas today!

M

Login with Email

Create a New Account